Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is the name given to a beautiful coastline in Mexico stretching south of Cancun toward Belize. Tropical conditions coupled with the Rivera Maya's geography yield some of the most abundant ecosystems on the planet. Featuring the tranquility of stunning white sand beaches, a network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes (sinkholes containing ground-water), the second longest barrier reef system in the world, and tours to various Mayan archaeological sites, the Riviera Maya offers honeymooners an abundance of activity options.

Highlights
The Riviera Maya is lined with amazing beach resorts and tourist attractions. Numerous temples of one of the world's oldest and most mysterious cultures, the ancient Maya, offer a great way to learn about Mexico’s fascinating history.

Some great places to go while you're there:

  • Chichen Itza: a complete Mayan city founded in 445 BC and inhabited until 1204 AD when it was mysteriously abandoned
  • Xpu-Ha Ecopark: with jungle, wetlands, a beautiful virgin beach, coral reef, and cenotes (natural sinkholes)
  • Xel-Ha: 10-acre park of lagoons which was a sacred Maya city and important commercial center
  • Tulum: about 75 miles to the south of Cancun, Tulum has serene beaches and the only major Mexican ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea
  • Cozumel: Mexico's "dive central" is an island near Playa del Carmen about 40 miles south of Cancun's hotel zone and only 12 miles off of the coast

Geography/Environment
The Riviera Maya is an area along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The second longest barrier reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, lines the coast of the Riviera Maya.
Activities
Sports activities include kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching, deep sea fishing, parasailing, wind surfing, jet skiing, golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Many other activities such as shopping, gourmet dining and visiting Mayan ruins offer honeymooners variety in the Riviera Maya.
Climate and Weather
The Riviera Maya has an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some average daily maximum and minimum temperatures are: January-March, 68-86ºF (20-30ºC); April-June, 71-89ºF (22-32ºC); July-September, 75-91ºF (24-33ºC); October-December, 68-87ºF (20-31ºC).
Other Important Information
Find more great resources about the Riviera Maya here.
Destination Wedding Information
Due to the Riviera Maya's popularity as a honeymoon destination, many major hotels are happy to arrange a wedding for a visiting couple, and will likely have a wedding coordinator on-site, or be able to refer you to a local company that provides those services. The legal requirements are as follows:
  • Administrative Fees: U.S. $230
  • Waiting period: 2 days (no minimum stay for Cozumel)
  • Passport and birth certificate
  • A copy of tourist card or visa
  • Proof of divorce or death certificate
  • Citizens under age 18 need parent or guardian's consent
  • Names, addresses, ages, nationalities & tourist card numbers of four witnesses
  • A blood test is also required
  • Tests for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV