Guides
Itineraries we'd give to a friend discovering Mexico for the first time.
First Time in the Riviera Maya: How to Plan Your Trip
A first timer’s plan for the Riviera Maya: where to base yourself, when to go, how many days you need, what it costs, entry basics, safety, and the order to book everything in.
Where to Stay in the Riviera Maya: Cancún vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum
Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum? A straight comparison of the three main bases on the Riviera Maya, who each one suits, real price ranges, the trade offs, and how the choice changes your day trips.
Best Time to Visit the Riviera Maya: Weather, Crowds and Sargassum
When to visit the Riviera Maya, month by month: dry season versus wet, crowds and prices, an honest look at sargassum and the 2026 outlook, hurricanes, water and packing, and the best dates for whale sharks, diving and the ruins.
7 Days in the Riviera Maya: A North to South Route
A 7-day Riviera Maya itinerary built as a route, not a base: three nights in Playa del Carmen for Cozumel and Chichén Itzá, then four in Tulum for the cenotes, Cobá, Sian Ka’an and the lagoon at Bacalar.
The Riviera Maya with Kids: A 4-Day Family Itinerary
A 4-day Riviera Maya itinerary built for families: one gentle outing a day, no early alarms, plenty of beach and pool time, anchored by Xcaret, Xel-Há, the Akumal turtles and an easy cenote, with Chichén Itzá left out on purpose.
Solo Travel in the Riviera Maya: A Practical Guide
How to travel the Riviera Maya alone: safety, a dedicated section for solo female travellers, why Playa del Carmen is the base, keeping costs down with group tours, meeting people, and a suggested three day shape.
3 Days in the Riviera Maya: A Long Weekend Plan
A 3-day Riviera Maya plan for a long weekend or stopover: one Playa del Carmen base, two standout outings from the coast itself, and Chichén Itzá deliberately left out because the round trip eats a whole day.
Adventure and Adrenaline in the Riviera Maya: A 3-Day Guide
A 3-day adventure itinerary for the Riviera Maya: an ATV, zip line and cenote combo, Xplor or a caving reserve, and a season set third day, whale sharks in summer or Cozumel drift diving the rest of the year.
A Group Trip to the Riviera Maya: A 4-Day Celebration Itinerary
A 4-day Riviera Maya itinerary for a birthday, bachelorette or reunion with friends: a beach club and group dinner, a private boat to Isla Mujeres, a photogenic cenote and spa afternoon, and Xoximilco as the celebration dinner.
Maya Ruins of the Riviera Maya: A 4-Day Itinerary
A 4-day Riviera Maya itinerary through four Maya cities, Tulum, Cobá, Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam, spanning six centuries of the same civilization, and closing at Ek Balam beside the living Maya village that still runs it.
Honeymoon in the Riviera Maya: A 4-Day Romantic Itinerary
A honeymoon itinerary for the Riviera Maya built for two people, not a checklist: four days of private tours, a sunset sail, the lagoon at Bacalar, Sian Ka'an, and a closing night with JOYÀ.
5 Days in the Riviera Maya: The Complete Itinerary
A realistic 5 days Riviera Maya itinerary that starts easy, builds toward Chichén Itzá as the trip’s centerpiece and closes on a festive night, with real timing and logistics for every day.