The Riviera Maya is an incredible place that combines the best of nature and culture. Here you can enjoy beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters, and also explore ancient archaeological sites that show the remains of one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas.
This destination is known for its year-round warm weather, and the sun is almost always present. The coasts are full of impressive coral reefs that will captivate you with the variety of marine life in different shapes and colors.
How to get to the Riviera Maya?
To get to the Riviera Maya, you can use different means of transportation, depending on your point of departure and preferences:
Airplane: Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the main entry point to the Riviera Maya. From there, you can take direct flights or flights with stopovers from many cities around the world.
Car: If you prefer to travel by road, you can rent a car and drive to the Riviera Maya. Federal Highway 307 is the main route connecting Cancun to Tulum, passing through destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.
What to do in the Riviera Maya?
Visit Cancun
If you are thinking of enjoying a vibrant nightlife, Cancun is the place to be. It is known for being one of the liveliest spots in the Riviera Maya and Mexico. In addition, you can relax in the natural beauty of the Caribbean with all the modern comforts offered by its beaches, resorts and high quality hotels.
Visit Playa del Carmen
Consider setting your starting point in Playa del Carmen, a perfect place to explore the best of the Riviera Maya quickly. From there, you can easily visit beautiful beaches and important archaeological sites, and return the same day without feeling too tired.
Get to know Tulum
Tulum, an ancient Mayan city located on the coast, is also worth a visit. There, you can not only see the impressive ruins, but also enjoy the beaches of the Tulum National Park, which is home to a rich biodiversity. Take the opportunity to snorkel and live an incredible experience in these crystal clear waters.
Where to go in the Riviera Maya?
The entire Riviera Maya is beautiful, but there are places for all tastes. For example, Playa del Carmen has larger hotels and shopping malls, while Akumal or Puerto Morelos are quieter towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In winter, temperatures are usually cooler, between 20ºC and 28ºC, but in summer the beaches fill up with tourists and locals due to the heat, which can reach up to 38ºC.
It is important to consider two other seasons when planning your visit: hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and sargassum season, which runs from May to mid-September in recent years.
Regardless of the time of year, each destination offers entertainment, fun and cultural options. The most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya are: Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Playa Mujeres, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Tulum and Sian Ka’an.
Things to do in the Riviera Maya
As an established city, here you have everything from shopping malls and elegant restaurants to traditional handicraft stores, bars and nightclubs.
Here are some popular activities:
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- Take a stroll along Quinta Avenida, which is like the heart of Playa del Carmen, lined with name-brand stores and plenty of places to eat.
- Go to Mamitas beach to sunbathe and enjoy a cocktail.
- Take the ferry and cross to the beautiful island of Cozumel.
- Rent a bicycle and ride through the streets of downtown or along Fifth Avenue.
- Enjoy the lively nightlife the city has to offer.
The Best the Riviera Maya Has to Offer
Beaches and Nature: The beaches of Tulum and Playa del Carmen are simply spectacular, with their soft sand and turquoise waters. In addition, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse wildlife and activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.
Cenotes: These natural freshwater sinkholes are ideal for cooling off after a day in the sun. Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are must-see stops for snorkelers and divers.
Costs and Rates
The Riviera Maya offers options for all budgets. You can find accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Activities also vary in price, ensuring that everyone can find something that fits their budget.
Security in the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a safe place for visitors, thanks to the joint effort of local authorities and private security companies hired by businessmen and hoteliers. This commitment guarantees that tourists can peacefully enjoy areas such as Cancun’s Hotel Zone or Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen.
On the other hand, places like Puerto Morelos and other coastal towns, which do not have much hotel infrastructure, are especially quiet and safe. These places have become popular with couples looking for a peaceful retreat and families who want a safe environment for their children.
Discover Barceló’s Occidental Xcaret Hotel
The Barceló Occidental Xcaret Hotel, located in the breathtaking Riviera Maya near the Xcaret ecological and archaeological park, offers a first-class lodging experience in an all-inclusive setting. This luxurious resort features 765 rooms and suites, all with terraces or balconies offering views of the hotel’s lush gardens and river formations.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including seven swimming pools, a dolphinarium with daily shows and a private beach on a tranquil white-sand bay.
For food lovers, the resort offers a wide range of culinary options with 11 restaurants ranging from international buffets to a la carte restaurants, as well as 11 bars, including a nightclub. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the Royal Level offers personalized services and luxury amenities.
In addition, the hotel provides unlimited access to Xcaret Park, allowing guests to explore more than 40 cultural attractions and exhibits of Mexican art and traditions, all included in their lodging package.
Find out more about this magnificent hotel and book your stay here: www.barcelo.com/en-us/occidental-at-xcaret-destination/
Don’t wait any longer to discover the charms of the Riviera Maya. Book your stay at Occidental Xcaret Hotel by Barceló and get ready to live an unforgettable vacation in one of the best destinations in the world.
