Mexico Travel: What You Need To Know About The Mexican Caribbean Right Now

The area in Mexico called the Mexican Caribbean is where the Riviera Maya, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and other incredible resorts destinations are located. From incredible beaches to awesome rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins, there is so much to discover here! The area is focused on growing its sustainable tourism intiatives, and is one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Check out this slideshow to learn everything from the latest COVID-19 information to some of the best beaches and museums to visit in the Mexican Caribbean.

As always, please check out the region's dedicated tourism website, which updates its COVID-19 information regularly.

Currently, the area of the Mexican Caribbean is currently in its 'yellow' phase of reopening, which means that masks are required in public areas, but everything from resorts to restaurants to beaches are currently held at 60 percent capacity. While this may mean that you still need to use the precautions you've been using since the pandemic began, you can also enjoy less tourists and crowds at the most popular attractions. The U.S. requires that everyone returning from another country test negative 72 hours or less prior to arrival. Many resorts now offer COVID-19 testing on-site, but here's a list of other providers if you're considering accommodations that don't offer these tests.

The Mexican Caribbean is one of the most culturally rich places in Mexico; travelers can dive underwater and visit the MUSA Underwater Art Museum, then visit one of the many incredible archeological zones, like Tulum or Kohunlich. Lastly, travelers can enjoy learning about Mayan civilization in the air-conditioned walls of the Maya Museum of Cancun, Chetumal's Mayan Culture Museum or the Museum of the City. For a different look at this historically rich area, visit the Piracy Museum in Bacalar.

There are so many outstanding outdoor activities to enjoy in one of Mexico's most biodiverse regions. No matter where you choose to stay, most likely you'll find a cenote or two to discover nearby; travelers can even swim in some of them! Besides swimming in cenotes, travelers can swim with dolphins and sharks, Scuba or snorkel around a coral reef, or take a hike through the jungle at the gorgeous Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

With approximately 65 incredible tropical beaches to choose from, no traveler will be without their perfect beach day. From north to south, the Caribbean's blue waters change from a turquoise green to a stunning navy blue, while the sand remains powdery, white and perfect for shelling.

Those traveling to the Mexican Caribbean won't find it hard to find lodgings here; they'll find it hard to choose which property they wish to stay at. From the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts to the humble but no less comfortable glamping experiences, you can find the perfect lodging that suits your needs best. For an all-inclusive resort, try the Fairmont Mayakoba or the adults-only Catalonia Royal Tulum. All-inclusives and larger resorts have some added benefits, too; some of them offer on-site COVID-19 testing, either for free or at cost. For a smaller, eco-friendly boutique hotel, try the Hotel Aires Bacalar or the Papaya Playa Project.

Like its hotels, this region's restaurants offer something for everyone. Oftentimes combining Mexican flavor with fresh cuisine from the sea and the earth, travelers can delight in delicious meals prepared by creative culinary geniuses. In Cancun, stop by Porfirio's for fresh Mexican cuisine, nestled next to verdant plants with a view of the ocean. In Playa del Carmen, take your tastebuds on a historic sensory journey, learning about the cuisine of the Mayans to the present day, combining African, Spanish and Middle Eastern influences at The Traveler's Table.