Get ready to fall in love with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush jungle, and ancient ruins.
The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun to Tulum, with charming beach towns, cenotes, and world-class resorts in between. If it’s your first time here, this guide will make sure you hit the ground running.
What to Pack for Riviera Maya
You’ll want to stay cool and comfortable in this tropical, humid climate.
Essentials:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes (humidity is real!)
- Swimsuits (and maybe a rash guard for snorkeling)
- Flip-flops + water shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the coral!)
- Bug spray (especially for cenote visits)
- Sunglasses + wide-brim hat
- Beach towel or quick-dry towel
- Waterproof pouch for phone
- Passport and a printed copy
- Spanish phrasebook or app
Nice-to-Haves:
- Snorkel gear (though it’s often available to rent)
- Dry bag for beach or boat days
- Portable fan or neck fan
- Cash in pesos (many cenotes and shops are cash-only)
Travel Tips for First-Timers
How to Get There
- Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN).
- From there, you can take a shuttle, bus, or taxi to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Akumal.
Getting Around
- ADO buses are safe and cheap.
- Colectivos (shared vans) are great for short rides.
- Taxis are everywhere, but always agree on the price first.
When to Go
- December to April = best weather
- May to August = hotter but fewer crowds
- September–October = rainy/hurricane season
Top Things to Do
- Explore Tulum’s beachfront ruins
- Swim in a cenote (natural sinkhole)
- Visit Xcaret or Xel-Há eco-parks
- Snorkel in Akumal Bay with sea turtles
- Take a ferry to Isla Mujeres
- Relax at a beach club in Playa del Carmen
Local Tips
- Don’t flush toilet paper—it goes in the bin.
- Bring small bills for tips, taxis, and markets.
- Protect yourself from the sun AND the mosquitos.
- Respect the environment: no touching coral or wildlife.
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