Paradise is Forever!

Riviera Maya originally started as a religious center of the Mayas. When the Conquistadores arrived, the area became part of an important commercial route; however, jungle, pirate raids and accessibility halted development until the 1980s when Cancún-Tulum became popular. Nowadays, you will find your Riviera Maya villa rental located along a 24-mile stretch of the Tourist Corridor from Punta Brava to Punta Allen.

Riviera Maya Must See

Staying at a Riviera Maya villa rental gives guests easy access to day trips including significant Mayan ruin sites. Trek to Chichén Itzá, a once thriving Mayan city. Spanish colonial town, Valladolid is near Chichén Itzá. Nowadays, Valladolid is a booming fashing sceen. Mérida, another Spanish colonial town, is now an artistic Mecca – if you visit, don’t forget the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez for lunch! Aktun-Chen is an underground cavern network; guests can walk through and view stalactites and stalagmites and view a cenote incorporating many shades of green. Other cenote excursions include Xplore, Xel-Há, and Xcaret. Akumal Bay is sheltered by an offshore reef which causes turtles to swim in its waters. Reef tours are easily scheduled at local dive shops. The Biosphere Reserve Sian Ka’an in Punta Allen is one of Mexico’s largest protected areas incorporating 1.6 million acres of marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems with 120 kilometers of marine area including sections of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Riviera Maya Activities

Riviera Maya villa rentals are within short distances to fantastic beaches, aqua azul and white sand. Guests will find more than the usual, archeological sites, recreation centers, freshwater lagoons, underwater caves, natural cenotes, exquisite culinary cuisine, vibrant nightlife and an exciting cosmopolitan atmosphere. A Riviera Maya vacation rental is the ideal setting for honeymoons and weddings alike. Playa del Carmen is home to the area’s best shopping. Avenida 5 (5th Avenue) is home to flea and street markets while Galeria de Arte 5ta Avenida and Ambarte features Art Galleries. Night owls will love the cosmopolitan nightlife incorporating international and Mayan recipes with bars and a Caribbean atmosphere.

Riviera Maya Golf

Golfers will delight taking their clubs from their Riviera Maya villa rental to the course. Riviera Maya offers top courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Peter Dye and Greg Norman among others. Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course built around parts of a Mayan jungle. El Camaleón Mayakobá is an 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Greg Norman featuring underground caverns, thick mangroves, crystal clear lagoons and jungle. Gran Coral Golf Course is an 18-hole par 71 course designed by Nick Price. This cutting edge course was created while preserving the surrounding ecological environment and incorporates 8 lakes and 71 traps. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the Riviera Maya Golf Club features 27 holes and incorporates the natural elements of the area and was chosen as the 3rd best course in Mexico by the Top Ten Golf & Spa Magazine. Puerto Aventuras is a lovely 9-hole par 36 course where golfers will be accompanied by deer, iguana and various tropical birds.

When to Go

The weather at your Riviera Maya villa is perfect nearly year-round. Average temperatures range 75°-77° nearly 250 days a year. High season spans Christmas through the end of March. Rainy season is June – October. The Annual Playa del Carmen hosts the Jazz Festival in November.

Travel Tips

• Cancún International Airport is the main entrance to Riviera Maya. Non-stop flights are available from most major airports within the continental U.S. It is smart to arrange your airport transfer prior to arriving as taxis cannot pick-up from the airport.
• Guests can arrive to the island of Cozumel and ferry to Playa del Carmen.
• U.S. citizens do not need a visa so long as their stay is less than 180 days. However, visitor’s permits ARE required and available from your airline. A valid passport is also required; passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your departure date.
• Be sure to pack more than your bathing suit. With ruins to climb and jungle to explore bring adventure clothing, hiking shoes, diving gear and other outdoor clothing.
• Taxis are reasonably priced ($32US for a 43 mi ride from Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida to Tulum); however, most visitors opt to rent car for their stay.
• U.S driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico; Mexican insurance is required.
• The Peso is Mexico’s national currency, though the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted.
• Most workers in the area speak English, though the national language is Spanish. Knowing basic Spanish is respectful and can be very helpful.
• Main tourist areas are relatively safe, though visitors should always be vigilant.