Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera also famously called “Riviera Maya” is one weekend spot that never ceases to amaze us. With twenty cities and lagoons on the West coast of Mexico, this resort destination isn’t special only because of its coastal location but the gorgeous vistas you will see when you look out into the horizon. Filled with sea, sand and culture, don’t forget to indulge in Mexican cusisine and explore the many activities, such as whale watching, boating and of course cave diving. The Hotels here will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Tipping.
Restaurants and bars- Bartenders, waitresses/waiters expect a tip of 15% of your bill.
Taxi- Cab drivers in Mexico don't expect a tip in most cases. If a driver helps with your luggage, though, it's polite to give 10 pesos per bag.
Hotels- At resorts in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras or Tulum, 13-20% is standard. In Mexico, any bellboy, chauffeur/driver, or valet parking person expects a tip of $20-$50 pesos.
Lingo in Mexican Riviera.
Wherever your travels take you - whether it’s Mexico, Prague or Miami, it’s always a good idea to have with you some basic phrases in the local language. It’s easier to get about the city and it also shows respect for their culture. Even if you’re in a resort in Tulum where everyone from the porter to the bartender speaks fluent English, a little Spanish could go a long way.
General lingo.
Hola = Hello!
Adiós = Goodbye
Sí = Yes
No = No
Por favor = Please
Gracias = Thank you
Buenos días = Good morning
Buenas tardes = Good afternoon (often used until after sundown)
Buenas noches = Good night (but not in the sense of going to bed)
¿Qué pasó? = What’s up?
¿Cómo estás? = How are you?
¿Cómo te llamas? = What’s your name?
Eating out/ shopping lingo.
Una cerveza por favor = A beer please
Otra (cerveza) por favor = Another (beer) please
¿Me puedes dar dos tacos por favor? = Can you give me two tacos please?
¿Cuánto cuesta esto? = How much does this cost?
Some super tasty Mexican dishes to check out:-
Tacos al pastor = Pastor tacos, seasoned pork. Good and reliable.
Alambre = Like fajitas, meat cooked with onions and peppers
Gringa = A flour tortilla folded flat with cheese and meat
Enchiladas = Rolled-up tortillas, chicken (usually), cheese, lettuce, green sauce
Chilaquiles = Nachos with cheese in green sauce
Get your flirt on!
Te invito a una copa = Let me buy you a drink?
Eres un ángel que se ha caído del cielo = You are an angel fallen from the sky
Tus ojos brillan como las estrellas = Your eyes shine as the stars do
Vamos a tomar la última copa? = Should we have another drink elsewhere?
Vas a sacarme los colores = You are going to make me blush
Tienes una sonrisa preciosa = You have a beautiful smile
Transport from Cancun International Airport.
There are 5 ways to get from Cancun International Airport to Riviera Maya - by airport transfer, taxi, ferry, public transit or car rental.
Airport transfer.
Since Cancun Airport doesn’t really allow taxis to pick up visitors from the airport, it is always a good idea to have your hotel or accommodation option arrange an airport transfer for you. It is actually one of the quickest ways to get the Riviera Maya apart from taxi rides and there are plenty of options to cater to your comfort needs and space needs.
Taxi.
As stated earlier, taxis are one of the fastest ways to get to the Riviera Maya and ride hailing services like Uber are considered a safer option than standard taxis and public transit services. However, do keep in mind that while taxis in the hotel zone are safe, taxis in the Downtown area require a certain level of caution.
Domestic flight + ferry.
This is another transport link you could opt for. The first thing to do would be to book a flight to Cozumel island and take a ferry ride across to the Riviera Maya’s Playa del Carmen. From then on it becomes much easier to take a taxi ride within the Riviera - they are readily available at reasonable rates. For example its fairly easy to take a ride from Quinta Avenida to Tulum which is almost 70 km away.
Car rental.
If you want to explore the Mexican Riviera on your own time and itinerary, it best to get yourself a rental car. The privacy and safety would be guaranteed if you use a rental service and the rates are much more affordable than other options. One thing though, while US driving license works in Mexico, you do still need Mexican insurance for the rental.
Public transit.
Public transportation options in Riviera Maya include public bus services and van services. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are no direct buses from the Cancun Airport to Riviera Maya and the only services available are from Terminal 2 to Puerto Aventuras.
Best time to travel.
If you want the best combo of warm weather and little rain, March and April would be the best months to visit.
