Riviera Maya FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below or scroll down the page for answers

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It's our first time to the area. What should we take?

Of course, take any specific things you know you will need personally, but for an extensive list of suggestions our LG forum memebers, many of whom are seasoned visitors to the area, have some suggestions. Click here and here.

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Where can I research services and activities in the area?

When you get to Mexico, information booklets will most likely be handed to you at the airport. These will have Cancun tourist information and some Riviera Maya info as well. When you get to your rental you will probably see more tourist info at area stores with plenty of information on local services and activities. Activities and Services Directory

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What is the best airport to fly into?

Cancun International Airport is the best airport to fly into. You can fly into Cozumel, but you will need to then take a taxi to the ferry dock. Take a ferry to Playa Del Carmen, then a taxi to Akumal. Cozumel ferry schedule | directions from Cancun airport to coastal towns.

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Is there transportation from the Cancun Airport to the Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area including Akumal and Tankah?

You can hire a taxi, a chauffeured suburban or rent a car in the Cancun airport to get to Akumal. You can also arrange to be picked up at the airport through LocoGringo's airport transfers service. Taxi fares are around $90.00 US (subject to change without notice). There are no buses south to Akumal from the airport. you will need to take a taxi or a shuttle to the center of the city of Cancun or "Centro", to the bus station. Then you can take a bus that is headed south to Akumal or Tulum. Many buses going to Playa Del Carmen have connections going south to Akumal.

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How is driving in Mexico?

There is a four lane highway from Cancun to Xcaret and then it narrows to a two lane highway that continues south to the pueblo of Tulum. Tulum is the southern end of the Riviera Maya tourist zone. The old two lane highway continues south of Tulum toward Chetumal. This section is comparable to a secondary county road. Just south of the town of Limones is the turn to Mahahual and Xcalak. If you continue straight toward Bacalar and Chetumal the highway widens again to four lanes.

A bit of advice driving: When making any turn in Mexico ALWAYS look in front and behind to make sure traffic is clear before you make your turn. Do not stop in the middle of the road.

Turning left: Beware when turning left or U turning on roads with no median divider. If there is a special lane or a "RETORNO" (U turn lane) do as you normally would, with caution. At other times when turning in areas with no median divider ALWAYS check your rear view mirror first! On an undivided road it is customary to pull off the road to your right, put your left blinker or emergency flashers on and wait for traffic to clear. With no one else in either direction make your turn.

Passing: When traveling on the highway be alert and vigilant for aggressive drivers. Drivers in the on-coming lane may choose to pass and cross the centerline of the highway at unexpected times. Be ready to move right. Watch for vehicles driving or stopped on the road shoulder. Let tailgaters pass.

Median dividers: Median dividers running the length of highway 307, from Cancun to Tulum, are being completed in 2008. Breaks in the median are generally marked by reflectors in the road, and lanes typically swerve right then left around them. Please be careful not to hit these medians. There are also intermittent "topes" (speed bumps), especially around the towns. These have a rather steep incline so be sure to slow down before going over them.

General directions from Cancun airport to the coastal towns | Riviera Maya road map

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Directions to Sam's Club and Walmart in CANCUN.

From the airport, leave the airport and when you get to the highway go over the overpass. Follow the signs to Cancun Centro or CD Cancun but DO NOT follow the signs to Tulum, Chetumal or Cancun Zona de Hoteliers. Just over the over-pass there will be a ramp on the right that loops around and goes toward Cancun city and that's the one you want. Take it and you will be heading north. After about 10 minutes you will enter the main part of the city you will see a mall, Plaza del las Americas on your right. After the mall watch for signs for Sayil street, a left turn. A VW dealer will be on your right. Turn left on to Sayil. Stay on this side street. You will come to a small rotary/cirle. Watch for traffic, go straight across the circle. Tel Mex will be on the right. Sam's is on the left. There is a U turn as you approach the light, pull a U turn and then you can pull into Sam's. Walmart is in the same plaza. Sam's Club: Membership is required, bring your membership card or your passport.

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Directions to Costco in CANCUN.

From the airport, leave the airport and when you get to the highway go over the overpass. Follow the signs to Cancun Centro or CD Cancun but DO NOT follow the signs to Tulum, Chetumal or Cancun Zona de Hoteliers. Just over the over-pass there will be a ramp on the right that loops around and goes toward Cancun city and that's the one you want. Take it and you will be heading north. After about ± 8 minutes you will come to a traffic light, the intersection with Av. Kabah (avenue). Make a left there. Follow the winding turns. This is a divided road. You will pass a school on the left, go through another traffic light. At a left bend in the road Av. Yachilan will split off to the right and COSTCO will be on your right just on the other side of the traffic light. Make a right into their parking lot. COSTCO: Membership is required, bring your membership card or your passport.

