Everything you need to plan the Riviera Maya trip you want.
Interactive tools built from what travelers ask our team every week — the best month to visit, how long to stay, where to sleep, what it costs, and what to pack. Nothing to install, nothing to sign up for.
The Riviera Maya at a glance.
Zoom into the region to see how the main destinations connect. Below, the key places most travelers cover on a first trip.
- CancúnInternational airport
- Isla MujeresCatamaran & MUSA
- Playa del CarmenCentral base
- CozumelReef snorkel
- TulumRuins & cenotes
- Chichén ItzáWonder of the world
- HolboxCar-free island
The best month for your trip.
Three dots = best. For sargassum, three dots = highest presence.
| Month | Weather | Low sargassum | Fewer crowds | Lower price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Peak season, dry & sunny. | ||||
| February | Whale sharks near Isla Mujeres arrive late month. | ||||
| March | Spring break — book early. | ||||
| April | Warm, mostly dry, sargassum begins. | ||||
| May | Whale sharks in full season. | ||||
| June | Rain showers, best value. | ||||
| July | Family travel peak. | ||||
| August | Hot & humid, sargassum peak. | ||||
| September | Hurricane risk, lowest prices. | ||||
| October | Shoulder season starts. | ||||
| November | Excellent — dry, clear, uncrowded. | ||||
| December | Holidays — book 3+ months ahead. |
How long should you stay?
Five suggested trip lengths — every plan pairs a mix of ruins, cenotes, sea and rest.
Times and pickups are confirmed at booking. All excursions are operated by Exotik Mayan Tours.
- Day 1Arrive Cancún → Playa del Carmen.
- Day 2Isla Mujeres catamaran.
- Day 3Cenote route (3 cenotes).
- Day 4Chichén Itzá + Valladolid.
- Day 5Tulum ruins + cenote + turtle snorkel.
- Day 6Cozumel reef snorkel.
- Day 7Free morning, depart.
Hotels by travel style.
Editorial recommendations from travelers we host year-round. Not affiliate placements.
Design-driven, adults-only, boutique atmosphere.
- Habitas TulumCheck availability
- Nômade TulumCheck availability
- Secrets MaromaCheck availability
- Mahekal Beach ResortCheck availability
An honest ballpark for your trip.
Estimates in USD, excluding international flights. Real quotes vary by season and hotel.
- Lodging$1,820
- Food & drink$770
- Excursions$760
- Airport transfers$180
Contact our team for a personalized quote — actual pricing depends on hotel, dates and excursion selection.
Request a personalized quoteWhat to bring — and what not to.
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Real-time sargassum, briefly.
Sargassum is a natural seaweed that reaches the Caribbean coast between April and October, peaking June–August. It is not dangerous, but affects beach aesthetics and swimming in certain areas.
The Gulf-facing coasts of Holbox, the leeward side of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the north of Cancún tend to be least affected. Our team updates recommendations weekly during high season.
Read the full sargassum guide →