Destination
Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen), Mexico
The Riviera Maya strings all-inclusive resorts, eco-parks and cenotes along 80 miles of Caribbean coast south of Cancún, with Playa del Carmen as its walkable town centre.
Trips to Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) from every city
No live trip to Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
Lowest fares to Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) by city, last 30 days
| From | Lowest, 30 days | Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $405 | 1 |
| Buffalo | $782 | 1 |
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | avoid |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- May, June, July, August: Sargassum season; resorts with reef-protected or north-facing beaches hold up better.
- December, January: Christmas to New Year is the most expensive fortnight of the year.
August, September, October: Peak hurricane season and the rainiest, most humid stretch of the year.
Where to stay in Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)
- Quinta Avenida / Centro: Walk from your hotel to the pedestrian Fifth Avenue, the beach and the Cozumel ferry.
- Playacar: Gated resort zone just south of town with a wide beach and a quieter feel.
- Puerto Morelos: A fishing village halfway to Cancún with a reef you can snorkel from the pier.
- Akumal: Small bay south of Playa where sea turtles graze a few metres off the sand.
- Puerto Aventuras: Marina community with calm beaches and family condos.
What to do in Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)
- Spend a full day at Xcaret, then its sister parks Xplor and Xel-Há
- Swim with wild sea turtles in Akumal Bay
- Cavern-dive or snorkel the Dos Ojos cenote system
- Evening stroll and tacos along Quinta Avenida
- Take the 45-minute ferry to Cozumel for a reef day
- Cycle between the pyramids at the Cobá ruins
Good to know
| Airports | Cancún International (CUN), Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto International (TQO) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | America/Cancun |
| Kind of trip | beach, family, theme-park, nightlife, adventure |
Questions about Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)
When is the best time to visit Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)?
November, December, January, February, March, April and May. August, September, October: Peak hurricane season and the rainiest, most humid stretch of the year.
Do US citizens need a passport for Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)?
Yes. Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) is in Mexico; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) on the ground?
Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.