The Riviera Maya runs along a single road. Federal Highway 307 stretches south from the edge of Cancún through low jungle and coastline all the way to Chetumal, near the border with Belize. Every town, beach, and resort you have read about sits somewhere along this corridor — or on an island a short ferry ride from it. Understanding the geography is the single most useful thing you can do before planning a trip here, because distances that look small on a map can take an hour or more in a colectivo, and the difference between staying in Cancún versus Tulum is not just a vibe — it is over 130 km of road.
This guide lays out the Riviera Maya from north to south: every major town, the beaches between them, the airports that serve the region, and the fastest ways to move between them.
The Big Picture
The Riviera Maya proper runs from Puerto Morelos (about 35 km south of Cancún) down to Tulum and the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve — roughly 130 km of Caribbean coastline. In practice, travellers use the name more broadly to include Cancún as a gateway, the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, and increasingly the stretch south to Bacalar on the Laguna de los Siete Colores.
Map of the Riviera Maya showing towns along Highway 307
The entire coast is flat limestone karst — no rivers, no hills. Rainwater filters straight through the porous rock into an extensive underground river system that surfaces at cenotes (natural sinkholes) scattered across the region. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, runs just offshore the entire length of the coast.
Key fact: Highway 307 through Quintana Roo is entirely toll-free (libre). There are no casetas (toll booths) between Cancún and Chetumal. You will encounter occasional military checkpoints — these are routine and usually brief.
Towns Along Highway 307 (North to South)
| Town | Distance from Cancún | Drive time | Population (approx.) | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancún | 0 km | — | ~1,000,000 | Major city; international airport; Hotel Zone |
| Puerto Morelos | 35 km | 25–35 min | ~20,000 | Small port town; reef snorkeling; Ruta de los Cenotes inland |
| Playa del Carmen | 68 km | 50–60 min | ~240,000 | Largest Riviera Maya town; ferry to Cozumel; nightlife |
| Puerto Aventuras | 90 km | 1h 10min | ~6,000 | Gated marina community; dolphin encounters; quiet beaches |
| Akumal | 104 km | 1h 20min | ~2,000 | Sea turtle snorkeling bay; small-town feel |
| Tulum (Pueblo) | 130 km | 1h 40min–2h | ~33,000 | Two-zone town: budget pueblo + beach hotel zone |
| Felipe Carrillo Puerto | 180 km | 2h 30min | ~25,000 | Inland Maya town; Tren Maya stop; onward to Bacalar |
| Bacalar | 340 km | 4h–4h 30min | ~13,000 | Pueblo Mágico on Laguna de los Siete Colores |
| Chetumal | 370 km | 4h 30min–5h | ~180,000 | State capital; border with Belize; domestic airport |
Drive times assume normal traffic and a private car or taxi. Colectivos (shared vans) take 20–40% longer because they stop frequently. ADO buses are comparable to car times on express routes.
Cancún is the gateway — the airport (CUN) handles more international passengers than any other airport in Latin America. The city itself is large and urbane, with the famousHotel Zone curving along a barrier island. Cancún is not technically part of the Riviera Maya, but almost every visitor passes through it.
Puerto Morelos is the quietest of the major coastal towns. Split between a fishing-village port area and a small hotel zone, it makes a strong base if you want reef snorkeling and cenote visits without the bustle of Playa del Carmen. The Ruta de los Cenotes, a signed cluster of 60+ cenotes inland from town, is one of the best-organized cenote networks in the state.
Playa del Carmen is the commercial heart of the Riviera Maya. What was a sleepy fishing village in the 1980s is now a city of nearly a quarter million people. The pedestrian-only Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) runs ten blocks parallel to the beach, packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The Cozumel ferry departs from the downtown terminal.
Akumal is famous for one thing: swimming with sea turtles in the shallow bay. The town is small and low-key, with a handful of restaurants and dive shops. It works well as a quieter alternative to Tulum, especially for snorkelers and divers.
Tulum operates as two distinct zones. Tulum Pueblo (the town center, where the bus station and budget restaurants are) sits on Highway 307. The Zona Hotelera (beach road) stretches 3–5 km south of the ruins along a narrow coastal strip of boutique hotels and beach clubs. The two zones are separated by a 15-minute taxi or bike ride, and there is no Uber in Tulum.
Bacalar has become the Riviera Maya's southern star. The Laguna de los Siete Colores — a lake of extraordinary clarity that shifts through shades of blue and turquoise — draws travellers who want something different from the ocean coast. The town is a designated Pueblo Mágico with a growing restaurant and hostel scene. It is a long drive from Cancún but increasingly accessible via the Tren Maya.
Key Beaches Between the Towns
The beaches between towns are sometimes more appealing than the ones in town. Many have public access, though some require passing through a hotel or beach club.
