Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), then rent a car, call a rideshare or take a taxi into Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen, which are both within an hour of the airport.
Enjoy savings on flight + hotel packages to Cancun when you book by 12/31/25 for travel anytime. Plus, get away with FREE airport transfers and 24/7 support from a local Insider—that's the Insider Experience!
- $25 off with promo code 25INSIDER
- $50 off when you spend $2,000+ with promo code 50INSIDER
- $150 off when you spend $4,000+ with promo code 150INSIDER
- $300 off when you spend $6,000+ with promo code 300INSIDER
Min. spend & terms apply.
From resort credits and upgrades to welcome gifts and freebies, elevate your trip with exclusive, high-value resort perks worth $125 (or more!) that you can only get by booking a flight + hotel or hotel + points package to select resorts. Look for the "Very Important Perks!" flags on hotels after you do a search to indicate which hotels have this exclusive offer.
Minimum 4-night stay required. Book by 12/31/25 for travel anytime. Blackout dates (12/21/25-1/2/26) & terms apply. See full terms for additional information.
Things to do in Riviera Maya

Akumal Beach
In addition to the white sandy beaches that so many have come to love about the Caribbean, the beautiful scenery underwater should also be explored. The word "Akumal" means "place of turtles," and fittingly, this beach (and dive-able reef) makes for a great natural habitat for giant sea turtles. By swimming in Akumal Beach, you're able to observe the turtles, the reef and so many other colorful tropical fish.

Cozumel
Mexico's largest island sits just 12 miles off the coast of the Riviera Maya. Not only is it home to superb white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters but also to a large amount of Mayan history. In the 1960's, Cozumel was declared one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the world, and today, parts of Cozumel have even been protected as underwater parks. The water visibility is routinely around 200 feet. Getting to Cozumel is easy, with multiple ferries available. However, it is worth noting that Cozumel can be extremely crowded when cruise ships are in port. As a result, it's worth checking in with your hotel concierge prior to heading over.

Ruins of Tulum
Although Mayan ruins can be found throughout Mexico, the ruins of Tulum are the only Mayan ruins in the world located on a coast and one of the few that served for protection. The ruins have two prominent remaining structures: the castle and the temple. The castle, perched on the edge of a limestone cliff, overlooks the beautiful Caribbean coast below. The temple, on the other hand, preserves the ancient frescoes that depict the Mayan world of the dead, the living and the gods.

Riviera Maya Travel Tips
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
Passport Required: Yes
Languages Spoken: Spanish and English
Power: Standard U.S. Plug
Currency: Mexican Peso, but U.S. Dollars are widely accepted
Transportation: Enjoy FREE airport transfers thanks to the Insider Experience. Plus, affordable buses make exploring Riviera Maya a breeze.