Riviera Maya Vacations
Riviera Maya beachfront
Your Riviera Maya vacation
On Mexico's own Riviera, get set to be seduced by the aqua ocean and white sand. From the catwalk-style beaches of Cancun to the deserted stretches further south, there's a sunset view with your name on it.
Nab a budget flight to Cancun and dance 'til dawn or head down the coast. Scale Mayan ruins, zip-line through the jungle and kiss a dolphin -- all before sunset piña coladas on the beach. Divers and snorkelers, get ready to meet the largest coral reef in the Western Hemi.
Let Orbitz show you the way to your Riviera Maya vacation. Our insiders dish on the best time to go and top attractions, including where to find dolphins, nightlife and sinkholes.
Vacation Packages
Riviera Maya Vacation Packages
Grand Bahia Principe Riviera Maya - All Inclusive Complex
4.2
/ 5
164 reviews
Family-friendly Caribbean beach complex combines three resorts into oneThe Bahia Principe in Riviera Maya consists of three hotels, a commercial center and an entertainment center. The complex is surrounded by beaches, Mayan ruins and the second largest coral reef in the world. The complex boasts an environmentally conscious mindset, 11 international restaurants, 18 bars, seven pools, including a river-type and lake-type swimming area, Jacuzzis, gyms, kids clubs and spas. The complex is removed enough from the hustle and bustle to feel secluded, yet close enough to partake in all the Yucatan highlights. Highlights: Environmentally consciousTons of on-site activities including a kids clubThree resorts in one Rooms: Expect bright, fun rooms in colors such as teal, yellow, red and royal blue. Each room features two full beds or one king bed, air conditioning, satellite TV and direct-dial telephone. The junior suite superior also includes a living area, sofa bed, balcony, hydromassage tub and three a la carte dinners in the specialty restaurants. The junior suite club golden includes VIP bathroom amenities, 24-hour room service, evening turn-down, private reception, four a la carte dinners and Internet access in the Casa Club. Features: Families enjoy traditional sports on site including tennis, aerobics, soccer, basketball, volleyball, bicycling, darts, mini-golf and ping-pong. One hour of non-motorized water activities including snorkeling, kayaking, catamarans, boogie boards and windsurfing classes are also part of the all-inclusive package. For a fee, diving tours, scuba lessons, fishing trips, jet skis and parasailing are available. Guests at the resort also gain access to the Riviera Maya Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The course features 36 holes (18 available) surrounded by jungle landscape and natural lakes. If you're looking for relaxation, book an appointment at the spa (fees apply) and enjoy a hot stone massage, body exfoliation, body wrap or hydrotherapy spa circuit. Transportation Cancun International Airport (60 minutes) Attractions Playa del Carmen (29 mi/47 km)Tulum pyramids (18 mi/30 km)Cancun (72 mi/117 km) Business Three theaters (Broadway, Hollywood, Coliseum) available for up to 670 people (subject to availability and additional charge)Professional group coordinator in each hotel (for a fee)Audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi Internet is available for an additional charge
Pay 1 Enjoy 3 Resorts & Children's Water Park
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Nightly rates from
$167
Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda - All Inclusive
3.9
/ 5
272 reviews
Luxury Caribbean beach resort with family and adult amenitiesThe Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda is located 35 minutes from the Cancun International Airport and just minutes from the beach town of Playa del Carmen. The resort sits on 180 acres of beachfront property that overlooks the blue waters of the Mayan reef. The resort's three- and four-story buildings combine contemporary, modern lines with glass walls and traditional thatched Mayan roofs. The resort boasts two swimming pools (with children's area), tennis courts, fitness center, kids club, a 7,200-square-foot world class spa with 12 treatment rooms. Highlights: Large propertyKids clubWorld class spa Rooms: Expect simple, cleanly designed rooms with relaxing, neutral earth tones and colorful accents. Cream-colored marble bathrooms and floors, casual furnishing and dark wood details create a feeling of luxury. All