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Find and book tours in Riviera Maya
Benefits and features of a beach holiday in Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a 100-kilometer long Caribbean Sea stretching from Tulum to Cancun. The most visited resorts are the island of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. This part of the coast began to be developed relatively recently, when there were no free territorial zones left in Cancun. Basically, the Riviera Maya fell in love with tourists from Europe. This place is ideal for families, thanks to calm waters and fine white sand. Diving schools, extensive golf courses and spa treatment centers are also open here.
The average annual temperature does not exceed +28 degrees, and the water temperature is +27 degrees.
Covering the theme of the beaches of the Riviera Maya, it is necessary to mention the city of Playa del Carmen, located 70 km from Cancun. Here, on the territory of the pedestrian coastal zone, life is in full swing around the clock.
Diving enthusiasts are recommended to visit the largest Mexican island of Cozumel, located 20 km from Yucatan. Here is the second largest coral reef with a total length of more than 700 km. Almost the entire island area is occupied by a national park.
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Guide to Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya - a historical cross-section of the cultures of the ancient Maya and Toltec tribes
History buffs need to get to the largest center of the Mayan and Aztec civilization - the city of Chichen Itza, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The one-of-a-kind Mayan port fortress is located in the city of Tulum. The Xel-Ha Conservation Park is known as the once favorite resting place of the Mayan rulers. Here is a network of caves with giant stalactites. The mysterious acropolis with a mystical secret room is located in Ek Balam, where guides constantly lead fascinating excursions.
Ecopark Riviera Maya Xcaret offers a wide range of recreational activities. Here you can plunge into the waters of the underwater river, look into the museum - aquarium, butterfly and orchid parks, admire the inhabitants of the turtle farm, play with dolphins. And in the small village of Rio Lagartos, you can watch huge flocks of pink flamingos.
At the end of the 2000s, the Xplor reserve was opened in the Riviera Maya, with a total area of 50 hectares. Here, tourists will be offered to go on a water trip along the arteries of underground rivers, the banks of which are decorated with majestic stalactites. The water temperature is quite comfortable, not exceeding +24 degrees. The route ends with natural wells, the waters of which the Mayan tribes used as a drinking reserve.
How to get there?
Flights and transfers to Riviera Maya
```The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Riviera Maya is by flying to Cancun. There are regular flights from the airports of Chisinau, Bucharest, Cluj and Iasi.
The journey will take from 16 to 18 hours.
Please note that all flights from Moldova and Romania involve stopovers. Usually, the connections are in Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, etc. If you choose this route, we recommend that you study the map of the transit airport in advance so that you can find your way and make your connection in time.
The most economical option is promotional fares and low-cost tickets. It takes some effort, but you can save up to 50% and make your route more interesting. We catch promotions from airlines Iberia, Air France, Condor, Lufthansa, etc. Next, from Chisinau, Iasi, Bucharest and other cities we buy cheap tickets from Wizz Air, Ryanair and other low-cost airlines. We fly to Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Cologne or another major city. It is essential to allow more time for your stopover so that, in case of schedule changes, you still make your next flight. You should also think in advance about a hotel for an overnight stay or plan a long daytime layover, so that during the trip you can visit a beautiful European city. After that, we fly directly to Cancun.
How do you get from Cancun Airport to hotels in the Riviera Maya?
You can travel from Cancun Airport to the hotels in the Riviera Maya by bus.
From Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, only buses of the ADO company operate. The first bus departs at 08:15 and they run until midnight. Buses leave every 20–25 minutes; at night they run at 01:30 and 03:00.
On the way back to the airport, buses run from 05:30 to 22:40 with an interval of 20–25 minutes. Night schedule — 00:30, 03:00, 04:30.
The travel time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, at most 1 hour 25 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is 222 MXN (about 11.5 USD). For some dates/times, ADO may offer discounts.
From the airport, you can also take a taxi, which will cost around 50–100 USD.
To save on taxis, you can book a transfer with our managers (below there is a “Free consultation” button). In addition, the Uber app works in Mexico – via the app it will usually be cheaper.
For more details about hotels and current offers, visit the dedicated page Riviera Maya — Mexico .
What your Riviera Maya package includes:
Flights from Chisinau / Bucharest / Cluj / Iasi to Cancun / Riviera Maya (total travel time about 16–18 hours); onboard meal: snacks and drinks provided according to the airline’s rules.
Group transfer APT→hotel.
Accommodation in carefully selected Riviera Maya hotels (for example: RIU, Iberostar, Bahia Principe – depending on the period and offer).
Recommended meal plan: all inclusive (or breakfast + dinner, according to your preferences).
Travel medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay.
