Viva la Mexico

airplane window view of clouds during daytime

✈️ Flying into Cabo San Lucas (SJD)

Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), about 30–40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas.
Arrival Tip: Most major airlines fly here; customs can be busy, so be patient.
Ground Transport: Pre-book a shared shuttle or private transfer; taxis are expensive. Avoid the “timeshare gauntlet” in the arrival hall.

✈️ Flying into Cancún (CUN) – for Cancún & Riviera Maya

Airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN), the gateway for Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Arrival Tip: Very busy airport, especially on weekends. Have transfer plans ready before arrival.
To Playa del Carmen: 45–60 min by shuttle or private van.
To Tulum: ~1.5–2 hours south; best reached by private transfer or ADO bus.

✈️ Flying into Tulum (TQO) – New Option

Airport: Tulum International Airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport, TQO) opened recently.
Pros: Cuts down long road transfer from Cancún.
Cons: Fewer flight options (for now), mostly from domestic or select U.S. cities.

💡 Travel Hack: Avoid Airport Scams and Confusion

It is an absolute must to schedule roundtrip transportation (airport ↔ hotel) before your trip. When you arrive and collect your bags, walk straight outside — past the booths, "official" looking people with clipboards and lanyards, and anyone asking which company you booked with. These people are either scammers or will try to get a tip just for walking you a few steps to your driver.

On your return flight, the same applies — ignore people offering help at the self check-in kiosks. They are not airline staff and are simply looking for a tip.

✅ Book your transfers in advance - if you book directly with the hotel, this should be included or at least an option. If you book with a 3rd party site, we would suggest booking transportation with a company like Viator.
🚫 Don’t stop for anyone inside the terminal.
🚶‍♂️ Keep walking until you’re outside to find your pre-arranged driver. In your confirmation email, they provide specific instructions--including having WhatsApp so they can communicate with you as well as what color shirt and logo to look for once you get outside the terminal.

Cabo San Lucas

Welcome to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — a stunning coastal paradise at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Here’s your ultimate top 5 must-do experiences to make the most of your trip, including places to dine, stay, and explore:

aerial photography of mountain with village near sea

🌊 1. Cruise to Land's End & El Arco

Why go? It’s the iconic landmark of Cabo — a dramatic rock arch jutting from the sea, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
Experience it via:
- Sunset Cruise: Enjoy cocktails and music as the sun dips into the ocean.
- Glass-bottom boat: For a more relaxed daytime tour with views of sea life.
Pro tip: Go during golden hour for the best photos!

🐬 2. Marine Adventures: Snorkeling, Scuba & Whale Watching

Where: Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay for calm waters and colorful reefs.
When: December–April is peak whale-watching season.
Top Tour Operators:
- Cabo Adventures – Known for upscale dolphin swims, snorkeling safaris, and whale tours.
- Pisces Sportfishing – Great for deep-sea fishing excursions.
Don’t Miss: Snorkel with sea lions at Espíritu Santo Island (day trip via La Paz).

🍽️ 3. Indulge in Cabo's Culinary Scene

Upscale Dining:
- Edith’s Restaurant – A Cabo staple for upscale Mexican-Pacific cuisine.
- Sunset Monalisa – Mediterranean cuisine with the best ocean sunset view in town.
Casual Favorites:
- Taqueria El Paisa – Authentic street tacos in a lively setting.
- The Office on the Beach – Great food with your feet in the sand and a margarita in hand.
Nightlife: Check out Cabo Wabo Cantina (founded by Sammy Hagar) for live music and drinks.

🏨 4. Stay in Style: Top Hotels & Resorts

Luxury Picks:
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Private cliffside setting, infinity pools, and exceptional service.
- The Cape, a Thompson Hotel – Chic, modern vibes with stunning rooftop views.
All-Inclusive Favorites:
- Grand Velas Los Cabos – Known for gourmet dining and world-class spa.
- Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Tranquil adults-only resort with beach access.
Budget-Friendly but Great:
- Siesta Suites Hotel – Cozy, clean, and close to downtown and the marina.

🏜️ 5. Off-Road or Desert Adventure

Explore the desert and beaches on:
- ATV tours through the Baja outback.
- Camel rides along the beach (yes, really!).
- Zip-lining through Boca de Sierra National Park for adrenaline and canyon views.
Top Tour Company: Wild Canyon Adventures – for a mix of thrills and nature.

Riviera Maya

Welcome to the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico’s most enchanting and diverse destinations. Stretching along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, it’s a tropical haven known for white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, ancient ruins, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Here's your Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Riviera Maya — including places to dine, top resorts, excursions, and more:

photography of people swims on body of water with cave

🏝️ 1. Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum or Chichén Itzá

Why go? Connect with ancient history while surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.
Tulum Ruins: Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean — picturesque and close to the beach.
Chichén Itzá: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
- Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds and heat. Consider a guided tour for full cultural context.
Add-on: Visit the Cenote Ik Kil after Chichén Itzá for a swim in a magical jungle sinkhole.