rooms include balcony or terrace, satellite TV, air conditioning, mini-bar, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and alarm clock. Views of the garden or ocean, as well as non-smoking rooms, are available. Cribs are available at no extra cost but are subject to hotel availability. Features: Guests have access to the tennis courts and more than 30,000 square feet of swimming pools. Sports include squash, volleyball, basketball, biking, archery, horseback riding, kayaking and sailing. There's also an aquatic spinning class. In this unique class, the stationary bikes are places inside the pool for additional resistance. Don't forget about the kids while you're off having fun. The Kids Club features a nursery, mini-cafeteria, video games, playground and sports activities. Babysitters and Internet access are available for a fee. For a relaxing break, book an appointment in the world class spa (fees apply) and enjoy a massage, special treatment or some much needed alone time. Transportation Cancun International Airport (60 minutes) Attractions Playa del Carmen (8 mi/13 km)Tulum pyramids (29 mi/48 km)Cancun (50 mi/82 km) Business 2,000 square foot convention center accommodates up to 700 guests2,7000 square foot auditorium seats up to 1,000 guestsBusiness center and concierge service available (fees apply)
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Nightly rates from
$160
Iberostar Paraiso All Inclusive Complex
4.1
/ 5
131 reviews
Large Caribbean complex with four resorts for relaxation and adventureThe Iberostar Paraiso is located on the beach between the lively fishing town of Puerto del Carmen and the relaxed, lesser-known Puerto Morelos. The resort is just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport and is comprised of four different resorts that boast a collection of international restaurants and bars, a fitness center, kids club, unique salt water wave pool (only at Paraiso Lindo and Paraiso Maya), spa and banquet hall. An on-premises train shuttles guests from one corner of the complex to the other every 15 minutes. Highlights: Four resorts in oneFamily-friendlyShuttle train on-premises Rooms: Suites at Iberostar are fun and comfortable with bright, patterned fabrics, colonial Mexican accents and cool, tiled floors. Guests choose from double rooms, junior suites or king suites. All suites include private terrace, telephone, cable TV, air conditioning, coffee maker, mini-bar and hair dryer. Two presidential suites are also available and include stunning sea views, sitting area and full range of facilities. Room service is available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Paraiso Beach and Paraiso del Mar and 24 hours a day at Paraiso Lindo and Paraiso Maya. For a fee, Wi-Fi Internet is available in the lobby. Features: Guests at all hotels enjoy the 32,000 square foot spa while kids ages 4 to 12 participate in fun and games at Lucy's Club. The supervised club allows kids to draw, read, play, watch films and interact with all the kids from the resort. Children ages 13 to 17 can visit the Teenie Club. Guests can also opt for adventure by choosing from a long list of sports including aerobics, archery, basketball, cycling, volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing. For a fee, golf and tennis lessons are available. Water sports including diving, jet skiing, parasailing or organized tours are also available (fees apply). Transportation Cancun International Airport (39 mi/64 km) Attractions Playa del Carmen (5 mi/9.5 km)Tulum ruins (37 mi/60 km)Chichen Itza (128 mi/207 km) Business A variety of meeting rooms for up to 1,200 guests Business center including all audiovisual equipment and standard secretarial functions (fees may apply)
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Nightly rates from
$203
Ocean Coral - All Inclusive Resort
3.9
/ 5
145 reviews
