
The Riviera Maya, a gorgeous coastline of white sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean seas, exhilarating eco-adventures and Maya ruins, begins south of Cancun and ends at the chic beach enclave Tulum. It’s also one of the fastest-growing resort areas in Mexico.
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Perfect forFamilies | Foodies | Romantics | Soul Searchers
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When to goDecember-February | March-May
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Ideal length of stay3-5 Nights
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
5 Days: Essential Riviera Maya
With a customized Indagare itinerary that includes guided tours and special classes, you can adventure through the Mayan ruins and experience the gorgeous coastline. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1-2: Explore the Riviera
From your resort, Indagare can charter a private boat to tour the protected turquoise waters between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. Here, you can snorkel in the coral reefs of Quintana Roo and dive in one of the main hubs, like Akumal and its scenic Half Moon Bay, or in the beginner-friendly Yal-Ku lagoon. Your captain can point out the best private coves and beaches for a crowd-free experience. Dock for dinner at an open-air hot spot that serves Mexi-beach dishes.
Day 3: Chichén Itzá and Valladolid
Indagare can create an exclusive and expertly guided exploration of the Mayan Ruins. Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a two-hour drive from the Riviera. Here, your guide will lead you through the most interesting areas, including the famed Castillo pyramid. You will then be driven to Valladolid, the charming former capital of the state of Yucatan that offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich colonial and indigenous culture. After your tour, enjoy a gourmet lunch before returning to your hotel.
Day 4-5: Aquatic Adventures
One of the most unique experiences in the Riviera Maya is swimming in the cenotes, a network of underground rivers, caves and sinkholes. The fresh water provides incredible visibility, and there’s a bewildering array of stalactites and rock formations. You can also visit the eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Há to swim with manatees and see such native wildlife as spider monkeys and jaguars. Spend the afternoon enjoying your resort’s pool and spa.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special perks, including upgrades, early check-in, spa credits, and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
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Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
The first luxury resort on the Riviera Maya, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is on the area’s best beach and has an authentic, destination-specific vibe.
- Wellness Suite. Courtesy Hotel EsenciaRead More
Hotel Esencia
This whitewashed stucco property was once the private villa of an Italian duchess—and thanks to pops of color, work by 20th-century artists, midcentury modern furniture and a curated collection of art and design books throughout, it has the feel of...