The best places to visit in Riviera Maya range from lively beach towns like Playa del Carmen to quieter destinations like Puerto Morelos and Akumal. There are also nearby islands with some of Mexico’s best beaches, along with plenty of options for travelers who prefer all-inclusive resorts.
I’ve spent a lot of time living in and exploring this part of Mexico, particularly Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres. Some places are better suited for digital nomads and longer stays, while others make more sense for a beach vacation or a few days away from the busier tourist areas.
In this guide, I’ve ranked my favorite places in Riviera Maya and nearby destinations, including Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and Bacalar. I’ll explain what I like about each one, who I’d recommend it for, and where to stay, eat, and drink.
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Best Places to Visit at a Glance
Not sure which destination is right for your trip? Here’s a quick comparison of my nine favorite places in Riviera Maya and the surrounding area, along with what each is best known for. Click View Details to jump to my recommendations for each destination.
Top Places to Visit
Where Is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya stretches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the state of Quintana Roo, on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula. It generally runs from Puerto Morelos in the north to Punta Allen in the south, including popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum.
Cancún is often grouped together with Riviera Maya, but it’s technically just north of the region. Isla Mujeres and Holbox are also farther north, while Cozumel is an island just offshore from Playa del Carmen. Bacalar is much farther south, near the Belize border. Unlike the other destinations in this guide, Bacalar is located inland and is known for its freshwater lagoon rather than Caribbean beaches.
I’ve included all nine destinations because they’re places travelers often consider when planning a trip to this part of Mexico. While they’re not all technically in Riviera Maya, they’re all located in Quintana Roo and offer very different experiences.
Best Places to Visit in Riviera Maya & Beyond
After spending a lot of time living in and exploring this part of Mexico, I’ve ranked my favorite towns and islands based on where I’d most recommend visiting on vacation. Playa del Carmen is still my top choice for living or working remotely, but when it comes to a vacation, I prefer some of the smaller destinations.
Isla Mujeres
Best For: Beautiful Beaches | Island Getaways | Restaurants | Longer Stays
Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of Cancún, about 20 minutes away by ferry. It’s home to Playa Norte, which I consider one of the best beaches in Mexico, with soft white sand and calm, shallow turquoise water. The island also has an excellent restaurant scene, plenty of beach bars, and live music that’s easy to find in the evenings. There’s some nightlife, particularly around Avenida Hidalgo, although it’s much quieter than in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.
Isla Mujeres is my favorite place to visit in this part of Mexico. I’ve spent quite a bit of time living and working here, and despite its relatively small size, I never got bored or ran out of things to do. The northern end is easily walkable, while renting a golf cart makes it fun to explore the rest of the island, including Punta Sur and the quieter southern neighborhoods. There’s also an established expat community, with people living here year-round, spending part of the year on the island, or returning every winter.
Isla Mujeres has gotten noticeably more expensive in recent years, which may make other destinations more appealing for budget-conscious travelers. I was able to live and work remotely here for quite a while, although being on an island means occasional internet outages can be an issue.
Where to Stay: I prefer to stay in El Centro near Playa Norte, where you can walk to the beach, restaurants, and bars. Privilege Aluxes is my top overall pick, while Ixchel Beach Hotel is great for staying directly on the beach. For a luxury all-inclusive getaway, consider Impression by Secrets on the quieter south end of the island, though it’s out of my price range so I’ve never personally stayed there.
Where to Eat & Drink: Limón is one of my favorites for a special dinner, Olivia’s is great for Mediterranean food, and Javi’s Cantina combines good food with live music. For cocktails, try Fish & Gin. For more recommendations, including some of my favorite local spots, check out my guide to the best restaurants on Isla Mujeres.
Read My Isla Mujeres Travel Guide →
Holbox
Best For: Relaxed Island Getaways | Beaches | Nature | Couples
Holbox is an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its unpaved sandy streets, colorful buildings, beach bars, and calm, shallow turquoise water. Although the island itself is quite large, nearly all the hotels, restaurants, and activity are concentrated on its western end. Most visitors get around on foot, by bicycle, or in golf-cart taxis. The roads can flood after heavy rain, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself walking around large puddles or through muddy streets.