All-inclusive Mexican Caribbean resort with a modern look, feelThe Ocean Coral/Ocean Turquesa was named Best International Resort by Condé Nast Traveler in 2009. The resort from H10 Hotels is located minutes from Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos-Riviera Maya. Take in the sand and surf from the resort's exclusive suites. There are four swimming pools -- including children's pool and Jacuzzi -- six international restaurants, four bars, a spa and a diving center. On-site babysitting and laundry service is available for a fee. Highlights: Named Best International Resort by Conde Nast Traveler in 2009Diving center (fees apply)Spa with thermal pool Rooms: The modern rooms mirror the fun atmosphere of the Caribbean. Expect funky decor with neon pink, green, yellow and blue accents. The 464 junior suites, 80 privilege suites and 42 master suites feature one king-sized or two double beds, private balcony, air conditioning, mini-bar and cable TV. For a fee, Pay Per View TV and Internet are available. The privilege rooms include premium drinks and bedding, free Internet access, separate shower and LCD TV. Free room service and 24-hour front desk concierge is also available. Features: Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a special welcome cocktail. From there, guests can play tennis, catch a movie in one of the two theaters, lounge on the sun beds, break a sweat in the fitness center, learn to dive in the diving center (fees may apply) or hop on the free shuttle bus for a day trip to Cancun. The Daisy mini-club for kids offers the opportunity for fun and new friends. The Despacio Spa boasts a thermal pool area, sauna, steam room, massages and a special relaxation room. Transportation Cancun International Airport (10 mi/17 km) Attractions Playa del Carmen (21 mi/35 km)Cancun (19 mi/32 km) Business A variety of meeting rooms and set-ups seating up to 200 guests Business center including all audiovisual equipment (fees may apply)Free Wi-Fi in the lobbyInternet access in all rooms (fees apply)
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Nightly rates from
$190
Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya
4.5
/ 5
37 reviews
Award-winning, eco-friendly luxury resort in the Mayakoba communityThe Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya offers guests the opportunity to experience nature: Mangroves, tropical forests, lagoons, water canals and coastal dunes are all on the property. Boat, electric golf carts and bicycles are the only transportation allowed. The Fairmont Mayakoba boasts four restaurants -- two AAA Four Diamond winners -- access to a Greg Norman golf course, El Camaleon, and the Willow Stream Spa with two mineral pools. Kids have a blast at a supervised discovery club and adventure camp, available daily. Highlights: AAA Five Diamond hotel with two AAA Four Diamond restaurantsFairmont Mayakoba is amid water canals and set under a forest canopy; no cars are allowed on the propertyAccess to Greg Norman golf course, El Camaleon Willow Stream Spa with 20 treatment roomsKid's discovery club and adventure camp Rooms: Most of the 401 rooms at Fairmont Mayakoba are set back from the sea for ecological reasons, but there are a few exclusive seaside suites. Expect neutral colors peppered with cheery, bright fabrics and amenities such as evening turndown service. A 24-hour concierge, valet, daily newspaper, LCD TV and high-speed Internet access (daily fees apply) are standard. Signature suites include two bathrooms, living room, private infinity pool on the terrace and sea views. The Presidential suite, located on its own island, is a three-bedroom home complete with living, office and dining rooms, private pool and full-sized refrigerator. Features:The AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Las Brisas Restaurant & Lounge Bar serves global contemporary cuisine, such as a sashimi trio for two, Monday through Saturday for dinner, and on the terrace for lunch. Regional and international flavors can be had at the Fairmont Mayakoba's AAA Four-Diamond winner El Puerto, which overlooks the lagoon. The more casual La Laguna Grill & Bar offers a breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch with mangrove and canal views. There are two pool bars and a lobby lounge, with free morning coffee and martinis from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. The Fairmont Mayakoba is a member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism. Transportation Cancun International Airport Attractions Playa del Carmen (6 mi/10.5 km)Tulum (34 mi/56 km) Business Full business center with computer solution, communications, copying and printing Computers are available for rent Wi-Fi Internet access is available Policies and Fees During peak season, the hotel charges a nightly rate for connecting rooms. Requests for connecting rooms can only be confirmed by Fairmont Mayakoba's in-house reservation department and are produced in writing within 24 hours/at check-in.
