The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular destinations for thousands of travelers around the world, who are eager to enjoy the beaches, the sun, walk on the sand, dive into the crystal clear waters of the cenotes, walk through the nature reserves and fill up with adrenaline with its theme parks. Allthisisreallyperfect, but did you know that very few people really know where the Riviera Maya begins and ends?
Don’t be caught off guard and keep reading this post because right now we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Riviera Maya and avoid those surprises that almost always bother people.
Mayan Riviera
A lot of travelers and dare I say “travel bloggers” usually refer to Playa del Carmen as the Riviera Maya. This is a complete mistake because Playa del Carmen is not the Riviera Maya, it is the heart of the Riviera because of its proximity to most of the tourist attractions, but as such, it is not.
So where does the Riviera Maya start, where does it end, and what can wefind in each place?Well, nowwewilltellyou
Where does the Riviera Maya begin?
The Riviera Maya begins in the continental zone of Isla Blanca, which is a small part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, but as such can be reached by car.
Being considered a coastal zone, the beaches of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum, Akumal, and Punta Allen, are part of the Riviera in other words, these regions and cities make up the Riviera Maya.
This means that there is more than 280 km in length that really represent the Riviera Maya and not only Playa del Carmen as it has been believed and written in thousands of travel sites. Nowwewilltellyou a little and only a little about each of the points that make up the Riviera Maya.
White Island
Isla Blanca is a continental zone that belongs to Isla Mujeres and is a perfect place for camping. It is a coast full of virgin beaches, from where you can admire the city, the night and the stars.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is the smallest island in the state of Quintana Roo, but one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Hereyouwillfindthe sea is everywhere and without a doubt, it will be the favorite place to show off your best swimsuits.
Cancun
The city of Cancun has always been a tourist pillar of its 22 kilometers of beaches. The city has attractions for every type of person. Although this is where a mistake is often made. As we mentioned at the beginning: Many people believe that the Riviera Maya is only Playa del Carmen and precisely because of this belief, they think that other places like Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, and evenHolboxorthepyramids of Chichen Itza are veryclosetoCancun.
Actually, it’s not that close, and as you get further away, the distance gets longer too. Thismeansthatifyou decide to stay in Tulum for example, you will need the help of a private transportation to Tulum.
The same goes if you are staying in Playa del Carmen, you will need a private transportation to Playa del Carmen. And yes, the answer to your question is yes: Yes there is another type of transportation such as the ADO bus or the collective service of Playa Expresss and Tulum.
However, the safest Ayto come and go smoothly is the private service offered by agencies such as “Airport Transfer Cancun”, security, comfort, punctuality and confidence is what they can provide.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is not long ago the eleventh municipality of the state of Quintana Roo and has become a top place for all people seeking tranquility and peace. It is a small fishing village, very quiet, where there are no nightclubs and the street noise is much less than that of Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is known as the heart of the Riviera Maya and this is due to its proximity to many attractions, such as the Xcaret group parks, the proximity to Cozumel, its famous fifth avenue and of course, its spectacular nightlife by the sea.
Cozumel
Cozumel is the largest island in the Riviera Maya and is located near Playa del Carmen. It is a small island that receives hundreds of cruise ships a year and has stunning beaches, among them: Playa El Cielo. Where thousands of starfish will greet you while you snorkel.
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is a residential complex that is part of the Riviera Maya and has one of the largest marinas in the region. It has hotels, vacation apartments, restaurants, a dolphinarium, nature reserves, and much more.
Akumal
Akumal is a beach resort in the state that is known mainly for being the sanctuary of sea turtles and manatees. In a few words, this beautiful place will teach you about the marine life of the turtles, you will swim with them and meet the manatees.
Tulum
Tulum is a city that completely converges between jungle, nomadic, and luxury life. Its beaches are completely beautiful, it has its own archaeological zone and most of its hotels have an almost natural concept and architecture, which you will love. Here you come to vibrate high!
Allen Point
Punta Allen is the last point that makes up the Riviera Maya. Here you will find nothing but a beautiful natural reserve, full of wildlife, marine life, mangroves, tropical jungles, and a whole adventure to live.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Riviera Maya is much bigger than it seems and of course, it is a place worth touring from beginning to end. So don’t be fooled into thinking that the Riviera is only Playa del Carmen and plan youritinerary in terms of time, distance, budget and of course, fun.