Holbox reminds some travelers of what Tulum was like decades ago, before all the large-scale development. There are no high-rise hotels or massive all-inclusive resorts, but you’ll find some excellent boutique hotels and a surprisingly good restaurant scene. During the day, you can relax in the shallow water, watch the sunset at Punta Cocos, walk toward Punta Mosquito, or take a boat trip. Swimming with whale sharks is also possible during the summer season.
Evenings are fun too, with plenty of restaurants and bars around the town center. One of my favorite things about Holbox is the music and dancing outside Hot Corner, where people gather in the street at night. The biggest drawbacks are the occasional flooding and unreliable internet, which can make the island less practical for digital nomads who need to work online.
Where to Stay: I’d stay along the beach within walking distance of town. Casa Las Tortugas is a beachfront boutique hotel with a swimming pool, spa, and restaurants, while Ser Casasandra is a more upscale option with a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant. Hotels farther east toward Punta Mosquito are quieter, although you’ll be farther from the restaurants and bars in town.
Where to Eat & Drink: Holbox has a good mix of casual seafood restaurants and more upscale places. Santos Fuegos and Piedrasanta are two good choices for dinner, while Ser Esencia at Ser Casasandra is worth considering for a special meal. You should also try the island’s famous lobster pizza when lobster is in season. I tried several versions and compared them in my guide to the best lobster pizza in Holbox. For drinks and music later in the evening, head to Hot Corner.
Playa del Carmen
Best For: Digital Nomads | Restaurants & Nightlife | Walkability | Longer Stays
Playa del Carmen is where I spent most of my time living in the Riviera Maya, and while I prefer some of the other destinations for a vacation, I think Playa is the best place to live long-term. It’s one of the largest cities in the region, with just about everything you need for everyday life, including supermarkets, gyms, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, laundries, coworking spaces, and the beach. It’s particularly appealing to younger people and digital nomads who want to work remotely, stay active, and have plenty of opportunities to meet people.
Most of the activity is concentrated around downtown and Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a long pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Some of my favorite places are a block or two away, particularly around 38th Street. Playa also makes a convenient base for exploring the Riviera Maya, with easy access to Cozumel, cenotes, Mayan ruins, and nearby beach towns.
For longer stays, many expats and digital nomads rent apartments around Centro or Zazil-Ha, where they can still walk to the beach and most everyday conveniences. Playacar, just south of downtown, is a quieter, more upscale residential area with larger condos and homes. Those looking for lower rents can also find options farther north or inland. Playa is considerably busier and more developed than places like Holbox or Puerto Morelos, but that’s also why I find it more practical for living.
Where to Stay: Mahekal Beach Resort is a beachfront property with tropical gardens and palapa-style accommodations, within walking distance of Fifth Avenue. The Fives Downtown is a good choice if you want to stay in the center of town, with a rooftop pool and easy access to restaurants and nightlife. For an adults-only all-inclusive, Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen offers a beachfront location.Â
If you’re deciding between Centro, Playacar, and the resorts farther north, I’ve covered the different areas and hotel options in my guide to the best hotels in Playa del Carmen.
Where to Eat & Drink: La Cueva del Chango is one of my favorite breakfast spots, La Perla Pixan is great for Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktails, and Las Hijas de la Tostada is a favorite for seafood tostadas. For drinks, head to Aereo Cafe Bar for cocktails or Off the Vine for Mexican wines.
Puerto Morelos
Best For: Laid-Back Beach Town | Longer Stays | Expats & Retirees | Restaurants
Puerto Morelos is a small fishing town between Cancún and Playa del Carmen that’s much quieter than most of the Riviera Maya. Despite its size, it’s also a good place to live for an extended period, with a sizable expat community that includes retirees, part-time residents, and people who live in Mexico year-round. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés, and everyday conveniences, although you won’t find nearly as much nightlife as in Playa del Carmen.
The beachfront part of town is centered around a small square and lighthouse, with restaurants, shops, and the beach all within walking distance. Just offshore is a protected reef that’s popular for snorkeling and diving. But Puerto Morelos isn’t limited to the beach area. Across Highway 307 is Colonia, the more residential part of town, where you’ll find local restaurants serving good Mexican food at much lower prices. It’s worth exploring even if you’re staying near the beach.
