Riviera Maya: Playtime at the Playa

Getting There

Several large U.S. carriers fly into Cancún from major U.S. cities, as does AeroMexico and Mexicana. The airport is modern and upscale and is designed to get tourists through passport control in a reasonable amount of time. It’s best to have a plan for how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel before you get to Cancún. Between baggage claim and the outdoors, you’ll run a gauntlet of hawkers paid to sign you up for tours and book you on their transport vans or buses. Practice shaking your head firmly and avoid making eye contact if you want to get out with your wallet intact.

When you make your hotel reservations, ask the agent what transport he or she recommends—hotel van, bus, taxi or rental car. Intrepid or budget-conscious travelers can choose the city buses that operate regularly between the airport and Playa del Carmen (about $4 a person). From there, hail a cab or switch to another bus to get to your hotel.

The major vacation packagers—FunJet, Apple Vacations and others—offer deals into Riviera Maya that include direct charter flights, a varying number of nights at a hotel and transfers between the airport and hotel. (Buyer beware: This transfer generally means a bus, and it could make many stops at hotels along the way before arriving at your particular destination. If you or your children lack patience, consider renting a car or hiring a cab for a more direct trip to your final destination.)

• Playa del Carmen's main beach.
• David Grant

[Additional coverage provided by Leslie Long.]