Sitting on the Caribbean coastline on the eastern side of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya offers a taste of paradise in the form of sunshine, superb beaches and warm jade-colored water. Visitors can snorkel amongst coral reefs, play word-class golf and view a wonderful array of archeological treasures.

It's a great place to explore, so start your adventure with FlipKey by choosing your perfect vacation rental.

About Riviera Maya

Known as the ‘Cancun-Tulum corridor' until 1999 when it was renamed, the 135-mile-long Riviera Maya is a huge visitor attraction for Mexico. Tourists come in their millions every year to enjoy the host of watersports and other beach activities it offers in abundance. Another attraction are the limestone sinkholes which feature a maze of underground rivers and are revered by divers worldwide.

Above ground, fine dining and bars can be found in many city and town restaurants along the coastal stretch, but if it's the nightlife you're looking for then head for Playa del Carmen.

The Riviera Maya is not all about hedonism and mindless fun though. There is also an impressive educational side, thanks to a series of extensive ruins belonging to the ancient Mayan civilization. You’ll love exploring the various historical sites dotted along the stretch of coast at Tulum and further inland.

What to do in Riviera Maya

Spend hours exploring the wonders of the ancient Mayan capital in Chichen Itza. There's the pyramid El Castillo, Temple of the Warriors, Ball-court and the well after which the city is named. More history can be found at the spectacular coastal Tulum Ruins.

Go searching for marine fossils, stunning stalactites and the underground river at the Caves of Kantemo. A guide can take you through this maze of ancient walls, which are also home to hundreds of snakes who hang from the roofs waiting to catch bats at dusk. Not one for the faint-hearted!

Experience a slower pace of life at the small fishing town Puerto Morelos. Just 20 minutes from Cancun, it's full of friendly locals with beach 'Pelicanos' offering delicious finger-food.

Thanks to the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, this is a first-class diving and snorkeling area. Going out to sea could involve an encounter with whale sharks, stingrays and other bizarrely colorful tropical fish.

Top travel tips for Riviera Maya

The best time to head for the Riviera Maya is during the summer months, from November to April. The remainder of the year is classed as the rainy season.

Tipping is fine in Mexico. In restaurants, this is usually 10 to 15 per cent but some restaurants add a 'service charge' to the bill.

The nearest airport is Cancun International, 31 miles north of Playa del Carmen.

Get around by rental car. The two-lane Highway 307 runs the length of the Riviera. It has no lighting for night driving though, so plan to do most of your driving during the day. Riviera Maya buses run between major cities.

A first-class beach or adventure vacation is guaranteed in this relatively recently developed tourist stretch of Mexico. And there's enough fancy dining, impressive shopping and nightlife to add a different kind of fun. Discover something new by visiting those imposing ancient ruins left by the Mayans.

Get your vacation off to the best possible start by renting a property on FlipKey.