Riviera Maya, Mexico – 1 Week at the Riu Yucatan (November 2024)
Last updated on : November 12, 2025
A Week in the Sun with my Family
November and March have always been times when my husband and I feel the need to take a break. As autumn deepens and winter settles in, the daylight grows shorter, energy dips, and the call for sunshine becomes stronger. For the past few years, we’ve been gifting ourselves these week-long escapes to the South – moments to breathe, recharge, break the rhythm of the season, and welcome a bit of warmth, both inside and out.
For this trip, the plans were originally different: we were supposed to go to Jamaica with my husband’s family. But in the end, my vacation dates didn’t align with theirs. So my mother offered to join me for the week my employer had granted me. I had never traveled with her before, and it was something I had carried quietly for a long time – a gentle wish waiting for the right moment.
Then, my oldest son, who was 25 at the time, decided to come along for his very first trip down South.
And finally, when my husband’s own plans fell through, he joined us too. And just like that, the four of us found ourselves together: my husband, my mother, my son… and me.
Mexico quickly became the destination of choice. My husband and I had never been, and I wanted more than just the beach and hotel pool – I wanted to explore and feel a bit of the local culture. My mother already knew the region and had fond memories of it, and the idea of combining rest and discovery appealed to us all.
We often heard that Playacar’s beach was among the most beautiful in the Riviera Maya, so we looked at options in that area with our travel advisor. Among the suggestions she offered, Riu Yucatan felt like the best balance: location, beach, atmosphere, simplicity, and comfort.
This trip was born from a mix of timing, intuition, and a shared need for light and space. And at the end, it was truly memorable.
When to Go to Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya can be visited year-round, but the most pleasant conditions are usually found between November and April, during the dry season. At this time of year, the days are sunny, the temperatures are mild, and the humidity is lower – the perfect combination to fully enjoy the beach and the sea.
From May to October, the climate becomes hotter and more humid, with more frequent rain showers, especially at the end of the day. This period also corresponds to hurricane season, although that doesn’t mean storms are guaranteed – simply that the weather can be more unpredictable.
For our trip, we went in November, and the conditions were just perfect:
- Warm, pleasant temperatures
- Plenty of sunshine
- Comfortable swims
- Soft, enjoyable evenings
A beautiful balance between warmth and comfort – without feeling heavy or overwhelming.
Entry Requirements for Mexico
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 180 days. You simply need a valid passport for the duration of your trip. (Although the Mexican government does not require six months of validity, it is strongly recommended to have a passport valid for at least six months after your return to avoid any complications.)
However, there are two taxes you should be aware of when traveling to the Riviera Maya:
- Quintana Roo Tourist Tax
This tax can be paid online before departure (Visitax)
We preferred paying it in advance to avoid questions, although in our case, no one asked for proof at any checkpoint.
Cost: approximately $18–$20 per person.
- Environmental Tax at the Hotel
Also sometimes called the Environmental Fee or Sustainability Fee.
It is paid directly at the hotel, per night and per room.
We paid it at check-out
Cost: approximately 20 MXN per night per room (≈ $10 per room for a week).
These fees may be small, but it’s helpful to include them in your travel budget to avoid surprises.
How to Get to Riviera Maya
For this trip, we chose an all-inclusive package in the Riviera Maya region. This type of package usually includes flights, accommodation, meals, and transfers between the airport and the hotel.
We traveled with Sunwing, since at that time it was the main airline operating Riu hotels in the South (including the Riu Yucatan). So in our case, the choice of hotel naturally influenced the choice of airline.
In general, all-inclusive packages to the Riviera Maya from Montreal are served by three main airlines:
- Sunwing
- Air Transat
- Air Canada
Our transfer between Cancún Airport and the hotel was included in the package, which made arrival simple and stress-free. Once we collected our luggage, a bus was waiting to take us directly to the Riu Yucatán – no need to arrange transportation ourselves. It was straightforward and convenient, allowing us to start vacation mode immediately, without having to manage anything extra.
Hotel : Riu Yucatan
Riu Yucatan is located right on Playacar Beach, in a calm and secure neighborhood surrounded by greenery and light. It’s a small-scale resort, where everything is easy to reach on foot: the beach, the pools, the restaurants, and even the neighboring Riu hotels (Tequila and Playacar), all just a short walk away. The atmosphere is warm, simple, and friendly, without being overly lively or noisy.
What I especially loved was the natural feel of the property: you’ll often see monkeys, coatis, raccoons, and other small animals moving freely around the wooded areas. It adds a gentle, vibrant, and wonderfully exotic touch to the stay – a real sense of connection with nature, right from the hotel grounds.
Room
We had requested rooms close to one another and, even though they weren’t technically “connecting rooms” (no adjoining door), the layout worked out perfectly. In our building, a small hallway led to two rooms facing each other, which allowed us to be close while still keeping our privacy. It worked very well for the four of us.
The rooms were spacious and clean. Nothing new or luxurious, but comfortable and well maintained.
In our room, we had two single beds pushed together to make one large bed, which was ideal – each of us could sleep comfortably without disturbing the other. In the other room, my mother and my son each had their own separate bed.
