EASILY THE #1 BEST VACATION DESTINATION IN MEXICO

The Riviera Maya in Mexico is home to the best vacation destination in Mexico.  It runs along the Caribbean coastline for over 100 km south of Cancun to the south of Tulum.  It was first occupied by pre-Mayan cultures in 3000 BC.  It was only sparsely populated until the late 20th century when it quickly became the best destination in Mexico.  Now it welcomes over 25 million visitors a year from around the globe.

In the 10th century, Mayan settlements were established at Coba, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Tulum, with the principal city of Chichen-Itza only a short distance away.  Chichen-Itza and Tulum are 2 of the most visited tourist sites in Mexico. And one of the reasons why the Riviera Maya is regarded as the best destination in Mexico. Easy access to these world-renowned historical sites provides great variety to your vacation experience.

In 1502 Spaniards from Christopher Columbus's last expedition first made contact with the local inhabitants when they encountered native fishing boats off the coast.  In 1511 another Spanish ship was stranded in the area and was captured by the local people.  The indigenous people only spared 2 of the survivors, who were integrated into the Mayan society.

Spanish explorers continued to arrive and tried to conquer the Yucatan Peninsula following orders from King Carlos V.  In the 1540s, the Spanish founded the cities of Merida and Campeche.  Their coastal settlements came under attack from pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries. But the Spanish persisted since the Yucatan Peninsula offered the closest ports to the Caribbean islands.

In the early 1970s, parts of the coast began to develop as tourist destinations: Cancun, Isla Mujeres & Cozumel. Slowly its reputation as one of the best vacation destinations in Mexico increased. In the 1980s, a building boom transformed Cancun into a major tourist resort. Cancun and Playa Del Carmen quickly developed into bustling tourist cities. However, development along the southern section has a less urban feel. The jungle is interspersed with small pueblos and periodic resorts. Each with the natural beauty of the Caribbean coastline on one side and the tropical jungle on the other.

More recently, Tulum has grown and developed significantly. It is becoming the third major center, alongside Cancun and Playa Del Carmen further north. And is quickly becoming one of the best vacation destinations in the world. However, there are many smaller beach towns between each of these major centers waiting to be explored, such as Akumal.

One of the main reasons the Riviera Maya has become the best vacation destination in Mexico is because it appeals to very diverse vacation interests.  Young party-goers come to the all-inclusive resorts with 24-hour food and drinks, organized fun, and entertainment. Families come to boutique hotels or vacation rental apartments to enjoy the beaches in a safe environment. Retired or semi-retired couples come to enjoy the weather, the numerous activities, good fresh food, snorkeling with sea turtles, and the cultural activities.

As well, the Riviera Maya is a destination for adventurous millennials wanting to push the boundaries of extreme: sailing, scuba diving, ATV'ing, and sport fishing. And more recently, remote workers and digital nomads have found it a great place to spend a few months of the year.

But it's also a favorite destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, golfers, and festival-goers.  And don't forget those looking to immerse themselves in culture and history. While everyone comes to get some R&R – the Riviera Maya easily appeals to them all.   The diversity of activities and the natural beauty are some of the reasons why the Riviera Maya is easily the best vacation destination in Mexico.

Additional benefits that help make it one of the world's best vacation destinations include the infrastructure developed by the Mexican Government. This includes its highway and road network, modern facilities, wifi networks, water treatment, and visitor-friendly atmosphere.

And we haven't even mentioned the beaches or the fabulous weather! 

"During the 16th Annual Readers Choice Awards, Riviera Maya was voted as the best vacation destination in Mexico."

Whether you want to relax in unspoiled solitude, swim and snorkel with fish, sea turtles, stingrays, whale sharks, and dolphins, or participate in fun beach activities, there's plenty of space and opportunity for everyone.

The Riviera Maya is blessed with a year-round warm tropical climate. It's a significant reason it's become the best vacation destination in Mexico. The temperature highs range from 27^oC to 33^oC (82F to 91 F) throughout the year. If you like it hot, the weather in the Mayan Riviera will suit you any time of the year. The Riviera Maya's slight monthly temperature differences mean you can enjoy hot weather year long.

One of the best things about the weather in the Riviera Maya is how warm the sea is. On average, it is 10F 🌡️ warmer than the sea on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The ocean temperature is between 26 – 29^oC (79 – 84 F) all year. A dip in the ocean here is luxurious. You can leave your wet or dry suit at home if you're a scuba diver. All you need to bring is a rash guard. It's another reason why the Riviera Maya is one of the best vacation destinations in the world.

"#1 Tulum

#2 Playa Del Carmen

Best Vacation Destination In Mexico, US News & World Report Rankings"

With vast tracks of tropical jungle surrounding the Caribbean ocean, there are numerous opportunities for unique and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventures.  Again helping make this one of the best vacation destinations for families.

While you're never far from the Mayan jungle in the Riviera Maya, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere is a stunning natural region.  It is an area of 5,280 km² protected by the Mexican Government, which prevents development.  It is home to 103 species of mammals and 345 species of birds, not to mention more than 1,400 species of plants.  Among the wildlife here are pumas, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, spider and howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, and white-cheeked wild boars. It's another spectacular area to explore, adding to the many others that make the Riviera Maya the best vacation destination in Mexico.

