Destination: Maya Riviera

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Primary Airport/Gateway: Cancún International Airport (CUN) - one of the busiest airports in Latin America with over 29 million passengers annually

Flight Routing from Atlanta: Direct flights available on Delta, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines (2.5-3 hours). Alternative connections through Houston, Miami, Charlotte, or Dallas (4-6 hours total). CUN airport is modern and fully accessible with complimentary wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, free inter-terminal shuttles every 30 minutes, and dedicated assistance points throughout all terminals.

Airport to Hotel Transportation:

• CUN to Cancún Hotel Zone (20-30 min, $40-60 private transfer)
• CUN to Playa del Carmen (45-60 min, $60-90 private transfer)
• CUN to Tulum (90-120 min, $100-150 private transfer)
• CUN to Puerto Morelos (20 min, $40-50 private transfer)

Pre-book accessible shuttles through specialized companies like Cancun Accessible, For Handicap Travelers, or Canadian Transfers. Many resorts offer accessible transportation included with booking. The new Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in December 2023, offering an alternative for Tulum-area visitors.

Book your ground transportation: https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/ground-transportation?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440

Public Transportation Overview: Public buses (ADO) connect major destinations but have limited accessibility. Most travelers with mobility needs use pre-booked private accessible shuttles or resort transfers. Rental cars available but not necessary if staying at all-inclusive resorts. Highway 307 connecting Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum is in excellent condition.

Private Transportation Options: Private accessible van services available with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Vans accommodate 1 wheelchair user + 5 companions, or 2 wheelchair users + 3 companions. Drivers are bilingual and experienced with accessibility needs. Companies include Cancun Accessible, For Handicap Travelers, and Destinos Magicos.

Luxury Transportation Options: VIP accessible vehicles with dedicated driver-guide for entire trip, includes airport meet-and-greet service, all transfers, and day tour transportation. Expedited customs and immigration assistance available through JODOGO airport services.

Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #1 - Name: Barceló Maya Palace (Riviera Maya Complex)

Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Price Per Night: As low as $180-250/night (all-inclusive)

Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Special Features: Part of extensive 5-resort complex with accessible features throughout. Beach wheelchairs available for rent, accessible pools with ramps and rails, roll-in showers in accessible rooms, elevators to all public areas, multiple accessible restaurants with ramp access, free Red Guest buses (wheelchair accessible) touring the complex every 30 minutes. Beautiful beachfront location with packed sand suitable for wheelchair use. On-site activities include mini golf (mostly accessible), go-karts, dolphinarium, shops, and spa. Ground floor accessible rooms available in multiple sections.

Book this hotel: https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&destination=Barcelo+Maya+Palace+Riviera+Maya

Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #2 - Name: Iberostar Selection Paraiso Beach (Riviera Maya)

Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Price Per Night: As low as $200-280/night (all-inclusive)

Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Special Features: Large all-inclusive complex with excellent accessibility. Ground-level accessible rooms with roll-in showers and wide doorways. No stairs throughout main areas (except lazy river access). Multiple restaurants and bars all accessible via ramps. Beautiful beach with wheelchair-friendly access. Wheelchair rentals available at resort. Pool with step-free access. Staff highly accommodating to accessibility needs. Part of larger Iberostar complex allowing access to multiple resort amenities.

Book this hotel: https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&destination=Iberostar+Paraiso+Beach+Riviera+Maya

Luxury Hotel Option - Name: Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Luxury Hotel - Price Per Night: As low as $400-600/night (all-inclusive luxury)

Luxury Hotel - Special Features: Ultra-luxury all-inclusive with three distinct sections (Zen Grand Nature, Grand Class, Ambassador). Two ground-floor wheelchair-accessible suites in each section with entrances 36-46 inches wide. Ramps throughout restaurants, bars, and beach access. Pool with rails at accessible height. Exceptional dining with gourmet restaurants, premium spirits, and world-class spa. Concierge can arrange accessible transportation for excursions. Compact luxury property easier to navigate than mega-resorts. Adults-only sections available.

Book luxury hotels: https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&destination=Grand+Velas+Riviera+Maya

14-Night Stay Estimated Total: Around $2,520-3,500 for mid-range all-inclusive resorts (varies by season and occupancy)

Browse all Riviera Maya hotels: https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&destination=Riviera+Maya+Mexico

Activity #1: Tulum Archaeological Ruins - Ancient Mayan coastal city perched on cliffs 40 feet above the Caribbean Sea. One of the most wheelchair-friendly archaeological sites in Mexico with paved pathways, accessible sections, and free entrance for visitors with disabilities. Hire a knowledgeable guide for best experience (2-3 hours ideal). 40-minute drive from Playa del Carmen.

Book Tulum tours: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Tulum+Mexico

Activity #2: Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park - Mexico's premier nature park with 50+ attractions. Most wheelchair-friendly park in the region with ramps, accessible pathways, and adapted activities including underground river float (with assistance), snorkeling with adapted equipment, and swimming with dolphins.  Free transportation from most hotels included.

