How to Tour Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Do you want to get the most out of your Mexico trip? This guide will walk you through my first trip to Mexico, which didn’t just stop in Cancun. This itinerary is for the explorers who want a taste of everything Mexico’s Caribbean coastline has to offer. If you’re looking for a lot of adventure and a little relaxation join me as I walk you through the coastline’s most exciting cities and 2 bonus islands! 

What You Should Know

Language: Although Spanish is the primary language spoken in Mexico many in the tourism industry are fluent in English to communicate with tourists. You may also hear Indigenous languages (the predominant language spoken before Spanish colonization) such as Yucatec Maya, especially in Tulum.

Transportation:

Taxi– Taxi are abundant and easy to haul, especially at the airport’s exit. 

Shuttle Bus– If you want to be a bit more exclusive, reserve a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport. The shuttle companies also offer to drive you back to the airport on your day of departure.

Ado Bus– This tour bus company is an economical option to transport you from Cancun, to Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Ferry– A ferry is needed to get to the islands, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. The most common ferry is Ultramar.

Currency: The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted however you’ll get a better value using pesos. (Tip: keep smaller bills on hand for tipping service workers, paying taxi rides, and local market purchases.) 

Safety: Tourist zones in Mexico are well-patrolled by the Mexican military to protect vacationers. Stick to the tourist zones to avoid robberies and gun violence.

Food: Mexico still tops the charts when it comes to the most satisfying cuisine I had the pleasure of tasting. However, I would steer clear of eating raw fish and dairy that’s been sitting out to avoid an upset stomach (speaking from experience!).

Cancun

Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Cancun, Mexico I recommend The Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina. It was my first-ever hotel stay in Mexico and still a top favorite. It is cheaper than other hotels in the hotel zone because there is no beachfront. However, you’ll be paying a cheaper price for a 4.5-star hotel with unforgettable food and service. After checking in you’ll be greeted by a bellman with a damp towel to clean your hands, then he’ll transport your heavy suitcases for you as you all go up the elevator. Follow him to your room and he’ll give you a tour of where you’ll be sleeping.

*I’ve never had such a red carpet welcome in any hotel in the U.S. Yet, these kind gestures are the norm in each Mexico hotel we visit.*

Now let’s talk food. It’s been 5 years since I’ve visited this place and I still think about what I ate here till this day…

On our first night in we eat at the hotel’s restaurant, Kaajal where the hostess pulls out our seats, gently pushes us in, and places a purse stand by me to hang my purse. It’s a prelude to how dinner will exceed our expectations.

*Our waiter, an English-speaking young man, mentions that he was deported from California. We meet other workers on our Mexico trips with similar stories of being separated from their families in the states.*

I start with a crisp grapefruit cocktail and a green salad with goat cheese (my first try at goat cheese and I’m hooked). I continue with a grilled veggie entree and end with sweet potato ice cream and a warm brownie.

My boyfriend enjoys his Corona Lite and warm bread, a salmon entree, and a creamy custard with ice cream for dessert.

What makes the cuisine here stand out is the freshness of every ingredient. I haven’t found a goat cheese or ice cream in Maryland that is as distinct as the one I taste here… 

Breakfast is also served in Kaajal where the open kitchen layout and endless buffet stations beckon all foodies to eat ‘til they drop. The stations line along the perimeter of the restaurant where you’ll have an excess amount of bread choices, proteins, eggs cooked upon request, sweets, sauces, and much more. Although the space is huge there is a home-cooked feel as the chefs bake bread and stir steaming beans right before you. 

Nightlife in the Hotel Zone

The club zone is the best choice if you’re looking to let loose and dance the night away. It is a short taxi ride away and features blocks of bars and clubs. 

What may be offputting to some is the excessive amount of ticket sellers. They can be pushy and want to sell as many tickets as possible. We end up caving in for some tickets to La Vacita. Big mistake, its so crowded you can barely dance.

