Is the Riviera Maya Worth It? – This holiday destination in Mexico has been on my bucket list for a while. Now that I’m back from my Mexican vacation, I’m ready to share all the details. So, is staying at a resort in Mexico a good idea and what can you do to make the most of it?

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Traveling to Mexico: Is Riviera Maya Worth It?

Why to visit Riviera Maya?

The Mexican Riviera, or Riviera Maya, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to combine relaxing beach time with adventure and historical sightseeing. The impressive Mayan cultural heritage needs no introduction. You could read about it and watch countless documentaries, but only on the Riviera Maya can you truly feel as though you’ve stepped into history. Meanwhile, the white sands and blue waters remind you that you’re in the magical Caribbean.

What is the best description of the Riviera Maya?

It’s simple: Mayan heritage meets Caribbean paradise. Mexico’s Riviera Maya is an ideal choice for those looking to combine cultural exploration with a relaxing beach getaway. The Riviera Maya feels like a tourism oasis, full of international shops, hotels, and parks. Yes, you’re in Mexico—where you can try local foods, visit archaeological sites, experience the diverse flora and fauna, and maybe even get bitten by fearless Mexican mosquitoes [lol]…

If you’re wondering, ‘Is Riviera Maya worth it?’ the short answer is yes. But, at the same time, this Mexican vacation didn’t quite make it onto my list of favorite trips. Riviera Maya is so picture-perfect that you realize it’s almost like an island for tourists, far removed from the authentic life found in the rest of the country. Scams lurk around every corner, and while the Yucatán Peninsula is generally considered safe, it’s not quite the level of safety I’m used to in Europe.

Riviera Maya in Mexico

The benefits of a resort stay

Since it was my first trip to Mexico, I opted for a stay at a classy resort – a comfortable, safe, and carefree vacation. In other words, on this trip, I shifted from ‘traveler’ mode to ‘tourist’ mode, which left my inner explorer and adventurer a bit disappointed but made my inner lazy-life lover quite happy. You wouldn’t believe how many resorts there are in the Mayan Riviera to suit every taste and budget. Locals say this part of the country is safe, so even if you stay at a resort, you can still hop on a minibus, called a ‘colectivo’ (they stop at nearly every resort entrance), and explore the area.

Riviera Maya is it worth it resort stay review
Is Riviera Maya Worth it? – Generally yes, but it won’t be a match for every traveler

Why do people visit Playa del Carmen?

We took a ‘colectivo’ bus near our hotel for a day trip to Playa del Carmen, though I wish we had more time to explore it. Initially, I was a bit concerned about safety, but we ended up feeling safe the entire time. The famous 5th Avenue seemed like a fantastic spot to hang out, enjoy fine dining, and even party all night long for those who came to Mexico in search of a ‘fiesta.’ Playa del Carmen, being a resort town, attracts people from all over the world, and it’s easy to blend in.

It’s true that you can’t move around Mexico the same way you might in Europe or the U.S., yet I felt relatively safe in Playa del Carmen. Apart from the vendors with their amusing comments, no one ever approached us in a bothersome way. As soon as the local shop owners heard us speaking Spanish, they immediately greeted us with offers like, ‘Jefe, compra diamantes para tu reina!’ (which means, ‘Boss, buy diamonds for your queen!’—not that I minded), or ‘Más barato que Mercadona!’ (‘Cheaper than Mercadona,’ a popular supermarket chain in Spain), or even ‘El veneno para la suegra‘ (‘Poison for your mother-in-law’).

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Playa del Carmen
Riviera Maya in Mexico food
Mexican Food

The beaches in Riviera Maya

When I refer to this trip as a “lazy vacation,” people often assume we spent all our time at the beach. To be honest, the beach was actually the only letdown of our time in Mexico. So, if you’re dreaming of paradise beaches and wondering if the Riviera Maya is worth it – well, it’s not, at least not for the beaches. Unless, perhaps, you’re coming from the North Pole and your expectations are really low. Had we come to the Riviera Maya solely for the beach, it would have been a disappointment (for me, at least).

