Should you visit Cancun or Riviera Maya? Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to two destinations that I love; Cancun, with its lively nightlife and stunning beaches, and the Riviera Maya, a stretch of coastline famous for its natural beauty and historic importance.
Each destination is unique in its own way – and I have my reasons for which I prefer. They both offer a unique experience, and choosing between them can be a challenge for anyone visiting Mexico. However, once you know the basics, hopefully the decision will be much easier!
In this blog post, I’ll compare Cancun and the Riviera Maya (based on my own experiences) to help you decide which best suits you!
Personally, I love both destinations, and have visited several times. Whilst each has its pros and cons, I hope this article helps you decide whether you should spend most of your time in Cancun, or if you should head down the coast to the Riviera Maya!
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Cancun or Riviera Maya – brief breakdown
Cancun is usually people’s first destination in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This is mainly because the city has an international airport and you are most likely to fly in there upon arrival (like me). Additionally, it’s because Cancun is a hub of activity with its vibrant nightlife, luxurious resorts, and iconic white-sand beaches.
If you’re someone who enjoys a bustling city-like atmosphere while on vacation, then Cancun might be your ideal destination.
The Mayan Riviera, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back and culturally immersive experience. Its beachy coastline and historical sites (mainly Mayan ruins) provide a perfect getaway for those looking for both relaxation and culture whilst on holiday in Mexico.
So, whether you choose Cancun or Riviera Maya for your next trip depends largely on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your holiday – and perhaps you’ll find that spending a few days in both is ideal!
Below I have outlined some of the main reasons to visit each place – to hopefully make it easier for you to decide. But, first, a few things you need to know about these places.
Read for your next vacation: Punta Cana versus Cancun: Which is better?
The difference between the Riviera Maya and Cancun
As mentioned, there are some key differences between Cancun and the rest of the coastline in Quintana Roo.
First things first; Cancun is a city, whilst the Riviera Maya is a cultural region consisting of several towns and destinations south of Cancun.
Secondly, Riviera Maya is ideal for a more slow vacation, whilst Cancun is a hub for day trip and excursions. So, if your aim is to swim in cenotes or go shopping at local markets, the Riviera Maya is your best bet. However, if you want to mix relaxing at a luxury resort with day trips to nearby attractions, you’ll have a great time in Cancun.
And thirdly, you’ll find more large-scale hotels and resorts along the Cancun Hotel Zone than you will in the towns of the Mayan Riviera. So if you are very picky about your resort, consider having your base in Cancun.
Finally, I want to point out that I think it is easier to spend more money in Cancun, as the hotels, restaurants and activities are more expensive there. It is much easier to visit places like Akumal, Playa del Carmen and Tulum on a budget, in my opinion.
Reasons to visit Cancun
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Cancun is world-renowned for its all-inclusive resorts. These luxury accommodations offer guests a myriad of amenities and services such as fine dining, spa treatments, and uninterrupted beach access, all under one roof.
- Stunning Beaches: Cancun’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. The pristine, white sand and the crystal-clear, turquoise waters create a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil environment, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
- Busy Nightlife: If you are a night owl, Cancun will not disappoint. With its numerous clubs, bars, and entertainment venues, the city comes alive once the sun sets, offering a vibrant nightlife scene.
- Excursions and Day Trips: Cancun also serves as a convenient base for various excursions and day trips. Visitors can explore nearby Mayan ruins, embark on jungle tours, or enjoy exhilarating water sports. The city’s proximity to various natural and historical sites makes it the perfect starting point for an array of adventures.
- It’s more touristy: This can be a reason not to visit for some people, but if you feel safer with more tourists around, you can spend a whole week not leaving the Hotel Zone, and still enjoy the relaxing waters of the Caribbean. Not that I recommend not leaving your resort.
Quick Cancun Travel Guide
Where to stay: The Cancun Hotel Zone is where you will find most all-inclusive (and well-known) hotels in the city. My favourite resort is the Grand Fiesta Coral Beach, and you can check out my full review here. Other recommended hotels in the Hotel Zone are Secrets The Vine (adult-exclusive) and the Riu Palace.
Where to eat: There are several restaurants along the Hotel Zone, and most resorts have several restaurants. Don’t miss La fonda del Zancudo or La Habichuela.
