Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen Holidays

The perfect palm tree, the ultimate beach, coconut water straight from the source… holidays to the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are an aquamarine paradise.

A lone fishing boat anchors on sugar-white sands, a swim into azure waters is so crystal clear you can spot the markings on tropical fish, and back on shore romantic nooks are toes-in-the-sand luxury by day and twinkly light oceanfront dining by night. Yucatan holidays are all about plush hotels tucked behind grand entrances, boutiques stacked up with designer swimwear, ecological parks filled with natural lagoons and teppanyaki tables where smoking hot wagyu steak is just the start of an extravagant meal.

Super swish suites come with swim-up pools, jungle-style resorts put you in the heart of a unique nature reserve and cobalt waters are made for paddling out to tiny islets, searching for elusive whale sharks and watching sea turtles chomp on grass beds. That extraordinary barrier reef is a dream for seasoned snorkellers and if you’re new to the underwater world you’re in prime position for a warm welcome to marine life at the ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há where protected areas of the ocean are accessed via stairs into the sea. It’s easy to get lost in a spectacular world of beaches and sea for your whole stay, but equally, holidays to the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and stunning offshore islands take you off course to a land of ancient Mayan civilization.

Back among hibiscus-scented spas, rooftop bars and huge infinity pools, the only choice you need to make is whether it’s a long walk on the beach with a salt-rimmed margarita or a private cabana complete with Champagne and sweeping views of the coast.

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Holidays in Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen

hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Set in a private bay, this adults-only resort is a contemporary choice with many facilities.

From £1,615 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Catering specifically for families, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers an excellent range of facilities and activities.

From £1,600 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

A sleek and stylish all-suite hotel in a golden setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

From £1,698 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

This rainforest-set Riviera Maya resort offers free access to some of the region’s best theme parks.

From £2,223 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Enviable white sands and a fantastic Unlimited-Luxury® All Inclusive package.

From £1,932 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

An all-suite resort with a focus on serenity, romance, body and mind.

From £3,164 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

An adults-only haven with unlimited access to a host of adventure parks.

From £2,356 p/p
hotel
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 4 Star

A two-minute stroll from one of the Riviera Maya’s most glorious beaches, this intimate eco-glamping resort offers tranquility and comfort in an unspoiled natural setting.

From £1,159 p/p
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Coba & Tulum Exploration

Two sets of other-worldly Mayan ruins are the focus on this history-packed day out. First up is the forest-surrounded relics of Coba where you’ll find Quinta Roo’s tallest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, and a whole host of hidden ruins that are a joy to discover. Those with a head for heights can climb to the top of the pyramid and take in the incredible views from the top. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before you travel south to Tulum, one of Mexico’s most iconic ruins; the combo of a clifftop setting and Caribbean backdrop have made the site something of a cover star. Between the 13th and 15th Centuries, this Mayan settlement was a hub of international trade and a religious centre.

• Daily departures from Playa del Carmen
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Museums are closed on Mondays.

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Encounter Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve

Quintana Roo’s natural landscapes are the focus on this full-day adventure. You’ll travel south to the breathtaking UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an where tropical jungles meet wetlands, mangrove forests, lakes, lagoons and hidden cenotes. There are also picture-perfect tropical beaches and vibrant coral reefs just offshore. You’ll take a boat through the region’s coastal environments, passing through lagoons, mangrove forests and out to the vibrant coral reef. If the weather allows, you’ll have the chance to explore the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second largest barrier reef. A homemade lunch will be served on the beach and then there’ll be a bit of time to relax before returning to your hotel.

• Daily departures from Playa del Carmen
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Wear comfortable shoes and shoes and pack swimming gear and a towel. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs.

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Unearth Chichen Itza

The ruins at Chichen Itza are arguably Mexico’s most iconic pre-Columbian relics and have been designated a New Wonder of the World. Over a thousand years ago, it was one of the largest Mayan cities that was reportedly home to a diverse community – a factor that’s likely to have led to the varying architectural styles within the site. In the company of an attentive English-speaking guide, you’ll explore ruins such as the Great Ball Court, the observatory El Caracol, and the 12-metre-high Temple of the Warriors with its hundreds of columns and stunning bas-reliefs that depict eagles, jaguars and warriors. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and there’ll even be a chance to take a dip in a cenote – a natural sinkhole permanently filled with crystal clear water, and symbol of this corner of Mexico.

• Daily departures from Playa del Carmen
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Wear comfortable shoes and shoes and pack swimming gear and a towel if you wish to swim in the cenote. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs.

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Discover Contoy & Isla Mujeres

A duo of Yucatan coast islands awaits on this full-day adventure from the Riviera Maya. Board a boat and hope over to bijou Isla Contoy, a haven for sea turtles and over 150 species of tropical birds. You can wander along the talcum-white beaches or swim or snorkel in the clear-as-glass sea (weather permitting). A laid-back lunch will be served on the shore before you transfer over to Isla Mujeres, another picture-perfect barrier island where you can swim, snorkel or browse the local shops and stalls which sell a host of Yucatan-made handicrafts. Throughout the day, you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

• Daily departures from Playa del Carmen
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The island and nature reserve fee of US$ 20 is not included (amount subject to change) and will need to be paid on the spot on arrival. Please use biodegradable sun cream and insect repellent, use a reusable bottle for water and take some cash for tips and souvenirs. The consumption of alcohol is not recommended before or during this tour.

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Get to know the Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -6 hours

CURRENCY

Mexican Peso

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

11 hours

RELIGION

No official religion but the majority of the population are Roman Catholic

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where is the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Running south of Cancun all the way to Tulum, the Mayan Riviera is on the Caribbean coastline in the state of Quintana Roo.

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Exploring the Riviera Maya
If you can tear yourself away from the shade of a palapa or a dip in the ocean, other highlights include Playa del Carmen’s pedestrianised 5th Avenue – 22 blocks of shops, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife – the extraordinary natural ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há – think diverse marine life, cenotes and lagoons, rope swings and tranquil swimming caves – and day trips to both Chichen Itza and Tulum. You can try cave swimming at Rio Secreto just a few minutes outside of Playa del Carmen, hop on a ferry for the 45-minute ride over to the beautiful island of Cozumel and head to the tiny of Akumal to swim among the endangered green sea turtle.

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Food and drink
Yucatan food is seasoned and flavoured with marinades and citrus juices, and spices such as oregano, coriander and garlic. Meats are cooked to perfection on a pib (fire pit of hot stones and coals), seafood and fresh fish feature heavily and ceviche is a favourite. Don’t forget to try chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips in salsa) for breakfast and look out throughout the day for the colourful agua fresca, tamales and bread bicycles that stop along the Riviera Maya selling sweet and sugary breads, hand-wrapped tamales and fresh mango and hibiscus water.

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