Is the Riviera Maya Safe for Tourists?

Situated on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula along the Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is a popular destination for tourists. There are plenty of activities that you can do while on this trip, such as snorkeling, eating delicious food, shopping, and exploring the Mayan ruins across the different coastal towns.

On the surface, you might just see the gorgeous beaches, the friendly locals, and the hundreds of thousands of people flocking here each year. But is the Riviera Maya safe for tourists?

While no place in the world is entirely safe, the Riviera Maya is relatively safe for tourists, and we’ll go through everything you need to know and the safety tips to travel securely.

Requirements to Enter Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

There are currently no requirements to enter Mexico. Unlike many countries around the world who demand a Covid-19 PCR test, Mexico has been flexible all along, and you can enter the country and the Riviera Maya hassle-free.

It’s important to note that a $48 tourism tax is required for all nationalities entering the state of Quintana Roo as of April 2021. This was introduced to help local businesses during the pandemic, and it can be paid quickly and easily on Visitax.

Is the Riviera Maya Safe?

All things considered, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is a safe tourist destination for people from all countries. The area is home to beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and ancient ruins that attract visitors from all corners of the globe.

The local authorities work hard to keep the area secure, and there is little risk of crime or violence. The crimes reported are usually gang-related and typically don’t target tourists.

Is the Riviera Maya Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The Riviera Maya in Mexico is also a safe destination for solo female travelers. Thanks to its rich Mayan heritage, gorgeous beaches, and amazing nightlife, the Riviera Maya is a popular tourist destination. Naturally, it’s still advisable to be careful while visiting this area but you’ll have lots of fun exploring around.

Is It Safe to Share a Taxi in Riviera Maya?

When traveling in Mexico, taxis are generally cheap, and they’re the best way to get around. This isn’t an exception in Riviera Maya, and you can count on a taxi to explore the city or return to your hotel at any time.

If you’re traveling with friends or share a taxi with a big group, there shouldn’t be an issue even when staying out late.

However, we don’t recommend sharing a taxi when traveling alone and when heading back to the hotel after speaking with people, whether locals or other tourists. Even if they appear friendly, you’ve just met them, and they might be anybody.

What Areas are the Safest in the Riviera Maya

You should know that the Riviera Maya is one of the safest parts of the country, but some occasional accidents are happening. These usually do not target tourists, so you’ll most likely be fine during your vacation.

The safest places in the Riviera Maya are:

• Tulum
• Cancun
• Akumal
• Cozumel
• Playa del Carmen

All in all, you’ll be able to travel to the Riviera Maya without too many concerns for your safety.

Stay Safe in Riviera Maya – Our Best Tips

Riviera Maya is beautiful, but some common misconceptions can get you into trouble. Here are some tips to use while vacationing to maintain your safety and stay happy during your trip.

Don’t Show Off Your Valuables

One of the most important things to remember when traveling to Riviera Maya is not showing off your valuables. Try to keep your valuables hidden and safe, and only carry what you need. This includes wearing expensive jewelry or watches and carrying large amounts of cash. If you lose something, report it to the police as soon as possible.

Invest in Theft-Proof Clothing

The Riviera Maya is one of the safest places in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you should not be precautious. One thing you can do is invest in theft-proof clothing and accessories such as a slash-resistant shoulder strap. So that if anything does happen, at least your belongings will be safe.

As mentioned previously, try to avoid wearing too much jewelry or bringing expensive items with you. If you have to bring something valuable, try to keep it hidden and don’t carry it around.

Be Mindful Where You Wander at Night

You should be mindful of your surroundings while wandering around at night, no matter where you’re staying in the Riviera Maya. While it’s not always possible to be with your group of friends, don’t walk alone in back alleys late at night and stay around the main roads.

If you’re staying in an area near the beach, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings while swimming and sunbathing, as thieves have been known to target tourists in these areas.

Use a Registered Taxi To Get Around

While the Riviera Maya is a fantastic place for tourists to visit, it’s important to remember specific safety concerns that you need to be aware of. And one of the best practices is only to use registered taxis.

You can either book a taxi on Uber or jump on one at the designated area but avoid private drivers around town. You might come across some unlicensed taxis that could be anyone and won’t take you to your destination. Needless to say, this is the last thing you want as a tourist.

Avoid Getting Drunk

Riviera Maya is an incredible destination for your next vacation and full of fun activities to enjoy. However, if you rent a car, you should consider that many tourists have been hurt due to drunk driving accidents.

On the other hand, when spending time in downtown Cancun or Tulum, a couple of drinks haven’t hurt anyone. But, getting drunk will lead you to lose your way or even end in unwanted situations, especially when traveling alone.

Please don’t let this scare you away from Riviera Maya; there are plenty of precautions you can take to ensure your safety while enjoying all the excitement the area has to offer. For example, always make sure you go out drinking around the main tourist spots and where other travelers are hanging out.

Don’t Get Into Drugs

The last thing you want to do in Mexico is to be involved with drugs. First, the country has pretty strict laws regarding possessing any type of drug. Also, you never know what you buy and who the dealer is, and you want to avoid ending up in dangerous situations, especially as a tourist.