EXPLORE
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is one of the most established coastal regions in Mexico, so ahead of launching the destination, our Caribbean & Mexico team travelled the length of the area to gain first-hand insight into its appeal.
Running south from Cancun to Tulum, the Riviera Maya spans a significant stretch of Caribbean coastline. Along this corridor is a diverse selection of high-end accommodation, from leading properties such as Maroma, A Belmond Hotel and Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, through to Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort. With such a collection, our team is on hand to support and identify the most suitable option for your clients.
While the destination is widely known for its white sand beaches and clear waters, making it ideal for “fly and flop” stays, it also offers unique adventures for clients seeking experiences beyond the hotel. Excursions can be arranged to the region’s cenotes (natural freshwater pools), famous ancient mayan ruins including Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as nature and activity parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Há. This allows clients to combine relaxation with an authentic destination experience.
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Travelling in Riviera Maya
Ground Transportation
Visitors can navigate Riveria Maya using ground transportation, including private transfers, rental cars or taxis to explore the country at their own pace.
Domestic Flight
Domestic flights connect the country to create diverse twin centre itineraries with places like Mexico City, Los Cabos, Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Weather
Dry, sunny, and pleasantly warm - perfect for outdoor excursions and water activities.
Best Time for Beach relaxation, snorkelling, diving, visiting cenotes, exploring Mayan ruins
24°C
AVG Temperature
8–9 HRs
Sunshine
1–2"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
26°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Warm and increasingly humid, with occasional short showers.
Best Time for Swimming, snorkelling, diving, cenote adventures, early-season eco-park visits and exploring cultural sites before peak heat.
27°C
AVG Temperature
9–10 HRs
Sunshine
2–3"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms with vibrant tropical skies.
Best Time for Water sports, cenote swimming, eco-parks, and cultural excursions; ideal for clients who don’t mind occasional rain.
28°C
AVG Temperature
8–9 HRs
Sunshine
4–6
AVG Monthly Rainfall
29°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Cooling down slightly with more comfortable humidity and occasional brief showers.
Best Time for Beach days, snorkelling, diving, cultural tours, and early-season eco-park visits; great for avoiding the summer heat.
26°C
AVG Temperature
7–8 HRs
Sunshine
2–3"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
27°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Geography
Stretching around 100 miles, the Riviera Maya extends from just south of Cancun down to Tulum, forming a significant stretch of low-lying Caribbean coastline. Its location makes it ideal for snorkelling and diving, as it runs parallel to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. The reef’s position also keeps most of the coastal waters calm and shallow, creating perfect conditions for water-based activities. A distinctive feature of the Riviera Maya’s geography is its network of natural freshwater cenotes and underground rivers, formed by the region’s flat, porous limestone landscape. These cenotes are scattered throughout the jungle, and some properties, such as Palmaïa – The House of AïA, offer guests direct access to their own safe swimming cenotes on-site. Inland, the terrain is dominated by jungles and forests, while closer to the coast, mangroves and wetlands are common. Many resorts, including Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Fairmont Mayakoba, have incorporated these ecosystems into their properties. Clients can also explore protected natural areas like Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which supports a diverse array of wildlife and preserves the region’s natural heritage.
History
Mexico’s history has left an abundance of sites for clients to visit and learn about the Maya civilisation. The region, originally inhabited by the Maya people, has been well preserved because tourism developed more gradually here than in Cancun, allowing the impressive cities, ceremonial centres, and trade networks built by the Maya to remain largely intact. Key historical sites to include in client itineraries are Tulum, a fortified city overlooking the Caribbean; Cobá, home to one of the tallest pyramids in the region; and Chichén Itzá, located further inland. About a 2.5-hour drive from the heart of the Riviera Maya, Chichén Itzá is very accessible and, as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a landmark that clients should not miss.