Mayan Riviera
Mexican Caribbean resort
The Mayan Riviera is a stretch of Caribbean coastline along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, running south from Cancún through Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
The name evokes both ancient Maya civilization and resort luxury, though the connection to actual Maya sites varies.
Popular with tourists for beaches, ruins, and cenotes: We spent a week at an all-inclusive in the Mayan Riviera.
Southeastern Mexico's Caribbean projection
- CancunMexican Caribbean resort city
- TulumMayan coastal archaeological site
- CozumelMexican Caribbean resort island
- lagoonsSheltered coastal water bodies
cenotes · limestone · mangroves · barrier reef · turquoise waters · white sand beaches
Pre-Columbian archaeological site
- TulumMayan coastal archaeological site
- pyramidsApex-topped geometric solids
- templesHoly places or head sides
- ruinsDecayed structural remains
stelae · hieroglyphs · pre-Columbian · excavation · artifacts · ceramics · jade masks · obsidian
Dense tropical forest
- mangrovesSalt-water coastal trees
- cenotesWater-filled limestone cavities
- wildlifeUndomesticated natural organisms
- sea turtlesOcean-dwelling shelled reptiles
iguanas · howler monkeys · flamingos · crocodiles · tropical birds · toucans · parrots · coatis
Water-filled limestone cavities
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
- scubaPortable underwater breathing gear
- snorkelUnderwater breathing pipe
- underwater cavesFlooded rock chambers
coral · marine life · barracuda · sea turtles · manta ray · whale sharks · visibility · dive master
Leisure travel destinations
- all-inclusiveCovering every element
- beachfrontLand bordering the sea
- honeymoonNewlyweds' celebratory vacation
- excursionsBrief recreational journeys
eco-parks · zip-lining · swim with dolphins · boutique hotels · beach clubs · souvenirs · travel packages · day trips
Original inhabitants' cultural ways
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
- Day of the DeadMexican festival for deceased
folk art · traditional dance · artisan crafts · oral traditions · shamanism · descendants
Yucatan Peninsula
Southeastern Mexico's Caribbean projection
- CancunMexican Caribbean resort city
- TulumMayan coastal archaeological site
- CozumelMexican Caribbean resort island
lagoons · cenotes · limestone · mangroves · barrier reef · turquoise waters · white sand beaches
Chichen Itza
Pre-Columbian archaeological site
- TulumMayan coastal archaeological site
- pyramidsApex-topped geometric solids
- templesHoly places or head sides
ruins · stelae · hieroglyphs · pre-Columbian · excavation · artifacts · ceramics · jade masks · obsidian · archaeologists
jungle
Dense tropical forest
- mangrovesSalt-water coastal trees
- cenotesWater-filled limestone cavities
- wildlifeUndomesticated natural organisms
sea turtles · iguanas · howler monkeys · flamingos · crocodiles · tropical birds · toucans · parrots · coatis · spider monkeys
cenotes
Water-filled limestone cavities
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
- scubaPortable underwater breathing gear
- snorkelUnderwater breathing pipe
underwater caves · coral · marine life · barracuda · sea turtles · manta ray · whale sharks · visibility · dive master · buoyancy
resorts
Leisure travel destinations
- all-inclusiveCovering every element
- beachfrontLand bordering the sea
- honeymoonNewlyweds' celebratory vacation
excursions · eco-parks · zip-lining · swim with dolphins · boutique hotels · beach clubs · souvenirs · travel packages · day trips · guided tours
indigenous traditions
Original inhabitants' cultural ways
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
Day of the Dead · folk art · traditional dance · artisan crafts · oral traditions · shamanism · descendants