Riviera Maya has over 120 km of crystal-clear turquoise shoreline, white-sand beaches, archaeological sites, natural parks, and unique water activities.
The
Riviera Maya (also known as the Mayan Riviera) stretches from Punta Brava just
south of Cancun International Airport to Punta Allen just south of Tulum.
It is one
of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Tropical beaches, ancient
ruins, abundant marine and wildlife abound. The Great Mayan Reef is the largest
coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Along the
Mayan Riviera, on the highway there is the occasional Mexican craft market,
small industrial centre, and lots of resort entrances. On the shoreline there
are numerous privately owned rental cabanas, fishing and diving operations and
beaches.
This richly
multicultural and cosmopolitan area overlooks the azure Caribbean Sea. It can
be enjoyed by people of any age. It is a haven for water lovers with its white
sandy beaches, and beautiful multicoloured fish life.
On land you
can encounter temples and legends that have survived centuries, explore
subterranean rivers and explore the lush jungle.
In June,
July, and August visitors can expect hot sunny summer weather with occasional
rainfall. The hurricane season runs from September to December and the sky can
change from clear to overcast in minutes. The ocean water is warmest in
August-September and starts to cool down in November.
Spring (February
to May) is a beautiful time of year on the Riviera, with very little rain and
flowers everywhere. The ocean gets calmer and warmer, as temperatures rise.
Nights can still be a little cool but the temperature is milder and more
comfortable.
The average
monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
28 |
29 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
32 |
33 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
29 |
|
Night |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
19 |
There is
plenty of shopping to be done in this area with most towns and resorts sporting
a selection of shops. However the best shopping in the Maya Riviera is done in
the boisterous town of Playa del Carmen. Boutique shops line Quinta Avenida (5th
Avenue). This is also home to a number of restaurants that offer native and international
cuisine. The mixture of duty-free stores and tasty dining makes shopping on the
Quinta Avenida a thrilling experience.
The handicrafts of the region are
famous all over the world for their originality and colourful shapes and there
are also lots of wonderful art galleries and jewellery stores, especially in
Playa del Carmen, where you can find unique pieces encrusted with both precious
and semiprecious stones.
As with the shopping facilities in
Riviera Maya, the main nightlife can be found in Playa del Carmen along 5th
Avenue. If you prefer something a little quieter, there are many restaurants
and quiet bars in some of the smaller resorts.
But if you like your nights loud and
brash, here are a few suggestions you might like to try:
The main attraction in Riviera Maya is
the beaches and their assorted water sports. However there is much more to see
in the area than just stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.
If you want to spread your wings and
see what else this beautiful part of the world has to offer, why not try some
of these:
The water
is usually safe to drink in the major hotels and restaurants serving tourists,
but ask to make sure it is agua purificada (purified water). Bottled
water is also widely available. Be careful also with drinks that are frozen or
served on the rocks.
Before travelling to Riviera Maya you should check the Visa and Passport requirements at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
