The Riviera Maya: the perfect stop before or after Mexico’s big cities

Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara fly direct to Cancun in under 3 hours, so the Riviera Maya’s beaches make an easy end to a city trip.

Updated 2 min read

Riviera Maya Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

When planning a trip to Mexico, travelers are spoiled for choice, with each destination offering its own distinct culture, energy, and experiences. One of the most rewarding ways to explore the country is by combining the excitement of its dynamic cities with the tranquility of the Riviera Maya. Begin your journey in vibrant urban hubs like Guadalajara, Mexico City, or Monterrey. Then, extend your stay in the Riviera Maya and enjoy relaxed beach towns, natural beauty, and a sense of calm away from the cities. Stay with Riviera Maya Haciendas and enjoy the perfect accommodations for your beach vacation!

Easy to reach: flights from major cities to the Riviera Maya

Getting from Mexico’s major cities to the Riviera Maya is easy and affordable. Whether you are visiting Mexico City, Monterey, or Guadalajara, you can score a direct flight for as low as $40 and be in the Riviera Maya in just a few hours!

Mexico city- Cancun

Average Flight Frequency: 500 per week 

Average Flight Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Average Flight Cost: $40 -$120 

Monterrey- Cancun

Average Flight Frequency: 226 per week

Average Flight Length: 2 hours 22 minutes 

Average Flight Cost: $45-$104

Guadalajara- Cancun 

Average Flight Frequency: 69 per week

Average Flight Length: 2 hours 50 minutes

Average Flight Cost: $55-$116 

The best of both worlds: urban charm and natural beauty

After exploring the hustle and bustle of Mexico’s major cities, the Riviera Maya offers the perfect place to extend your trip and decompress at the beach. Trade city streets for white sand beaches and enjoy the slower pace of the Riviera Maya. While you are here, you will enjoy:

  • Calm natural surroundings
  • Slower daily rhythm 
  • Privacy and space

Activities that balance an intense city itinerary

Beyond its cities, Mexico offers a different vacation experience. Here are some of the activities you can expect in the Riviera Maya:

  • Swimming in cenotes.
  • Snorkeling and scuba diving.
  • Private chef dinners arranged by the Riviera Maya Haciendas staff.
  • Boating and sailing charters in the Caribbean. 
  • Visiting Mayan ruins and archaeological sites.
  • Exploring eco adventure parks.
  • Teeing off at golf courses.

Luxury accommodations & services in the Riviera Maya

After exploring Mexico’s urban centers, the Riviera Maya offers the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle. Experience a change of pace, where beautiful beaches, sparkling cenotes, and fascinating archaeological sites are around every corner. Customize your dream vacation with Riviera Maya Haciendas and find the perfect luxury villa, condo, or hacienda for your beach getaway. 

Find the perfect home away from home in Mexico vacation cities like Puerto Aventuras, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Let our staff help you arrange services like airport transfers, private chefs, bartenders, and spa services. Book with us today and experience the best of Mexico!

Where to stay

Your base on the coast.

Four haciendas on the beach in Puerto Aventuras, about 1 hour from Cancun airport (1 hour 15 from Tulum’s), plus villas and condos along the Riviera Maya.

  • The pool terrace at Hacienda Jaguar

    Hacienda

    Jaguar

    12 suites · 4-night minimum

  • The arches and pool of Hacienda Mágica, under the palms

    Hacienda

    Mágica

    14 suites · 3-night minimum

  • The scalloped arches around the courtyard at Hacienda Corazón

    Hacienda

    Corazón

    10 suites · 3-night minimum

  • The courtyard at Hacienda Del Mar, seen through an arch

    Hacienda

    Del Mar

    15 suites · 3-night minimum

Four haciendas on one beach, and homes along the coast.

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The white arches of Hacienda Mágica framing the pool, the palms and the Caribbean

Christmas week on the beach

December 19 to 26, seven nights

One of our four beachfront haciendas is still open for Christmas week: Hacienda Mágica, 14 suites on the beach.

$80,000 for the week, plus 22% tax, all-inclusive.

Ask on WhatsApp

Reach out and tell us your dates and your group, and we’ll shape the stay around you. See what’s included

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