A small detail to know:
The bathroom is partially open to the room, except for the toilet, which has its own door. The shower has a glass door. Since my mother and my son were sharing the same room, they simply asked the front desk for a curtain to add a bit of privacy – and the request was handled immediately, without any issue. You can tell the staff is very used to accommodating this kind of request quickly.
The minibar was surprisingly well stocked: sodas, beer (which you can have refilled to your liking), and even a wall-mounted dispenser with a few types of liquor. It was the first time I had seen this kind of setup in a room, and I have to say – it was very convenient (my son enjoyed it even more than we did 😄).
The Wi-Fi worked very well both in the rooms and throughout the resort. Each room gets a connection code that covers multiple devices, so we were able to use our phones, tablets, and laptops without having to reconnect constantly. No signal issues at all, which is something I really appreciate in an all-inclusive.
The safe worked perfectly, and we had no issues with security or functionality. The air conditioning also worked well – maybe even a little too well, since we sometimes had to lower it or turn it off at night to be more comfortable.
Our building was located near the pool and the beach, which was a real advantage – no long walks, everything was easy to access. It definitely added to the comfort of our stay.
Our building was also just next to a small wooded area crossed by a charming wooden bridge. This is where we most often saw the animals of the resort: monkeys, coatis, and even a few raccoons. It almost felt like we were sharing our daily routine with them.
Restaurant & Food
For our stay, we mainly ate at the buffet – for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – and that’s actually what we enjoyed the most. The food was really good, varied, well prepared, and always fresh. There were plenty of options, so we never felt like we were eating the same thing over and over, and the stations were well organized. Honestly, in terms of buffet quality in all-inclusive resorts, this is probably one of the best I’ve experienced so far.
We tried two of the à la carte restaurants during our stay. The first one, the Italian restaurant, was good, but it didn’t particularly stand out. At Riu hotels, the à la carte restaurants often follow a half-buffet, half table-service format, which is a bit different from other resorts we’ve stayed at, where à la cartes operate like full sit-down restaurants. It’s not bad at all – it’s simply a different style, a little less of a “gastronomic experience.”
We also tried the Grill & Steakhouse located near the beach, and we enjoyed it as well. The food was good and the atmosphere pleasant. But again, it wasn’t what left the biggest impression on us – the buffets were definitely our favorite meals of the week.
What we’ll remember most is that we ate well all week, without overthinking anything, and that truly contributed to the restful and easy-going nature of the trip.
Beach & Pool
The beach in Playacar is truly beautiful. Soft, white sand under your feet, and a sea you can walk into for a long, long time, with the water gently brushing your ankles. It’s the kind of beach where you can set off with no destination – just to walk, breathe, and let your mind settle. I made the most of it every single day.
For me, those quiet walks along the shore were some of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
As for the loungers, it’s true that the best spots go quickly, as in most all-inclusive resorts. Personally, I wake up early when I travel, because I love watching the sunrise. So I used that time to choose our chairs for the day. Thanks to that, we had a perfect spot every morning.
Just above the beach, there’s a slightly elevated lounger area, between the pool and the sea. That became our favorite place. From there, we had a view of the ocean and the palm trees, and we could enjoy either the calm of the beach or the livelier pool atmosphere – depending on what we felt like that day.
The loungers in this area had adjustable shade canopies, which was incredibly practical, especially in the afternoon sun. A small detail – but one I really appreciated.
The pool itself is beautiful. And in the evening, with the soft lighting, the atmosphere becomes almost magical. The outdoor theater is nearby, so you can watch the show or simply soak in the ambiance, all while staying close to the water.
It’s a place where it’s very easy to feel good. A simple, harmonious setting, where the sea, the palm trees, and the gentle climate create an atmosphere that is naturally soothing.
Atmosphere & Evenings on the Resort
One of the things we really loved about the Riu Yucatan was the balance between relaxation and entertainment. That mattered to us, especially since we were traveling as a multigenerational group:
- My mother, who enjoys peace and quiet;
- My son, who was excited to experience a bit of nightlife on his first trip down South;
- And my husband and I, who were looking for something in-between.
The Riu Yucatan itself offers a laid-back and pleasant atmosphere, with evening shows and sometimes live music near the outdoor theater, right next to the pool. It’s lively without ever feeling overwhelming. We could easily choose to sit back and relax, or join in, depending on our mood.
A great advantage is that you also have access to the Riu Tequila, located just a few minutes’ walk away. That’s where the Riu Parties take place – themed nights where the energy level is definitely higher. During our stay, we went to a White Party, and the atmosphere was amazing: music, dancing, lights, great energy, and everyone having fun together. It was a really memorable moment to share, especially with my son and my husband.
We also tried the Silent Disco – everyone wears wireless headphones, chooses their own music, and dances together… in silence. It’s playful, unexpected, and so much fun. Definitely an experience to remember.
One detail I found particularly useful was the Riu app. By downloading it, we were able to select our hotel (Riu Yucatan), but also see the activities and show schedules of the nearby Riu properties accessible on foot, like the Riu Tequila and Riu Playacar.
