The Riviera Maya stretches from south of Cancun to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. In the heart of the Riviera Maya lies the charming town of Playa del Carmen. More than 70 miles of sandy beaches flanked by tropical landscapes and the turquoise ocean.

Travel Guide Riviera Maya Mexico

The Riviera Maya stretches for 72 miles along the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Also called the Mayan Riviera, this slice of paradise begins 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport in Playa del Secreto and runs all the way to Punta Allen, a small fishing village within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Well established areas such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and evolving resort areas such as Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and Puerto Morelos, give this region a variety of personalities, attractions, and atmospheres to suit every vacation style.

Most consider Playa del Carmen the capital of the Mayan Riviera, both for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as for its ideal location right in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Playa del Carmen is only a 45-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. People from all over the world visit Playa del Carmen, creating a cosmopolitan ambiance unmatched in the area.

The focus of Playa del Carmen, apart from its beach of course, is 5th Avenue and its adjacent streets.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Playa del Carmen has one of the best beaches in the world.

The Caribbean Sea is warm year-round, and is excellent for snorkeling and diving, as well as windsurfing and deep-sea fishing.

We can also help arrange adventure travel plans around the Riviera Maya, sky diving,eco-tours, car and scooter rental.
Find out more about our tours in the Watersports, Diving and Adventure sections.

Mayan Culture is present everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula, and you can even find Ruins in downtown Playa del Carmen!

Some of the most famous Mayan ruins, at sites such as Tulum, Coba and Chichén Itzá, are located within the ideal day trip distance from Playa del Carmen.

Here is just a partial list of attractions in the Mayan Riviera area to whet your appetite:

• Miles of white sandy beaches bordering on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean
• The world’s second-largest barrier reef, and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling on the planet
• A vast network of underground rivers and more than one hundred cenotes (naturally-occurring sinkholes, perfect for diving)
• Several of Mexico’s most fascinating and significant Mayan archeological sites
• A variety of eco-archeological parks offering a wealth of fun and interesting activities
• Exciting eco-adventure activities including kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, bird watching and deep-sea fishing
• A thriving nightlife, local festivals and celebrations, gourmet dining, authentic local restaurants and shopping, shopping, shopping
• A wide range of hotels and accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is ideally suited to cater to visitors and locals alike. Playa’s famous Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) allows pedestrian traffic only and is filled with a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops.