Cancun and Riviera Maya Travel Guide

Holbox, a small, peaceful, bohemian island in the Gulf of Mexico, charms travellers with its authenticity and fine-sand beaches along crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim with whale sharks, paddle through flamingo-filled mangroves, and watch the sea glow with bioluminescence at night.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a pristine wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Turquoise lagoons, mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs provide a habitat for dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and more than 300 bird species.

Outside Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is a vast crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by jungle. Shallow turquoise freshwater surrounds a striking, deep-blue cenote plunging 85 metres at its heart. Visitors come to swim, relax, and marvel at this truly unique landscape.

Isla Contoy is the last untouched island in the Caribbean. This biodiversity sanctuary, accessible only by boat, is home to tropical birds, sea turtles, and exotic fish thriving among its reefs and mangroves. Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters complete the scenery of this protected paradise.

Holbox, a small, peaceful, bohemian island in the Gulf of Mexico, charms travellers with its authenticity and fine-sand beaches along crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim with whale sharks, paddle through flamingo-filled mangroves, and watch the sea glow with bioluminescence at night.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a pristine wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Turquoise lagoons, mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs provide a habitat for dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and more than 300 bird species.

Outside Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is a vast crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by jungle. Shallow turquoise freshwater surrounds a striking, deep-blue cenote plunging 85 metres at its heart. Visitors come to swim, relax, and marvel at this truly unique landscape.

Isla Contoy is the last untouched island in the Caribbean. This biodiversity sanctuary, accessible only by boat, is home to tropical birds, sea turtles, and exotic fish thriving among its reefs and mangroves. Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters complete the scenery of this protected paradise.

Ceviche is a fresh, tangy, and lightly spiced dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice along with red onions, tomatoes, chili, and coriander. Served chilled, it is usually paired with corn chips or served in small glass bowls.

Cochinita pibil is a traditional dish from Yucatán. Pork is marinated in a paste of achiote, orange juice, and spices. Then it is slow cooked in banana leaves to give the meat a rich flavour and a tender texture. It is served with tortillas, red onions, chili sauce, coriander, and lime juice.

Originally from the Yucatán region, sopa de lima is a warm, flavourful dish served as a starter or main course. It is made with chicken broth, fresh lime juice, shredded chicken, crispy fried tortilla strips, and coriander. This soup is known for its refreshing citrus tang and crunchy texture.

Horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink made from rice soaked with cinnamon then blended with milk, vanilla, and sugar. It has a milky-white colour, a creamy texture, and a sweet, delicately spiced flavour. It is served chilled over ice cubes.

Aguas frescas are sweet, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. They are made by mixing water, sugar, and a flavouring ingredient—such as fruit, grains, flowers, or vegetables—then infusing and straining the mixture. Served chilled, they come in a wide variety of flavours and are commonly found in restaurants.

Ceviche is a fresh, tangy, and lightly spiced dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice along with red onions, tomatoes, chili, and coriander. Served chilled, it is usually paired with corn chips or served in small glass bowls.

Cochinita pibil is a traditional dish from Yucatán. Pork is marinated in a paste of achiote, orange juice, and spices. Then it is slow cooked in banana leaves to give the meat a rich flavour and a tender texture. It is served with tortillas, red onions, chili sauce, coriander, and lime juice.

Originally from the Yucatán region, sopa de lima is a warm, flavourful dish served as a starter or main course. It is made with chicken broth, fresh lime juice, shredded chicken, crispy fried tortilla strips, and coriander. This soup is known for its refreshing citrus tang and crunchy texture.

Horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink made from rice soaked with cinnamon then blended with milk, vanilla, and sugar. It has a milky-white colour, a creamy texture, and a sweet, delicately spiced flavour. It is served chilled over ice cubes.

Aguas frescas are sweet, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. They are made by mixing water, sugar, and a flavouring ingredient—such as fruit, grains, flowers, or vegetables—then infusing and straining the mixture. Served chilled, they come in a wide variety of flavours and are commonly found in restaurants.