Here’s How WeGalavant Plans the Perfect Trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Nestled just south of Cancún, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a captivating destination packed with attractions. Here, visitors can explore one of the planet’s largest barrier reefs just off the coast, wander ancient Mayan ruins that meet the powdery sands of Tulum, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Playa del Carmen, or swim alongside sea turtles in the serene waters of Akumal. With endless miles of beautiful beaches, it’s clear why this coastal paradise in the Mexican Caribbean attracts so many admirers. Ready to join them? Pack your swimwear and save WeGalavant’s guide to this celebrated region in the state of Quintana Roo.

The Best Times to Visit the Riviera Maya

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Sun-seekers will be pleased to know that the Riviera Maya enjoys year-round sunshine. However, for those particular about the weather, there are some important details to keep in mind.

From January through March, temperatures are mild, averaging between 73°F and 77°F. Rain is uncommon during this period, with January seeing around five rainy days, while February and March average only three each.

April and May mark the arrival of warmer days, with temperatures climbing to around 79°F to 81°F. Rainfall remains low, but there’s a chance of encountering an unwelcome visitor during these spring months: the unpleasant brown sargassum seaweed, which can wash ashore in seasonal blooms.

During June, July, and August, expect hotter conditions, with temperatures peaking at around 82°F. This period also overlaps with the official hurricane season, which runs from June to October, although the likelihood of storms remains relatively low.

The weather cools off slightly again in November and December, with temperatures dropping back to 77°F to 75°F. Ultimately, the ideal time to visit the Riviera Maya depends on what you’re looking for.

Things to Do in the Riviera Maya

Image courtesy of Unsplash

If you’re searching for a mix of shopping and nightlife, make your way to the region’s largest hub, Playa del Carmen. The city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown is lined with boutiques, cafes, bars, and tequila museums along the bustling Quinta Avenida, also known as Fifth Avenue. By day, you can relax at beach clubs like Martina, Lido, and Zenzi, while nights bring an energetic vibe to the area, especially around Twelfth Street.

Playa del Carmen also serves as a perfect base for day trips throughout the Riviera Maya. One essential excursion is to the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class snorkeling and diving. This jewel of the Mexican Caribbean boasts natural beauty, dining, culture, nightlife, and a selection of all-inclusive resorts offering luxurious amenities and stunning views.

Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest barrier reef system in the Atlantic, stretching from Mexico’s coast down to Belize, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands of Honduras. To reach Cozumel, fast ferries operated by Ultramar and Winjet depart regularly from the dock near Parque Los Fundadores.

For a glimpse into the past, visit the Mayan ruins at Cobá and Chichén Itzá. Cobá is home to Nohoch Mul, a pyramid with 120 steps that rewards climbers with stunning jungle vistas. Further inland, Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, known for its iconic El Castillo pyramid, which has 365 steps representing each day of the year (though climbing is no longer allowed).

A longer journey to Bacalar is also recommended, where visitors can marvel at the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores), named for its vibrant hues of blue. On a sunny day, kayaking, swimming, or boating across the lagoon is the best way to enjoy its beauty. The rest of this charming “Magic Town” (Pueblo Mágico) is a delight to explore on foot.

10 Greenest Places to Visit — From Jungle Hikes to Ancient Ruins

If you’re looking for a place that blends relaxation with a touch of mysticism, Tulum should be on your list. Known for its unique contrasts, it offers a mix of spirituality and hedonism, with a bohemian yet upscale vibe. Here, yoga studios, traditional temazcal sweat lodges, and lively music scenes coexist.

Tulum is also filled with Instagram-worthy spots, including the Ahau Tulum’s Ven a Luz sculpture, the “Follow that dream” sign at Lolita Lolita Tulum, and the iconic swings at Coco Beach Club. The most unforgettable beach experience is at the archaeological site at Playa Ruinas, where ancient Mayan structures overlook the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

For those seeking a more secluded swim, head to the numerous cenotes scattered between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. The ancient Mayans believed these natural sinkholes were portals to the underworld, and they come in various forms—some are dark and enclosed, while others are open-air and ideal for diving or cliff jumping. Popular ones include Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, and Dos Ojos. Be sure to take a dip in one of these natural wonders during your visit.

Animal enthusiasts will want to make a stop at Akumal, a beach town located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Meaning “place of the turtles” in Maya, Akumal is the perfect spot to encounter these gentle creatures. Simply swim out from the beautiful white sands near the Lol-Ha restaurant to find them.

For adrenaline junkies, Xcaret Group‘s eco-parks scattered across the Riviera Maya offer plenty of adventure. Slide down a 131-foot lighthouse at Xel-Há, enjoy a traditional Mexican party on a floating trajinera at Xoximilco, or zipline through the jungle at XPlor.

Make sure to also explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Here, you can paddleboard, kayak, swim, and hike through over 2,000 square miles of lagoons, untouched rainforests, beaches, cenotes, and wetlands rich with wildlife.

Where to Stay in the Riviera Maya

Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba

The Riviera Maya offers a wide range of accommodations. Playa del Carmen is home to several all-inclusive resorts that cater to different tastes. Just north of the city, Rosewood Mayakoba delivers a high-end experience, where guests are transported to their suites via serene boat rides along winding canals. Their bi-level wellness suites, with moon-aligned aromatherapy services, are particularly sought-after.

Hotel Xcaret Arte provides a unique retreat for those wishing to completely unplug. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen offers artistic workshops and unlimited access to various Xcaret Group parks.

For those who enjoy chic rooftop pools, Thompson Playa del Carmen and The Fives are excellent choices. If a beachfront, action-packed stay is what you’re after, Hilton Playa del Carmen offers a prime location.

Courtesy of Papaya Playa Project

In Tulum, Papaya Playa Project is a favourite for its stylish thatched villas, lively beach club frequented by digital nomads, and diverse wellness events. Nômade Tulum is a haven for health-conscious travelers, offering cacao ceremonies, spiritual talks, and yoga sessions complete with live DJ sets, all in treehouse lodgings open to the Caribbean breeze.

For an artistic escape, consider Casa Malca in Tulum, once the private retreat of Pablo Escobar. This boutique hotel now showcases original art pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Holton Rower, and a bronze sculpture by KAWS, making it a must for art lovers.

How to Get to the Riviera Maya

Reaching the Riviera Maya from the UK is easy, with direct flights available from major airlines. The most common arrival point is Cancún International Airport (CUN), Mexico’s second-largest airport, which has frequent direct flights. Cozumel also has a smaller airport (CZM) that serves both international and domestic routes.

From the airport, travelers can choose from various options, including car rentals with Hertz, Avis, or Europcar, taxis, or the reliable and budget-friendly ADO Bus shuttle service, which runs routes to both Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

For all your trip planning needs reach out to WeGalavant so we can take care of everything for you including incredible hotel perks as standard.