Welcoming a whopping 66 million visitors each year, Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world—for good reason! Its amazing white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, incredible nightlife, and fascinating history are all great reasons to visit. However, safety is always a concern whenever you travel, and it’s important to take precautions and have a safety plan in place anywhere you go.
Riviera Maya alone sees as many as six million travelers every year, and the vast majority of visitors have an amazing trip with no safety concerns. Do your research about the area, take normal safety precautions, and you’ll have a fantastic time in Riviera Maya.
Is Safety a Concern in Riviera Maya?
You’ve probably seen headlines about organized crime and violence in Mexico, and it’s understandable to be worried when you’re planning a trip! Unfortunately, when these headlines arise, the media often paints Mexico as a whole as unsafe, and that’s just not the case.
Mexico is a big country, and not all areas are the same. To put this in perspective, just because a crime occurs in Detroit, doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip to Houston. While there are regions in Mexico where violent crime is an issue, none of them are typical tourist destinations. Riviera Maya, along with other popular travel destinations in Mexico, is safe and see millions of visitors every year. When crime does occur, it’s rarely targeted at tourists, and that’s why you often see headlines when it happens—it’s an exceptional event that’s newsworthy in part because it’s very rare.
Riviera Maya Safety Tips
1. Use the same common sense that you would use at home
No matter where you travel, whether it's to Riviera Maya or any other destination in the world, it's important to use the same common sense you would in your hometown. This means avoiding traveling alone to unfamiliar areas at night, being cautious when interacting with strangers, refraining from purchasing drugs, and limiting your alcohol consumption, especially if you're out by yourself. Our goal is for our guests to have a fantastic time while visiting, and we believe that by using the same common sense as you would at home, you'll be able to enjoy a safe and memorable vacation. Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being, and you're sure to have a fun and fulfilling experience in Riviera Maya.
2. Stay in a gated community
If you’re concerned about safety in Riviera Maya, we recommend gated communities like Puerto Aventuras, Playacar, and Sian Ka’an when booking a private villa with us. We’ve had many clients stay in these communities over the years, and all report them to be safe and enjoyable places to stay.
3. Store valuables in a secure location
You should avoid bringing valuables on vacation if you can, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Store valuables like cash, credit cards, jewelry, and electronics inside a safe. Most of our private villas will provide one for you to use.
4. Learn basic Spanish words and phrases
It’s never a bad idea to learn a few basic phrases of the native language, regardless of where you’re visiting. Learning how to use basic pleasantries like please and thank you, hello and goodbye, and common questions can go a long way towards being respectful of the locals. Most of them will appreciate the effort and will be happy to help!
5. Know who to call
Safety should always be a top priority when traveling, and it's crucial to know who to call in case of an emergency. Before you travel to Riviera Maya, familiarize yourself with all the necessary emergency phone numbers. Additionally, if you're staying at a villa with Agave Villas, our on-site concierges are available around the clock to assist with any issues or concerns that may arise during your stay. Whether you need help in an emergency or simply have a question about the area, our team is here to help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
6. Let our expert team guide your vacation planning
Planning a trip to Riviera Maya can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. If you're feeling stressed about the process, consider working with the experienced team at Agave Villas to handle the heavy lifting for you. As locals, we have in-depth knowledge of the area and can offer valuable advice on local customs, as well as expert tips on how to maximize your experience. We've helped countless visitors plan their trips, so we know exactly what activities, accommodations, and sightseeing opportunities are available. By letting us take care of the planning, you can relax and enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable trip to Riviera Maya.
Why Visit Riviera Maya?
Now that we have gone over some safety tips to keep in mind while exploring Riviera Maya, let's go over some of the top reasons why you should visit.
1. Archaeological sites
Riviera Maya was once home to the ancient Mayan civilization. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Mayan city of Tulum and other awe-inspiring archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Coba. Step back into Riviera Maya's incredible past as you explore the towering pyramids, ornate temples and intricate artwork that makes these sites such a wonder to behold.
2. Tasty cuisine
Riviera Maya is a food lover's paradise, known for its delicious 5-star cuisine, which draws from a rich cultural heritage. Visitors will enjoy indulging in traditional Mayan dishes such as tamales and Poc Chuc, as well as the region's incredibly fresh seafood, used in dishes such as ceviche.
3. Gorgeous cenotes
Riviera Maya is home to one of the most unique natural wonders: cenotes. These underground pools were formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock which reveal stunning crystal clear waters. Once considered gateways to the underworld by the Mayan people, these gorgeous wonders are an important cultural landmark for visitors to explore.
Enjoy the Best of Riviera Maya with Agave Villas
Every year, Mexico attracts millions of tourists to its pristine shores for a fun, relaxing vacation. Riviera Maya is a stunning region that millions of visitors have been enjoying safely for decades. Don’t let media sensationalism stop you from experiencing all the amazing beaches, nightlife, and adventures that Riviera Maya has to offer. Contact us today to get started on your luxury vacation in Riviera Maya!
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