Aktivitäten in  Riviera Maya & Yucatán

The Riviera Maya follows the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and it’s known for all-inclusive resorts, gorgeous beaches, adventure parks, and its nearby coral reefs. There’s plenty of history here, too, from the temples and pyramids of Tulum Archeological Site to cenotes that were sacred to the ancient Maya.

Cancun is where beachfront hotels meet city nightlife—it’s an easy-to-reach getaway whose airport has direct flights to many cities worldwide. The Riviera Maya that extends south from Cancun is more laid-back, less about partying than adventure parks, all-inclusive resorts, snorkeling and scuba diving, and exploring nearby ruins and jungle.

Mild, dry weather makes the season from December through April the best time to visit the Riviera Maya. Spring and fall can be a bit rainier, with the hottest days arriving in May. Still, the Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, with beachgoers hitting the shore in every month.

Yes, you can visit Chichen Itza from Cancun, but it makes for a long day. The archeological site is located 122 miles (197 kilometers) west of Cancun, a drive that takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. Tours of Chichen Itza from Cancun generally leave early in the morning and include other sightseeing stops en route.

Chichen Itza and Tulum are both ancient Maya sites, but the similarities stop there. The UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza has a towering pyramid, ball court, and other major buildings pointing to the city’s importance. While beachside Tulum is much smaller, its compact temples have the turquoise-blue ocean for a scenic backdrop.

Yes, it’s worth seeing Chichen Itza. The UNESCO-listed archeological site is among the most impressive remnants of the ancient Maya world, with a massive pyramid, observatory, ball court, and other structures. It’s popular and can be crowded, but it’s famous for a reason: Chichen Itza is remarkably well-preserved and very impressive.