Cancún / Riviera Maya
Caribbean · Mexico
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Rec. Nights
6 nights
Airports
CUN (Cancún International)
Avg. Cash
$300 - $908/night
Best Value
Overview
Cancún and the Riviera Maya form Mexico's most popular beach corridor -- a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline where turquoise waters meet white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and world-class all-inclusive resorts. From the Hotel Zone's high-rise strip to the boutique luxury of the Riviera Maya, this region offers something for every traveler.
For points travelers, Cancún is a goldmine. The Hyatt all-inclusive portfolio (Zilara for adults, Ziva for families) lets you book a full all-inclusive experience for just 25,000 points per night -- including all meals, drinks, and activities. That's a CPP value that's hard to beat anywhere in the world. The Andaz Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya adds a luxury boutique option at the same points level.
Beyond the resorts, the region is a gateway to Mexico's rich Mayan heritage. Day trips to Chichén Itzá, swimming in cenotes (natural sinkholes), snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and exploring the ruins at Tulum make this destination far more than just a beach vacation.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Cancún / Riviera Maya range from $300 to $908 per night. Points redemptions offer 3.13+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
5 properties in Cancún / Riviera Maya bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Andaz Mayakoba, Riviera Maya | Hyatt | 29,000 | $908 | 3.1¢ | 9.3/10 | |
Wyndham Alltra Cancún | Wyndham | 15,000 | $300 | 2.0¢ | 8.2/10 | |
Hyatt Zilara Cancún | Hyatt | 29,000 | $439 | 1.5¢ | 9.0/10 | |
Hyatt Ziva Cancún | Hyatt | 90,000 | $836 | 0.9¢ | 8.9/10 | |
JW Marriott Cancún | Marriott | 64,000 | $501 | 0.8¢ | 8.8/10 |
Transfer Points Strategy
Maximize your points value with the best transfer path
If you have Points:
Hyatt Zilara Cancún
If you have Points:
Hyatt Ziva Cancún
If you have Points:
Andaz Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
JW Marriott Cancún
If you have Points:
Wyndham Alltra Cancún
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Cancún / Riviera Maya use World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wyndham Rewards points. Here’s how to earn them:
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Hyatt
$95
Annual Fee
60,000 Hyatt points + free night (Cat 1-4) — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly
- Earn 4x at Hyatt hotels and 2x on dining, travel, and gym memberships
- Free night certificate annually (Cat 1-4) worth up to $300+
- Automatic Discoverist elite status
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase UR
$95
Annual Fee
75,000 Ultimate Rewards points — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly
- Earn 5x on travel through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries
- 1:1 transfer to Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG
Bilt Mastercard®
Bilt
$0
Annual Fee
earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly — only card that earns points on rent — transfers 1:1 to all major hotels
- Earn 1x points on rent with no transaction fees (up to 100,000 pts/yr)
- Earn 3x on dining and 2x on travel
- Transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
Recommended Activities
Curated experiences in Cancún / Riviera Maya
Chichén Itzá Day Trip
Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The massive El Castillo pyramid is an architectural marvel of Mayan astronomy. Book an early-morning tour to beat the crowds and heat.
Cenote Swimming & Snorkeling
Swim in natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. The Yucatán has over 6,000 cenotes -- Gran Cenote, Cenote Ik Kil, and Cenote Suytun are the most spectacular.
Mesoamerican Reef Snorkeling
Snorkel the world's second-largest barrier reef. See sea turtles, tropical fish, nurse sharks, and vibrant coral formations just offshore from the Riviera Maya.
Isla Mujeres Ferry Day Trip
Take a 20-minute ferry to this charming island with stunning Playa Norte beach, golf cart exploration, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe away from the Cancún crowds.
MUSA Underwater Museum
Dive or snorkel among 500+ underwater sculptures designed by Jason deCaires Taylor. A unique fusion of art and marine conservation in the Caribbean waters off Cancún.
Xcaret / Xel-Há Eco-Parks
Explore underground rivers, snorkel in natural inlets, see local wildlife, and enjoy an evening Mayan cultural show at one of Mexico's premier eco-archaeological parks.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
CUN (Cancún International)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $300/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
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