When Maria landed at the Cancún International Airport, she expected the usual: warm sun, turquoise waters, and a week of relaxation on one of Mexico’s most iconic beaches. But as her taxi left the airport and wound through the neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen, she noticed something unexpected. Kids in school uniforms walking home on dusty sidewalks. Corner stores that looked like shacks and modest homes lining the back roads between glimmering resorts.
She realized: there’s another side to the Riviera Maya. A real one. A human one.
If you’re planning a trip to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, this guide will help you travel safely, respectfully, and meaningfully—and show you how your visit can directly support local students who need your help to stay in school and succeed.
🌴 What Is the Riviera Maya? And Why Is It So Popular?
The Riviera Maya is a breathtaking coastal region on Mexico’s Caribbean side, stretching from Puerto Morelos just south of Cancún, through Playa del Carmen, all the way to Tulum and beyond. With its combination of white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, world-class scuba diving, and all-inclusive resorts, it draws more than 15 million visitors per year.
You’ll find cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes), eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. It’s one of Mexico’s most popular and profitable tourism corridors.
But just a few miles from the resorts, you’ll also find communities where access to quality education is not guaranteed—and where children may drop out of school, not because they want to, but because their families can’t afford the basics.
🧳 Is the Riviera Maya Safe for Tourists?
Yes, the Riviera Maya is considered safe for travelers, especially those staying in tourist zones or well-known accommodations. But like anywhere in the world, being informed and aware is the best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
💧 Water, Food, and Health Safety in the Riviera Maya
Can You Drink the Water in the Riviera Maya?
No—tap water in Mexico is generally not safe for drinking, even in high-end resorts.
- Stick to sealed bottled water, including for brushing your teeth.
- Ask for drinks “sin hielo” (no ice) unless you know the ice was made from purified water.
- Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.
Is Street Food Safe?
Absolutely—with some caution. Street food is one of the best parts of Mexican culture, but make smart choices:
- Choose vendors with high foot traffic and fresh food.
- Avoid items sitting out in the sun or under heat lamps for long periods.
- Opt for fruits you can peel yourself, like oranges, bananas, or mangoes.
What About Sun and Heat Exposure?
The Yucatán Peninsula gets intense UV rays all year round. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, and apply it 30 minutes before going outside.
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen—not only is it better for marine life, it’s required in many cenotes and parks.
- Drink water constantly, especially if consuming alcohol.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea. Seek shade and hydrate if you feel any symptoms.
🌊 Ocean, Cenote, and Nature Safety
Ocean Safety Tips
Most Riviera Maya beaches are calm, but rip currents can occur. Learn to read the flag warning system:
- Green: Safe
- Yellow: Caution
- Red: Do not enter the water
If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, not directly back.
Cenote Safety
Cenotes are magical, but they demand respect. Most are very deep, with uneven rock surfaces and slippery entrances.
- Always swim within marked areas.
- Wear a life jacket if unsure.
- Avoid diving headfirst.
- Only use biodegradable sunscreen and bug spray—regular products can damage fragile ecosystems.
Wildlife
Most marine life is harmless, but jellyfish occasionally appear. If stung:
- Remove tentacles with tweezers (not hands).
- Rinse with hot water and apply vinegar if available.
🚨 Crime and Tourist Scams: What to Know
Is Crime Common in the Riviera Maya?
Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can happen in tourist areas, just like any major destination.
Avoid common scams, such as:
- Fake tours or ticket sellers on the beach
- Overly friendly strangers trying to sell you something
- Fake police or unofficial taxis
Keep valuables secure, and use the hotel safe for passports and extra cash. When in doubt, ask your hotel or host for trusted providers.
Transportation Safety
- Use official transportation from your hotel or reputable companies.
- In Cancún, Uber operates legally.
- In Playa del Carmen, InDrive is the most common ride app.
- If renting a car, avoid driving at night and understand local traffic laws.
🏥 Emergency Preparedness for Travelers
What to Do in a Medical Emergency
Dial 911 in Mexico for emergencies.
