HomeDestinationsRiviera Maya
Beaches & All-Inclusives
Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Vacations
Cenotes, Tulum’s cliffside ruins and many of Mexico’s best all-inclusives.
South of Cancun, the Riviera Maya stretches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast with beautiful beaches, jungle cenotes, the cliffside ruins at Tulum and the lively streets of Playa del Carmen. It’s home to many of Mexico’s best all-inclusive resorts, from family-friendly favorites to luxurious adults-only hideaways.
The Riviera Maya covers a lot of coastline, so the location of your resort shapes your whole trip. I’ll help you find the right balance of beach, activities and travel time from the airport, and compare what each resort includes.
Let’s plan your Riviera Maya getaway.
Request a Trip QuotePrefer to talk? Call (281) 904-6411.
Cancun or Riviera Maya?
Know the Difference
The biggest difference between Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico, is the overall atmosphere and vacation experience. Cancun is more lively, energetic, and convenient, while Riviera Maya is more relaxed, tropical, and resort-focused. Both offer beautiful Caribbean beaches, turquoise water, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and plenty of sunshine. However, they appeal to somewhat different types of travelers.
Cancun
- Lively
- Energetic
- Convenient
Riviera Maya You’re here
- Relaxed
- Tropical
- Resort-focused
Karen’s Take on Riviera Maya
For a luxurious, relaxing all-inclusive vacation, I would lean toward Riviera Maya. Many resorts have beautiful tropical grounds, wonderful pools, excellent restaurants, and a more secluded atmosphere.
Good to know: Riviera Maya is a large coastal region, so the beach quality and airport distance can vary considerably from resort to resort. When it comes to ocean waves, many areas of Riviera Maya have calmer water, especially where offshore reefs provide protection, while Cancun generally has stronger waves and more active surf.
Want more nightlife and energy? If the priority is gorgeous stretches of white sand, bright turquoise water, shopping, and nightlife, I would lean toward Cancun. Explore Cancun →
Not sure which fits you best? Ask me to help you decide →
Riviera Maya at a Glance
Destination Highlights
Maya ruins on a cliff above the Caribbean.
Natural limestone swimming holes with crystal-clear water.
Known for snorkeling alongside sea turtles.
A UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve on the coast.
Photo Gallery
Picture Yourself in Riviera Maya
Tap any photo to enlarge. Photos by Wikimedia Commons photographers under free licenses, see Photo Credits.
Tours & Excursions with Viator
Tours & Excursions in Riviera Maya
Day trips, boat tours, food tours and must-see sights. Browse and book tours, tickets and attractions through my Viator link.