Book Xcaret: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Xcaret+Cancun

Activity #3: Cenote Swimming Experience - Explore natural limestone sinkholes unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. Some cenotes offer excellent accessibility: Cenote Azul (open-air, large, family-friendly), Gran Cenote (partially accessible with assistance), and Cenote Ik Kil (accessible with stairs/platform). Crystal-clear fresh water, tropical fish, turtles, and stunning rock formations. 

Book cenote tours: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Cenote+Riviera+Maya

Activity #4: Swimming with Sea Turtles in Akumal - Protected bay 20 minutes north of Tulum where endangered sea turtles feed on seagrass. Accessible beach entry with assistance. 

Book Akumal tours: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Akumal+Mexico

Activity #5: Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Water Park - Natural aquarium and eco-park with inclusive food and drinks. 

Book Xel-Ha: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Xel-Ha+Cancun

Activity #6: Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) - Vibrant pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. Mostly accessible with paved walkways. Evening strolls particularly enjoyable. 

Activity #7: Chichén Itzá Day Trip - One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico's most famous Mayan site. 2-2.5 hours from Riviera Maya. Mostly accessible with paved paths throughout main plaza. Cannot climb pyramids (preservation), but stunning views from ground level. .

Book Chichén Itzá tours: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Chichen+Itza+Mexico

Activity #8: Beach Days at Accessible Resorts - Many resorts offer beach wheelchairs with large inflatable tires for sand and shallow water access. Best beaches: Playa del Carmen (packed sand, gentle waves), Akumal Bay (calm, protected), Puerto Morelos (local, peaceful), and resort private beaches. Palapas (thatched umbrellas) provide shade. 

Browse all Riviera Maya activities: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Riviera+Maya+Mexico

Physical Accessibility:

• Wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers standard at most resorts
• Beach wheelchairs available for rent or borrow at many properties
• Ramps and elevators throughout modern resort facilities
• Accessible pool entry with ramps or lifts at select resorts
• Ground-floor rooms widely available
• Wide doorways and turning spaces in accessible rooms
• Grab bars in accessible bathrooms
• Emergency call systems in accessible rooms
• Paved pathways through resort grounds

Mobility Support:

• Wheelchair rentals available at resorts and through specialized companies
• Accessible transportation with ramps/lifts widely available
• Beach mats for wheelchair access at select locations
• Resort staff trained in accessibility assistance
• Golf carts available for large property navigation
• Accessible tours and excursions with advance booking
• Some archaeological sites offer free admission for disabled visitors

Sensory Accommodations:

• Quiet resort sections available at larger properties
• Adults-only resorts for calmer atmosphere
• Natural sounds of ocean waves and tropical birds
• Spa services with sensory-friendly treatments available

Medical Support:

• English-speaking medical staff available at resort clinics
• Full hospitals in Cancún and Playa del Carmen (20-45 min drive)
• Pharmacies widely available in tourist areas
• Medical evacuation insurance recommended
• Hyperbaric chamber available in Playa del Carmen for diving emergencies

Dietary Accommodations:

• All-inclusive resorts offer multiple dining options
• Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options standard
• Allergy-friendly meal preparation available with advance notice
• Buffet and à la carte restaurants accommodate special diets
• Room service available at most resorts

Restaurant #1: La Cueva del Chango - Playa del Carmen A jungle oasis restaurant with Mexican and international cuisine, fresh juices, and magical atmosphere. Mostly accessible with some uneven pathways. Excellent breakfast and brunch. Vegetarian-friendly. Cenote-themed setting with natural ambiance. Popular with locals and tourists. Reservations recommended.

Restaurant #2: El Fogón - Playa del Carmen
Authentic Mexican tacos and street food in casual setting. Accessible. Locals' favorite. Fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, very affordable. Try the tacos al pastor. Cash only. Quick service perfect for lunch between activities.

Restaurant #3: Cetli - Playa del Carmen Contemporary Mexican cuisine using ancient ingredients and techniques. Accessible. Intimate atmosphere with excellent service. Mezcal tastings available. Reservations essential. Fine dining without pretension. Creative presentations and unique flavors.

Restaurant #4: Hartwood - Tulum Farm-to-table restaurant with wood-fired cooking. Partially accessible (uneven ground typical of Tulum's beach zone). No electricity - candlelit ambiance. Reservations open at 3pm day-of only (competitive). World-renowned destination restaurant. Worth the effort for food enthusiasts.

Restaurant #5: Most All-Inclusive Resort Restaurants Your resort likely offers 5-10+ restaurants ranging from buffet to specialty dining (Italian, Japanese, Mexican, steakhouse). Most fully accessible. Reservations may be required for à la carte restaurants. Room service available for days when you need to rest. Often the most convenient and reliable option, especially for dinner.

Find restaurants: https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?siteid=1&tpid=1100l417440&location=Playa+del+Carmen+restaurants

Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake early for best weather and fewer crowds. Many resorts offer breakfast starting 7am. Morning activities ideal: archaeological site visits, cenote swimming, or beach time before heat intensifies. Sea turtles most active early morning in Akumal. Sunrise on Caribbean coast spectacular (6:30-7:00 AM). Morning spa appointments often available. Pool time pleasant before midday sun.

