Riviera Maya, Mexico
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MexiqueRiviera MayaPlaya Del CarmenTulumCobà Chichen Itza

Riviera Maya, Mexico

By Marilou Harvey••206 views

Mexico is a country of a thousand faces, where ancient civilizations sit alongside a living, colourful culture. From majestic pyramids to bustling markets, by way of a cuisine recognized the world over, Mexico casts its spell on visitors from the first moments. Between its varied landscapes — deserts, jungles, volcanoes and coastlines — and the legendary warmth of its people, this Central American country is a destination that marks the soul for a long time.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a genuine open-air history book. Cradle of the Maya civilization, it holds some of the most impressive archaeological sites on the continent, including the famous Chichen Itza. But the Yucatán is also breathtaking nature: cenotes with turquoise, crystal-clear water, nature reserves teeming with wildlife, and colonial cities like Mérida that charm you with their architecture and their way of life. A territory to explore slowly, taking the time to soak in each layer of its fascinating history.

Stretched along the Caribbean Sea, the Riviera Maya is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the world — and with good reason. Its white sand beaches lined with palm trees, its turquoise waters over the coral reefs and its festive, laid-back atmosphere make it a paradise for every kind of traveller. Between a dive into a secret cenote, a day of rest at an all-inclusive resort or exploring the Maya ruins of Tulum perched above the sea, the Riviera Maya knows how to make you dream as well as how to take you somewhere else entirely.

Practical information

Duration
7 jours
Season
Mars 2026
Getting around
Avion et navette
Accommodation
Hôtel tout inclus : Blue Bay

Itinerary

Chargement de la carte…
1
Riviera Maya
2
Playa del Carmen
3
Tulum
4
Cenote Choo-Ha
5
Coba
6
Chichen-Itza

Rivièra Maya

The French restaurant at the Blue Bay resort

A fine surprise in the middle of a Mexican resort: refined French cooking that does honour to the cuisine of France, practically with your feet in the sand. The contrast between the elegance of the dishes and the tropical setting makes it a flavourful and unexpected experience.

Tulum

The Maya ruins of Tulum

Tulum is the perfect marriage of mystery and beauty. The Maya ruins perched on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea are a striking sight, while the village below wins you over with its bohemian atmosphere, its stylish restaurants and its wild beaches. A place where history and the present meet in a setting that is quite simply spectacular.

Cobà

The Maya ruins of Cobà

Less well known than Chichen Itza, Cobá is no less impressive. Buried in the heart of the dense Yucatán jungle, this Maya archaeological site is an invitation to a real adventure. The showstopper: climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid to look out over a sea of green as far as the eye can see. An authentic and physical experience, far from the tourist crowds.

On the road between Tulum and Cobà

Cenote Choo-Ha

The Choo-Ha cenote is one of those places that leave you speechless. Tucked underground, this pool of limpid blue water is lit by rays of light filtering through the rock, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. A dip in that cool water is a moment suspended outside of time.

Chichen Itza

The Maya ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is quite simply one of the wonders of the world — and you understand why the moment you set eyes on the pyramid of Kukulcán. This colossal archaeological site bears witness to the genius of the Maya civilization and goes on impressing millions of visitors every year. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the magic of the place before the big crowds arrive.

Playa del Carmen

The town and the beach

Playa del Carmen hums with a unique energy, mixing the buzz of a cosmopolitan city with the ease of a seaside resort town. The famous pedestrian 5th Avenue is packed with shops, restaurants and lively bars, while a few steps away the turquoise sea invites you to relax. Whether you're after the party, the food or simply a beautiful beach, Playa del Carmen has everything going for it.

Joan and his classic taco joint 

It's often thanks to the people you meet that you find the best addresses. Joan steered us toward this unpretentious little place where the tacos are made to order, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavours that make you forget every tourist restaurant. Proof that the best culinary experiences are found where the locals gather.

Highlights

  • •
    Restaurant français du Blue Bay resort
  • •
    Ruines Maya de Tulum
  • •
    Ruines Maya de Cobà
  • •
    Cénote Choo-Ha
  • •
    Ruines Maya de Chichen Itza
  • •
    Playa del Carmen; la ville et la plage
  • •
    Joan et son resto typique de tacos 

Photo gallery

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Frequently asked questions

Can you still climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid at Cobá?
Yes, but it's very recent. The climb had been suspended in 2020 by INAH for conservation and safety reasons, and it reopened on December 8, 2025 after six years of work. A new wooden staircase has been installed over the original 120 stone steps, built by artisans from the community of Noh Bec. Cobá is today the only site in the region where you can still climb the main pyramid.
How does the pyramid climb work?
The climb runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., even though the site stays open until 5 p.m.: the pyramid has its own closing time. You go up in groups of at most 15 people, with a 15-minute limit at the top to keep the line moving. Closed shoes with a good sole are mandatory. From its 42 metres, the view over the canopy is striking.
How much time do you need to visit Cobá?
Plan for at least two to three hours. The site is very spread out and the Nohoch Mul pyramid is far from the entrance: about two hours of walking there and back. To save time, especially in great heat or with children, you can rent a bike or a Maya bike-taxi at the entrance for a few dollars. Cobá has more than 50 ancient raised roads, the sacbes.
What is a cenote and why visit Choo-Ha?
A cenote is a natural freshwater pool formed by the collapse of limestone rock, often underground. The Choo-Ha cenote, on the road between Tulum and Cobá, is tucked underground, with limpid blue water lit by rays filtering through the rock. The atmosphere there is almost mystical, and the water is cool. It's one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
When should you visit Chichén Itzá to avoid the crowds?
Early in the morning, right at opening. The site welcomes millions of visitors a year and the tour buses arrive mid-morning. By going early, you get the magic of the place and of the pyramid of Kukulcán before the big crowds, and you also avoid the hottest hours of the day.
What is the difference between Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá?
The three Maya sites offer completely different experiences. Tulum wins you over with its spectacular location, its ruins perched on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea. Cobá is buried in the jungle, more authentic and less busy, with its pyramid to climb. Chichén Itzá is the most monumental and the most famous, ranked among the wonders of the world. If you only do one, it depends what you're after.
How do you get between the sites from the Riviera Maya?
Several options depending on your style. Organized excursions from the resorts are the simplest. For more freedom, a rental car lets you set your own pace: Cobá is about 47 km northwest of Tulum via Highway 109. The ADO buses and the colectivos also link the main towns of the Riviera Maya, including Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancún.
What is there to do in Playa del Carmen?
The famous pedestrian 5th Avenue is the heart of the town, with its shops, its restaurants and its lively bars, and the turquoise sea only a few steps away. It's a successful mix of cosmopolitan buzz and seaside ease. Whether you're after the party, the food or simply a beautiful beach, you'll find what you came for.
Where do you find the best tacos?
Where the locals gather, not in the tourist restaurants. It's often thanks to the people you meet that you find the best addresses: Joan steered us toward an unpretentious little place where the tacos are made to order, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavours. Our best meal of the trip, and by far the cheapest.
Is seven days enough for the Riviera Maya?
Yes, if you accept that you won't see everything. In a week you can comfortably combine beach days at the resort with three or four excursions: Tulum, Cobá with a cenote on the way, Chichén Itzá and a day in Playa del Carmen. The Yucatán is vast, and colonial cities like Mérida would deserve a trip of their own.

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