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Directions to MEGA in Playa del Carmen.

Directions to MEGA grocery store in Playa del Carmen from the Cancun International airport. Exit out of the airport, stay to the right when approaching the highway. Follow signs directing you South toward CHETUMAL and TULUM. About 45 minutes drive will put you in the city of Playa Del Carmen. There are Pemex gas stations along the way. As you approach Playa del Carmen the road median will widen with grassy hills and a large medallion on top of one. By this medallion ("the big coin") is by a "Retorno" for making a U turn. Then the median will reduce to a cement divider. Stay in the left lane but DO NOT make the U turn. At the 2nd set of traffic lights beyond the medallion turn left. This is Avenida Constituyentes (there is a Pemex gas station on your left at the intersection). This road goes to the beach. Follow Constituyentes straight until you get to the next major intersection with Avenida 30. You will see the grocery store MEGA on the southeast corner, set back from the intersection. It is easiest to go straight through the traffic light and make a right into the MEGA parking lot.

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Directions to Wal-Mart in Playa del Carmen.

Directions to Wal-Mart grocery store in Playa del Carmen from the Cancun International airport. Exit out of the airport, stay to the right when approaching the highway. Follow signs directing you South toward CHETUMAL and TULUM. About 45 minutes drive will put you in the city of Playa Del Carmen. There are Pemex gas stations along the way. As you approach Playa del Carmen the road median will widen with grassy hills and a large medallion on top of one. By this medallion ("the big coin") is by a "Retorno" for making a U turn. Then the median will reduce to a cement divider. Stay in the left lane but DO NOT make the U turn. At the 2nd set of traffic lights beyond the medallion turn left. This is Avenida Constituyentes (there is a Pemex gas station on your left at the intersection). This road goes to the beach. Follow Constituyentes straight until you get to the next major intersection with Avenida 30. Make a right turn there. The first block you will pass MEGA grocery store. The second block you will pass San Francisco de Asis grocery store. In the thrid block you will see Wal-Mart on your left. It is easiest to go straight through the traffic light, make a left and then another left into Wal-Mart's parking lot.

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Directions to Sam's Club in Playa del Carmen.

Directions to Sam's Club grocery store in Playa del Carmen from the Cancun International airport. Exit out of the airport, stay to the right when approaching the highway. Follow signs directing you South toward CHETUMAL and TULUM. About 45 minutes drive will put you in the city of Playa Del Carmen. There are Pemex gas stations along the way. As you approach Playa del Carmen the road median will widen with grassy hills and a large medallion on top of one. By this medallion ("the big coin") the road divides. You want to be in the far LEFT lane. Stay in the left lanes at the dividers. Continue straight and go through several traffic lights until you go down a gradual hill. Sam's Club will be in the shopping center on your left after the Holiday Inn Express and VIPS, and just before Hospiten Hospital. You will not be able to turn there but will have to continue to the "Retoro" and make a U turn. After you make the U turn get in the far right lanes and when you see the ramp for Sam's Club make a right into their parking lot.

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Directions to City Club in Playa del Carmen.

Directions to City Club grocery store in Playa del Carmen from the Cancun International airport. Exit out of the airport, stay to the right when approaching the highway. Follow signs directing you South toward CHETUMAL and TULUM. About 45 minutes drive will put you in the city of Playa Del Carmen. There are Pemex gas stations along the way. As you approach Playa del Carmen the road median will widen with grassy hills and a large medallion on top of one. By this medallion ("the big coin") the road divides. You want to be in the far RIGHT lane. Stay in the right lanes at the dividers. Continue straight and go through several traffic lights until you go down a gradual hill. City Club and Soriano's will be in the shopping center on your right called "Centro Maya". There will be signs. Turn right there. CITY CLUB: Membership is required, bring your membership card or your passport.

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Directions to Soriano's in Playa del Carmen.

Directions to Soriano's grocery store in Playa del Carmen from the Cancun International airport. Exit out of the airport, stay to the right when approaching the highway. Follow signs directing you South toward CHETUMAL and TULUM. About 45 minutes drive will put you in the city of Playa Del Carmen. There are Pemex gas stations along the way. As you approach Playa del Carmen the road median will widen with grassy hills and a large medallion on top of one. By this medallion ("the big coin") the road divides. You want to be in the far RIGHT lane. Stay in the right lanes at the dividers. Continue straight and go through several traffic lights until you go down a gradual hill. City Club and Soriano's will be in the shopping center on your right called "Centro Maya". There will be signs. Turn right there.

