Cancún’s popularity has given rise to a growing curiosity and desire to explore other parts of the Yucatán’s Caribbean coastline. The 130km (81-mile) stretch of coast called the Riviera Maya is now a mix of small resort towns, nature parks, all-inclusive resorts, and roadside attractions extending all the way from Cancún south to the town and ruins of Tulum. This area is ideal for either more adventurous travelers or those who simply want to get to their all-inclusive hotel and stay there.

If you love getting away from it all, the Riviera Maya is a natural choice for exploration and relaxation.

Top aspects of a vacation in the Riviera Maya include:

-  Beautiful beaches and an array of ecoparks ideal for nature lovers
-  Favored by more adventurous travelers, some of whom have settled here to offer eclectic accommodations, shopping, and  dining options
-  Smaller crowds and lower prices
-  All-inclusive heaven with great savings for travelers with children

But also consider the following:

-  Limited shopping and dining exist outside of Playa del Carmen.
-  Unless you consider stargazing an aspect of nightlife, you won’t find much to do here.
-  Without a rental car, you’ll be stuck where you stay.