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch at resort or local restaurant (12-2pm). Mexican "comida" (main meal) traditionally midday. Afternoon rest recommended during hottest hours (2-4pm) - enjoy air conditioning, pool, spa, or resort activities. Brief afternoon rain showers common May-October (15-30 minutes, then clears). Perfect time for indoor activities or rest before evening. Many eco-parks offer all-day access - pace yourself.

Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Cooler temperatures and golden hour lighting ideal for beach walks and photography. Dinner 6-8pm at resort or local restaurants. Many resorts offer evening entertainment: live music, shows, themed dinners. 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen comes alive in evening (7-11pm) - street performers, shopping, bars, restaurants. Most resort guests return by 10-11pm. Mexico's Riviera Maya has relaxed, early-to-bed atmosphere compared to Cancún nightlife.

Pacing Recommendations:

• Plan 1 major activity per day maximum
• Allow full recovery day between major excursions
• Chichén Itzá is 12-hour day - plan rest day after
• Back-to-back beach/pool days perfectly acceptable
• Don't overschedule - vacation is for relaxation
• Listen to your body in tropical heat and sun
• All-inclusive resorts encourage leisurely pace

Essential Items:

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe required for swimming)
• Wide-brimmed hat and UV protective clothing
• Refillable water bottle (many resorts eliminating single-use plastic)
• Swimwear (multiple suits recommended)
• Light rain jacket (for afternoon showers)
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Water shoes for rocky beach areas and cenotes
• Insect repellent (especially near jungle and cenotes)
• Snorkel mask (if you prefer your own)
• Medications in original containers with prescriptions
• Power adapters (Mexico uses Type A/B plugs, 127V)
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag
• Spanish phrasebook or translation app
• Travel insurance documentation

Recommended Apps:

• Google Translate (offline Spanish)
• Uber (available in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)
• iOverlander (finding accessible facilities)
• Weather app for tropical storm tracking
• WhatsApp (local communication)
• XE Currency converter

Currency and Money:

• Mexican Peso (MXN) - approximately 17-19 pesos = 1 USD
• US dollars widely accepted but change given in pesos
• Credit cards accepted at most tourist establishments
• ATMs available at airports and major tourist areas
• Notify your bank of Mexico travel to avoid card blocks
• Small bills useful for tips (most services $1-2 USD)
• Many resorts cashless (charge to room)

Cultural Tips:

• Learn basic Spanish phrases - appreciated by locals
• Tipping customary (10-15% restaurants, $1-2 per service)
• Relaxed "mañana" pace of life - patience appreciated
• Siesta culture still practiced in smaller towns
• Mexicans are warm, friendly, and helpful
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Bargaining acceptable at markets (not stores)
• Beach vendors are persistent but polite - "no gracias" works

Safety Notes:

• Riviera Maya is very safe tourist area
• Stick to well-lit tourist areas at night
• Hotel safes for valuables recommended
• Avoid drinking tap water (ice at resorts is safe)
• Sun exposure dangerous - frequent shade breaks essential
• Tropical storms possible June-November
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation recommended
• Keep copies of important documents separate from originals

Hospiten Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)

• Private international hospital
• English-speaking staff
• Emergency services 24/7
• Address: Carretera Federal, Cancún-Playa del Carmen Km. 282
• Phone: +52 984 803 1000
• 15 minutes from most Playa del Carmen hotels

Hospital Galenia (Cancún)

• Full-service private hospital
• International patient services
• Emergency care and specialists
• Address: Av. Tulum Mz 1 Lt 1, Reg 15, Cancún
• Phone: +52 998 891 5200
• 20-30 minutes from Cancún Hotel Zone

American Medical Clinic Cancún

• Walk-in clinic for minor issues
• English-speaking doctors
• Located in Cancún Hotel Zone
• Shorter wait times than hospitals
• Phone: +52 998 883 0113

Medical Tourism Note: Many travelers combine vacation with medical/dental procedures in Cancún area due to high quality and lower costs. Numerous English-speaking dentists, plastic surgeons, and specialists available.

High Season (December - April):

• Perfect weather: 75-85°F, low humidity, minimal rain
• Dry season with sunny skies
• Most expensive period
• Crowded beaches and attractions
• Book well in advance
• Ideal for first-time visitors

Shoulder Season (May - June, November):

• Hot and increasingly humid (85-95°F)
• Brief afternoon rain showers beginning
• Lower prices than high season
• Fewer crowds
• Good value for budget-conscious travelers
• Sea turtle nesting season begins (May-June)

Low Season/Hurricane Season (July - October):

• Hot, humid, rainy (85-95°F)
• Afternoon thunderstorms common but brief
• Lowest prices of the year
• Fewest crowds
• Hurricane risk (peak August-October)
• Sea turtle hatching season (July-October)
• Still enjoyable with flexibility

Water Temperature: 78-84°F year-round (perfect for swimming)

Humidity: High year-round, especially May-October

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