Visa information for Mexico
Entry rules for Mexico depend on the passport you hold and can change over time: some travelers can enter visa-free for short stays, while others need a visa or electronic authorization. Before booking, we recommend checking the latest official requirements or asking Admiral.Travel managers for up-to-date details.
Why Admiral.Travel for your Riviera Maya holiday
With over 15 years of experience in organizing exotic vacations, Admiral.Travel works only with trusted airlines and hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Our team visits the destination in person, so our recommendations are based on real experience, not just pretty catalog photos.
We have direct partnerships with resorts, transfer providers and local excursion operators, which means attractive package prices, 24/7 support and quality control at every stage of your trip. We constantly monitor reviews and hotel updates so that your stay is comfortable, safe and as worry-free as possible.
Contact us for a personalized Riviera Maya offer with flights, transfers and insurance included, and Admiral.Travel consultants will help you find the best combination of flights, hotel and excursions.
Frequently asked questions about Riviera Maya & Cancun
When is the best time to travel to the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is a year-round beach destination. The drier season, with fewer showers and lower humidity, is roughly from November to April, when temperatures are pleasant and the sea stays warm. Summer and early autumn can be hotter and more humid with occasional rain, but many hotels offer very attractive deals in this period.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
Visa rules for Mexico depend on your citizenship and can change. Some nationalities can enter without a visa for short stays, while others need a visa or an electronic authorization. Before buying your package, check the latest official requirements or ask Admiral.Travel managers for updated information.
What currency is used in the Riviera Maya and how is it best to pay?
The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). Most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept bank cards, but cash is useful for tips, markets and small local shops. It is usually more advantageous to exchange money in Mexico than at home, and payments in US dollars may sometimes be converted at a less favorable rate.
How can I stay connected to mobile internet and calls in the Riviera Maya?
On arrival, you can activate international roaming with your home operator or buy a local SIM card from providers such as Telcel, AT&T or Movistar, available in airports, malls and supermarkets. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi in the lobby and, in many resorts, in the rooms as well. For intensive use of data, a local SIM with a data package is often the most cost-effective option.
What type of plugs and voltage are used in Mexico?
Mexico uses about 110 V electrical current and American-style sockets type A and B, with two or three flat pins. Most modern chargers (phones, laptops, etc.) support 110–240 V, so you usually only need a plug adapter. A universal travel adapter is the easiest solution.
What are the best ways to get between Cancun Airport and Riviera Maya resorts?
The main options are ADO buses between the airport and Playa del Carmen, shared minibuses called “colectivo”, transfers organized by the agency, taxis and, where available, ride-sharing services such as Uber. For maximum comfort, many Admiral.Travel packages include a group airport–hotel transfer, and on request we can arrange a private transfer as well.
Is the Riviera Maya suitable for a family holiday with children?
Yes, most Riviera Maya resorts are very family-friendly: children’s pools, kids’ clubs, playgrounds and children’s menus are widely available. Many beaches have a gentle slope into the sea, but children should always be supervised because of waves and currents. If you prefer a child-free atmosphere, you can choose an adults-only hotel instead.
What kind of travel medical insurance is recommended for Mexico?
We recommend a travel medical insurance policy that covers the entire trip, including connection days, and includes emergency treatment, hospitalization and medical transport. If you plan active excursions or water sports, it is best to add coverage for non-motorized water activities. Private medical services in Mexico can be expensive, so a good policy protects you from unexpected costs.
Which meal plan should I choose for a Riviera Maya hotel?
The most popular option in the Riviera Maya is all inclusive, usually covering all main meals, snacks and local drinks. It is very convenient for families and for travelers who plan to spend most of their time at the resort. If you enjoy trying local restaurants, you can choose breakfast only or half board, depending on your budget and travel style.
Can I go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Riviera Maya?
Yes, the Riviera Maya is famous for its snorkeling and diving: coral reefs, cenotes with crystal-clear water and the Caribbean Sea itself. Many hotels offer basic snorkeling equipment, and in the resorts you will find certified dive centers for beginners and experienced divers alike. Please follow reef-protection rules and avoid touching corals or marine animals.
What excursions and theme parks are worth visiting in the area?
Popular excursions include the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba, tours to cenotes, and theme parks such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor, where you can combine nature and fun. There are also dolphinariums and water parks; we recommend choosing ethical operators and paying attention to how animals are cared for.
What should I know about luggage, hotel check-in and local taxes?
Baggage allowances depend on the airline and ticket type: sometimes both checked baggage and hand luggage are included, other times only hand luggage. Before departure, always check the exact limits for weight and size. Hotel check-in is usually after 14:00–15:00, and check-out is by 11:00–12:00, with late check-out sometimes available for an extra fee. In some Mexican resorts, an environmental or resort tax is charged – a small amount per room per night, paid directly at reception.