Caribbean coastline along the Riviera Maya resort corridor
| Beach | Highway km marker | Nearest base town | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maroma Beach | km 42 | Puerto Morelos | Wide, powdery white sand; resort-fronted but public access at the ends |
| Punta Esmeralda | km 62 | Playa del Carmen | Local-favorite beach at the north end of Playa; cenote pool on the sand |
| Playacar | km 68 | Playa del Carmen | Gated resort strip; public beach access at the south end |
| Xpu-Ha | km 96–100 | Between Playa and Akumal | Open bay; beach clubs; one of the best wide-sand beaches on the coast |
| Akumal Bay | km 104 | Akumal | Turtle snorkeling; gets crowded by mid-morning |
| Yal-Ku Lagoon | km 105 | Akumal | Sheltered inlet; calm snorkeling; small entrance fee |
| Tankah Bay | km 125 | North of Tulum | Quiet residential bay; Cenote Manatí on the shore |
| Playa Paraíso | km 132 | Tulum | Classic Tulum beach; beach clubs; wide sand |
| Xcacel | km 145 | South of Tulum | Sea turtle sanctuary; undeveloped; no services; one of the last wild beaches |
Sargassum note: All Caribbean-facing beaches experience sargassum (seaweed) blooms, primarily from May through October. The severity varies year to year and week to week. Beaches in protected bays (Yal-Ku, Xel-Há) and the lagoon in Bacalar are generally sargassum-free. Check current conditions before committing to a beach day.
The Three Airports
Cancún International Airport (CUN)
The primary gateway. Mexico's second-busiest airport, handling the majority of international flights into the region.
- Location: 22 km south of Cancún city centre, directly on Highway 307
- Terminals: 4 (T1 charter, T2 domestic + some international, T3 major international, T4 select carriers)
- To Playa del Carmen: 55 km, ~55 min by private transfer; ADO bus runs directly
- To Tulum: 118 km, ~1h 45min by car
- To Bacalar: 340 km, ~4h by car
- Tren Maya: Direct station at the airport with free shuttle from terminals
Terminal 3 of Cancún International Airport
Tulum International Airport (TQO)
Opened in December 2023 with the first international flights in March 2024. Located near Felipe Carrillo Puerto, roughly 20–25 km southwest of Tulum Pueblo by road.
- To Tulum Pueblo: 25–30 min by car
- To Playa del Carmen: ~85 km, 1h 15min
- To Akumal: ~40 km, 40 min
- To Bacalar: ~175 km, ~2h
- Tren Maya: Dedicated station at the airport with a 35 MXN shuttle to the main Tulum station
As of 2026, TQO serves a growing but still limited number of international routes. It is most useful if you are heading directly to Tulum, Akumal, or Bacalar. If your accommodation is in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Morelos, CUN is generally more convenient.
Chetumal Airport (CTM)
A domestic airport serving the state capital. Flights connect to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and a handful of other Mexican cities. No scheduled international service.
- To Bacalar: 40 km, ~35 min by car
- Useful primarily for travellers already in southern Quintana Roo or crossing to/from Belize
The Islands: Ferries and Access
Three major island destinations sit off the Quintana Roo coast. None have airports for commercial passenger service — you reach them by ferry.
| Island | Ferry departure point | Crossing time | Drive from Cancún to ferry | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isla Mujeres | Puerto Juárez (Cancún) | 15–20 min | 15 min from downtown | Every 30 min, 6 AM–10 PM |
| Cozumel | Playa del Carmen terminal | 35–45 min | 1h to Playa + walk to terminal | Every 30–60 min, 6 AM–10 PM |
| Holbox | Chiquilá | 20–30 min | 2h–2h 15min from Cancún | Hourly, 6:30 AM–9:30 PM |
Isla Mujeres is the closest and most accessible — a day trip from Cancún is easy. Cozumel is the largest island, famous for diving and snorkeling on the reef. Holbox is the most remote and the most laid-back, known for bioluminescent water and seasonal whale shark tours.
Ferry operators (Ultramar for Isla Mujeres and Cozumel; 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express for Holbox) adjust schedules seasonally. Check times on the day you travel.
Highway 307: The Spine of the Coast
Every major destination in the Riviera Maya connects to Highway 307. A few practical points:
- Toll-free the entire length through Quintana Roo. No casetas.
- Military checkpoints are routine, especially south of Tulum. Officers may ask to see ID and look in the trunk. Keep your passport accessible.
- Fuel stations are plentiful between Cancún and Tulum but sparse south of Tulum. Fill up before the long stretch to Bacalar.
- Road surface is generally good between Cancún and Tulum. South of Tulum, it deteriorates in stretches — still fully passable, but watch for potholes and periodic construction.
- Speed limits are 60–80 km/h through towns and 100 km/h on open stretches. Police radar is common near Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The Tren Maya
The Tren Maya completed its full loop in December 2024, giving Quintana Roo a rail option for the first time. Key stations along the Caribbean coast, north to south:
| Station | Connects to |
|---|---|
| Cancún Airport | Free shuttle to terminals |
| Puerto Morelos | Town center |
| Playa del Carmen | ADO terminal, city center |
| Tulum | Town center |
| Tulum Airport (TQO) | Airport shuttle (35 MXN) |
| Felipe Carrillo Puerto | Town center; transfer point for Bacalar |
| Limones–Chacchoben | Chacchoben ruins access |
| Bacalar | Town center |
| Chetumal | State capital; Belize border |
The train runs at an average speed of 120 km/h with a maximum of 160 km/h. Three service classes operate: Xiinbal (standard), Janal (with restaurant car), and P'atal (sleeper for long-distance segments). The Playa del Carmen–Tulum section (Section 5 South) runs on elevated viaducts through the jungle, reducing ground-level environmental impact.
For most travellers, the Tren Maya is most useful for the Cancún Airport–Playa del Carmen–Tulum corridor and the Tulum–Bacalar segment. Check the current timetable before relying on it — schedules adjust seasonally and the system is still maturing.
Cenote Clusters by Region
Cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes) are one of the region's main draws. They cluster in specific areas, usually a short drive inland from Highway 307.
| Cluster | Access point on Hwy 307 | Notable cenotes | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruta de los Cenotes | Puerto Morelos (km 35) | Zapote, Siete Bocas, Kin-Ha, Verde Lucero, Boca del Puma | Adventure parks with zip-lines and ATVs; 60+ cenotes |
| Puerto Aventuras / Xpu-Ha | km 90–100 | Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, Jardín del Edén | Easy highway access; open and semi-open swim cenotes |
| Akumal | km 104 | Cenote Santa Cruz, Yal-Ku (lagoon) | Smaller, less crowded |
| Tulum | 5–15 km west of town | Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Calavera, Zacil-Ha, Carwash | World-class cavern and cave diving; popular snorkel spots |
| Cobá area | 45 km NW of Tulum | Choo-Ha, Tankach-Ha, Multun-Ha | Less visited; combine with Cobá ruins visit |
| Bacalar | Near town | Cenote Azul (Bacalar), Cocalitos, Esmeralda | Open, lagoon-like; some with stromatolites |
Pitfall: There are two cenotes called "Cenote Azul" in Quintana Roo — one near Playa del Carmen (small, deep, easy highway access) and one in Bacalar (wide, lagoon-like, on the edge of the laguna). They are entirely different experiences about 240 km apart. Make sure you know which one you are heading for.
Getting Around: Quick Comparison
| Mode | Best for | Cost (approx.) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colectivo | Short hops between adjacent towns | 30–60 MXN per segment | Moderate (frequent stops) |
| ADO bus | Town-to-town transfers; airport shuttles | 100–400 MXN depending on distance | Good (limited stops) |
| Private transfer | Airport to hotel; door-to-door | 800–2,500 MXN depending on distance | Fast |
| Rental car | Multi-stop trips; freedom to explore | 500–1,200 MXN/day + fuel + insurance | Fastest overall |
| Taxi | In-town and short inter-town | 50–500 MXN depending on distance | Fast (negotiate fare first) |
| Tren Maya | Cancún–Playa–Tulum; Tulum–Bacalar | Varies by class and distance | Fastest rail option |
No Uber in Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or most smaller towns. Uber operates in Cancún and parts of Playa del Carmen but is unreliable elsewhere. Download the DiDi app as a backup for Cancún and Playa.
Planning by Region
If you have 3–4 days
Base yourself in one town. Playa del Carmen gives the most flexibility — you can reach Cancún, Cozumel, Akumal, and Tulum as day trips. If beach time is your priority, Tulum (split between pueblo and beach zone) or Akumal are more relaxed.
If you have 5–7 days
Two bases work well: Cancún or Playa del Carmen for the northern half, and Tulum for the southern half. Alternatively, a single base in Playa del Carmen with day trips in both directions covers most highlights.
If you have 10+ days
Consider a coast-to-lagoon route: start in Cancún (or Isla Mujeres), move down through Playa del Carmen and Akumal, spend time in Tulum, and finish in Bacalar before flying out of CUN or taking the Tren Maya back north. Add Cozumel as a 2–3 day diving stop if you are certified.
Practical Notes
- Cash: Smaller towns and cenotes are cash-only. ATMs are reliable in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, spotty elsewhere. Carry pesos.
- Tren Maya tickets: Book in advance during peak season (December–April, July–August). Walk-up tickets are usually available off-peak.
- Driving at night: Not recommended south of Tulum — roads are unlit, livestock wanders, and potholes appear without warning.
- Phone signal: Good on Highway 307 between Cancún and Tulum. Spotty south of Tulum and on side roads inland. Download offline maps before heading out.
- Time zone: Quintana Roo is on Eastern Standard Time (UTC−6) year-round — it does not observe daylight saving time.
The Riviera Maya looks linear on a map because it is. Everything hangs off one road, one railway, and one string of coastline. Once you place yourself on that north-south axis — whether you are 35 km from Cancún in Puerto Morelos or 340 km away in Bacalar — the logistics fall into place. Use the tables above to pin down your base, and the rest is choosing which beach to hit first.