Up to 2 Kids up to 17 years old stay FREE
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Nightly rates from
$183
Occidental Grand Xcaret - All Inclusive
3.9
/ 5
212 reviews
Family-friendly Caribbean resort adjacent to Xcaret ecological parkThe Occidental Grand Xcaret offers direct access to the ecological park, Xcaret. The resort boasts stretches of white sand beaches, 11 international restaurants and 10 bars. There are 769 spacious suites, five winding pools and 10 public whirlpools at the all-inclusive, family-friendly resort. Because of the resort's close proximity to so many Yucatan treasures, you can venture out on day trips and be back by evening for dinner at one of the resort's spectacular eateries. Highlights:Exclusive direct access to Xcaret ecological parkProvides Unlimited Xcaret Xperience Family-friendly with available cribs and a Kids Club program Rooms: Expect soothing, tropical colors and Mexican decor with dark wood accents and tiled floors. Rooms include a king-sized or two double-sized beds, stocked mini-bar, cable TV, hair dryer and alarm clock. Rooms range from deluxe to the royal club master suite, which features hydromassage bathtubs, luxurious linens, nightly turndown service and plush robes. Also included are private concierge services, in-room Internet access, private pool and whirlpool, balcony and DVD player. Cribs and extra beds are available to any guest upon request. Features: Guests can relax by one of the resort's five pools, hit the man-made beach and cove, play mini-golf, try their hand at archery, tennis or yoga, or spend some time snorkeling in the clear, blue waters. The spa features complementary access to the sauna, steam room and whirlpool for guests looking to relax. If kiddies are tagging along, drop them off at the Kids Club where they'll meet other children and build lasting memories in a supervised environment. For a fee, guests can partake in day excursions to nearby Chichen Itza, Tulum, Xel Ha, or hit the greens for a round of 18. Internet access is also available for a charge. Transportation Cancun International Airport (46 mi/75 km) Attractions Playa del Carmen (5 mi/8.4 km)Tulum pyramids (35 mi/57 km)Chichen Itza (129 mi/208 km) Business State-of-the-art business center 7 meeting rooms accommodate up to 1,200 peopleBusiness center and concierge services (copying, faxing, computer use) are available for a fee Policies and feesThe experience of Unlimited Xcaret Xperience offers exclusive benefits for guests of Occidental Grand Xcaret:Unlimited access and multi-entrance all day long to Xcaret park facilitiesPrivate tour, where a Xcaret expert guide will take them to discover the park’s unique nature, culture and archaeology.Reserved area at the Gran Tlachco Theater during the greatest presentation in Mexico: “Xcaret México Espectacular,” a celebration of culture and history featuring more than 300 artistsDuring their stay at the hotel’s Kids Club, infants can participate in a guided visit to Xcaret, where they’ll experience Mexico’s most representative traditions in the Main Plaza, always cared for by the hotel’s expert staffVIP check-inUnlimited reservations during the whole stay in all specialty restaurants (subject to availability)Free room delivery of purchases made in any of Xcaret park’s stores10% off on meals, beverages at Xcaret park30% off on a 90-minute Special Mayan Massage “WAYAKA”In-room robes and slippers during the whole stay
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Nightly rates from
$186
Excellence Riviera Cancun Luxury Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.7
/ 5
348 reviews
Award-winning Riviera Maya resort with swim-up spa, outdoor trailThe Excellence Riviera Cancun is located just one mile from the quaint beach village of Puerto Morelos. The resort boasts six pools, five outdoor Jacuzzis, eight international dining options, 10 bars, a swim-up spa and outdoor fitness trail. For a fee, guests enjoy scuba diving, deep sea fishing, private yachting, and wedding and honeymoon packages. The only rule? Be sure to leave the kids at home when you enter this adults-only paradise. Highlights Earthcheck certificationOutdoor fitness trailSwim-up spa RoomsExpect elaborate beds, clean, comfortable accommodations in muted, neutral colors and polished marble floors and bathrooms at Excellence Riviera Cancun. All rooms boast pillow menus, fully stocked mini bars and private patios or balconies. Select rooms offer private gardens with hammocks and direct pool access. Guests also have the opportunity to upgrade to the Excellence Club. Amenities of the Club include late checkout and early check-in, personalized concierge, Bvlgari VIP toiletries, upgraded room service menu, and a private beach area. FeaturesThe real star of the resort is the spa. Swim into the spa through the pool and enjoy a series of lavish and relaxing treatments. Treatments