Riviera Maya

Destination Description

The term Riviera Maya is a generic term comprising the area South of the Cancun Airport all the way to Tulum (100 miles South).  The Riviera Maya encompasses the towns of Puerto Morales, Playa del Carmen, Playacar, Akamal, Puerto Aventuras and more.  The best beach area in the Riviera Maya is in the Playacar area.  There is plenty of shopping, nightlife, restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen.  The major difference between the Riviera Maya and Cancun is the spread out nature of the Riviera Maya.  Cancun is very compact.  Cancun is 7 miles of nothing but high rise hotels, bars, restaurants, discos, and shops.  The Riviera Maya stretches for a hundred miles and it is not nearly as touristy as Cancun.  The majority of the resorts in the Riviera Maya are all inclusive.  The Riviera Maya does not attract the “spring break” crowd that Cancun does in March and April.
Activities and Attractions
Chichen Itza – An extraordinary visit to one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries in the world – and one of the few that you are still permitted to climb!! At this ancient site you can climb the 91 steps of the Kukulcan Pyramid, test the acoustical magic in the largest Ball Court in the Americas and walk the same paths as the Mayan priests did to offer sacrifices to their gods at the Sacred Well. After the guided tour, enjoy an amazing visit to an incredible cenote (hidden well) at Ik Kil, where you can refresh yourself in the cool, mystical waters and take advantage of another amazing photo op! Experience one of the richest ancient cultures in the world. Don’t miss this exciting excursion!
Xcaret – Natures Sacred Paradise! Once an ancient Mayan seaport, this eco-archaeological park is designed to keep you busy all day. Swim gently through underground rivers; relax in crystal clear lagoons; observe exotic tropical birds, jungle cats and spider monkeys in natural habitats; snorkel in protected inlets or take a siesta in a hammock under swaying palm trees. You will love the impressive coral reef aquarium with interesting explanations about the local marine life and how the park is helping to protect endangered sea turtles. There is also a butterfly pavilion, special performances in various spots of the park throughout the day and archaeological ruins that remind you that you are walking in footsteps of a centuries’ old culture. Stay for the evening and take a step back in time with a magical show in a spectacular amphitheater.
Tulum and Xel Ha – Tulum is the only walled city built by the Mayans along Caribbean. This ancient fortress atop a cliff overlooking the coast was so formidable in its day that the Spanish by-passed the area on their way to conquering the Peninsula. The views are spectacular, and the site offers a unique look back in time. Several structures still have original paintings on the walls.
At Xel-Ha, enjoy the extraordinary network of natural pools and waterways, walking paths and tropical forest. Jump into an incredible “natural aquarium” where you can snorkel in calm waters. Grab a float for a lazy ride in gentle currents, or grab a hammock, lay back and relax with the realization that you are NOT dreaming!!
Isla Mujeres/Dolphin Discovery – Isla Mujeres is a quaint, charming island located directly across the bay from Cancun. With its warm, transparent waters it is a perfect home for the dolphins. It is also an island full of history, spectacular beaches and bargain shopping.
Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres is conveniently located in the heart of the island. You are only a 10 minute drive from either end of this island of adventure.
To get to the island hop aboard our ferry for a scenic 40 minute boat ride across Cancun Bay. Remember our flexible ferry schedule allows you to enjoy the island either before or after your program.
Shopping – 5th Avenue is Playacar has many shopping areas and designer stores Because of the rich cultural diversity of this region of Mexico you can find all kinds of unique stuffs. You can shop high-quality woodcrafts, jewelry, Mexican handcrafts, pottery, typical clothing and all you can imagine.
Nightlife – The RIviera Maya doesn\\\’t have all of the clubs and discos as Cancun, but there are still plenty of options.  5th Avebue in Playa del Carmen is home to the best nightlife in the Riviera Maya.  There is a few clubs like Sr Frogs and the Blue Parrot, and plenty of outdoor lounges with live music.  Shopping and al fresco dining is also available.

Riviera Maya Photos

Riviera Maya Resorts

Hilton Tulum

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Dreams Natura

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Hilton Playa Del Carmen

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Haven Riviera Cancun

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El Dorado Seaside Suites Palms Section

El Dorado Sensimar Riviera Maya, A Spa Resort by Karisma is a relaxing, adults-only (18+), all-inclusive resort located

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The Grand at Moon Palace

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Unico 20 87

This locally inspired, high-end adults only hotel is the epitome of relaxed luxury. At UNICO 2087, you'll connect to the

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Breathless Riviera Cancun

Stylish and exhilarating, located just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport and nestled between the jungle and C

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Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa

Stay at one, enjoy all four! The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa is within a complex of four Palladium hotels. I

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Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is ideally located in the heart of the Riviera Maya along the famed white-sand beaches and c

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Iberostar Paraiso Lindo

The hotel has a total of 446 rooms, among them are 14 honeymoon suites and 2 presidential suites. All rooms have a priva

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

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Royalton Riviera Cancun

Royalton Riviera Cancun, an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Cancun, sits perched on a dazzling strip of po

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Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda

Located in a stunning little bay, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda for Families is a superior luxury resort in th

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Generations Riviera Maya

Generations Riviera Maya a Gourmet Inclusive Resort, by Karisma is Mexico's premier all Suite, all Butler, a gourmet bea

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Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is nothing short of the ultimate crowd

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Dreams Tulum

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is located on one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Maya surrounded by lush tropic

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Dreams Puerto Aventuras

Set amidst the beauty and mystery of the Mayan coast, on a private beach in a marina community, Dreams Puerto Aventuras

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Dreams Riviera Cancun

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, opened October 2009, is designed to reflect the charm of the Mexican Caribbean.

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Now Jade Riviera Cancun

Just 12 miles from Cancun International Airport, minutes from the quaint fishing town of Puerto Morelos, is Now Jade Riv

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Dreams Sapphire Riviera Cancun

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Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, an ultra-luxury boutique resort, offers a completely new kind of vacation experience focuse

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Excellence Riviera Cancun

If you have a taste for romance and relaxation, the all inclusive luxury of Excellence Riviera Cancun is waiting to welc

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Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma

Azul Sensatori Mexico features never-before-seen suites that have a heated Jacuzzi for two in the lazy river off the ter

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El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort by Karisma

Recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, the first Gourmet Inclusive® Resort in North America to receive this prestigio

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El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma

Nestled along the beach in a separate, secluded area within El Dorado Royale on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, El Dorado Casit

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El Dorado Seaside Suites Infinity Section

Forbes.com has named it one of the most romantic hotels in the world. And no wonder, this is an adults-only resort that

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El Dorado Maroma a Beachfront Resort by Karisma

El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort by Karisma is located directly on spectacular Maroma Beach, one of the top beaches

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Moon Palace

The spectacular Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun's tranquil south shore. This family-friendly mega

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Playacar Palace

The all-inclusive Playacar Palace is located on a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean Sea and is within walking distance

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Valentin Imperial Maya

Valentin Imperial Maya is an adults only all inclusive resort (18 years and up), with more than half a mile white sand b

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Iberostar Grand Paraiso

With an impressive neo-classic design, this fine adults- only resort in Riviera Maya is designed to fulfill your every n

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Iberostar Paraiso Maya

Full of details inspired by the Mayan culture, this hotel forms a complex with the neighboring Iberostar Paraiso Lindo.

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Royal Hideaway

A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, Royal Hideaway Playacar is situated on the best stretch of whit

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Secrets Maroma Beach

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, a AAA Five Diamond Resort, is tucked away on secluded Maroma Beach, voted the World

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