White sand beaches, lush tropical palm trees and mangrove jungles coupled with the stunning turquoise blue Caribbean waters and warm trade winds… this is the Riviera Maya! Located within the state of Quintana Roo along the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya extends almost 86 miles (120 km) from the northern town of Puerto Morelos south beyond Tulum to Punta Allen and includes the coastal/inland towns of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Tulum and Coba. Along with pristine white sand beaches, lush mangrove forests and exotic lagoons, the Rivera Maya also includes a number of ancient Mayan ruins as well as the world’s second largest coral reef (Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System).
The Riviera Maya is best accessed by flying into Cancun International Airport and then arranging transport (private shuttle or taxi) to any number of specific resorts or vacation villas. Most the vacation resorts are located along the Coastal Highway 307 stretching from Cancun to Tulum. Within the town of Playa Del Carmen (approximately 50km/ 31 miles from Cancun International Airport) a ferry service is available for connecting to Cozumel Island.
Previously the southern Yucatan coastline was called the Cancun – Tulum Corridor. However, in 1999 the name was changed to Riviera Maya and tourism, which was originally focused in Cancun’s hotel district, began to flourish. Today the Riviera Maya boast some 405 international resorts offering options in every class and price range consisting of approximately 43,500 rooms.
The Riviera Maya has to be experienced to fully appreciate its beauty and the relative affordability that make it one of Mexico’s outstanding vacation destinations.