I might be a bit biased, though, as I currently live in Benicassim, home to some of Spain’s best hidden-gem beaches. Plus, I’ve traveled to Ibiza, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, and the Greek Islands several times. I’ve honestly lost count of all the beautiful beaches I’ve visited recently, but the ones I saw in the Riviera Maya were pretty average in comparison.

Is Riviera Maya Worth it
Is Riviera Maya Worth it? – If you are only looking for the paradise beaches, then no.

As you can imagine, my expectations were initially quite high. Yet, when I arrived at the Mayan Riviera, the first thing I noticed was the beaches covered in seaweed. Although they clean it regularly, it’s still not exactly the picture-perfect paradise I had envisioned. A few locals mentioned that it’s a common issue along the Mexican Riviera. Some said it might be related to petroleum or oil extraction activities nearby, which could have contributed to the seaweed problem, though I’m not sure if that’s the actual cause. I’m certain there are other beautiful beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula, but the ones I visited just didn’t live up to my expectations. And to be clear, I’m not saying Mexican beaches aren’t nice – they probably are, especially if you don’t wake up to beach views every day. I still believe Mexico is a fantastic destination where you can leave with both a great tan and rich cultural memories. I just expected a little more, that’s all.

Tulum mexico travel
Tulum

Cool Things to Do at The Riviera Maya

The great thing is that Mexico has so much more to offer. Here are some activities you can easily combine with a resort stay:

  • Chichen Itza (If you’re planning to visit Chichen Itza, make sure to plan ahead. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it tends to be crowded. To beat the crowds and avoid the midday heat, try to go early in the morning.)
  • Tulum (If it rains, there’s nowhere to take cover – trust me, we got completely soaked. Learn from my mistake and bring an umbrella, just in case.)
  • Ek Balam (This archaeological site, located deep in the jungle, allows you to climb to the top of the Acropolis for stunning, postcard-worthy views.)
  • Cenotes ( You can’t leave Mexico without visiting at least one cenote. Cenote diving is an unforgettable experience.)
  • Xcaret (One of the best entertainment parks in the world, Xcaret showcases Mexican culture, traditions, history, and music through incredible performances, dances, and vibrant displays.)
Chichen Itza The most iconic mexico landmarks
Chichen Itza (2 minutes before its closure – the guards were already heading my way)
Ek Balam Ruins mexico
Ek Balam

s Riviera Maya worth it?

Is Riviera Maya worth it? For me, absolutely. While relaxing in a pool at a wellness center, I actually caught myself thinking that sometimes, even if you don’t experience the authentic side of a country, being a carefree tourist can feel pretty amazing. I mean, seriously, this gym in the jungle? It even motivated me! I ended up working out every day – and for the record, this is the only vacation where I even considered going to the gym! So that’s already a great reason to visit Riviera Maya to relax and unplug. No wonder most people never leave the resorts during their stay. We all deserve to indulge ourselves every once in a while, right?

Tao Wellness Center Mexico
Tao Wellness Center

Is Mexico a good place for a holiday?

Definitely yes. I already caught a magical, mysterious vibe from this country while reading Carlos Castaneda’s The Teachings of Don Juan on the plane. My only regret is that I wish I had more time to explore the Mayan sites, but it was simply impossible in just one week. Overall, this vacation was quite different from my usual trips, which are typically packed with intense sightseeing and crazy travel choices – like traveling around Iceland in seven days. But I’m so happy I was able to connect with the history of the Great Mayan Civilization and experience a bit of Mexican culture. I’m also thinking of making a poster featuring the jungle gym to remind myself that such “zen places” exist. Mexico felt like a perfect spot to recharge, and the Riviera Maya has what I call “vacation mode all year round”. In addition, it also felt like an amazing honeymoon destination.

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