Riviera Cancun, Mexico

Mexico is a land of extreme diversity: the glitz of fly-in, fly-out tourist resorts co-exists with awe-inspiring ancient sites and balmy tropical beaches. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to its charm, whether your passion is sipping on margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline or scrambling over Mayan ruins.

The Riviera Cancun is located in Mexico north of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo and nests alongside the Caribbean Sea. Situated 15 minutes south of the Cancun Airport, and 30 minutes from either the Cancun Downtown area or 35 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. 

Playa del Carmen is the largest town in the Riviera Maya, having grown extensively since being a fisherman's village. Thanks to a few laws that restrict the height of buildings, Playa del Carmen has managed to maintain its quaint atmosphere. It has not been overrun by big hotels stealing all the beautiful ocean views.

General Mexico Facts

Official Name: Estados Unidos Mexicanos

Capital: Mexico City

Location: Riviera Cancun is located on the Eastern side of Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. 

Telephone: Country Code is 52.  Area code is 998 

Power/Electrical Current: Mexico is on 120v, 60Hz power, the same as the United States. You don't need to buy any kind of adapter.

Climate: The climate varies depending on the latitude and altitude. As with most tropical regions, Mexico has two seasons: rainy and dry. Generally, rainfall and temperatures rise from May through September, leaving October through April as the more temperate, drier months.  Expect the weather in the Cancun area to be mild and sunny with daytime temperature in the high 70s to low 80s during the program.

Currency: Mexican Peso is the currency of Mexico, but U.S. Dollars are often accepted. Currently the exchange rate is approximately 18.5 Mexican Pesos to 1 U.S.  To check on the current currency conversion rate we recommend visiting www.xe.com for the latest exchange rates.  A premium is traditionally added to any currency exchanged through the resort. 

Passport: U.S. citizens are required to have a passport for entry into Mexico. Document requirements vary for citizens of other countries and will be advised as necessary.

Time Zone: Cancun follows Eastern Standard Time during Daylight Savings then converts to Central Time outside Daylight Savings.  For example, if it is 12:00 Noon in New York and Cancun, it is 11:00 a.m. in Minneapolis, and 10 a.m. in Denver. Cancun does observe Daylight Savings time.