Where to Stay: I’d stay near the beach and town square, where most of the hotels are smaller and relatively inexpensive. Areia Hotel is a newer boutique option with a small rooftop pool, while The Fives Oceanfront, at the northern end of town, is one of the more upscale beachfront hotels. Budget travelers and longer-term visitors can also find less expensive accommodations in Colonia, farther inland.
Where to Eat & Drink: Lola y Moya is one of my favorite places for breakfast, while Tanino’s is a great dinner spot with a large outdoor garden and live music. My favorite place to spend an afternoon by the beach is The Diving Lodge, where you can grab a drink right by the water. For cheaper local food, I’d also recommend exploring the restaurants in Colonia.
Puerto Morelos has a surprisingly good restaurant scene for such a small town. I’ve put together a separate guide to my favorite restaurants in Puerto Morelos, including places for seafood, breakfast, and dinner.
Read My Puerto Morelos Travel Guide →
Cozumel
Best For: Snorkeling & Scuba Diving | Island Exploration | Beach Clubs | Cruise Excursions
Cozumel is a large island just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, known for its coral reefs, scuba diving, and beach clubs. It’s also one of the busiest cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, with thousands of passengers arriving on some days. Most of the development is along the western coast, while the eastern side is much quieter and largely undeveloped.
One of my favorite things to do in Cozumel was renting a scooter and exploring the island. I headed south along the western coast, stopping at several beach clubs before making my way around to the eastern side. The scenery changes quite a bit, with fewer buildings, long stretches of coastline, and waves crashing onto the beaches. I stopped at several viewpoints and watched windsurfers before eventually heading back to San Miguel, the island’s main town.
One stop I particularly recommend is Welcome to Miami, also called the Mojito Factory, on the eastern coast. They advertise having the best mojito ever, which is a pretty bold claim, but I have to admit it was the best mojito I’ve ever had. It’s a casual roadside beach bar and a great place to stop while exploring the island.
Cozumel is also one of the best places in Mexico for snorkeling and scuba diving. Palancar and Colombia reefs are particularly well known, while El Cielo is a popular boat excursion for its clear, shallow water and starfish. If you’d rather spend the day at a beach club, Mr. Sancho’s and Paradise Beach are two of the better-known options along the western coast.
Cruise Ships: Cozumel has three cruise terminals. Punta Langosta is near downtown San Miguel, while Puerta Maya and the International Pier are farther south. Many cruise passengers spend their day snorkeling, visiting beach clubs, shopping downtown, or taking organized excursions. If you’re visiting on a cruise, you’ll want to check which terminal your ship uses before planning your day.
Where to Stay: San Miguel is the most convenient area if you want to walk to restaurants, cafés, and shops. For a beachfront resort, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel is one of the island’s upscale options, while Iberostar Waves Cozumel is an all-inclusive resort farther south that’s particularly appealing to divers. Cozumel Palace is another all-inclusive option closer to town.
Where to Eat & Drink: I recommend COZ Coffee Roasting Company in San Miguel, especially for its peanut butter coffee, which you should definitely try. Buccanos is a well-known oceanfront restaurant north of town, with a beach club during the day and a more upscale dinner experience. For locally brewed craft beer, stop at CervecerÃa KUSAM, a small brewery in downtown Cozumel.
Tulum
Best For: Boutique Beach Hotels | Upscale Restaurants | Beach Clubs | Mayan Ruins
Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches, boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The beach road has some of the most interesting hotels and restaurants in the Riviera Maya, with many tucked between the jungle and the ocean. But unlike Playa del Carmen, the beach area is spread out and separated from the main town, so getting around can be inconvenient and expensive.
Tulum went through a huge tourism boom during the pandemic, followed by rapid development and rising prices. It’s still an expensive place to visit, particularly if you want to stay on the beach, although the slowdown in tourism has made some hotels more competitive. I still think Tulum is worth visiting for its beaches, restaurants, cenotes, and nearby Mayan ruins, but it’s important to understand how different the beach area is from the town itself.
Where to Stay: The beach road is where you’ll find many of Tulum’s best hotels, but expect to pay considerably more than you would in town. La Zebra is a beachfront boutique hotel, while Be Tulum and Nômade are more luxurious options farther south. For better value, look at hotels in Tulum town, such as Una Vida or Layla Tulum, which has a rooftop pool. Just remember that staying in town means arranging transportation whenever you want to visit the beach.
