20 Tips for Traveling to the Riviera Maya

You have several options: all-inclusive resorts so you don’t have to worry about anything, traditional hotels in Playa del Carmen for a more local vibe, hostels for backpackers and vacation apartments if you travel in a group or for a longer stay.

Fifth Avenue is the most famous area, but prices are usually high. If you go a little further away, you will find local restaurants with delicious and more affordable food. And remember: when they tell you “not spicy,” it will probably be a little spicy.

In restaurants and bars it is customary to leave between 10 and 15%. It’s not mandatory, but it is expected.

Driving in the Riviera Maya is safe, the roads are in reasonable condition and it’s not hard to find your way, especially with a phone navigator. That said, check the agency contract, included insurance and the car’s condition before leaving. Rent a car for the freedom it gives you and the enjoyment of exploring at your own pace, not to save money: driving outside your country is not for everyone.

Don’t carry it with you all the time. It’s better to keep the passport in the hotel’s safe and carry a copy (printed or on your phone) for any simple procedure. If you add a copy of the Mexico entry stamp in your passport and your return ticket, you’re all set.

Use Mexican pesos whenever you can. Exchanging at currency exchange offices is usually more profitable than at the airport. You can also withdraw from ATMs, but check your bank’s fees. Nowadays there are multi-currency cards especially useful for travel. Many places will accept US dollars but hardly any will accept euros. Don’t convert your euros to US dollars—change euros directly here to Mexican pesos.

Roaming can be very expensive; I recommend turning off mobile data so no app connects and downloads an update that could cost you. Take advantage of free Wi‑Fi in hotels and cafés, or buy a local SIM card with data for your stay—the main operators are Telcel, Movistar and Iusacell. There are also companies offering eSIMs that you can buy online to get phone and data service.

In Mexico flat (American) plugs are used with 110 V. If your devices are different, bring an adapter. A portable charger is always useful for long excursions.

Find out about limits on alcohol, tobacco or other personal goods. In general, you won’t have problems with personal items or basic travel gear. Regarding tobacco, only one carton may be brought into the country; if they find more, a fine is inevitable.

Pack light clothing, swimwear, repellent and biodegradable sunscreen. A rash guard or lightweight long-sleeve shirt can protect your skin if you’ll be doing sea or cenote excursions: many places don’t allow sunscreens unless they are biodegradable. In summer it’s hot and in winter it’s… less hot. A light jacket for a cooler night is usually enough.

This place will captivate you with the variety of options it offers, and there’s an ideal one for you. At Tsukan Adventures we’re happy to help you find the trip of your dreams and can advise you based on your interests. If you decide to book excursions, we recommend avoiding the cheapest options: they often involve overcrowding, forced stops to buy souvenirs, and surprises about what’s included and what’s not.

Unmissable and a great opportunity to cool off while enjoying the views on many excursions. There are many different cenotes; some can be crowded at certain times and there are so many options that it’s not worth sacrificing the experience to visit a famous one. They’re all spectacular.

Visiting Chichén Itzá, Tulum or Cobá early is the best way to enjoy them without crowds and under a gentler sun. Archaeological zones open at 8am and close at 5pm. Starting early is our top recommendation.

Between May and October you may find sargassum on some Caribbean beaches. It doesn’t appear with the same intensity all the time: some weeks are calm and others have more presence. On social networks there are groups that update the situation daily so you can stay informed. If there is a lot at your hotel’s beach, don’t see it as a problem: the Riviera Maya has much more to offer. Use those days to take excursions to places it rarely reaches, like Holbox, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.

Colectivos (shared vans) connect Playa del Carmen with Tulum or Cancún safely, cheaply and frequently. A good option if you don’t want to rent a car to move to nearby places, although be aware the colectivo will stop if there is space for you and will always drop you on the roadside. Places like Tulum, Akumal or some nearby cenotes are accessible by colectivo.

It’s practical to carry small-denomination pesos, although many restaurants and shops accept card payments. If you withdraw money, choose ATMs inside bank branches and check the fee and exchange rate they will apply. We don’t recommend ATMs on Fifth Avenue as they usually have high fees, and never use an ATM offering USD—fees are very high. Remember the Mexican peso symbol (MXN) is $ with a vertical stroke and can be confused with the US dollar; here you will mostly see USD as USD.

The Riviera Maya is safe, but use common sense: don’t leave valuables in plain sight, don’t show large amounts of cash in public and avoid walking alone in dark areas at night. If you rent a car, make your trips during the day when you’ll also feel more comfortable driving.

Heat and humidity can take a toll. Drink water constantly, even if you’re not thirsty. Always drink bottled or purified water. Tap water isn’t potable, although you can safely brush your teeth with it.

The Caribbean sun is strong. Use biodegradable sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Remember to reapply after swimming to protect yourself and the ecosystem.

Maya communities still live in the region and maintain traditions; the Mayan language is spoken by more than 700,000 people. Be respectful at archaeological sites and in towns, support local artisans and enjoy their culture and hospitality with an open mind. Show interest in how they live and they will open their doors and hearts to you.