I am planning to go to Cancun or Riveria Maya and have had two different answers.

If you haven't been to Cancun - I suggest you do - once you've "done" Cancun et al - you may be interested in knowing you can go but be able to get away as well. I first went to Cancun and snagged Jose a cab driver to take me for the day to the Mayan Riveria - once I hung out at Play del Carmen and visited some of the resorts there - I knew that was where I wanted to go next.

It really depends on your age. I've been to Cancun a few times and every time it seems to be the spring break crowd, regardless of the time of year. On the other hand, the Mayan Riviera in quieter. You can stay directly in Playa del Carmen or closer to Tulum. On my last trip, I stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum and it was fantastic. It's still a distance from Playa del Carmen though. But the good news is you can walk to the highway and flag down one of their "buses" which are actually minivans and go into Playa de Carmen for a nominal fee (under $1USD) and can even go into Cancun for the day. The buses are a long ride into Cancun but are still cheaper than the excursions offered by the tour companies.

For example, they offered an excursion to Tulum for $99 USD per person. And you arrive there with all the other tour buses. My husband and I did it on our own for under $20 for both including transportation and admission. The best part is we went in the afternoon and had the whole park to ourselves, not another soul around. And it's simple, it's a two way highway and you just need to know if you go in the direction of Tulum or Cancun.

So I hope that helps. It truly depends on what type of vacation your looking for.

[quote="kcs"]I am planning to go to Cancun or Riveria Maya and have had two different answers.[/quote]Depends on what u r looking to do. And ur age. I like the the riv better more relaxing. And futher more its a bit cheaper. Besides u can do both its a very short drive rent a car. Im 54 and still enjoy a good party now n then.

[quote="kcs"]I am planning to go to Cancun or Riveria Maya and have had two different answers.[/quote]
you may want to take note of the fact that the cancun area was decimated this year by hurricane damage, but the Riviera Maya was pretty much spared. Some hotels may still be unopened.
The Riviera Maya hotels and area are amazing,and don't get as crowded or bawdy as Cancun. I'd opt for Riviera Maya if you're over 25.