The Riviera Maya stretches along the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, from the edge of Cancún down past Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It packs Mayan archaeology, cenotes, a living coral reef, theme parks and quiet beaches into one compact stretch of coast. This guide covers what to do, when to go and how to get around, with Casa Chanty in Playa del Secreto as a base.

The best things to do

• Visit Mayan ruins: Tulum for the clifftop setting, Cobá for the jungle and Chichén Itzá for the famous pyramid.
• Swim in cenotes: there are dozens within an hour of the coast. Start with our cenote guide.
• Snorkel the reef: the Puerto Morelos reef is minutes from Casa Chanty (see our Puerto Morelos snorkeling guide), and Akumal and Cozumel are excellent too.
• Spend a day at a theme park: Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Há are the best known. See our theme park guide.
• Enjoy a night out: Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ at Vidanta Riviera Maya is a few minutes from Casa Chanty.
• Take a ferry to an island: Cozumel for diving and Isla Mujeres for beaches and golf-cart touring.
• Eat local: tacos, ceviche and Yucatán dishes in Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. See our dining guide.

We describe seven of these in detail in seven day trips from Casa Chanty.

When to visit the Riviera Maya

• November to April: the dry season, with comfortable humidity. December to March is high season, so book early.
• May and October: shoulder season, with fewer crowds and typically lower rates.
• June to September: hot and humid. It is also sea turtle nesting season on our beach, and hurricane season runs through November, so keep your plans flexible.

Sargassum seaweed varies from year to year and beach to beach. Read our latest seaweed update and our honest look at whether Playa del Carmen is still worth visiting.

Getting around

• From Cancún Airport: a private transfer is the simplest option. See our taxi fare and transfer guide.
• Taxis: fares are fixed by zone, so agree on the price before you get in.
• Rental car: useful for ruins and cenotes. Download offline maps, since signal can be patchy.
• Organized tours: convenient for Chichén Itzá, which is a long day trip.

A sample 7-day itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive and unwind on the beach.
• Day 2: Puerto Morelos reef snorkel and lunch in town.
• Day 3: Tulum ruins and a cenote.
• Day 4: Rest day at the villa.
• Day 5: A theme park day (Xcaret, Xplor or Xel-Há).
• Day 6: Isla Mujeres or Cozumel by ferry.
• Day 7: A slow morning, a final swim and a chef dinner, or an evening at JOYÀ.

Travel tips

• Carry some Mexican pesos for taxis, markets and small restaurants.
• Use reef-safe or biodegradable sunscreen, and rinse off before entering cenotes.
• Book the big days (parks, Chichén Itzá) in the morning when it’s cooler.
• Stay at least five nights so you can enjoy the coast without rushing.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in the Riviera Maya?

A week is the sweet spot: enough for a few day trips and a few slow days on the beach.

Where should I stay?

If you want beaches without crowds and a central location, look between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. Our guide to Playa del Secreto explains why.