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What dive facilities are there? And in Tankah? Xcalak?

There are many dive facilities in the area. Playa del Carmen has an extensive list. In Akumal, there is the Akumal Dive Shop, Akumal Dive Center (both on the main beach) and Akumal Dive Adventures on Half Moon Bay. In Xpu-Ha is Xpu-Ha Divers. In Aventuras Akumal there is Aquatech. For general information about learning to scuba dive click here. For a listing of many services in all areas, including dive shops found in specific areas click here for our Services Directory. In Xcalak, there are several places that offer diving. Costa de Cocos has a NAUI instructor on staff. They are very accommodating and offer trips to their beautiful reefs as well as the famous Chinchorro Banks.

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Can I go cavern diving?

Any certified open water diver can experience cavern diving with a qualified guide. Cavern Diving takes place inland. A boat is not used. You drive into the jungle and dive in "cenotes", fresh water sinkholes. The water is very clear with almost unlimited visibility. Each dive site has its own personality some with stalactites and stalagmites. This is a very special and beautiful environment. Many dive facilities in the area now have qualified guides for cavern tours. If you go and find you enjoy cavern diving it is encouraged that you take a 2-day cavern diving course. For your information, your guide should be dressed in full cave diving equipment including: double tanks, reels and a large primary light. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials. Cavern diving has inherent hazards. Do not just dive with anyone who offers to take you. Diving safety in cavern and caves.

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Is there any snorkeling in the area?

For snorkeling, in Akumal there is Yal-Ku Lagoon. It is 50 pesos to get in. It is a nice place to snorkel without huge crowds. Parking and bathrooms are on site. Most rental homes and condominiums in Akumal are within walking distance to the lagoon. From the center of town, it is about 1 mile. There is also snorkeling off the main beach in Akumal Bay and some in Half Moon Bay but wear something on your feet. Most dive facilities rent snorkel equipment. Xel-ha is 10 minutes south of Akumal. A friend recently said that Xel-Ha is wonderful early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. Full facilities for refreshments, bathrooms and changing rooms. Elsewhere along the coast there's snorkeling in most of the protected bays fronting various beach side communities and resorts. Jade Bay, Soliman Bay and Tankah Bay are examples, but keep in mind there are no lifeguards and rip currents can be expected, especially by the channel cuts in the reef on windy days. To be safer snorkel with a buddy, wear a small snorkeling flotation vest or a small life jacket.

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What ruins are in the area and how far away are they?

The ruins of Tulum are about 40 minutes from Playa and 20 minutes south of Akumal. The ruins do not have many large trees, so it is best to visit the ruins in the morning or late afternoon and avoid the heat of the day. Mayan ruins list

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Can I drink the water in our rental? At the restaurants?

For the rental properties, bottled water is provided. Some facilities have their own purification systems and you can drink the tap water. In the area restaurants, purified ice and water is used. If you are off the beaten path, use your best judgment.

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How much should I tip at a restaurant? How much should I tip the staff if I rent a house?

Usually 15%, 20% if you had good service and food. Not less than 10% if you were satisfied. If you rent a house, usually the recommendation is to tip 5% of the rental fee for the week if the staff was attentive.

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Is it safe to eat vegetables?

Vegetable can be eaten here. If you are buying fresh fruits and vegetables it is best to soak the produce in purified water and add one or two drops of Microdyne (available at most mexican grocery stores) or similar disinfectant, as per the product's instructions. Vegetables are best eaten cooked opposed to raw. All the Akumal restaurants use purified water and disinfectants.

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Where to buy great seafood, Playa Del Carmen

Directions to Oceana, From the highway: turn left on to the main street for Playa. You will see Pemex on the left after the turn. Go to the first and only traffic light and turn left. Stay straight you will pass a shopping center with San Fransico de Assisi grocery store on the right. Go to the next major intersection, there is a rotary or circle. Go through the circle. Great veggie market on the right. Stay straight to the next rotary there is a new brick building on the left. Turn left. There is a vacant lot on the first block. Oceana is on this street on the opposite side of the street, in the second block. There is a funeral home just before it. The jumbo shrimp are wonderful with a great price per kilo.

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How is the weather?

