Mexico - Caribbean Coast Holidays

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Picture-perfect beaches, ancient sites and resorts that have it all – holidays to Mexico’s Caribbean Coast go above and beyond the call of duty.

Something for everyone

Mexico’s Caribbean Coast gives holidaymakers exactly what they want. Along the Yucatan Peninsula, purpose-built resorts edge tropical beaches, jungle tours and diving opportunities are easy to come by, and watersports are out in force.

Cancun

In terms of places to stay, Cancun is the frontrunner. The decision to turn this former fishing village into a tourist resort back in the Seventies saw the creation of the Hotel Zone – an 18-kilometre-long island with the Caribbean Sea on one side and a lagoon on the other. These days, this lively strip spoils visitors with shopping malls, casinos, golf courses, and the best nightlife for miles around.

The best of the rest

An hour or so down the coast, Playa del Carmen is a compact version of Cancun. Most of the town’s shops, restaurants and bars are strung along Fifth Avenue, which runs parallel to a long ribbon of white sand. If you want to escape the crowds, head south to sophisticated Playacar or the undeveloped shores of the Riviera Maya.

Historical sights

Wherever you stay, reminders of Mexico’s past are never more than a daytrip away. Stand in the shadow of the colossal pyramid at Chichen Itza, navigate the remains of temples at Tulum, or take a swim in an ancient cenote.

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Riviera Maya

You can head for the Riviera Maya, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and do nothing but sip cocktails on tropical white-sand beaches. But there's so much more on offer. Mayan ruins, eco parks, world-class diving – they’re all on the cards along this 30-kilometre stretch of coastline, which takes in lively Playa del Carmen and the quieter Punta Allen.

Puerto Morelas

This friendly and picturesque Mexican fishing village sits within the northern part of the Riviera Maya, a 30-minute drive from Cancun. The town has a laidback atmosphere, swapping the glitz and glamour of southern Mexico for natural beauty – so you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay.

Playa del Carmen

On Mexico’s sun-soaked Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen – or just Playa – was popularised by backpackers who came for its spotless beaches and coral reefs. This mellow fishing town has developed quickly in the space of a few years with an extra cluster of hotels in Playacar to the south of town. But it’s still a world apart from swaggering Cancun, its nearest neighbour up the coast.

Cancun

Back in the Seventies, Cancun was just a small fishing town on the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Today, it’s a huge resort that comes in two parts. There’s the downtown area with its markets and local cantinas, and then you’ve got the Hotel Zone that comes with restaurants, shopping malls and nightclubs – and an extra-long strip of beach.

Playa Mujeres

Set on a quiet peninsula on the Caribbean Coast, Playa Mujeres is Mexico’s newest luxury resort. As such, it’s got a string of box-fresh hotels and an untouched stretch of sand to its name. What’s more, it’s just 20 minutes from the hub of Cancun. So when it’s time to up the pace, you’ve got the country’s liveliest bars, restaurants and nightclubs on tap.

Playacar

Playacar is the jewel of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. Just south of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula, it’s an exclusive gated community of luxurious hotels and trendy condo complexes. The place comes with its very own 18-hole championship golf course. Plus you’ve got cotton-white beaches, top dive spots and a stylish shopping mall right on your doorstep.

AT A GLANCE

  • Explore the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum
  • Experience Cancun’s legendary nightlife
  • Relax on the Riviera Maya’s white-sand beaches
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Weather

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for

TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)

WHEN TO GO

In true Caribbean fashion, this part of Mexico enjoys tropical temperatures all year long – expect highs of up to 35°C in summer and the months around it. Even in the winter, it’s rare for the mercury to dip below 20°C here.

 

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Top 5 resorts in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

Top 5 hotels in Mexico - Caribbean Coast

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