Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is a tourist region which extends from Puerto Morelos to Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Riviera Maya includes tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The famous town of Cancun is located in the north of this region.
In addition to being one of the most important tourist destinations in the whole of Mexico, Riviera Maya is one of the most renowned places to visit in the world. Its location on the Yucatán Peninsula ensures a subtropical climate, and visitors can expect average temperatures of 27ºC all year round, although it can reach up to 35ºC in summer. The area basks in sun for most days of the year.
The Riviera Maya coasts provide irresistible bathing conditions, with the turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea lapping against the fine, white sand; perfect for relaxation or practising a range of leisure activities. The sea is ideal for enjoying water sports, whilst the coastal area is replete with a fabulous array of entertainment attractions to ensure that nothing is left to be desired.
Amongst these white sandy beaches are the outstanding Playa del Secreto and Playa Paraíso, where you can sunbathe and practise all manner of water sports. If you prefer, you have the chance to go diving at a depth of over 10 metres in the spectacular coralline strips that make up the Great Maya Reef, located opposite its coasts. The region also boasts ancient Mayan cities like Tulum, located on the seafront, and Coba, as well as incredible ecological reserves like Sian Ka'an, which UNESCO considers a World Heritage site. Ecotourism, sailfish and marlin fishing and other outdoor activities like hiking can also be practised here, with the main backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
It is essential to visit Xcaret and Xel-Ha, two of Mexico's most important national parks, where in addition to discovering all variety of local flora and fauna, you have the chance to try out the unforgettable experience of canyoning in its subterranean rivers.
Climate
Riviera Maya boasts a semi-tropical, humid climate, and despite occasional rain showers and strong winds during September, October and November, the area enjoys long, sunny days for most of the year.
Though some mornings can witness temperatures of up to 35ºC, the average is around 25ºC. Nevertheless, temperatures at night can fall as low as 10ºC. In summer, the sky reflects such climatic changes, and can change from being overcast to sunny in just a few minutes.
For further information on the Riviera Maya's climate, click here.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the most visited destinations in the whole of the Mexican Caribbean. It is situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, less than 70km from Cancun, and hence enjoys the area's semi-tropical climate.
The peaceful beaches of Playa Paamul and Playa Paraíso are particularly worth visiting and their calm waters are typical of the area. Additionally, there is the option of visiting ecological parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, which are perfect for practising water sports in a somewhat choppier sea.
For the more adventurous, there is the Great Maya Reef, the second largest in the world, where diving is a unique experience, surrounded by hundreds of multicoloured fish and hundred-year-old corals.
As for leisure activities, Playa del Carmen features Quinta Avenida, fostered by numerous restaurants, bars and pubs, alongside a major shopping centre with clothes shops, jewellers and boutiques.
Gastronomy
Given its close proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the Riviera Maya offers a range of culinary specialities with seafood and fish. Nevertheless, a variety of vegetarian delights wait to be discovered, in addition to the area's typical dishes based on exquisite Mayan cuisine. Rich in herbs, cereals and meat (chicken, pork and rabbit), and with fillings such as beans, sweetcorn and Serrano and Havana chilli peppers, these dishes are a real taste sensation.
Rice also features heavily in the area's traditional cuisine, and is often served as an accompaniment or dessert. The area's most common fish and seafood dishes include lobster, winkles, grouper, sea bass and red snapper. Some of the Riviera Maya's most typical dishes are Tikinxic (Mayan-style barbecued fish), Pan de Cazón (tortillas with shredded fish and black beans) and Camarones al Curry (curried shrimps).
Transport
Most of the tourists arrive in the Riviera Maya at the Cancun International Airport, a two hour flight from Mexico City. To reach the Riviera Maya from Cancun, you travel along the coastal road that links up Cancun, Tulum and Coba. Public transport in the form of buses and taxis is available at the airport exit.
Playa del Carmen itself has a small airport where small planes fly to the adjacent islands. In addition there is a large number of buses which run to various towns in the region.
Useful telephone numbers
- Airport: +52 [984] 873-08-04
- Fire Fighters: +52 [998] 884-12-02
- Red Cross: +52 [998] 887-3221 / 884-1616
- Bus Station: +52 [984] 873-01-09
- Information: 020
- Post Office: +52 [984] 873-03-00
- Traffic Police: +52 [998] 884-15-42 / 884-11-07
- State Police: +52 [998] 884-117
- Federal Police: +52 [998] 881-96-40
- Taxi: +52 [984] 873-00-32
- Traffic information: +52 [998] 884-07-10
Useful websites