Top activities and tours in Cancun:
- Day trip to Chichen Itza ($69)
- Day trip to Tulum and two cenotes ($39)
- Catamaran sailing trip and visit to Isla Mujeres ($139) – read my review of this here!
- ATV and Zipline adventure ($75)
- Pirate show and dinner ($120)
Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips & Tours
Packing for Cancun: Cancun is hot-hot-hot, so you obviously want to pack your swimwear, flip flops and light summer dresses year-round. Most resorts have a casual dress code, but require closed shoes and somewhat nicer outfits for dinner. So pack a few nice dinner dresses as well. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses, and have a look at my all-inclusive packing list before you go!
Airport transfers: When you arrive at Cancun international airport it can be a little overwhelming, as there are countless transportation companies and taxies trying to get your attention (by literally shouting). I always save myself the trouble by booking a transfer in advance. This is the highest-rated transfer service on Viator.
Reasons to visit the Riviera Maya
- Beautiful Beaches: The Riviera Maya is also known for its captivating coastlines, where the turquoise Caribbean Sea meets the white sandy shores. The untouched beaches are a paradise for sunbathers and beachcombers alike. Just make sure to avoid seaweed season.
- Swim with Turtles at Akumal Beach: One of the key attractions of the Riviera Maya is the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles at Akumal Beach. This unique and magical experience is a must for nature enthusiasts.
- Historic Sites and Mayan Ruins: The region is rich in history, with an abundance of Mayan ruins dotting the landscape. Exploring these ancient sites, such as the Tulum ruins and the Coba archaeological site, offers insight into the profound Mayan civilization.
- Charming Towns: The Riviera Maya is home to several enchanting towns, including Tulum. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque beaches, and boho-chic vibe, Tulum is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a blend of culture and natural beauty.
- More destinations to explore: Unlike Cancun, the Mayan Riviera covers several towns and destinations, so a trip here will give you more places to see and explore. From Tulum to Akumal, you can spend a few days in each before moving on.
Main Attractions in Cancun vs Riviera Maya
Below is a list of the main attractions and sights in Cancun and the towns of the Riviera Maya. Hopefully seeing what there is to do in each place helps you decide on where to go!
Main Attractions in Cancun
- Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA): A truly unique attraction, MUSA is an underwater museum featuring over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The museum promotes coral life and works as an artificial reef.
- Isla Mujeres (day trip): A beautiful island just a short ferry ride away from Cancun, known for its stunning beaches, snorkeling, and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks..
- Coco Bongo: Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Coco Bongo provides a unique blend of concerts, theatre, and disco.
- Interactive Aquarium: Located in the heart of the hotel zone, this small but interactive aquarium allows you to get up close with various marine species.
- El Rey Ruins: An archaeological site located right on the southern end of Cancun’s hotel zone, offering a snapshot of ancient Mayan civilization.
Remember that these are just a few of the many attractions Cancun has to offer, and exploring beyond this list is highly recommended to fully experience the city’s charm and vitality.
Main Attractions in Riviera Maya
- Tulum Ruins: These well-preserved Mayan ruins located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea offers visitors a unique blend of history and breathtaking views.
- Xcaret Park: This eco-archaeological park is filled with Mexican and Mayan flavor, and offers a variety of activities including underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, a beach, and ancient Mayan ruins.
- Cenotes: The Riviera Maya is famous for its cenotes, naturally occurring sinkholes filled with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even diving.
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this large biosphere reserve is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. Its vastness offers a variety of activities, from bird watching to kayaking and hiking.
- Xel-Ha Park: Often referred to as a natural aquarium, Xel-Ha Park is a haven for snorkelers. This aquatic theme park comprises a large lagoon where the sea meets the freshwater outflow of an underground river. The park’s abundant marine life and serene waters make it a must-visit location, offering visitors a chance to explore the area’s underwater beauty, jungle trails, and various adventurous activities.
Just like Cancun, these are only a few of the many attractions in Riviera Maya, and I highly recommend venturing off the beaten path to truly appreciate the region.
How to get from Cancun to the Maya Riviera
Chances are you’ve landed in Cancun for your trip to Mexico, as this is where the international airport in the area is located.
