The postcard photos of Mexico’s Riviera Maya with a stone pyramid overlooking impossibly transparent blue Caribbean waters are not digitally enhanced. You’re probably looking at Tulum, one of the more popular Mayan ruin sites along this stretch of the Yucatan peninsula south of Cancun. But the rest of the coastline is equally sublime.
The Riviera Maya is truly one of the planet’s most scenic, exotic and enjoyable travel destinations. This is the ancient home of the Mayan civilisation, and the stony remnants of their mysterious culture litter the region. Ruins such as Tulum and Cobá should not be missed. But there’s also a heavy influence of nature preservation in this part of Mexico. Two exceptional ecological preserves are in the area: Sian Ka'an and Calakmul, as well as one of the world’s finest reef systems at Cozumel.
Outdoor activities abound in the Riviera Maya, from the fun of swimming with dolphins to the thrills of cavern diving in one of the many underground freshwater river systems known as cenotes. This incredible blend of beautiful beach and sea backed by lush rainforest dotted with Mayan pyramids cannot fail to impress even the most jaded traveller. There’s amazing snorkelling and diving all along the coast and the locals make the whole experience a lot of fun.
The lodging options in the Riviera Maya are as diverse and expansive as the outdoor activities. Some of Mexico’s finest all-inclusive luxury resorts are here, as are dozens of smaller boutique hotels catering to the hip flashpacker scene. Most of the lodging is concentrated in the towns like Playa del Carmen, but with hundreds of options available, the choice is simply up to your preference, style and budget.
Most travellers fly into Cancun International Airport, then take an airport shuttle or rent a car to get to their accommodation in the Riviera Maya some 50 kilometres to the south. This is one travel destination where renting your own car is the best way to experience the full potential of this amazing part of Mexico. Cancun’s airport has all the major car hire firms, making it a snap to rent and drop off your car once your holiday is over.
There’s really no bad time of the year along the Riviera Maya, although hurricane season can be dangerous and summers can be quite sticky. The annual average temperature is 25oC, with a rainy season typically running from June through October. September and October are the height of the hurricane season, so be prepared for a real hammering if you get caught out when one of these storms rolls through.
Daytime temperatures are generally hot all year long, except from November to January, when the Riviera Maya experiences its most pleasant weather. Nights can actually get chilly during the winter, so bring jumper. February through May are also great months to visit as the sea is calm and clear, making for ideal snorkelling and swimming conditions. After May, however, be prepared for some extremely hot and humid conditions. Even the water in the Caribbean feels balmy.
