Guide: Riviera Maya - Mexico

If you are looking for a tropical adventure with historical significance the Riviera Maya, Mexico, is one of the best places in the world to visit. The purpose of this post is to teach you how to have an exciting, adventurous yet safe and affordable experience in one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth.
Details:
Location: South of Cancun
Cost: Varies depending on how many sights you see, the time of year, where you sleep and what you eat. My wife and I spent 8 days, visited several ruins and tourist attractions, stayed at fairly nice all-inclusive resort (all food and drinks included) and spent under $2,000. Remember that almost everything in Mexico is negotiable. If you are trying to save money, make an offer of what you would like to pay and many times they will take it (but be fair).
Transportation System:
There are many forms of public transportation along the Riviera Maya and throughout the Quintana Roo area. There are public shuttle vans that travel from Cancun to Tulum and back all day long. You can hop on one of these at any time and for a couple dollars get to your destination. They typically will not drop you off at the door of your destination. They stop on the side of the highway and let you get out. This means that some times you have to walk a little in order to get to your destination. Some are afraid to use this system but it is actually very safe, as long as you follow a few guidelines:
1. Only travel in transportation that has a public registration sign or license.
2. Avoid travelling at night.
3. Don't wear flashy jewelry or carry a lot of cash.
4. Set money aside to pay for your trip home.
5. Learn some basic Spanish (or carry a translator)


To Do: 
Mayan Ruins: Some of the worlds most significant ruins lie within the Riviera Maya and the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula.


Tulum

If you only visit one ruin site while you are there, this is the one to go to (we recommend going to at least 2). These ruins sit on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Make sure to bring your swimsuit because there is section of the beach that allows swimming. Also bring a few dollars extra because there is a small entrance fee. There are also several tours guides at the entrance that you can hire to explain details of the Mayan civilization. Depending on your interest in Mayan culture, this can be well worth it. There is the city of Tulum and the Tulum city. Make sure you ask to go to the Tulum Ruinas.

Coba

Description:  Are believed to be some of the oldest Mayan ruins in existence. There are several large and small ruins to see in this area. There is a few dollar entrance fee if you do not feel like walking there are bike rentals or bike taxis that can take around. The ruins here are more spread out but there are well maintained dirt roads that connect them. This area lets you feel that you are one of the early explorers of the area. You have a lot more freedom here than at Chitzen Itza. You can actually hike to the top of the tallest temple in this area (unlike Chitzen Itza). Make sure to bring good walking shoes and drinking water. At the entrance area there is also a lake where they feed the crocodiles (you do have to pay to watch).

Getting there: If you are staying in a resort along the Riviera Maya there are usually tons of tours offered to you. The problem with these tours is that they expensive and they are, well...tours. We enjoy the freedom of exploring and going at our own pace. In the city of Tulum there is a bus station were you can catch a bus to Coba. The buses are safe and inexpensive. Make sure that you understand what time the bus will be returning to Tulum from Coba. There are taxis waiting to take tourists back to Tulum when needed. We did not want to wait for the bus back so we ended up taking a taxi.


Chitzen Itza

Description: These ruins are amazing, but can be a little crowded. They are definitely worth visiting. This area has a very interesting history, including a giant sink hole where the Mayans made human sacrifices. They do not let you climb the famous temple shown in the photo to the left.

Getting there: Chitzen Itza is a little further away from the Riviera Maya. It is inland a couple of hours. For this one you can take a bus from Tulum as well or you can hire a tour guide from your resort.




Swim with turtles:

Akumal Bay: is one of the most clean and beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya. There is also a great chance that you will be able to snorkel with turtles, since it is sort of a turtle preserve area. There are many resorts in this bay that you can stay at as well.
















Sink holes (Cenotes):

Some of the most amazing things in the Riviera Maya are the sink holes (or cenotes in espanol). I do not know how many of them there are but I know they are all over the place. Some you can snorkel or even scuba dive through and others are just for swimming. Make sure to check a few of these out while you are down there.












Have you been here before. Please leave a comment.