Mexico’s Caribbean coast runs from Cancún south through Playa del Carmen to Tulum: white-sand beaches, turquoise water, Maya ruins above the sea, and freshwater cenotes hidden in the jungle. Pick one base, or connect them all — the Tren Maya now links the peninsula by rail.
Where to Base Yourself
Towns & beaches
Playa del Carmen
Walkable and central, with Quinta Avenida’s restaurants and bars, easy beach days, and the ferry to Cozumel.
Tulum
Clifftop ruins, a boho beach-hotel strip, jungle restaurants and the region’s best cenotes nearby.
Cancún
The Hotel Zone’s big resorts and calm Caribbean water, minutes from the airport — ideal for short, easy escapes.
Book a Tour
Popular Riviera Maya experiences
Cenote swims, Chichén Itzá, the Tulum ruins at opening time and a day on Cozumel or Isla Mujeres are the ones worth booking. Browse Riviera Maya tours ↗
From the Journal
Riviera Maya stories
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Riviera Maya 2026 — The Most Stylish Boutique Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Tulum
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Two Days in Mérida: Architecture, Markets and Thoughtful Craft Shopping
Family Friendly
Riviera Maya with kids
Why kids will love it: Calm turquoise water, swimming in cenotes and Maya ruins by the sea. Parent tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen; many cenotes require it.
More family trips in Latin America →Plan it
Your Riviera Maya trip, sorted
Beach mornings, cenote afternoons, and ruins on a cliff above the Caribbean.
Where to stay
Pick your base
Playa del Carmen to be central and walkable, Tulum for boutique beach hotels, Cancún for big resorts close to the airport.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Cochinita pibil and tacos al pastor, fresh ceviche on the sand, candlelit jungle dinners in Tulum and mezcal along Quinta Avenida.
Beaches
Where to swim and wander
Tulum’s beach below the ruins, Playa’s central sands, and the calmer coves in between.
What to pack
Dress for the Caribbean
Linen, swimwear, a sun hat and water shoes — and biodegradable sunscreen, since many cenotes and eco-parks require it (or none at all).
4–6 days
How to spend your time
Four days covers Playa, Tulum and a cenote day; six lets you add Cozumel or a slow resort day.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
Cenote tours, Chichén Itzá and Xcaret sell out in high season — and the Tren Maya makes a scenic way to reach Mérida and the Yucatán.
Browse Riviera Maya tours ↗
Book an airport transfer ↗
Plan the Tren Maya in Rallii ↗
Luxe JetterPlan your Riviera Maya travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop the Riviera Maya & Mexico’s designers
- Playa del Carmen Shopping Guide
- Tulum Shopping Guide
- Lydia Lavín in Mexico City
- Carla Fernández in Mexico City
- Carla Fernández in Mexico City
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Mexico: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Guadalajara · Puerto Vallarta · Mérida · All Mexico destinations
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Plan my Riviera Maya trip ↗A little more inspiration
Pack for the beach with Luxe Jetter ↗Bring the colors and character of your destination into your travel style.
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