include marine water treatment pools with high-pressure swan hoses and an outdoor, oceanfront treatment room. Try the Temazcal treatment -- an ancient 90-minute steam bath ritual that purifies and restores the body. For an even more extravagant afternoon, take part in the Mayan Gold Ritual. This treatment exfoliates the body with gold powder, known to contain anti-aging and hydrating properties. (Fees apply for spa treatments) Transportation Cancun International Airport Attractions Puerto Morelos Tulum (Mayan ruins) AktunchenCancun Business Over 19,600 square feet of indoor meeting and event spaceOver 10,000 square feet of oceanfront meeting terracesFull service business center (fees may apply)Support center and concierge (fees may apply)
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$405
Royal Hideaway Playa del Carmen by Occidental-Adults Only All Inclusive
4.6
/ 5
70 reviews
Adults-only Playa del Carmen resort with six pools, full-service spa The Royal Hideaway Playacar is located minutes from eclectic Playa del Carmen. The resort combines quiet ambiance, luxury amenities and first-class service in an adults-only atmosphere. The resort boasts private villa concierge, full service spa, six gourmet restaurants, lounges, unlimited water and land sports and Yucatan Peninsula tours. Also on-site are six pools, including a cascading infinity pool, fitness center, DVD library and Wi-Fi Internet. Complementary Internet access is available in the business center. Highlights: Adults-onlyCascading infinity pool Unlimited water sports Rooms: Expect sophistication and elegance at Royal Hideaway Playacar. Guests choose from luxury, duplex or presidential suites with dark wood tones and beige accents. All suites include fresh fruit tray upon arrival, in-suite climate control, marble bathrooms, Etro amenities, mini-fridge and satellite TV. The duplex suite is a two-story suite with living room. The presidential suite includes living room, dining room, full kitchen and outdoor hydro-massage tub. Partial and full ocean views are available upon request and for a charge. Wi-Fi Internet is also available for a fee. Features: A chef's table and interactive webcam allows guests to go behind the scenes. The webcam features face time with the chef, plus an exclusive live video feed from the kitchen, putting guests directly into the action. Guests also enjoy access to unlimited top shelf alcohol, shuffleboard, basketball, bocce ball, horseshoes, table tennis and cycling. Water sports include scuba clinics, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and aqua aerobics. For a fee, relax in the spa with a massage, body treatment or facial. Premium name products such as Phytomer, Redken and OPI are used. If you're traveling to the Riviera for love, consider hiring the Hideaway's personal wedding coordinator to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. Transportation Cancun International Airport Attractions Playa del Carmen (3 mi/4.8 km)Tulum ruins (37 mi/60 km)Chichen Itza (155 mi/250 km) Business Meeting and conference spaces accommodate up to 400 people Business center and audiovisual equipment available (fees apply)Wireless Internet (fees may apply)
Complimentary Honeymoon Delight
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Nightly rates from
$405
Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun - Adults Only All Inclusive
4.5
/ 5
442 reviews
Romance and opulence at this luxurious all-inclusive resortThe beautiful white beaches, coral reefs, underground rivers, caves and jungles of the Caribbean surround this award-winning Secrets resort. The standard package is the Unlimited-Luxury all-inclusive. It combines the best of concierge-style living with 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness centers, meals and drinks at six restaurants and five bars and personal invitations to an assortment of activities. Work on your backswing in the tennis clinic or tantalize your taste buds at a wine or tequila tasting -- all included in your package. Highlights Near Playa Paraiso golfing greensAdults-only resortState-of-the-art fitness center and cardio conditioning Rooms Expect Mediterranean style mixed with the quiet refinement of a Mexican hacienda. Lush fabrics, Italian marble-tiled floors and dark wood accents are wound throughout the resort to create a feeling of opulence. Each room features a private furnished balcony or patio, satellite TV, climate-controlled air conditioner and high-speed Internet data ports. There is a dedicated concierge on every floor to fulfill requests. Features Always wanted to learn how to scuba dive? Secrets Capri offers free daily scuba demonstrations in the pool. If you take the course, affordable packages are available to ensure you'll be swimming with the fish in no time. Certified divers have the opportunity to attend thrilling excursions (fees apply) or train for advanced certification. If you're not up for tackling a new hobby, spend the day playing beach volleyball, snorkeling in the Caribbean waters, bird watching, deep-sea fishing or simply sunning by the pool. The Secrets Spa by Pevonia is 13,835 square feet of indulgence and includes a full-service beauty salon, Jacuzzi baths, treatment rooms for massages, sauna, steam room and private showers. Transportation Cancun International Airport Attractions XcaretPlaya del CarmenMayan ruins at Tulum AktunchenCozumel Business Over 6,700 square feet of soundproof meeting space with computers, fax and copy machinesInternet access (fees apply)Translation services (fees apply)Support center and concierge
