Is the Riviera Maya/Cancun, Mexico, a safe place to travel?

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Is this part of Mexico safe?  You bet it is.  Despite the hubbub of the media and unfortunate incidents of some people being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or simply looking for trouble, has created.  This beautiful destination is a safe as any place at home.  Only you will be living like kings and queens at very reasonable prices.

To prove my confidence in this outstanding destination, I elected to participate in a FAM trip to become more familiar with the Riviera Maya region and the various resorts offered there.   Experience brings a wealth of knowledge to be shared.  A value we believe to be priceless to each individual wanting to travel.

Our trip began with a short 2 ¼ hour direct flight from Dallas to Cancun, Mexico, on AeroMexico.   The flight went smoothly.  We were greeted by hospitable and smiling air stewards who served a full breakfast, and not peanuts or pretzels.   On the way back, a hot meal and beverages.

Upon arrival in Cancun, we went through the Immigration and Customs process.  Passports are necessary.  We were issued Tourist Visas which we held on to until we needed to surrender them at the end of our visit in Mexico.  The process here, too, went smoothly; but, as with any Immigration/Customs check in, the number of people/flights being serviced can make this a long process because of wait times.

We were greeted by our tour hosts, Victor Martinez of Lomas Travel, and Terry Linex of Funjet Vacations, and whirled onto our bus that would take us on a 45 minute drive to our first stop located in the Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen.   The Riviera Maya includes the coastline south of Cancun to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.   It includes Xcaret, Playacar, and Puerto Morales.

We spent 4 days and 3 nights in this magnificent area touring numerous resorts, experiencing the flavor and culture that Mexico and this region has to offer.  I will blog about each resort we visited, as each one is unique and offer a little something different that can affect your total experience and how much you pay.

Millions of people visit Mexico, namely the Yucatan Peninsula, and the popular resort areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya.    Most of the resorts have guarded gates, and some have guarded and gated communities which feature condos, golf courses, tennis courts, and the beachside resorts.  A good example is Playacar.

The vendors in the towns and villages are hospitable and friendly, but may come off aggressive, as they all will talk to you, and encourage you to stop and look at their wares.  They will not harm you.  They just want you to help them feed their families when you buy something from them.  They hope that you will find something that you just must have.

For a vacation that can offer as much as you wish to do, from just sitting back and relaxing as others pamper you, to the adventures of the many activities available to you, this is a great away from home destination.

Safe.  Yes.  I’d go back there the next opportunity I could.