"Riviera Maya, Mexico

Best Vacation Destination For Families, TripSavvy"

And if you are a bird-watcher, you can enjoy a boat trip through the wetlands in the hopes of viewing aquatic birds such as white ibises, roseate spoonbills, the rare jabiru stork, and wood storks, flamingos, egrets, or one of the park's 15 species of heron.

You can explore the area hiking, by Jeep transportation, or by boat to take in the full breadth of the reserve's natural wonders.

In addition to the Sian Ka'an biosphere, there are numerous fun family activities or more extreme adventures that you can undertake to have a wildlife experience to remember.  From a Monkey Sanctuary to eco-zoos designed to take care of rescued animals while allowing you to hold, touch and feel a variety of local wild animals. 

And it’s home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.  Also known as the Great Mayan Reef. It stretches over 1000 km from northern Yucatan down the Riviera Maya coast into Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The reef system is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk, and more than 500 species of fish. It also includes sea turtles, rays, manatees, and sharks contributing to the complex ecosystem.  

"#1 Tulum

#3 Cancun

Best Vacation Destination in Mexico, Travel Mexico Solo"

Chichen Itza is the #1 visited archeological site in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  As well in 2007, it was voted in a global survey as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.  It is undoubtedly the best destination in Mexico for those interested in understanding some of the ancient Maya culture and history.

If crowds of tourists aren't your scene, visit one of the lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track temples.  For example, Muyil, where you can immerse yourself in understanding and exploring the Mayan culture.

There are also a growing number of events for the foodies among us.  You can go for a Mayan dinner and show and attend the Tulum Food and Wine Festival.  Or go for a 5-course tasting meal showcasing flavors and techniques from the Mayan empire to the present day.  It all adds to the allure of the Riviera Maya.  It is another reason it's acclaimed as the best vacation destination in Mexico.

"#1 Cancun

#3 Cozumel

#4 Playa Del Carmen

Best Vacation Destination In Mexico, Cotripia Magazine"

If taking a relaxing massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or a Mayan clay body treatment is more your pace, then the Riviera Maya will not disappoint. There are numerous options. You can have a massage on the beach, at a private spa, or have a registered professional come to your accommodation.

Perhaps add a few yoga sessions during your stay or a Zumba class.

If you want to go shopping for souvenirs and gifts to bring back with you, there's Playa Del Carmen at one end or Tulum to the south.  Both have markets and stalls where you can haggle out a deal. You'll find lots of local craft items ranging from hand sculpted and painted ceramics, hand woven hammocks, rugs, and blankets.  My personal preference is Tulum as it's a little less touristy and more bohemian.

However, if it's high-end fashion that you're looking for, then 5th Avenue Playa Del Carmen is where you'll find it.

Dotted in between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, you'll find smaller Pueblos with a few essential stores to small centers that cater to all your needs.

After arriving, you settle into your modern vacation rental apartment in a safe and secure neighborhood. Imagine, in the morning, you awaken to the sound of the tropical birds in the jungle outside your window. As you watch the sun rising over the Caribbean ocean, you smell the coffee brewing. Your day starts with the morning sun warming you up as you sit on the balcony. Relax while eating your breakfast of the fresh tropical fruits you prepared in your well-equipped kitchen.

Mid-morning, you and your partner, relax poolside with a good book. While keeping an eye open for coati, capybara, and spider monkeys as they move through the jungle. Then a visit to a local white-sand Caribbean beach where you snorkel together with sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish. All inside a safe, protected reef. There is just enough exercise to create an appetite for lunch and a cocktail at a beachside restaurant.

After a snooze on the beach under the shade of a palm tree, you decide to stop at a local cenote to take a cooling dip. You snorkel through the open-air limestone caverns with fantastic rock formations and numerous fish.

You freshen up before a romantic dinner at the local Italian restaurant after returning home. Or a special meal prepared by your partner. You finish the evening by watching the beautiful sun setting from the rooftop jacuzzi tub as you sip a cool glass of wine.

There are several adventure and theme parks if you want some extra adventure or excitement. Whether it's ziplining, caving, ATVs, a wild animal encounter, or a water park, you can spend an active and fun-filled day together.

Where better to go for an exotic, fun-filled family vacation?

One of the reasons it's voted the best vacation destination in Mexico is because there isn't a bad time to visit the Riviera Maya. While in the summer months, there is more rain, and there can be occasional storms, for most days, the rain only lasts for a short period. Then the clouds move on, and the sun shines again. Most precipitation comes late afternoon, so it doesn't interrupt the day too much. Summer has hotter temperatures and is a little more humid too.

As a result, summer is the low season, which is less crowded and is a cheaper time to travel, allowing you an inexpensive vacation. In the summer, there is often a higher percentage of European travelers. They take advantage of visiting the best vacation destination in Mexico during their long summer holidays and benefit from the low season rates.

Winter is the season that receives more North American tourists and is considered high season. It coincides with the harsh North American winters. It provides an extreme contrast to the weather in the Riviera Maya, where it is often 25-30 C every day. Winter is also the dryer season too.

Easter is popular with local Mexican and Latin American holidaymakers.

Now you know why the readers of Travel Weekly voted the Riviera Maya the Best Vacation Destination in Mexico.  And why it's rated the best destination in Mexico by visitors and travel companies.  Many fabulous beaches, cenotes, great year-round weather, Mayan ruins, excellent infrastructure, and more activities than you could wish to try.  Lots of great restaurants for couples and lots of family-friendly activities.  It's why it's rated the best vacation destination in Mexico.  If you want to find more info about the Riviera Maya, read the following articles: