Fodors travel Cancún & the Riviera Maya: with Tulum, Cozumel & the best of the Yucatan

Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula remains enduringly popular with travelers, and theres little wonder why. Stellar attractions include the regions magnificent beaches and the extensive reefs off Cozumel and the southern Yucatn coast, as well as myriad Mayan ruins, the remains of a vast empire that ruled here long before the Spanish. Limestone pools called cenotes, great for a swim or dive, dot the countryside, even in Playa del Carmen. All-inclusive resorts predominate in Cancn, but luxurious retreats and simple guesthouses also offer different kinds of hospitality.

Editorial: Douglas Stallings, Editorial Director; Margaret Kelly, Jacinta OHalloran, Senior Editors; Kayla Becker, Alexis Kelly, Amanda Sadlowski, Editors; Teddy Minford, Content Editor; Rachael Roth, Content Manager

Design: Tina Malaney, Design and Production Director; Jessica Gonzalez, Production Designer

Photography: Jill Krueger, Senior Photo Editor

Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartographers, David Lindroth, Cartographers

Production: Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager; Carrie Parker, Senior Production Editor; Elyse Rozelle, Production Editor

Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Director of Business Development and Revenue Operations; Tara McCrillis, Director of Publishing Operations; Eliza D. Aceves, Content Operations Manager and Strategist

Public Relations and Marketing: Joe Ewaskiw, Manager; Esther Su , Marketing Manager

Writers: Gigi Griffis, Mark S. Lindsey, Jeffrey Van Fleet

Editor: Teddy Minford

Production Editor: Carrie Parker

Copyright 2019 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.

Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

5th Edition

ISBN9781640970625

Ebook ISBN9781640970632

ISSN 2639-3263

All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.

Photo Credits: Cover: Pablo Pola Damonte/Getty Images; Experience Cancun: Willard | Dreamstime.com; Cacun: michelepautasso / Shutterstock; Isla Mujeres: Cancun CVB; The Caribbean Coast: Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock; Cozumel: CAN BALCIOGLU / Shutterstock; Yucatan And Campeche States: Valery Shanin / Shutterstock.

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Fodors Recommendations

Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.

Trip Costs

We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Hotels

Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, facilities, and deals visit Fodors.com.

Restaurants

Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted. To make restaurant reservations, visit Fodors.com.

Credit Cards

The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.

EUGENE FODOR

Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.