Essential information for Riviera Maya

When to go

Riviera Maya benefits from a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 26°C that can climb to 38°C at the height of summer.

The two main seasons are the rainy season, from June to October, and the dry season from mid-October through to April. As a result, the wet summer months are often the ideal time to find cheap trips to Mexico. The peak hurricane season is September to October, however these are rare.

Riviera Maya’s climate means you can take advantage of its white-sand beaches, ancient ruins, coastal cities and other attractions at any time of the year.

Health and safety

Please be advised that the water in Mexico is not drinkable so you must purchase bottled water during your stay and brush your teeth with it too.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

If you are visiting Riviera Maya specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/health.

Note that not all hospitals in Mexico will deal directly with medical insurance companies. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay for any treatment yourself and seek a refund later.

Passports and visas

British citizens require a valid passport to enter Mexico, but do not need a visa if they are visiting as a tourist. However, you will need a tourist card, which can be obtained by filling in an immigration form. These are available at border crossings and on flights to the country.

For the most up-to-date passport and travel information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements.

Getting around

The main gateway to Riviera Maya is Cancun International Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometres from Playa del Carmen. You have several choices available to get you from the airport to your Riviera Maya accommodation.

The most cost efficient option is to take the ADO bus, which runs from 10am to 10pm. You’ll find the bus terminal at the southeast corner of terminal two. Alternatively, you can rent a car, which gives you the maximum flexibility to explore the area. Many major car hire companies have a presence at the airport.

Other options are a shared shuttle service or private taxi. These are a convenient way to get around and operate 24 hours a day. They have fixed rates and all drivers should have a rate chart available. A maximum of four people per taxi is allowed. If you want to use public transport during your stay there are two options. Public buses and colectivos, which are mini-vans, run to the major Riviera Maya destinations. In some places they are known as combis. Newer vehicles have air-conditioning.

However, most package holidays to Mexico come with free transfers to your hotel and back to the airport, so it’s worth checking your booking details before you fly.

Advice for travellers with children

Riviera Maya is a family-friendly resort which has sandy beaches and warm sea with gentle waves, which is shallow at the shoreline. With plenty of long, quiet stretches this is an ideal destination for little ones to play. Kite surfing and surfing are popular here with lessons available for all ages. There are also several waterparks in the area with children’s activities, while children’s programmes are available during many All Inclusive trips to Mexico.

Electricity

110 volts. Some hotels provide converters for 220 volt devices.

British Consulate

If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Cancun.

Address:

The Royal Sands Resort Blvd. Kukulcan KM 13.5 Cancun Hotel Zone 77500 Cancun

Telephone: (0052) 551670 3200 (24-hour helpline number)

Hospitals

Many doctors are fluent in English in Riviera Maya’s hospitals and private clinics. There are also many pharmacies in the area and most are open 24 hours.

Hospital San Carlos Riviera Maya

Carretera Federal, entre Av. Constituyentes y Av. Benito Juárez Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo

Telephone: (0052) 984 859 33 14/18

Hospiten in Playa del Carmen

Calle Carretera Federal 1 77717 Solidaridad Quintana Roo

Telephone: (0052) 984 803 10 02