Riviera Maya Travel Tips

Make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen with these expert tips.

Get All Your Docs Together: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Visas are not required for stays under 180 days.

Stay Cool: Mexico enjoys warm weather year-round, with average temps between 75°F and 90°F. Pack light layers for hot days and breezy evenings.

Remember Beach Essentials: Bring breathable clothing, swimwear, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Flip-flops are a must, but water shoes are great for excursions.

Be Rain-Ready: Rainy season runs from June to October, but showers tend to pass quickly. A light, packable rain jacket or umbrella can come in handy.

Explore Like a Local: Ask our staff for tips on authentic tacos, hidden cenotes, and local markets to add a little extra flavor to your getaway.

Tipping is Customary: While not required, small tips for housekeeping, drivers, and tour guides are always appreciated and go a long way.

Mind the Time Zone: Cancun does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Depending on the time of year, it is either on Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time.

Use Pesos or Plastic: While U.S. dollars are widely accepted, paying in pesos often gets you better prices. ATMs and currency exchanges are easy to find.

Don’t Drink Tap Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking.

Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be active, especially near jungle areas or cenotes. Pack insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.

Walk in the Footsteps of the Maya

Step beyond the beach on your Cancun getaway and into the world of the ancient Maya. Across the Yucatán Peninsula, stone cities rise from the jungle and cliffside—places where astronomers studied the stars, rulers built powerful kingdoms, and sacred traditions shaped daily life. History still echoes in these sites, bringing the region’s vibrant past to life.

Trade Routes, Temples & Tropical Views
The Mexican Caribbean is home to some of the Maya’s most striking ruins. Perched high above the sea, Tulum once welcomed traders arriving by canoe at dawn. Inland, Cobá stretches deep into the jungle, connected by ancient stone roads and crowned by one of the tallest pyramids in the region. Farther south, Kohunlich and Dzibanché reveal massive temples, carved masks, and the stories of powerful royal dynasties.

Legendary Cities of the Yucatán Heartland
No Maya journey is complete without a visit to Chichén Itzá, where the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkán anchors a city once central to life across the peninsula. Nearby, Uxmal offers elegant palaces, detailed stonework, and sweeping courtyards that reflect the height of Maya artistry. Along the Puuc Route, sites like Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labná reward explorers with intricate carvings and dramatic ceremonial arches. Just north of Valladolid, Ek Balam stuns visitors with sculpted figures that feel almost alive.

Deep Jungles & Untamed Landscapes in Campeche
For travelers drawn to the road less traveled, Calakmul delivers an unforgettable adventure. Hidden deep within the jungle, this once-mighty city rivaled Tikal for regional power. Climb its pyramids for panoramic views over the forest canopy, where monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife still roam. Nearby sites like Edzná reveal sophisticated engineering, including ancient water-management systems that sustained entire communities.

Plan Your Own Riviera Maya Adventure
Whether you prefer a guided experience or exploring at your own pace, discovering these ancient cities is easier than ever. Thomas More Travel offers excursions to many of the region’s most celebrated sites, or you can explore independently using the Tren Maya, which now connects key destinations across the peninsula. Book your experience once you arrive with our concierge.

Guest-Favorite Things to Do

Take a peek at the many experiences awaiting you at our Riviera Maya resorts.

Grand Residences
Thoughtfully crafted dining experiences and local traditions bring something special to each day of your stay.

Nautical Night at El Faro
can’t-miss feast for seafood lovers, spotlighting a selection of fresh, locally sourced delicacies—hosted every Thursday night.

Maya-Style Tikinxic Fish Experience
Catch a cooking class with the resort’s master chef, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Kids’ Mocktail Mixology
Kids’ can learn to make fruit-based mocktails during this hands-on activity, hosted every Thursday. Reserve their spot at the Activity Center.

Pickleball Courts
Play a match or two on our courts. They’re open every day. Check with the concierge about open slots and equipment.

The Royal Haciendas
With activities for all ages, these experiences make it easy to stay active, entertained, and connected throughout your vacation.

Kayaks on the Water
Kayaking is back by popular demand. Kayaking is available daily. Sign up at the Activities Center.

Sports Tournaments
Join scheduled soccer and basketball tournaments on the sports court. Sign up at the Activities Center.

Kids’ Mocktail Mixology
Kids’ can learn to make fruit-based mocktails during this hands-on activity, hosted every Thursday. Reserve their spot at the Activity Center.

Karaoke, Silent Parties & Disco Nights
Live it up with karaoke on Tuesdays, silent dance parties on Thursdays, and disco nights on Saturdays with a DJ at La Rotonda Bar. Learn more at the Activities Center.

Pickleball Courts
Play a match or two on our courts. They’re open every day. Check with the concierge about open slots and equipment.