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Nightly rates from
$306
Iberostar Grand Paraiso Adults Only All Inclusive
4.5
/ 5
33 reviews
Luxury resort near Playa del Carmen with grand look, amenitiesThe Iberostar Grand Paraiso is a five-star, all-inclusive luxury resort for adults aged 18 and older. The resort features grand architecture with details such as breathtaking fountains, lush gardens and sparkling chandeliers. The Iberostar Grand Paraiso boasts three pools -- including a saltwater pool with swim-up bar -- private spa, beach and pool butlers. There is a challenging 18-hole golf course (fees apply) and access to all the facilities at neighboring Iberostar hotels. The resort is a five-minute cab ride to Playa del Carmen. Highlights: Adults-only hotel with five-star service Four a la carte restaurants, including a sushi bar, and a buffetAccess to all Iberostar hotelsThree pools with pool butlers Rooms: The Iberostar Grand Paraiso features 310 suites, including 10 secluded villas and special honeymoon suites with private plunge pools. Expect elaborate Mexican-style architecture, marble floors, clean lines and luxury linens, with pops of bright Caribbean colors. Indoor Jacuzzis, one king or two queen beds, a dining area, fully furnished sitting room and a hammock or swing are in every room. A butler and concierge are available in each building. Rooms also feature private balcony or terrace overlooking lush gardens or the ocean. Features: The concierge at Iberostar Grand Paraiso can help guests arrange a day trip to one of the Mayan ruins in the area or set up a water adventure. On-site water sports include catamarans, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing. Throughout the day and night, the hotel provides live entertainment, shows and activities to keep guests engaged. There's also a nearby shopping plaza, a full-service spa includes Jacuzzis, a solarium and a thalassotherapy center, and golf at the P.B. Dye-designed golf course (fees apply). Dining There are four a la carte restaurants and an international buffet at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso. Choices include Japanese teppanyaki, an American-style banquet of beef steaks and pork chops and an Italian restaurant. A selection of fine wines is available to accompany. Transportation Cancun International Airport (30 minutes) Attractions Playa del Carmen (13 mi/21 km)Tulum (52 mi/85 km) Business Internet access is available (fees may apply)
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Nightly rates from
$492
See more Hotels in Riviera Maya
Best time to take a vacation to Riviera Maya
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Anyone craving sun, a slower pace and plenty to do will find it year-round on the Mayan Riviera. Winter is mild, warm and balmy while summer can be a scorcher with plenty of humidity. Rainy season lasts from May through November, and January and February are dry and cooled by El Norte (northerly winds). Summer and September bring high heat and a chance of hurricanes.
Expect a surge of vacationers and higher rates at Christmas and Easter. In March, spring breakers shake up the scene in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Travel in the shoulder seasons to balance tan-inducing temps with reasonable rates: mid-April to mid-June, and October through mid-December.
Insider tips for Riviera Maya travel
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Swim at the ruins (Tulum)
Wear your suit under your clothes so you can splash into the cool Caribbean after roaming the seaside ruins in Tulum.
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Mexican-German beer garden (Playa del Carmen)
What started as one Berlin man's dream for a beachside sausage shack is now Mannes Biergarten. Find your schnitzel and hausfusel under a thatched roof on 4th Street between 10th and 15th Avenues.
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Laguna Bacalar
Little touched by tourism, Laguna Bacalar spans 50 miles through the jungle. Stroll through town and count the colors in the sparkling lake. Dine at Cenote Azul restaurant which sits on the rim of one of the purest cenotes in the Yucatan.