However, getting to the Maya Riviera from Cancun is not hard once you’re there, and you’ll find that there are several ways to choose between:
- Bus
- Private Transfer
- Driving yourself
The bus company operating buses along the coast, all the way from Cancun to Bacalar (almost on the border of Belize and Mexico) is ADO.
You can book your ticket online or at the Cancun bus station. Buses depart almost every hour, and are super easy to use. They even show a movie onboard as you travel down the coast.
If you opt for a private transfer there are several companies offering transfers from the airport in Cancun to your resort or hotel along the coast. So, whether you end up in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum or Akumal, you could go there in style.
Finally, you could rent a car in Cancun and make your way down the coast yourself. This is perfect if you are planning a Mexico road trip.
Find more detail in my post covering how to get between Cancun and Playa del Carmen (the modes of transportation getting you there also work for the rest of the riviera.
What did I do when I visited Cancun and the Mayan Riviera?
I believe that on my first trip to the Riviera Maya, I had a perfect mix of Cancun and the rest of the coast.
My friend Ida and I started our trip with a few days in Cancun (2, to be exact), to get over the worst of the jet lag and relax in a luxury resort.
From there, we hopped on an ADO bus and headed down the coast to Tulum. We spent a few days there, exploring the area (and avoiding the seaweed on the beach – we travelled in the off season).
From Tulum, we did day trips to Akumal, nearby cenotes and ruins. It was a great hub for our trip, and we really enjoyed our stay in this magic town.
Mind, this was years ago and Tulum has gotten much busier since then. It is not as charming as it was when people were first starting to notice it, and in my personal opinion, Bacalar is the new place to go (even further south, and not technically on the Riviera Maya).
After our stay in Tulum, we travelled to Playa del Carmen, where we spent a few more days. Here, we enjoyed the beach outside our all-inclusive resort, and even hopped on a (very long and exhausting) day trip to Chichen Itza.
If I could do it again, I probably would have added another couple of nights in Cancun at the end of the trip and seen Chichen Itza then.
Steal my 10-day itinerary
To summarise, here is my recommended 10-day itinerary to the Riviera Maya and Cancun:
- 2 nights in Cancun (luxury and chill)
- 4 nights in Tulum or Puerto Aventuras (exploring the southern parts of the Riviera Maya)
- 3 nights in Playa del Carmen (for day trips and exploring the northern parts of the riviera)
- 1 night in Cancun (to wake up refreshed and closer to the airport)
Add a night or two in Cancun if you want to head on more day trips from the city.
Should you visit Cancun or Riviera Maya?
To boil it down to the basics, here’s the deal: Cancun is like that high-energy friend who’s always ready to party, while Riviera Maya is your chill, introspective pal who loves a good book and a long walk on the beach.
In Cancun, you’re more likely to find yourself sipping on a cocktail at a swanky rooftop bar, while Riviera Maya is where you’re more likely to stumble upon charming towns and lost-in-time ruins.
But hey, why limit yourself? You can always party hard in Cancun and then recover in the peace and quiet of Riviera Maya. The best of both worlds, right?
On both of my most recent trips to Quintana Roo and the Riviera Maya, I have spent a couple of days lounging in Cancun, taking excursions to Isla Mujeres and day trips to Chichen Itza. From there, I’ve hopped on an ADO bus down to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum and even Bacalar (further south). It’s been an absolute perfect mix – and what I recommend you do too!
Cancun vs Riviera Maya FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Hopefully, these will answer all your questions (in case they weren’t answered in the post above).
This highly depends on the person travelling, but a lot of people agree that the Riviera Maya is better than Cancun.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya have similar temperature.
Yes, it is worth leaving Cancun to explore the Riviera Maya. There are beautiful beaches, charming magic towns and historical sites to see in the region.
The Riviera Maya is not a town, but an area with several small towns to visit, such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen. They are not known as party towns.
Yes, the areas are generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with all travelling, be cautious and aware of your belongings and surroundings. Common theft and pickpocketing can happen anywhere.
No, Cancun is not considered part of the Riviera Maya.
For day trips and parties it is better to stay in Cancun. For culture and charm, the Riviera Maya is better.