If you walk further down you’ll find less flashy bars where you can just walk in and dance although tables are reserved for guests that purchase drinks. 

Cancun’s hotel zone overall is best for tourists interested in mega-resorts, parties, and a high-energy environment.

Our next destination will be the complete opposite. This paradise is just a ferry ride away and a perfect getaway for some R&R. 

Isla Mujeres

Ultramar Ferry

After checkout from The Renaissance, we’re off to the Ultramar Ferry. The Ultramar Ferry is the number one passenger ferry company in Mexico and better than any ride I’ve taken in the US. It is equipped with an outdoor and indoor deck, a snack bar, and live music. There are several ways to reserve a ride which include online, at the station’s ticket booth, or with the various transport agencies Mexico has to offer. The Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry schedule is simple, arriving every 30 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:00pm.

We leave from the Puerto Juarez location. There are two other departure locations in Cancun; Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol.

Mia Reef Isla Mujeres

The arrival to Isla Mujeres will feel like a forbidden beauty as the number of nautical miles shortens and the island slowly becomes more visible. You’ll realize the island is an adult paradise for rest and rejuvenation as you notice the laidback boutique hotels, hammocks, and thatched roof gazebos that line the shore. Once off the dock, an anchor sign will greet your official arrival,  “ISLA MUJERES MEXICO”. Don’t hesitate to take a few pics with the statement piece while the emerald sea sparkles as your background.

There’s alot of natural beauty to digest but hold on, Mia Resort will take your breath away. There’s a reason why it’s considered the best place to stay in Isla Mujeres Mexico.

We choose to walk to the resort because we’re frugal. But I don’t recommend that sweaty walk. Just take a taxi, the island is small and it’ll cost about 10 bucks. Now get ready for this picturesque arrival to the top choice of Isla Mujeres all-inclusive hotels.

Once you arrive at Playa Norte (North Beach) There will be a wooden bridge to cross the shallow turquoise waters and get to Mia, an isolated resort, off-white with bright pink accents surrounded by a private Caribbean beach.

When we enter the lobby I sit on the lounge chair and stare at the wall that feature ceiling to floor art work of a tropical beach that is so detailed you’ll think its real. But the harder you stare you’ll notice the waves and palm trees blowing in the wind and realize you’re looking through crystal clear glass windows…

Once again a bellman kindly guides us to a room and shows us around our suite. If you booked the honeymoon jacuzzi ocean view suite you’ll enjoy a kingsized bed, kitchen appliances, a waterfall shower, and a two-person jacuzzi with a majestic ocean view. 

Here’s what we enjoyed in this all-inclusive Isla Mujeres experience:

The Kings Pool: This natural pool formed from rock formations is filled from the ocean waves. It’s a safe space to swim around with the colorful fish that wash in.

5-course dinner: The first night in we make a reservation to Las Marias for a romantic 5-course meal. We dine out, oceanside while the sunsets. Playa Norte is actually the best location on the island to view the sunset so we get to indulge in the perfect spot for a warm sunset glow.

Independence Day–  After our 5-course meal from Las Marias we explore the island on the best day possible, Mexican Independence Day!  We’re in for a special surprise as we’re unaware that day is on September 16. If you’re in Isla Mujeres on Independence Day you’ll find traditional dance performances, live music, families dancing under green and red lights, and red and green fireworks (Mexico’s flag colors). The locals living in Isla Mujeres definately know how to celebrate.

Sunrise Jacuzzi: The next morning I enjoy the sunrise in our balcony’s jacuzzi. The moon still shines above the rising sun as the ocean sits along the horizon in a mesmerizing ripple. (The best place on the island to see the sunrise is Punta Sur, the most eastern point in the country.)

Kayak: After breakfast, we kayak on the clearest water I’ve ever stepped foot in.

Snorkel: When we’re finally ready for a swim we grab the snorkel equipment provided by Mia and explore their abundance of fish.