Where to Eat & Drink: Arca is my favorite restaurant in Tulum, with Hartwood a close second. Both are upscale, open-air restaurants along the beach road and are worth making reservations for. Casa Banana is another good dinner option, particularly for its wood-fired steaks and Argentine-inspired cooking. For cocktails and music by the beach, try Gitano Beach.
Akumal
Best For: Sea Turtles | Snorkeling | Quiet Beach Getaways | Nature
Akumal is a small coastal community between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, best known for the sea turtles that feed in the shallow waters of Akumal Bay. It’s one of the best places in Riviera Maya to see turtles in their natural habitat, although snorkeling in the protected turtle area requires an authorized guide. Nearby Half Moon Bay and Yal-Kú Lagoon offer more opportunities for snorkeling, and there are several cenotes within a short drive of Akumal.
Akumal is quite different from the other towns in this guide. The beachside area is mostly a mix of vacation rentals, condos, small hotels, and a handful of restaurants, rather than a busy town center. Across the highway is Akumal Pueblo, where you’ll find more local restaurants and generally lower prices. I think Akumal makes the most sense for a quiet beach stay or a day trip to snorkel with the turtles. There isn’t much nightlife or shopping, but you can easily spend a few days exploring the nearby cenotes and beaches.
Where to Stay: Hotel Akumal Caribe is my top choice if you want to stay right in the center of Akumal. It’s on Akumal Bay, with a swimming pool, the Lol-Ha restaurant, and the Akumal Dive Center nearby. For an upscale adults-only all-inclusive, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is another excellent option right on the bay.
Just south of town, the Bahia Principe resort complex offers several large all-inclusive resorts. I’ve walked along the beach from Bahia Principe to Akumal’s beach bars, so staying at a resort doesn’t mean you can’t explore the town. If you’re considering staying there, check out my guide to the Bahia Principe resorts in Riviera Maya for more details on the different resorts and what to expect.
There are also plenty of privately owned condos and vacation rentals around Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay, particularly worth considering for families or longer stays.
Where to Eat & Drink: Turtle Bay Cafe & Bakery is my top breakfast recommendation, especially for its freshly baked sticky buns. Lol-Ha at Hotel Akumal Caribe is a convenient beachfront choice for lunch or dinner. For drinks and a few hours by the water, La Buena Vida on Half Moon Bay is a good option, while Jungle Fish Beach Club farther south has a restaurant, pool, and beach access.
Read My Akumal Travel Guide →
Cancún
Best For: All-Inclusive Resorts | First-Time Visitors | Beaches & Pools | Nightlife
Cancún is the largest city in the Mexican Caribbean and one of Mexico’s biggest tourist destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, large resorts, and nightlife. Most visitors spend their time in the Hotel Zone, a long stretch of beachfront resorts, restaurants, shopping centers, and nightclubs. It’s also easy to reach, with an international airport offering plenty of nonstop flights from the United States.
Of all the destinations in this guide, Cancún is probably my least favorite. The Hotel Zone feels more like a purpose-built resort destination than a traditional Mexican town, and it lacks some of the character I enjoy in places like Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. Still, it’s a good choice if you want to spend most of your vacation at the beach or pool, stay at an all-inclusive resort, or enjoy the nightlife. Downtown Cancún is worth exploring if you have time, particularly Mercado 28, Parque de las Palapas, and the area around Plaza Las Américas, although it’s not a city with a long list of major tourist attractions.
Where to Stay: Most visitors will want to stay in the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find everything from large all-inclusive resorts to luxury beachfront hotels. Hyatt Ziva Cancún, at the northern tip of the Hotel Zone, is one of the top upscale all-inclusive options. For something more affordable, NÃlu Cancún Zona Hotelera by Selina (formerly Selina Cancún Laguna) has hostel-style accommodations and private rooms overlooking the lagoon, close to the nightlife. Downtown Cancún also has plenty of inexpensive hotels, although you’ll need transportation to reach the beaches.
Where to Eat & Drink: For an upscale dinner, Harry’s Steakhouse is known for its steaks and seafood, while Ilios serves Greek and Mediterranean food in a lively setting overlooking the lagoon. Surfin’ Burrito is one of my favorite casual spots for lunch and happy hour. For nightlife, head to Punta Cancún, where you’ll find Coco Bongo and several of the city’s biggest nightclubs.
