Places to Explore

• Akumal

  In Mayan, Akumal (pronounced ah-koo-maal) means "place of the turtle," and for hundreds of years this beach has been a nesting ground for turtles. The season is June through August, and the best place to... (more)

• Bacalar

  Founded in AD 435, Bacalar (pronounced baa-ka-lar) is one of Quintana Roo's oldest settlements. There's a mix of freshwater and salt water in Laguna de Bacalar because it's fed by cenotes. This mixing... (more)

• Chetumal

  At times, Chetumal feels more Caribbean than Mexican; this isn't surprising, given its proximity to Belize. A population that includes Afro-Caribbean and Middle Eastern immigrants has resulted in a mix... (more)

• Cobá

• Felipe Carrillo Puerto

  Formerly known as Chan Santa Cruz, Felipe Carrillo Puerto—the Costa Maya's first major town—is named for the man who became governor of Yucatán in 1920 and who was hailed as a hero after... (more)

• Majahual

  Prior to a devastating 2007 hurricane, most travelers overlooked the small fishing village of Majahual (pronounced ma-ha-wal). Though there are still only about 300 residents, post-hurricane renovations... (more)

• Mayakoba

  Considered the "Venice" of the Caribbean, Mayakoba (meaning "village of water") is home to four of the world's most exclusive resorts. The 1,600-acre enclave supports mangrove forest, freshwater lagoons... (more)

• Playa del Carmen

  Playa has become one of Latin America's fastest-growing communities, with a population of more than 135,000 and a pace almost as hectic as that of Cancún. Hotels, restaurants, and shops multiply... (more)

• Playa del Secreto

  Until recently, Playa del Secreto was a "secret" half-mile-long stretch of white sandy beach. Now, it's slowly gaining recognition as one of the most beautiful coastal communities in Riviera Maya. Surrounded... (more)

• Puerto Aventuras

  While the rest of the coast has been caught up in a development furor, the small community of Puerto Aventuras has been quietly doing its own thing. It's become a popular vacation spot, particularly for... (more)

• Puerto Morelos

  The sleeping beauty is awakening. For years Puerto Morelos was known only for being the coastal town where the car ferry departed for Cozumel. Over the past decade, this cargo port has morphed into the... (more)

• Punta Bete (Xcalacoco)

  Dividing Punta Maroma from Punta Bete (also known as Xcalacoco) is a river that spills into the sea. South of the split, Punta Bete consists of a 7-km-long (5½-mi-long) beach dotted with bungalow... (more)

• Punta Brava

  Punta Brava is also known as South Beach. It's a long, winding beach strewn with seashells. The only direct access to this beach area is through the security gate at El Dorado Royal. Past the entrance... (more)

• Punta Maroma

  On a bay where the winds don't reach the waters, this gorgeous beach remains calm even on blustery days. To the north you can see the land curve out to another beach, Playa del Secreto. To the south, the... (more)

• Punta Tanchacté (Bahía Petempich)

  The Riviera Maya region technically starts at Punta Tanchacté (pronounced tan-chak-te), also known as Bahía Petempich, with small hotels on long stretches of beach caressed by turquoise waters... (more)

• Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an

• Tankah

  If you plan on staying in the Cobá area, nearby Tankah is your best option. In ancient times Tankah was an important Mayan trading city. Over the past few centuries it has lain mostly dormant. That's... (more)

• Tulum

  Tulum, which means "wall" in Mayan, is a quickly growing town built near the spectacular ruins that draw most visitors here. But its charm extends past the famous ruins: Pristine beaches, $10 cabanas... (more)

• Xcalak

  As the southernmost town in Quintana Roo, Xcalak (pronounced ish-ka-lack), is 11 km (7 mi, by water) from the Belize border. It's quite a journey to get here, but well worth the effort. A charming blend... (more)

• Xcaret

  Once a sacred Mayan city and port, Xcaret (pronounced ish-car-et) is now home to two theme parks on a gorgeous stretch of coastline. The 250-acre ecological theme park, simply known as "Xcaret," is the... (more)