Curator’s statement
Few destinations have left a mark on me quite like the Riviera Maya—and once you’ve stood at the edge of a cliff-top Mayan ruin with the Caribbean stretching out below you, you’ll understand exactly why. This stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline is where ancient history and breathtaking natural beauty collide in a way that genuinely stops you in your tracks. The waters here aren’t just turquoise—they’re the kind of blue that makes every other beach you’ve visited feel like it owes you an apology. From the towering stones of civilizations that predate Columbus by centuries to the powdery white shores of Isla Mujeres, the Riviera Maya rewards the curious traveler at every turn. I’ve stood on the cliffs at Tulum watching the Caribbean disappear into the horizon, and snorkeled in waters so impossibly clear they look like liquid glass—and I can promise you, the Riviera Maya is a place that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked.
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Things to do
Chichen Itza - The great pyramid of Kukulcán was built by the Mayans over one thousand years ago. It aligns so precisely with the sun that twice a year, at the spring and fall equinoxes, a shadow of a serpent appears to descend its northern staircase.
Snorkeling: The Riviera Maya sits atop the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making it one of the premier snorkeling destinations on the planet. Whether you’re gliding above the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or dipping into the crystal-clear waters of Isla Mujeres, the underwater world here—brilliant fish, sea turtles, and coral formations—is nothing short of show-stopping.
Boating/jet ski: With calm Caribbean waters and endless sunshine, the Riviera Maya is practically begging you to get out on the water. Rent a jet ski in Cancun’s Hotel Zone for an adrenaline fix, or charter a private catamaran for a leisurely day of island-hopping, snorkeling stops, and sunset cocktails—no captain’s license required.
Wildlife/sealife: The waters off Isla Mujeres host one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles: the annual gathering of whale sharks, the largest fish on earth, between June and September. These gentle giants are filter feeders—think of them as the golden retrievers of the ocean—and swimming alongside them is a bucket-list experience unlike any other.
Beach: From the powdery white stretches of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres to the lively shores of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the beaches here run the full gamut from serene to social. The water is that particular shade of Caribbean turquoise that makes you question every beach you’ve ever visited before.
Mayan ruins: The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most accessible and dramatic Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. Photos don’t do justice to Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cliff-top ruins at Tulum—dramatically perched above the Caribbean. These sites offer a window into a civilization that was mapping the cosmos while Europe was still in the Dark Ages.
Places to eat & drink
Coastal Mexican cuisine at its finest: blackened shrimp piled high with mango salsa, avocado, and crema.
Hacienda Sisal, Cancún: A romantic hacienda-style setting with traditional Mexican music live several nights a week, Hacienda Sisal serves family recipes passed down through generations alongside contemporary twists on bold regional flavors.
La Habichuela, Cancún: A Cancún institution open since 1977, this Mexican-Caribbean restaurant is set in a lush garden patio adorned with Maya statues and string lights. Their signature dish, cocobichuela—curried lobster and shrimp served inside a coconut—has achieved near-legendary status.
Porfirio's, Cancún: An upscale, lively spot serving everything from tamales and elote to more adventurous fare, all accompanied by live mariachi performers. Their house mezcal cocktails, including the chilimango with fresh mango and chili, are not to be missed.
La Perla Pixan, Playa del Carmen: Set under a thatched palapa roof with copal incense drifting through the air, La Perla Pixan is a love letter to traditional Mexican cuisine, serving dishes like pozole verde, chile relleno, and shrimp tacos on clay pottery with a wide selection of mezcal and pulque.
Axiote, Playa del Carmen: Chef Xavier Stone’s flagship brings together Mexico’s culinary past and present in a fine-dining-caliber menu served in a relaxed setting. Duck tacos with chile paste and smoked marlin with pumpkin seed salsa are among the standout dishes.
Xantolo, Isla Mujeres: A refined dining experience in Centro, Xantolo brings traditional dishes from across Mexico together under one roof with a fine-dining sensibility. Their handcrafted cocktails—including a watermelon jalapeño margarita—are as memorable as the homemade moles.
Limón, Isla Mujeres: The island’s most celebrated fine dining destination, Limón offers ocean-to-table seafood, impeccably grilled beef, and lobster prepared to order in an intimate mid-island courtyard. Reservations are essential—and if lobster is on your agenda, call ahead.
Need to know
Go to a local mercado for good deals and cultural experiences, but be safe and secure valuables.
Take local transportation rather than renting a car.
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Rebecca Cornell
Rebecca Cornell
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