5 Must Know Tips for Solo Travel to the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for a getaway, with plenty of options for having fun and enjoying the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Whether you are spending just a few days or staying a full week, you’ll never run out of things to do in this paradise.
The Riviera Maya is a touristic zone located in Quintana Roo, made up of different cities like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos and more. The easiest way to visit is via the Cancun airport and from there you have easy access to the most popular destinations.
If you want to avoid the all-inclusive resorts and typical tourist spots, the Riviera Maya is a good place to visit solo. Filled with beautiful places to explore, the Riviera Maya has breathtaking beaches of turquoise waters, white sand and even Mayan ruins. You won’t want to skip this destination!
In this post we share some of the best tips for a solo adventure in the Riviera Maya:
1. Do a little research
Before traveling, we recommend investigating as much as you can about the Riviera Maya. Do a quick search on where you want to go, the best restaurants in your area, the weather, currency, nearby destinations and how you will get there. Check out our Cancun travel tips for more details.
Since the Riviera Maya is a vast area with many different locations to visit, you should first define your top choices. Once you have your list ready, you can plan your route, book your accommodation and choose a transfer option.
Do not worry, there are plenty of options for transportation, so it won’t be difficult to get a Cancun to Tulum shuttle or bus to Playa del Carmen in case you plan to visit these destinations. If you are not convinced about a certain destination, look at photos and reviews, cheer yourself up and be confident that you will be able to go out wherever you want!
During your visit, take into consideration that traveling alone gives you freedom, but don’t be too strict. Be open and flexible to changing plans. You will be amazed about how good it is to make some spur of the moment decisions. Sometimes those turn into the best adventures!
2. Navigate the Riviera with ease
Fortunately, the Riviera Maya has easy access to the most popular tourist destinations, so finding the best way to move around is pretty easy. However, investigating and reserving your transportation before travel is always a great idea, that way you can avoid having a difficult time looking for available vehicles or pay excessive prices for last minute reservations.
At your arrival in the airport you can take a bus or taxi, rent a car or get private transportation from local agencies like eTransfers that offer an efficient option to get to your destination. To decide which one you will use, consider your budget and travel time, that way you can get the best option to explore the whole Riviera Maya the most comfortable way.
As a recommendation, private transportation is pretty comfortable and it is getting more popular among tourists these days. It is also very easy to book, you just need to put the time of your arrival and a representative will be waiting for you at the airport. Most companies also offer the round trip option so you can go and back to the airport or hotel. How easy is that?!
On the other hand, if your plan is to explore multiple destinations across the Riviera Maya at your own pace, renting a car is the perfect option for a road trip. That way, you can have more freedom and decide how much time you will spend at each destination. Roads in the Riviera Maya are in good condition, so it is an easy drive Highway 307 that connects with all the main attractions.
3. Pack like an expert
The climate in the Riviera Maya is warm almost the whole year, so choose light but versatile clothing that works for you in many ways. Remember that besides pretty beaches, the Riviera Maya is very famous for the nightlife. Try to pack only your essentials and leave behind the things you know you won’t use. Remember that when you travel alone there is nobody else who will help you with your luggage!
In case you decide to go with bulky luggage, getting private transportation from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, or to any other destination in the Riviera Maya, can be a good option to move around without any stress or worry.
Some must-haves to include in your suitcase: swimsuit, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes. To save space while packing, don’t forget that ladies swim shoes can also double as appropriate shoes for hiking, swimming, and exploring the local towns.
There are close destinations, like Tulum, that you can easily visit in just a short walk. It is often better to know the city by foot so you can wander the streets and learn more about the local culture.
The sun in the Riviera Maya is not a joke, so make sure to pack some good sunscreen and enjoy all the outdoor activities without any risk of sunburn. Hats and sunglasses are also a great option to avoid the harsh exposure to the sun.
4. Ask locals for recommendations
There is no better recommendation than that of the local people who really know the Riviera Maya. Most tourists only visit the most popular attractions, but in reality, the Riviera Maya has a few hidden gems of its own! For example, if you are looking for some fun in the sun, we highly recommend checking out Xel-Ha Park. Visit this guide for everything you need to know about visiting this stunning attraction in Tulum.
In case you want to avoid the crowded attractions or experience the local culture, don’t be afraid to ask! You can end up meeting incredible people and learning new things. Mexican people are well known for their kindness. You can ask the locals for good recommendations in restaurants, tours or even secret spots to explore. Avoid the usual activities and go for a new experience. It is the best way to get another perspective of the destination you are visiting!
5. Keep an open mind
Just have fun! You have an incredible destination to discover, so go meet new people and try new things that are outside your comfort zone. Book Cancun Airport Transportation to help start your trip off on the right foot.
However, do not ignore your survival instinct, it is normal to be skeptical about unknown destinations, especially if you are traveling by yourself. If possible, locate security places like embassies, hospitals, or police stations and always carry your documentation with you. The Riviera Maya is usually safe, but it is always good to be a little cautious when visiting a new destination.
Do not forget to try new dishes, seafood is especially good in this zone of Mexico. Also, have an open mind to new ways of living and reevaluate preconceived ideas you may have about Mexican culture. You will be amazed about the people and culture itself. Now get out there and explore!
