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Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, undiscovered tropical paradise
Long thought of as the town where the ferry to Cozumel departs, Playa del Carmen is earning its own reputation as paradise on the coast of the Yucatán peninsula. Now, this town acts as a gateway to the resorts of the Riviera Maya, where secluded beaches, tropical jungles and mysterious Mayan ruins provide the perfect backdrop for the ultimate escapist vacation.
Playa del Carmen offers a plethora of options for a Mexico Caribbean vacation. Water adventures abound from diving along the Great Maya Reef, the second largest reef in the world, to exploring mysterious inland cenotes, freshwater sinkholes formed by underground rivers. Snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, boating and fishing are also popular at resorts in Playa del Carmen and up and down the Riviera Maya.
The great outdoors beckons travelers to the Riviera Maya with a number of eco-parks where you can swim, relax and simply admire the breathtaking views. Xcaret’s 200-acre park offers rivers for swimming, a butterfly sanctuary, play with dolphins, snorkel, snuba (diving without a tank) and enjoy the lush tropical surroundings. Xel-Ha, which is also located in Riviera Maya, is a private lagoon park that also offers a variety of nature activities. Don’t miss out on Sian Ka’an, a 1.3 million-acre ecological park
The best time to visit is December to April. May through November is the rainy season. However, the rains are brief and tropical, and prices are much lower in the off-season. During the winter season, when the weather is nicest, prices are usually highest.
- History
Mayan ruins - Water Sports
Dive, snorkel and more - Dine and Dance
Clubs, bars, cafes... - Attractions
Golf, eco-tours...
The Riviera Maya is home to amazing Mayan sites. From the ancient temples amid thick jungles of Coba to the picturesque Tulum located on the Caribbean coast, Mexico has some of the richest and most diverse archaeological ruins in the world. Day trips to even more amazing Mayan sites like Uxmal and Chichen Itza are also available. See our guide to Mayan sites in the Riviera Maya.
Playa del Carmen, a once-sleepy resort town that now boasts a cosmopolitan vibe, has lots to offer those who want to take the plunge. Situated between tourist-heavy Cancún and the tranquil Riviera Maya, it’s the perfect base for a Mexican Caribbean vacation – and one that lures water enthusiasts with an eclectic array of activities. See our guide to Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya water sports.
The Riviera Maya encompasses the area along the Yucatán Peninsula from Cancún to Tulum. When it comes to nightlife you have the option of indulging in an array of diverse bars, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs. See our nightlife guide.
Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya offer some of the best sightseeing spots in the world. Check out eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha where you can swim, relax and simply admire the breathtaking views. Don’t miss out on Riviera’s Sian Ka’an, a 1.3 million-acre ecological park. Explore our Riviera Maya attractions guide.
Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya are also fast becoming a top destination for golf enthusiasts with some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. See our golf guide.
Playa Del Carmen/Riviera Maya HotelsBeach HotelAll-Inclusive
- Aldea Thai Resort
- Allegro Playacar - All Inclusive
- Aventura Cove Palace - All Inclusive
- Aventura Spa Palace - All Inclusive
- Barceló Costa Cancún All Inclusive
- Barcelo Maya Beach All Inclusive
- Barcelo Maya Caribe Beach All Inclusive
- Barcelo Maya Colonial All Inclusive
- Barcelo Maya Tropical All Inclusive
- Desire Resort & Spa Riviera Maya All-Inclusive
- Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa All Inclusive
- Dreams Riviera Cancún All Inclusive
- Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa Cancún - All Inclusive
- El Tukan Hotel & Beach Club
- Encanto Aventuras Club
- Encanto Corto Maltés
- Encanto el Faro
- Encanto Paseo del Sol
- Fairmont Mayakoba
- Grand Oasis Riviera Maya - All Inclusive
- Grand Sirenis Resorts - All Inclusive
- Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen - All Inclusive
- Hacienda Real by Encanto
- Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park
- Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All-Inclusive
- Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
- Los Vientos by Encanto
- Marina El Cid Spa and Beach Resort - All Inclusive
- Mistik Residence Club
- Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort All Inclusive
- Now Riviera Cancún Resort & Spa
- Occidental Grand Xcaret All-Inclusive
- Ocean Coral and Turquesa All Inclusive
- Ocean Maya All Inclusive
- Paradisus Riviera Cancún All Inclusive
- Real Playa del Carmen
- RIU Lupita - All Inclusive
- RIU Palace Mexico - All Inclusive
- RIU Palace Riviera Maya - All Inclusive
- RIU Playacar - All Inclusive
- RIU Tequila - All Inclusive
- RIU Yucatán - All Inclusive
- Royal Club at Occidental Grand Xcaret
- Royal Hideaway Playacar All Inclusive
- Secrets Capri Riviera All Inclusive
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera All Inclusive
- Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun All Inclusive
- The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
- The Royal Playa del Carmen - All Inclusive
- Viva Wyndam Maya - All Inclusive
- Viva Wyndham Azteca - All Inclusive
- Xpu-Ha Palace Wyndham Resort - All Inclusive
- Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita All Inclusive
*Terms and conditions for hotel-only rates: Sample prices for hotel rates are for select midweek (Sun-Thu) dates. Offers subject to change. Prices do not include taxes and fees. Based on availability.
*Terms and conditions of air + hotel packages and promotions: Advertised air + hotel package prices include all domestic taxes and Mexico.com-imposed air + hotel package fees. Sample prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, from Los Angeles (LAX) unless otherwise cited on select weekdays between 30 and 52 days from July 27, 2010. Offers are subject to change. Based on availability. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Some airlines charge baggage fees at airport or online check-in. See specific airline websites for details. Some hotels charge additional fees at check-in.
