The Difference Between Cancun and Riviera Maya | A Comprehensive Guide

Topic

Cancun

Riviera Maya

Overview

A popular tourist destination which is known for its incredible beaches, energetic nightlife, and modern amenities.

A stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, natural beauty, and ancient Mayan ruins.

Cultural

A mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and International cultures strongly influences global tourism.

• Museo Maya de Cancun showcases Mayan history.

A more authentic Mexican experience with a strong Mayan heritage and focus on eco-tourism.

• Visit the Mayan communities like Pac Chen.

Traditions

Warm and friendly locals, with a focus on hospitality and tourism.

• Take part in the Day of the Dead celebrations in Xcaret Park.

Emphasis on preserving Mayan customs and traditions with eco-tourism and sustainability efforts.

• Attend a traditional Mayan ceremony.

Safety

Generally safe for tourists, but it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid risky areas.

• Monitor travel advisories for updates.

Considered relatively safe, tourists should still exercise caution and follow local guidelines.

Accomodations

Range of options from budget hostels to luxury resorts, focusing on all-inclusive hotels.

• Kempinski Hotel Cancun.

Accommodations include eco-resorts, boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and vacation rentals.

• Viceroy Riviera Maya.

Beaches

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

• Visit Playa Delfines and Playa Chac Mool.

Many pristine beaches with turquoise waters, some more secluded than Cancun.

• Visit Akumal Beach and Playa Xpu-Ha.

Places to Eat

Wide variety of international and Mexican cuisine.

• Try La Habichuela for seafood and Restaurante Navios for a romantic dinner.

Emphasis on local and traditional Mexican cuisine.

• Visit Hartwood for farm-to-table dining.

What to Eat

Tacos, ceviche, guacamole, and churros.

• Try Marquesitas, a popular street food dessert.

Traditional Mexican cuisine, such as cochinita pibil, tamales, and sopa de lima.

• Try Salbutes, a regional specialty.

Nightlife

Vibrant nightlife with several bars, clubs, and entertainment options.

• Visit Coco Bongo and Mandala for a lively party scene.

More laid-back nightlife.

• Visit La Zebra Tulum for live music and Taboo for a jungle-inspired cocktail experience.

Shopping

Large malls, designer boutiques, and local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.

• La Isla Shopping Village

• Mercado 28

Smaller shops and markets are ideal for local crafts and textiles.

• Tulum’s Artisanal Market
• Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida

Transportation

Well-connected by public transportation and taxis.

Best explored by rental car.

Attractions

Visit:

• An archaeological site like El Rey.
• Go to nearby islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.
• Check out Xel-Há Park and Ventura Park for water activities.

Visit:

Adventure Activities

Enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving, at locations like Isla Mujeres and the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Swimming in cenotes, snorkeling and diving in Cozumel or Puerto Morelos, and zip-lining through the jungle at Xplor Adventure Park. Take a kayaking tour through the mangroves of Sian Ka’an.

Wellness and Relaxation

Cancun offers a variety of luxury spas and wellness centers at many hotels and resorts, such as:

• The Gem Spa at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
• The Le Blanc Spa Resort.
• Yoga classes and retreats are also available along the Hotel Zone.

The Riviera Maya is known for its wellness retreats, offering yoga classes, meditation sessions, and traditional Mayan spa treatments for a rejuvenating experience.

• Visit the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa in Tulum
• The Sense Spa at Rosewood Mayakoba

Family Activities

Cancun has many family-friendly activities:

• Interactive aquariums – Aquarium Cancun.
• Water parks – Ventura Park.
• Pirate Ship dinner cruise.

The Riviera Maya offers various family activities, such as:

• Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery
• Exploring the eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há
• Visiting the Croco Cun Zoo in Puerto Morelos.

Local Experiences

Experience Mexican culture by attending a cooking class, such as those offered by Cancun Food Tours, or take a guided street food tour to sample local cuisine.

Immerse yourself in Mayan culture by participating in a traditional temazcal ceremony or taking a guided tour of a Mayan village, such as the Jungle Maya Native Park.

Festivals and Events

• Cancun International Film Festival
• Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival
• Oasis Jazz U Festival.
• Experience the vibrant Carnival celebrations in February or March.

• Tulum Food, Spirits & Wine Festival
• Riviera Maya Film Festival
• Day Zero Festival in Tulum.
• Don’t miss the Sacred Mayan Journey in Xcaret, a reenactment of an ancient Mayan pilgrimage.

Art and Museums

Explore the local art scene in Cancun:

• Cancun Museum of Popular Art
• Galeria de Arte Contemporaneo Patricia Mendoza.
• Take a street art tour to discover vibrant murals around the city.

The Riviera Maya boasts a thriving art scene, particularly in Tulum, with galleries like:

• Galeria La Nave
• Tulum Art Club.
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen or explore the murals of the Pueblo Mágico Bacalar.

Sports and Recreation

Cancun offers various sports and recreational activities:

• Golf at courses like the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club
• Deep-sea fishing
• Kitesurfing at Playa Delfines or Playa Chac Mool.

The Riviera Maya has a range of sports and recreational options:

• Golf courses like El Camaleón Mayakoba
• Paddleboarding in the calm waters of Akumal Bay
• Kitesurfing in Tulum.

Eco and Wildlife

Experience the region’s natural beauty with an eco-tour:

• Visit El Garrafon Natural Reef Park on Isla Mujeres
• Whale shark snorkeling tour during the summer months.

Explore the Riviera Maya’s diverse ecosystems:

• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
• The Sea Turtle conservation programs during nesting season in Akumal.

Marine Life Experiences

Cancun provides various opportunities to explore marine life:

• Snorkeling or diving in the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)
• Submarine tour with Atlantis Submarines.

The Riviera Maya is a haven for marine life enthusiasts, with opportunities to snorkel or dive:

• Cozumel’s vibrant coral reefs
• Mesoamerican Reef
• The unique underwater world of cenotes, or swim with sea turtles in their natural habitats.