Riviera Maya Visitors Guide

Puerto Morelos is a charming beach town and quaint fishing village south of Cancun at the northern edge of the Riviera Maya. While Puerto Morelos is a smaller town, it’s known for its many luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With warm and welcoming locals, Puerto Morelos offers an off-the-radar beach experience that is just as beautiful as the more extensive resort towns. Puerto Morelos is also full of adventure opportunities like snorkeling and exploring ancient cenotes.

For more detailed information including things to do, where to stay and more, check out our Puerto Morelos Visitors Guide and our Puerto Morelos All Inclusive Resorts Guide.

Playa Del Carmen is a jewel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Just 30 minutes south of Puerto Morelos, the bustling town center, golden beaches, incredible amenities and nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top destination. Visitors delight in strolling down the vibrant 5^th Ave, gathering souvenirs, dancing to live music and enjoying a meal at one of the countless restaurants. Want to take a day trip to Cozumel? Playa del Carmen is where you’ll find the ferry for your day trip. With proximity to nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there’s a little something for everyone in “Playa.”

For more detailed information including things to do, where to stay and more, check out our Playa del Carmen Visitors Guide.

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Riviera Maya. This is Isla Cozumel. It will take around 45 minutes to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel by ferry. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swaths of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. If you’re looking to scuba dive and snorkel, Cozumel is the place for you, as it’s one of the top diving destinations in the world. With countless activities, both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit will surely be one you brag about for years to come.

For more detailed information including things to do, where to stay and more, check out our Cozumel Visitors Guide.

Puerto Aventuras is a secret that locals have been trying to keep for years. It’s easy to see why ‘Adventure Harbor’ is an off the beaten track hidden gem. This gated community has its own golf course and a beautiful harbor lined with hundreds of yachts and sailboats. You’ll also find gorgeous beaches, stunning marinas, quirky restaurants and upscale accommodations. The town is divided by Highway 307, and you’ll find most of the restaurants, resorts and entertainment east of the highway on the beachfront.

For those looking for a laid-back beach town on the beautiful Caribbean Sea, Akumal is a perfect choice. Only 15 minutes from neighboring Puerto Aventuras to the north and 25 minutes from Tulum to the south, Akumal is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. The name “Akumal” comes from the Mayan word for “place of the turtles,” and this town has gained notoriety for being one of the best places in Mexico to spot and swim with sea turtles. Come to Akumal if you want fantastic beaches and turquoise water without the crowds. You may never want to leave!

For more detailed information including things to do, where to stay and more, check out our Akumal Visitors Guide.

Breathe it in… the salty air, the wafting of floral incense, the deep sweetness of tropical flora and fauna…exhale slowly. You have arrived in Tulum. Around 25 minutes south of Akumal and 1 hour from Playa del Carmen. The magic of Tulum lies in its ruins, laid-back vibe and its high-end accommodations, making it an extraordinary destination on the Riviera Maya. You’ll discover not only the history of the nearby Mayan ruins of the same name but also the energetic pull the city and sea have over those who come to visit.

For more detailed information including things to do, where to stay and more, check out our Tulum Visitors Guide.

Sian Ka’an, or “the place where the sky is born” in the Mayan language, is a biosphere reserve about 20 minutes from Tulum and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Puerto Morelos. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like taking a journey back in time where you’ll be surrounded by lush, untouched nature. The reserve consists of ancient tropical canals, a rainforest, 120 km of coastline, an abundance of wildlife, and coral reefs to delight your adventurous spirit. This extraordinary biosphere does collect an entrance fee of $5.00 USD, but it’s worth it to explore this impressive natural wonder.