Many come and still wonder where exactly is the Riviera Maya. Is it Cancun? Is it Playa del Carmen? or is it none of the above? In this article, we’ll share basic information about the area, weather conditions, and things to do in the Riviera Maya! Everything for when you visit this paradisiac place!
Where is the Riviera Maya?
According to Wikipedia, the Riviera Maya was originally called the “Cancun–Tulum corridor“, but in 1999 it was renamed the Riviera Maya with the aid of Miguel Ramón Martín Azueta. At the time, he was the municipal president of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo.
The Riviera Maya includes the municipalities of Solidaridad in the north and Tulum in the south, and extends approximately 40 km (25 mi) inland, to the border with the state of Yucatán.
Here’s a map of the Riviera Maya
From north to south: Puerto Morelos, Tres Ríos, Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu Há, Akumal, Xel-Há, Bahía de Punta Soliman, Tankah, Tulum, Boca Paila, Punta Allen.
Weather in the Riviera Maya
Famously known for having the sunniest days, is the Riviera Maya. Its high temperatures are ideal to jump into the refreshing waters of the cenotes, and beaches. We must say, that you can experience really nice weather all year long, not too many extreme climates in any of the seasons.
Summer in the Riviera Maya
Through June and September, we can feel what summer is like in the Riviera Maya. Temperatures can rise up to 40°C (104°F), but don’t panic, the average is 32°C (89.6°F). Still enjoyable but keep an eye on getting sunburn and dehydration.
In addition to the heat, the rainy season is also part of the summer in the Riviera Maya. Just keep in mind that rain doesn’t always mean cool weather. In the Riviera, Maya weather can get crazy, and the levels of humidity sometimes increase the sensation of heat in the ambiance.
Winter in the Riviera Maya
The temperature in the Riviera Maya is high throughout the whole year. The most appealing characteristic of the Riviera is that you can easily enjoy its beaches and outdoor activities even during the wintertime.
The “coldest months” would be December through February, when the temperature drops to 23°C (73.4°F) and 28°C (82.4°F) is as high as it gets.
Best time to visit Chichen Itza
If what you’re looking for is sunny days and getting tan on the beach, the best recommendation we can give you is to avoid the end of summer and fall. From July to November are months famously known as “Hurricane Season”. Even though it is not common for a hurricane to hit the area, storms and heavy rain does become frequent.
The best time to enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest would be March and April. In March we can still enjoy the nice warmth of the sun without getting easily sunburn. Do know that there is also the high season, so flights and accommodations have higher rates and less availability.
Things to do in the Riviera Maya
Xpu ha
Located about 30 min south of Playa del Carmen, you’ll find a hidden treasure between locals. Playa Xpu ha is still to be discovered by tourists, in the meantime, it doesn’t get crowded and is one of the purest beaches in the Riviera Maya.
As you get to the beach, you’ll be asked to pay a $50 MXN entrance fee per person, this is about $2.50 USD. Credit card payment is not accepted, you have to bring some cash with you.
Playa Xpu Ha is open daily from 10:00 am–6:00 pm. Here’s a pro tip: get there as early as you can to get the best spot at the parking lot and at the beach. Lucky for you, there are various beach clubs available on-site. There’s plenty of space for everyone, or you can even bring your own things and have a picnic at the shore! If you decide to do so, don’t forget to bring a blanket, an umbrella and a bag for your trash.
Enjoy paddle boarding, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and other water sports at Playa Xpu Ha.
Xcaret
This stop is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya. Situated only 37 miles from Cancun International Airport. Xcaret is an eco-archeological park where visitors from all over the world can enjoy the splendor of Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Its most famous attractions are the underground rivers, beach, lagoon & pools, the tropical jungle trail, and access to the Rotating Scenic Tower in the Hotel Zone.
Tulum 
Tulum Archaeological Site in the Riviera Maya
The site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city served as a major port for Coba. Situated along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, is Tulum. One of of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans was Tulum. It was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned. To this day, it is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.
Rio Secreto
As an underground River, Rio Secreto is a journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Learn about time through stalactites and stalagmites that grow through years and years, holding history within them…