Bacalar
Best For: Lagoon Getaways | Nature | Kayaking & Paddleboarding | Relaxation
Bacalar is a small town in southern Quintana Roo, near the Belize border, best known for its Lagoon of Seven Colors. The freshwater lagoon gets its name from the different shades of blue created by changes in water depth and the white limestone bottom. Unlike the other destinations in this guide, Bacalar doesn’t have Caribbean beaches. Instead, most visitors spend their time on or around the lagoon.
The town has a central square, a historic fort, and a growing selection of restaurants and cafés. Most activities revolve around the water, including kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and boat tours. Bacalar is considerably farther from Cancún than the other destinations on this list, so I’d recommend spending at least two nights rather than attempting a day trip.
Where to Stay: I’d choose a hotel directly on the lagoon, preferably with a dock and easy access to the water. Our Habitas Bacalar is an upscale option with A-frame accommodations, while CasaBakal has a pool, lagoon access, and kayaks and paddleboards available for guests. Staying closer to the town center makes it easier to walk to restaurants, although you may not have direct access to the lagoon.
Where to Eat & Drink: La Playita is a waterfront restaurant where you can have lunch, dinner, or cocktails overlooking the lagoon. For a more upscale dinner, Nixtamal specializes in Mexican dishes cooked over wood fires. Mango y Chile, near the historic fort, is a casual option for vegan burgers, tacos, and other plant-based food.
Riviera Maya Towns and Islands FAQs
What is the best town to stay in Riviera Maya?
Playa del Carmen is my top choice, especially for longer stays. It’s walkable, has plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and everyday conveniences, and makes a good base for exploring the region. If you prefer a smaller, quieter town, Puerto Morelos is another good option.
Is it better to stay in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum?
Cancún is best if you want a large beachfront resort, an all-inclusive vacation, or major nightclubs. Playa del Carmen is better for a walkable town with restaurants, bars, and plenty to do outside your hotel. Tulum has some excellent boutique beach hotels and upscale restaurants, but it’s generally more expensive, and getting between the beach and town can be inconvenient.
What is the best beach town in Riviera Maya?
Puerto Morelos is a good choice for a quieter beach town, while Akumal is particularly appealing for snorkeling with sea turtles. Playa del Carmen has more restaurants and activities, although its beaches aren’t always the best in the region. Outside Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres is my favorite vacation destination, largely because of Playa Norte, which I consider one of Mexico’s best beaches.
Which Riviera Maya town is best for digital nomads?
I’d choose Playa del Carmen. I spent much of my time living there, and it has coworking spaces, cafés, gyms, supermarkets, and plenty of apartments within walking distance of the beach. Puerto Morelos is another option if you prefer somewhere quieter, but Playa has more conveniences and opportunities to meet other remote workers.
Do you need a car to explore Riviera Maya?
No. You can get around downtown Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos on foot, while buses, colectivos, taxis, and ferries connect many of the main destinations. A rental car is useful for visiting cenotes, Mayan ruins, and places outside the towns. You won’t need a rental car on Isla Mujeres or Holbox.
How many days should you spend exploring Riviera Maya?
I’d recommend at least five to seven days if you want to visit more than one destination. Playa del Carmen is a convenient base for day trips to nearby towns, cenotes, and Cozumel. With 10 to 14 days, you could also spend a few nights on Isla Mujeres or Holbox, or travel farther south to Bacalar.
Best Places to Visit in Riviera Maya: Final Thoughts
Of all the places I’ve visited in this part of Mexico, Isla Mujeres remains my favorite for a vacation. Playa Norte is one of the best beaches I’ve been to, and the island has enough restaurants, bars, and things to do that I never got bored, even during longer stays.
For living or working remotely, though, I’d choose Playa del Carmen. It’s larger, more walkable, and has just about everything you need for everyday life. Puerto Morelos is another good option for longer stays if you prefer a smaller, quieter town.
The best choice really depends on what you’re looking for. Holbox is great for a few relaxing days on an island, Cozumel is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and exploring, and Tulum has some excellent restaurants and boutique beach hotels. Cancún makes sense if you want a large beachfront resort, while Bacalar offers something completely different with its freshwater lagoon. I’d recommend visiting more than one destination if you have the time, since they’re quite different from one another.