🌊 2. Swim in Cenotes (Natural Sinkholes)

Why go? These freshwater pools are unique to the Yucatán and offer a surreal swimming experience.
Top Cenotes to Visit:
- Gran Cenote (near Tulum) – Great for snorkeling.
- Cenote Dos Ojos – Ideal for diving.
- Cenote Suytun – Instagram-famous for its light beam over a stone platform.
Pro tip: Bring biodegradable sunscreen and water shoes.

🍽️ 3. Explore Riviera Maya’s Culinary Scene

Fine Dining:
- Le Chique (at Azul Beach Resort) – Avant-garde tasting menus; ranked among Mexico's best.
- Hartwood (Tulum) – Wood-fired farm-to-table with a cult following. No reservations, come early.
Local Favorites:
- El Fogón (Playa del Carmen) – Authentic tacos al pastor, loved by locals and tourists.
- Trattoria Romana Tulum – Outstanding Italian in a jungle setting.
Beach Dining: Ziggy’s Beach Club in Tulum – Chill beach vibes with fresh seafood and cocktails.

🏨 4. Stay in a Resort that Fits Your Vibe

Luxury:
- Rosewood Mayakoba – Secluded, ultra-luxurious villas in the jungle with boat-access suites.
- Hotel Esencia – Elegant boutique hideaway near Tulum, favored by A-listers.
All-Inclusive Excellence:
- Xcaret Arte (Adults Only) – Includes access to all Xcaret parks; combines culture and comfort.
- Grand Velas Riviera Maya – High-end, family-friendly all-inclusive with gourmet dining.
- Secrets Akumal or Secrets Maroma - Offers adult-only options that won't break the bank.
- Excellence Playa Mujeres - our personal favorite.
Boutique & Boho:
- La Zebra or Be Tulum – Trendy beachfront hotels in Tulum for design-savvy travelers.

🎢 5. Adventure & Eco Parks

Xcaret Parks are an essential part of the Riviera Maya experience:
- Xcaret: Eco-cultural park with underground rivers, snorkeling, and a nightly Mexican folklore show.
- Xel-Há: Natural water park great for snorkeling and zip lines.
- Xplor: For adrenaline seekers — zip-lining, underground rivers, amphibious vehicles.
Tip: Bundle park passes for savings.

Cancun

Cancún...not to be confused with the Riviera Maya. Cancún is a bustling city known for its Hotel Zone, all-inclusive resorts, and nightlife. The Riviera Maya refers to the more laid-back stretch of coastline south of Cancún, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum, known for eco-tourism, cenotes, and Mayan ruins.

🏖️ 1. Relax (or Party) on Cancún’s Famous Beaches

Why go? Cancún’s Hotel Zone boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with soft white sand and warm, clear waters.
Top Spots:
- Playa Delfines – Stunning, public, and less crowded; home to the famous Cancún sign.
- Playa Chac Mool – Popular for swimming and lounging near lively beach clubs.
Beach Clubs to Try:
- Mandala Beach Club – Upscale party scene.
- Coco’s Beach Club – More chill and family-friendly.

🚤 2. Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

Why go? A charming island just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún, known for laid-back vibes and crystal-clear water.
Top Experiences:
- Rent a golf cart to explore the island.
- Snorkel at Garrafon Reef Park or relax on Playa Norte — one of Mexico’s top beaches.
Ferries: Depart regularly from Puerto Juárez or the Hotel Zone.

🍽️ 3. Eat Well: Cancún’s Culinary Highlights

Fine Dining:
- RosaNegra Cancún – High-end Latin fusion with great ambiance and waterfront views.
- Puerto Madero – Elegant Argentine steakhouse with fresh seafood and marina views.
Authentic & Casual:
- La Habichuela – Quintessential Yucatán flavors in a lush garden setting.
- Tacos Rigo or El Polilla – Beloved local taco joints.
Unique Experience: Try a Mexican food tour or taco crawl in downtown Cancún for a more local flavor.

🏨 4. Stay at a Resort That Matches Your Style

Luxury All-Inclusive:
- NIZUC Resort & Spa – Tranquil, exclusive, and ideal for couples.
- Le Blanc Spa Resort – Adults-only, upscale with top-tier service and spa.
Family-Friendly:
- Hyatt Ziva Cancún – Kid-friendly with multiple pools and restaurants.
- Dreams Vista Cancún – Great for families and offers modern suites.
Budget-Friendly:
- Selina Cancún Laguna – A trendy hostel/hotel hybrid with a social vibe and coworking space.
- Smart Cancun The Urban Oasis – Downtown base near local restaurants and bars.

🌴 5. Explore Mayan Culture & Natural Wonders

Visit Ruins:
- El Rey Ruins – Right in the Hotel Zone; quick and accessible.
- Chichén Itzá – Full-day trip to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Swim in Cenotes:
- Nearby cenotes like Cenote Azul or Cenote La Noria are perfect for a quick, refreshing dip.
Eco & Adventure Parks:
- Xavage or Xplor (via Xcaret Group) for zip-lining, rafting, and jungle fun.
- Xcaret Park for a blend of nature, history, and culture with family-friendly activities.