There are a number of daily international flights from the UK to Cancun, the international airport for the Riviera Maya.

• Currency: Mexican Peso 
• Time difference: GMT -6 
• Flight from UK: 10 hours 40 minutes 
• Visa: Not for British citizens 
• Language: Spanish (Maya is still spoken in some areas) 
• Regional Drink: Chaya juice 
• Regional Dish: Pork pibil

Riviera Maya Activities

With a lengthy Caribbean coastline lapped by waters home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, you’ll find excellent diving and snorkelling spots in Yucatan– plus the chance to swim with whale sharks. Inland, test your nerves and jump into one of the region’s cenotes, limestone sinkholes once revered by the Mayans as sacred sites. Play a round of golf at one of the world class courses, sweat it out at in a temazcal, browse craft markets for hand-made hammocks and even watch a game of pok-ta-pok, an ancient Mayan sport.

Riviera Maya Food & Drink

Drawing on ingredients and recipes handed down from an ancient people, the style of food in the Riviera Maya is unique to the region. The use of four key flavours and methods – achiote, citrus, habaneros and smoke – come together to create dishes like the iconic cochinita pibil – pork rubbed with spice, marinated, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earthen pit. For a refreshingly cooling drink try chaya juice – ‘tree spinach’ mixed with water, sugar and lime or learn that tequila isn’t just for shots with an afternoon of tequila tasting.

Riviera Maya Attractions

Exploring ancient ruins, temples and pyramids hidden in dense jungle should be top of your ‘hit list’ on any holiday to the Riviera Maya. Visit the incredible archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal and be wowed by the skills and craftsmanship of the Mayans. Head to Merida, Valladolid or Izamal for pastel coloured houses and cobbled streets – testaments of Spanish colonialism. And to gaze upon flocks of pink flamingos (and other birdlife) spend time in the flora and fauna-rich Sian Ka'an Biosphere.