Through the app, we could check:
- The evening shows
- The themed parties (like the Riu Parties)
- The daytime activities at each hotel
And choose where to go based on the atmosphere we felt like experiencing.
It made it easy to decide whether we wanted a quiet evening or a festive one – without missing out on anything. A small, simple tool, but one that really enhanced our stay.
Activities & Excursions
What We Did
We chose to leave the resort twice to explore more of the region’s culture and nature – and it truly enriched our trip.
- Chichen Itza, Cenote Oxman & Valladolid : A full day beautifully balanced between history, nature, and the gentle charm of a small colonial town. The majesty of Chichen Itza genuinely impressed us, and swimming in the cenote was incredibly refreshing. We ended the day in the lovely town of Valladolid, which has such a unique atmosphere. 👉 I describe this day in more detail here.
- Rio Secreto & Tulum : A completely different — and much more sensory — experience.
Exploring an underground river in near silence, with the light reflecting gently off the stone… it was a deeply moving moment. Then, the visit to the Tulum archaeological site, with its unforgettable cliffside view of the ocean, offered a blend of culture, beauty, and quiet awe. 👉 I describe this day in more detail here.
These two excursions brought the perfect balance to our week: a mix of relaxation, discovery, and wonder.
What We Would Have Liked to Do
We had planned to spend a few hours in Playa del Carmen, especially since our Sunwing package included round-trip transportation to the town. But we had scheduled that outing for the end of the trip… and when the day came, we simply didn’t feel like going anywhere. We preferred to stay by the beach, slow down, and savor the last day without rushing. So, it will be for next time.
We did, however, explore the residential area of Playacar where the Riu hotels are located. It’s safe and very pleasant to walk around. We also found a small local artisan market where we bought a few souvenirs – a lovely alternative.
Another excursion that had caught our attention was a visit to the Coba archaeological site, which is quite different from Chichen Itza and located deep in the jungle. We felt it would have been a bit too much for this particular trip, but it’s definitely on our list for a future return to Mexico.
Budget & Travel Costs
We booked an all-inclusive package that included round-trip flights, accommodation at the Riu Yucatán, meals, drinks, and airport transfers. The total cost for one week was $1,605 per person, taxes included, at the time of our booking.
We also chose to add the “Worry Free Coverage Plan” ($69) offered by the airline. It’s an option I like to take, as it allows you to cancel or modify your trip in exchange for a travel credit if something unexpected happens. Since we travel regularly, this kind of flexibility is often more than enough for us. I had used it in the past for a trip canceled due to an injury, and it had genuinely helped – so now, I almost always add it.
To this, we added the local taxes mentioned earlier:
- Visitax (Quintana Roo): approx. $18–$20 per person
- Environmental tax at the hotel: approx. $10 per room for 7 nights (paid directly on site)
And finally, we added our excursions and a few personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.). Personal spending is not included in the summary below, since it varies from one traveler to another.
Here is a summary of the expenses incurred per person:
- ✈️ Flights / All-Inclusive Package: 1605$
- 🛡️ Worry Free Coverage Plan: 69$
- 🎟️ Excursions: 350$
- 💲 Visitax + Environmental Tax: 25$
- 👉 Total: 2049$
This trip remained affordable, while still allowing us to fully enjoy: the beach, the good food, the warm and pleasant atmosphere and two beautiful cultural outings. A simple, nourishing, and memorable week under the sun.
Currency
In Mexico, the local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). It’s the most practical option for purchases on site, especially in markets, small artisan shops, and for tipping.
Before leaving, I exchanged a small amount of pesos at the airport exchange desk, mainly because the excursion we had booked to Chichen Itza had to be paid in pesos or euros. So I needed some local currency right from the start of the trip.
For the rest of the week – mostly for tipping and small purchases – I had brought some U.S. dollars. It’s a habit I’ve had for years when traveling in the South: I always bring small USD bills ($1, $2, $5), which are easy to use, especially in hotels and for simple day-to-day situations. You can just refill your small bills before traveling, and it works well for us.
Good to know:
- USD are widely accepted in most all-inclusive resorts and tourist areas, but the exchange rate offered is not always favorable.
- Pesos are more cost-effective for purchases in markets, local shops, and taxis outside the hotel zone.
- Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger stores, but less so in small local businesses.
In the end, it’s helpful to have a mix of both currencies, depending on your habits and what feels comfortable for you.
In Conclusion
This trip was, for me, one of the most beautiful vacations I’ve had in the South.
I truly believe that having my mother and my son with us – for our first experience traveling together – played a big part in that. It was a precious moment to live, and one I’ll always remember with warmth.
Beyond the family aspect, Riu Yucatan genuinely met everything we were looking for: a beautiful beach, excellent food, a calm yet lively atmosphere, and excursions that added real depth to the experience.
It was simple, pleasant, smooth, and without complications.
In my opinion, it’s a hotel I sincerely recommend, especially when offered at a reasonable price, like the one we were able to find. The overall experience was absolutely worth it.
Would I go back? Yes – without hesitation. Even though I love discovering new places, Riu Yucatan remains solidly in my top 3 all-inclusive trips.
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