Travel Guide

Mayan Riviera, Mexico

The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a small village of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and long beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from other parts of the world.

In this diverse city, activities and imagination go hand in hand: the coast lends itself to all kinds of water sports. There are diving facilities, sport fishing and jungle treks to nearby archaeological sites.

The other famous destinations of the riviera, each with its own unique character and attractions, are Akumal, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras to name but a few.

Climate

The climate in the Riviera Maya is hot and humid, but the humidity is not as high as in other areas. The average annual temperature ranges from 25 C to 30 C. Offshore water temperatures range from 26 C in January to 29 C in August. May through November is the rainy season.

Attractions & Sites

Enjoy Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida, with its improvised artists, and dozens of languages blended into a single murmur. Check out also the Xaman-Ha aviary, home to 200 birds set in a tropical forest.

If you are into speleology go explore the Cavernas Sacba or the Atkun Chen Caverns.

Several attractions are to be found in Xcaret such as the Mayan Village, the archaeological museum or the botanical garden.

Just forty-five minutes away, the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras houses Xel-Há an ecological theme park and the largest natural aquarium in the world. Here you can swim with dolphins, see sea turtles, bicycle, snorkel, cliff-dive, and scuba.

Some of the lovely coastal villages for you to discover include Puerto Morelos with its alligator farm and botanical garden, Playa del Secreto and Playa Paraiso which is often frequented by sea turtles, the very quiet town of Paamul or last but not least Akumal with its Yal-Ku miniature lagoon.

Currency

The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN/MXV). Automated banking machine services are available throughout the country. Canadian debit and credit cards are widely accepted; however, Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that both residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status in Mexico. Although the rule does not apply to Canadian dollars, some financial institutions, hotels, and currency exchange bureaus are not making the distinction.