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Dirty Martini Lounge (Playa del Carmen)
A mixed crowd, a mix of music and a few skilled mix-masters keep this local's bar interesting and unpredictable. Grown-ups sip specialty martinis and classic cocktails a block from the kids whooping it up on 5th Avenue.
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Puerto Morelas
One of the last fishing village holdouts, Puerto Morelas also welcomes tourists and divers. Mingle with loyal clientele over ceviche at Posada Amor, the oldest local restaurant. On most Friday nights, Cantina Habanero's restaurant jams with live music a half block north of town square.
Riviera Maya highlights
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Swim with sea creatures
Count the dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks as your new swim buddies for the day. These adrenaline-pumping experiences for ages 8 and up are a top attraction throughout Riviera Maya.
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Xel-ha, XPLOR and Xcaret
Spend a day or more at this trio of family-friendly outdoor adventure parks. Swim, snorkel, explore jungle caves or sail through the balmy air on a zip line.
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Inland ruins
Once a bustling metropolis for ancient Mayan civilization, Chichen Itzá holds its own as one of the "7 Modern Wonders of the World." On a smaller scale, find the pre-Columbian pyramids of Cobá smack in the middle of the jungle.
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Underground water
Snorkel, swim or dive into a cenote, or join a tour to find holes lining the road from Puerto Morelos to Tulum. Tour the underground river and cave at Rio Secreto where thousands of stalactites drip from the ceiling.
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Cancun nightlife
Catch a Vegas-style aerial show at Coco Bongo, where techno beats blare between the acts. Drink and dance at Senor Frog's, or Carlos and Charlie's where dinner fuels the dance floor.
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Snorkeling
Plunge into prime snorkeling turf off the shores of Akumal or the miles of living coral surrounding reef-famous Cozumel. Divers dig it, too.
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Coastal ruins at Tulum
While the Yucatan Peninsula is filled with fascinating and well-preserved ruins, none have this beach-side setting. In Tulum, piles of Mayan rubble lead right up to the cliff's edge.
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Playa del Carmen
This former sleepy beach town is wide awake with boutique hotels, European fashions and cafés. Streets lead down to a shoreline of kite-surfing and beach bars. Pedestrian-only 5th Avenue offers a festive alternative to Cancun's hopping Hotel Zone.
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Sian Ka'an Biosphere in Tulum
Nature buffs can glide through a portion of this 1.3 million-acre protected UNESCO World Heritage site by small boat or kayak. Flora, fauna, butterflies and birds fill its mangrove swamps, savannahs and lagoons. Book a tent cabin for the full eco-experience.
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Boating
Whether it's a ferry to Isla Mujares or Cozumel, a sunset booze cruise off Cancun, or a private yacht chartered for two, nothing beats the breezy feeling of leaving the crowds back on shore and setting off on open waters.
More on Riviera Maya from the Orbitz Blog
Sinking in: Cenotes of the Riviera Maya
Running roughly 20 miles along the main road near Puerto Morales is the Riviera Maya's "cenote route," a vast collection of azure pools where you can snorkel, scuba, and get your Eden on.Asia, meet Mexico: The Banyan Tree Mayakoba
What do you get when you cross a glamorous Asian resort with the Mayan Rivera? Only one of the most upscale and jaw-dropping Riviera Maya hotels you've ever seen. It's called the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Riviera Maya, and it single-handedly raises the bar on exotic luxury and style.Riviera Maya hotels: Tropical teasers near Tulum
If you’re planning a Mexico vacation, why not pick a beautiful spot different from the usual destinations? Riviera Maya, or Mayan Riviera, is a lush area of tropical beaches, wildlife and ancient ruins. Starting just south of Cancun’s airport and stretching along a coastal highway, this gorgeous coast continues beyond the town of Tulum into Costa Rica. The Mayan ruins at Tulum are the only archeological site near the ocean and there are good choices in hotels that offer easy access to Tulum ruins.
* Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. All rates are displayed in USD unless otherwise noted. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
