Tips for Visiting the Riviera Maya

Akumal Bay

There are a few questions that I frequently get asked  by people who are planning a visit to the Riviera Maya. Here are a few of the most common:

Q) What's the best way to get around in the Riviera Maya?

A) I have heard that it's safe to take the public buses, and I know many folks who have done so and returned unscathed.  I have an inexplicable aversion to public transportation in general and much prefer to either arrange for private transportation, take a taxi, or rent a car. Private transportation is easy to arrange and I frequently use companies that are very reliable and reasonably priced.  If you choose to take a taxi,  ask the concierge or bellhop what the typical taxi fare is.  Many resorts have fares posted in the lobby area. There are also many car rental facilities in the area, and you can rent by the day or for your entire stay. (Make sure you get the insurance.)

Q) What about tipping?

A) I recommend you bring at least $60- $100 in small bills.  USD is widely accepted, so don't worry about exchanging money before you leave.  15% for a transfer, a dollar per bag of handling for bellboys, and a dollar or two to the bartender   I also usually leave a few dollars per day for the maid. Otherwise, for other service people 10 -15% is good.  Here is a tipping guide from Fox News that you might find useful.

Q) What about shopping - should I use USD or pesos? 

A) If you are shopping, use pesos - you'll get a better conversion rate (current rate is about 12 pesos to the USD) You can get pesos from an ATM using your card or from a currency exchange booth in the main shopping areas.  Remember, there are new laws restricting the spending of US Dollars. You are only able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD cash per person per month into Mexican Pesos, and businesses can only accept a maximum of $100 USD cash per transaction
Note: Other payment methods such as credit cards, Travelers Checks, and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

Q) What are some fun things to do while we're there? 

Quinto Avenida

A) Excursion/day trips that I highly recommend:

Playa Del Carmen  - take a shuttle or cab to Quinto Avenida (aka 5th Avenue) for shopping/people watching. Have lunch/dinner and shop until you drop.  The shop keepers may call out to you and bartering is expected in most of the shops. Head toward the ferry terminal and grab a nice cold drink at Senor Frogs. Take a walk along the beautifully restored beach.

Akumal - Take a trip to visit the lagoon at Yal-ku (be sure to bring only biodegradable sun lotion) and then head to the beach in Akumal bay.  Bring equipment or rent it from Akumal Dive Shop.  Snorkel right from the beach. Swim with the Sea Turtles, look for grouper, baracuda, permit, etc. Have some pappas fritas and a cervesa at the Lol-Ha beach bar. Sheer perfection! 
You might be able to combine Akumal with a visit to Tulum - that would be ambitious.  If you wanted to do that, see the ruins first (early), and then head to Akumal to cool off.

Turtles in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres - Head to the ferry terminal north of Cancun and take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.  Rent a Golf cart and drive around the island.  Be sure to stop at the turtle sanctuary to see the babies, the teenagers, and the big guys.  You won't want to leave.
Snorkeling is also good on the island.

The list goes on and on - ziplining, cenote exploring, sailing.  What's your favorite day trip to take while in the Riviera Maya?

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.