Before we know it our getaway from paradise is over and we’re off to the next island! This time we take the ferry to the mainland in Playa del Carmen where they have a departure location to the neighboring island of Cozumel.

Cozumel

Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort

You’ll notice a palpable difference from the dreamy island of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres seems to host more honeymooners and bohemians on a quest to rejuvenate while Cozumel is larger and bustling with tourists and entertainers. Isla Mujeres is quaint and spacious while Cozumel is a dense jungle. Get invigorated by this new energy and be ready to explore!

Our taxi drops us off at Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort where we are greeted by a regal lobby of dolphin sculptures and a crystal window view of the teal sea. Up on your room balcony, you’ll get a sweeping view of the dense jungle that is spellbinding under the night’s full moon. This is the best area to stay in Cozumel due to its stunning views and close proximity to the main plaza.

Remember how invigorating I mentioned this island would be? Well, that falls flat for us due to a bacteria we ingested in Mia Resort. The onset of lethargy comes on strong during the evening and we can’t bring ourselves to get out of bed. This is the reality of traveling but it could’ve been much worse. Eventually, our hunger grows stronger than our fatigue and we muster the courage to find a restaurant. 

Night Out- Joes Seafood & Bar, Park, Full Moon

We spot a small but picture-worthy restaurant, Joe’s Seafood & Bar, which stands out through its colorful artwork. You can swing on their swing bench tables against the backdrop of walls covered in guests’ signatures. They offer Latin food and a laid-back ambiance that you’ll typically enjoy on an island.

We walk a few more blocks and reach Benito Juarez Park, near the entry point’s plaza. This relaxing spot is perfect for snapping pics of the island’s name sign, viewing Spanish sculptures, and dancing water fountains lit in red and green.

For breakfast don’t miss out on the hotel’s restaurant, El Cayuco. The food is almost as memorable as the Renaissance Resort. I try my first chilaquiles there and I’ve yet to try a better version.

Before we’re back on the ferry we explore the plaza some more where you can browse a stream of markets, restaurants, and other miscellaneous businesses such as this cigar bar where Captain Jack Sparrow dwells.

Our next destination is our final city to explore; a jungle oasis with rich Mayan history. Tulum will allow you to venture deeper into nature and disconnect more than the previous cities visited.

Tulum

The Panoramic Hotel

We’re back in Playa del Carmen where we’ll need to drive further down the Riviera Maya. The most affordable method to get to Tulum is by the Ado bus. It’s the largest bus company in Mexico and easy to book. We get our tickets at the station but they can also be bought through their site or with a travel company.

Once off the ferry turn right on Quinta Avenida and continue on a three-minute walk and you’ll see the station on Benito Juarez avenue. If you want to use the stations bathroom you’ll need to pay to enter. 

This ride is a little longer, stretching about an hour. However, you’ll ride relaxed on their comfy seats. You’ll know you’re officially in Tulum when driving by the vibrant  “TULUM” sign. You’re attention thereafter will focus on the captivating street art that all convey a message of spirituality and cultural pride. 

At Tulum’s Ado station, we take a taxi ride to our long-awaited two-story suite at The Panoramic Hotel. It’s a newly built hotel (2019) that is cheaper than usual because it is still undergoing minor construction. 

We enter the hotel to a cylindrical center where a waterfall forms from its rooftop pool down to the lobby and palm trees fence around the cascading water. Four halls attach to the center in an X formation where the rooms are located.

Now the moment we’ve been waiting for, our room! We enter into a minimal aesthetic of natural wood accents and smooth cement finishes, creating a grounding home for us for the next few days. Our king bed is centered with a closet to our right and a sliding door to our left which leads to our balcony. It’s spacious and has a black crochet hammock wide enough for two to view the sunset. North of the sleeping area features a full-sized kitchen and bathroom with a waterfall shower. Ahead is a curved staircase to our private rooftop lounge area equipped with a seating area, sun loungers, and a dipping pool.

Although you’ll want to stay here forever there’s more to explore in the area. Outside of the property, there are grocery stores and shops to get any items you need for your stay.

Mojito Bar

Try the Mojito Bar for your first night out. It’s a cozy bar with artwork, fairy lights, and a gravel floor. You’ll be entertained with live bohemian bands and a vintage Chevy with sombreros that serves as a fun photo spot. The menu features delicious finger foods like tacos and sandwiches, but the fresh mojitos steal the show garnished with a sweet sugar cane stick.

Tulum Ruins & Snorkeling

Before we start our action-packed day we eat at a nearby restaurant Sugar Free. Their healthy recipes are so flavorful we eat breakfast there each morning for the rest of our stay.

For a day in one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya, the Tulum Ruins are a must-see destination and one of the most iconic attractions in the area. This city museum is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which served as a vital trading hub, with sacred temples and formidable protective walls. Visitors can explore its rich history while enjoying tour packages, including snorkeling along the coast and discovering the surrounding national park.

We purchase our tickets by the “Tulum Mayan Market” shop and make our way through the museum’s entrance. We arrive at an open field and puzzle through ancient structures each accompanied by information panels about the abandoned ruins you’re walking through. Towards the end, you’ll reach the edge of the cliff with a rousing view of cacti plants that descend to the rippling sea.

We head on down to the shore for the next part of our tour. A tour guide awaits by a motorboat and hands the group life jacks and a canned soda. The guide navigates far enough from the ruins until we can see it in full view and he becomes a makeshift photographer and takes pictures for everyone. 

We head further out into the ocean and put on our snorkeling gear. If you’ve never taken a swim far out into the ocean, you’re not alone. It takes me a minute to jump in because i’ve never been faced with such depths before. But when you’re ready hold on because this may be you’re most magical experience in Mexico. 

Carlos and I dive into a lively world beneath us. We’re immersed in a colorful show as we swim through schools of fish that swerve and dance around us. At this point, we’re holding hands and passionately pointing at every unique fish we can spot. This experience is enlivening as you’ll have all the space you can imagine to stretch your limbs out in this boundless space.  By the end of our exploration, we’re all invigorated having witnessed pristine aquatic scenery. This dive makes the top list of best things to do in Tulum.

Laguna de Kaan Luum

On our last full day in Tulum, I find the perfect site to unwind. Laguna de Kaan Luum is a refreshing turquoise lagoon with a sinkhole center that darkens to navy. The center is off limits but the surrounding shallow edge is yours to enjoy. There are various ways to laze here including hammocks, swings, and massage therapists at your service. But the most luring aspect of this haven is the lagoon’s clay floor. You can consider this visit your spa day as you scoop out clay to cake on your skin and absorb its detoxifying qualities.

Once our taxi drops you off near the entrance there is a dirt path between the tropical jungle that will take you to the lagoon. From there you’ll pay the entrance fee and rinse off any products from your hair and skin so that it does not contaminate the water. Guests leave their items on benches in the gazebo that leads to the wooden pier. 

I step into the fresh water, sink into its welcoming temperature, and swim along the lagoon’s edge. Once we’re out far enough we float in stillness and melt into our tranquil experience in the middle of the jungle. Once we tire of swimming we hunt for soft spots on the lagoon floor which signals clay! I pat it along my face and swing on the swing stationed into the lagoon as it dries and hardens. By the time im back in the hotel I’m fawning at how smooth my skin is.

Your last day in paradise is typically the day you want to last the longest so we lounge in our dip pool and then rooftop pool and let the day slowly pass by.

Finding hotels in Cancun, Mexico near the airport is easy with various quality choices. We stay in the Suites Malecon Cancun the night before departure. It offers a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, living room, washer, and dryer.

Your trip to Cancun Mexico doesn’t have to end there. My whirlwind adventure from Cancun to Tulum offered a unique experience of Mexico at each destination. If you choose this route you’ll continuously be stimulated by the different vibe of each location. No two cities are the same in the Riviera Maya!