We do not have frequent weather reports like the US. We usually stick our heads our the window in the morning and check it out. The winters are sunny and mild. It starts getting warmer in March. There are some spring rains, but not what would be referred to as a "rainy season". June can be rainy. July - August are usually hot and humid. Traditionally September and October have the highest risk of hurricanes. (officially the Caribbean storm season is June-October). The last hurricane was in 1995, the one before that 1988. We hope we are not due another for a few years. This is a great time to visit Akumal because rentals offer great prices and there are not a lot of tourists. If you are worried about weather excellent travel insurance is available on the Internet to protect your vacation investment. November begins the winter season with milder temperatures and lower humidity. We recommend to pack a rain coat, sweatshirt or light jacket. Riviera Maya weather.

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How do I get to Cozumel?

You can get to Cozumel by ferry or plane. Both originate in Playa Del Carmen. The ferry is about 50 pesos one way. Ferry Schedules. For the flights, you will need to check times and prices at the Playa Del Carmen local airport. Flights are also available to Chichen Itza.

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Is there any grocery shopping in the area?

There is a variety of stores in Playa Del Carmen from a grocery store like the ones in the US, to veggie markets, seafood shops, etc. There are two grocery stores in the center of Akumal. They have many national and imported foods and beverages. Fresh fruits and veggies are sold on Weds and Saturdays in the center of Akumal. For major grocery shopping Playa del Carmen is recommended. Services directory.

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Are there any medical facilities? Emergency phone numbers?

  • Emergency (Police) phone# is: 066
  • Ambulance service phone# is: 044-984-806-2250

Playa Del Carmen has several medical "clinics", small hospitals and a hyperbaric facility. Major hospitals are also located in Cancun and Cancun has at least one other hyperbaric facility.

Hospiten is a quality hospital in Playa del Carmen. It is located across from "Centro Maya" shopping center on the main coastal highway just south of Sam's Club in Playa del Carmen. There is another Hospiten hospital in CD Cancun on Avenida Bonampak.

See our medical service / doctor / hospital listings below:

There are two doctors who will do house calls in Akumal and the surrounding area.

  • Dr. Elizabeth Mendoza - Medical Service in Akumal
    • Dr. Elizabeth Mendoza has an office and pharmacy. She speaks both Spanish and English. Her cell phone number is 044-984-108-0094. She also makes house calls.
    • Location: Akumal Pueblo on the main street right on top of the hill
  • Dr. Nestor Mendoza Gutierrez - emergency cellular phone# is: 044-984-806-4616
    • Dr. Nestor's office phone# is: 984-875-4051, 984-875-0764, 984-875-1142, 984-875-9393. His Akumal office is located in Plaza Ukana I local 2. That is in the Akumal "Cancha" (square) around the corner and one door down from the La Palmas grocery store, across the street from the Super Chomak grocery store. Hours are usually 9:00am-2:00pm.
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Christmas and New Years Rentals?

The Holiday Season is the busiest time of year in Akumal and everywhere on the Riviera Maya. It is best to make reservations 6 to 12 months in advance. As for Locogringo's listings, go to one of the lodging comparison charts: all-inclusive | condo | hotel/resort | house/villa. Once you've selected one of those pages narrow your holiday search with "What is available?" Christmas Week | New Years Week | Both Holiday Weeks (you'll see this on a comparison chart page). As you roll your mouse around any of those pages you'll see which words are hot links. Just click any of them to further narrow your search, sort the chart columns, or go to specific property pages.

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Are there requirements for minors traveling with only one parent here?

To see our Immigration information click here.

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What about crime in Mexico?

For the most part, Quintana Roo has a lower incidence of crime than any major city in the US. Even with a predominately impoverished population, violent crime and armed robbery are virtually non-existent. The strength of the family unit coupled with Mexico's generally Christian ethics ward off tendencies toward crime, but tourists should be aware of petty thievery and crimes of opportunity. The inclination to disregard common sense and leave everything wide open because you are in "paradise" can lead to petty thievery. So, lock up your accommodation when you leave it. To be safer, lock up areas of the accommodation that are not in use even when you are there, so you don't forget. If your accommodation has a security safe use it. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Don't leave expensive cameras and computers lying around in plain sight unattended. When taking day trips to beaches and points of interest, take what you need with you and don't leave expensive items in the vehicle in full view. Don't think things locked in the trunk are safe. Generally, take what you need on vacation and leave the rest at home. When going to any foreign country check with your insurance agent before your trip about coverage for losses while on vacation.