Cancun / Riviera Maya Destination Guide

Take advantage of activity-packed All-Inclusive resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya area, intimate villas along the beach and historical sightseeing adventures along the beaches of Cancun, Riviera Maya, and nearby Playacar, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Xcaret.  Whether you're planning a last-minute vacation, honeymoon or your yearly family vacation, this truly is the ultimate vacationer's paradise. Popular activities in Cancun and Riviera Maya include diving, fishing and snorkeling in the Caribbean, enjoying the warmth of the beach under the tropical sun, historical sightseeing and dancing the night away at World-famous bars and night clubs in Downtown Cancun.

When planning a vacation to Cancun or planning a vacation to the Riviera Maya, it's important to remember that resorts on the Yucatan's Caribbean coast are largely divided between the two areas. Each offers high quality resorts, but with vastly different surroundings and atmospheres.  By consulting with a travel agent specializing in Mexico vacations, you'll be sure to choose the most fitting vacation destination for your interests.

TIP:  Ask about our seasonal non stop charter flights to Cancun, available with our featured partners Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations! 

For the most convenient option, packed with value, our travel agents will work with you to customize a complete All-Inclusive package.  This will include your non stop airfare, hotel accommodations, transfers from the airport to your resort, and your meals, drinks and non motorized sports!  These are are BEST SELLERS!  Not all resorts are equal.  On GoFox.com you'll find hotels rated on a scale of 1-5 stars, 5 being the best.  We typically recommend 3.5-star experiences and up for the best value for your vacation dollar.

 

Below is an overview of each area to determine which is best suited for you.

Cancun Known as being on the "7", Cancun is a bustling, modern city. High-rise hotels stand side-by-side along the beaches, and jet skis buzz across the sparkling aqua water. New hotels are being built each year. Staying at resorts directly in Cancun (or along Cancun's hotel district) is great for vacationers who want to explore outside of the resort, try different restaurants, walk to shops and experience the vibrant nightlife at nearby clubs. There are countless activities to try both day and night, and it's impossible not to pick up on the air of excitement. In Cancun you'll have the chance to walk along the white sand beaches for miles.  Tips: Taking a walk along the beach at sunrise is great opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the Caribbean and you'll have the best views of the bright aqua ocean and city of Cancun from top floors of your hotel.

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Key areas of interest:

• The Hotel Zone of Cancun, located along the world-famous "seven" shaped peninsula at the eastern tip of Mexico, is truly a shoppers' paradise, with everything from lively street markets to the world's most exclusive boutiques within walking distance of fantastic resorts.

• Cancun's array of dining choices will entice every palate, ranging from local specialties to five star restaurants.

• The glittering nightlife still reigns in Cancun, with all-night discos, live music, piano bars and even jazz clubs open year round.

Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen

Just south of Cancun is the beautiful Riviera Maya and the town of Playa del Carmen. This area is a remote oasis away from the active city. Rising no more than three stories high, most resorts along the lush Riviera Maya are All-Inclusive with a wider variety of restaurants and bars than their Cancun counterparts. This area is better for travelers who prefer to stay right at the resort for dining and nightlife during the majority of their stay. The pristine beaches offer opportunities for relaxing or trying various water sports. You will also find more historical parks and ancient ruins in the Riviera Maya.

Key areas of interest:

• Relax all day on at remote resorts in a hammock beside the Caribbean Sea or walk the powder-white sand beaches that stay cool as they reflect the heat of the tropical sun.

• Visit the nearby town of Playa del Carmen, with shops featuring local art and handicrafts, where you can take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel.
  
  
• Uncover the ancient culture of the Mayans and visit ruins that reveal their lives and beliefs. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in a cenote, a freshwater pool bringing water from underground limestone caverns to the surface.

Contact a Travel Agent Specializing in Mexico Vacations for assistance choosing the best resorts and vacation opportunities in Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Weather in Cancun / Riviera Maya

The average temperature is 27° C (80° F) with more than 240 days of sunshine, and rain is rare. In summer the temperature goes higher, but an onshore breeze makes the climate enjoyable throughout the day.

Tipping in Cancun / Riviera Maya

Tips in Mexico are generally 15%, tipping cab drivers is not expected, and tipping the maid in the hotel a couple of dollars a day (per room) is greatly appreciated.

Wedding Requirements for Cancun / Riviera Maya

There is a two day waiting period, and couples require a passport/driver's license, birth certificate, certified copies of both parents' birth certificates or valid passports, four witnesses, and blood tests not older than 15 days.

Airport Information for Cancun / Riviera Maya

Travel to and from Cancun uses the Cancun International Airport.

Rental Cars in Cancun / Riviera Maya

A dozen rental car companies operate at the airport and at many hotel locations (including Advantage Rent-A-Car, Advant Rent-A-Car, Avis, and Budget Rent-a-Car). Note that car rental is relatively expensive, and often does not include unlimited mileage. You must be 25 years old, hold a driver's license and major credit card. Road signs are in Spanish.