The “Riviera Maya” is a modern invention, a tourist district coined in the 1970’s to describe the 75-mile stretch of paradise along the Yucatan Peninsula. And it’s a good thing this term exists, or else you might not know about this corridor of white-sand beaches, ancient ruins, thrilling cenotes, and luxurious resorts.
Those who do spend time here seldom wish to leave. From Playa del Carmen in the north to the village of Tulum in the south, and all of the fishing villages and 5-star resorts in between, the Riviera Maya is brimming with unique experiences.
While it’s easy to indulge in an upscale, five-star dining experience at the area's top all-inclusive resorts (we’ll get to those in a minute), the main attraction here is authentic Mexican cuisine. We’re talking chilaquiles smothered with cheese, onions and cilantro for breakfast, fresh fish tacos with cabbage and chipotle sauce for lunch, Tikin-Xic— whole fish marinated with adobo de achiote—for dinner, all washed down with tequila, of course. To sample the best local seafood, head to Los Aguachiles in Playa del Carmen. Here, you can start with an oyster shooter in a salt- and lime-rimmed glass, followed by spicy ceviche served in pint glasses, and end the meal with slightly sweet tostada scallops doused in salsa verde. At the southern end of the Riviera Maya, head to El Bistro on Tulum’s Ziggy Beach. You can enjoy both the laidback oceanfront vibe here, as well as an exotic menu that blends local Mexican flavors with traditional French fare.
It’s all about the water in the Riviera Maya. Right off the coast, you’ll find the Great Mayan Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. However, you wish to experience this geological wonder— swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, drifting over it in a glass-bottomed boat—you’ll fall in love with this underwater paradise and its delicate ecosystem that teems with schools of day-glo-colored fish as well as dolphins, whale sharks and sea turtles.
To dry off, walk the 20 blocks of shops and restaurants of Playa del Carmen’s famed Quinta Avenida. While shopping and eating are a major draw along this pedestrian walkway, it’s also a prime place for people watching and to watch buskers entertain the crowds. For a more active hike, climb the ancient fortresses at Tulum. This Mayan walled city built atop a cliff facing the Caribbean is stunning from every angle, all of which you’ll enjoy as you hike around the complex and then down to the beach, ending your day with a refreshing swim in the ocean.
Riviera Maya is the land of all-inclusive resorts, so your options are limitless. Choose from beachfront resorts that offer gorgeous views, world-class chefs, relaxing massages, and lavish accommodations. Check out Tulum (more about Tulum in another article) if you’re looking for a vacation filled with yoga and other wellness activities. If you’re in the market for pure romantic bliss, then you may want to investigate the resort options in Akumel. Whatever you are looking for, Riviera Maya has something to offer everyone.
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