Frequently Asked Questions

No, Riviera Maya is not a state. The Riviera Maya is a popular tourist destination located along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It encompasses a stretch of coastline that includes popular destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and several other towns and resorts.

Riviera Maya is part of the state of Quintana Roo, which is one of the 32 states in Mexico. Quintana Roo is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Mayan cultural heritage. It is home to popular tourist destinations like Cancùn, Cozumel, and the archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

So, while Riviera Maya is not a state itself, it falls within the state of Quintana Roo.

Riviera Maya is renowned for its stunning beaches, which are considered among the most beautiful in Mexico. The beaches of Riviera Maya feature soft, powdery white sand that is a hallmark of the region. The sand is typically fine and comfortable to walk on. The Caribbean Sea that bathes the Riviera Maya has turquoise-blue waters that are incredibly clear. You can often see through the water to observe the marine life and coral reefs below. The sea along the Riviera Maya tends to be calm with gentle waves, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The water temperature is warm throughout the year, ranging from pleasant to bath-like, depending on the season.

The Riviera Maya beaches offer a variety of activities. You can relax on a beach chair, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or go scuba diving to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystems. Many beaches also offer water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.

Popular beach destinations in Riviera Maya include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Puerto Morelos. 

Yes, Riviera Maya is in Mexico. Riviera Maya is a popular tourist destination located along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, Mayan ruins, and diverse marine life.

Riviera Maya stretches south of Cancún and includes famous destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Puerto Morelos. It is a region that attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities available in the area.

The main airport serving Riviera Maya region in Mexico is the Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is located approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of downtown Cancún.

This airport is one of the busiest airports in Mexico and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It offers a wide range of flight options from various airlines, making it convenient for travelers to reach Riviera Maya.

It's important to note that while Cancún International Airport is the main airport serving the Riviera Maya, there is also a smaller airport called Cozumel International Airport (CZM) located on the island of Cozumel, which is another popular destination within the Riviera Maya. Cozumel International Airport primarily serves domestic flights and a limited number of international flights.

Riviera Maya in Mexico operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) during standard time and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time. The time zone is the same as that of Cancún, which is in the state of Quintana Roo. 

It's important to note that daylight saving time in Riviera Maya typically starts on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. During daylight saving time, the region follows EDT, which is UTC-4. During standard time, the region follows EST, which is UTC-5. 

When planning your travel or making arrangements in Riviera Maya, it's always a good idea to double-check the current local time, especially if you are traveling during the transition period between standard time and daylight saving time.

Riviera Maya enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Here are some general characteristics of the weather in the region:

- High temperatures: Riviera Maya experiences hot and humid weather, especially during the summer months. Average daytime temperatures range from the high 20s to mid-30s degrees Celsius (80s to 90s degrees Fahrenheit).

- Dry season: The region has a distinct dry season, which typically lasts from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny days with minimal rainfall. The dry season is considered the peak tourist season.

- Rainy season: The rainy season in Riviera Maya usually occurs from May to October. This period is characterized by increased humidity and occasional rainfall. While it can rain heavily at times, the showers are often short-lived, and the sun quickly reappears.

- Hurricane season: Riviera Maya is located in a region that can be affected by hurricanes. The official hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the highest activity typically occurring between August and October. It's advisable to monitor weather updates and follow any guidance or warnings from local authorities during this period.

It's important to note that weather patterns can vary, and specific conditions may differ from year to year. To get the most accurate and up-to-date weather information for your travel dates, it's recommended to check a reliable weather forecasting website or consult with local meteorological sources.