Keep important contact info:
- U.S. Consulate in Mérida: +52-999-942-5700
- Your travel insurance provider
- Your hotel or Airbnb host
Travel insurance is essential. Make sure your policy covers medical care, theft, and evacuation.
🧑🤝🧑 Cultural Tips for Respectful Travel
Language
Many locals in tourism speak English, but speaking a few Spanish words goes a long way:
- “Hola” – Hello
- “Gracias” – Thank you
- “¿Dónde está el baño?” – Where is the bathroom?
Download the Google Translate app and use the camera feature to translate menus and signs in real time.
Tipping
In the Riviera Maya, tips make up a significant part of workers’ income:
- 10–20% in restaurants
- $2–5 per day for hotel staff
- $5–10 for tour guides
Dress and Behavior
- Casual dress is fine, but cover up when visiting ruins, cenotes, and churches.
- Respect rules around sunscreen, trash disposal, and photography.
- Always greet people with “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes”—basic politeness goes a long way.
⚖️ Economic Disparities: What You Don’t See From the Resort
Beyond the all-inclusive buffets and beach clubs is a reality most travelers never see: families struggling to make ends meet, children dropping out of school, and teens working to support their siblings.
Public education in Mexico is not free after middle school, and even before that, families are expected to pay for uniforms, supplies, internet, and transportation.
For many local families, that’s simply out of reach.
💛 How KKIS Helps Students in the Riviera Maya Stay in School
That’s where Keeping Kids in School (KKIS) comes in.
Currently, KKIS has 144 students with full scholarships to public high school and university. In September of 2025, KKIS handed out 2850 backpacks filled with a year’s worth of school supplies to primary students.
Founded in Playa del Carmen, KKIS is a nonprofit that helps local students stay in school, graduate, and thrive—with support from people like you.
What KKIS Does:
- Scholarships to cover tuition and fees
- Backpacks and school supplies every year
- Mentorship programs connecting students with local and international volunteers
- Internet and data support so students can learn even without home WiFi
- University access and career development for high-achieving students
These programs change lives.
Because of KKIS supporters, students who might otherwise leave school are now graduating, pursuing careers, and lifting their families out of poverty.
Read more about KKIS’s mission »
🙌 How You Can Help – Even During a Short Vacation
Your Riviera Maya vacation can be more than just a getaway—it can be a life-changing gift for a local child.
✅ Donate
- $25 = A year of school supplies
- $50 = Monthly high school scholarship support
- $100 = One month of internet for 10 students
✅ Volunteer
Staying in Playa del Carmen? You can help directly:
- Distribute school supplies
- Practice English with students
- Help with writing or career workshops
Contact KKIS to volunteer » – info@kkisproject.org
✅ Fundraise Before You Travel
Many visitors raise donations before their trip—through social media campaigns, company giving programs, or school projects. You can present your gift during your visit and see your impact firsthand.
✅ Corporate Partnerships
Planning a team retreat or incentive trip in the Riviera Maya? Incorporate giving into your travel.
KKIS partners with businesses to create meaningful experiences that benefit both your team and the community.
Reach out to explore partnerships »
🧭 Responsible Tourism Tips
Support ethical travel in the Riviera Maya by:
- Choosing locally owned restaurants and tours
- Being mindful of environmental regulations
- Avoiding animal exploitation attractions
- Respecting locals’ privacy and cultural traditions
- Leaving every place better than you found it
✨ Conclusion: Make Your Trip Matter
The Riviera Maya offers world-class beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. However, it also presents a powerful opportunity: to connect, give back, and change lives.
Behind every beautiful photo is a real community. Behind every school uniform is a child with a dream.
With KKIS, you can be the reason that dream comes true.
So as you pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, consider packing a little more: compassion, intention, and a willingness to give.
Because the most memorable part of your trip may not be the beach—it may be the difference you make.
💥 Ready to Travel with Purpose?
- ✨ Donate to support a student »
- ✨ Volunteer while you’re here »
- ✨ Learn about our programs in Mexico »
Travel transforms you. But it can also transform others.
Make your Riviera Maya vacation unforgettable—for all the right reasons.