Mexico All-Inclusive Resorts
Two coasts, five great resort areas. Here is how Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Tulum, Los Cabos and Vallarta compare.
Get Mexico quotes »Mexico has more all-inclusive resorts than anywhere else in the Americas, split across two very different coasts. The Caribbean side (Cancún, the Riviera Maya and Tulum) offers white sand, turquoise water, Mayan ruins and swimmable cenotes. The Pacific side (Los Cabos and the Puerto Vallarta area) offers mountains, desert, whale watching in winter and the best sunsets in the country.
The Mexican Caribbean
Cancún and Costa Mujeres
Cancún’s Hotel Zone is a long sand spit lined with resorts, with calm water on the north-facing stretch toward Playa Tortugas and rougher, brilliant-blue surf on the long eastern stretch. North of the city, Costa Mujeres is a newer resort strip of large, modern all-inclusives looking toward Isla Mujeres. Transfers from Cancún International (CUN) are short. Compare Cancún hotels and Isla Mujeres hotels.
Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
South of Cancún, the Riviera Maya runs past Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, the gated Playacar and Mayakoba areas, Akumal and on toward Tulum. Resorts here tend to be spread over jungle-and-beach grounds, and it is easy to visit cenotes, Xcaret-style eco-parks and the ruins at Tulum and Cobá. Ferries from Playa del Carmen cross to Cozumel for diving. See Playa del Carmen hotels and Cozumel hotels.
Tulum
Tulum is smaller and more boutique: design hotels, beach clubs and a few adults-only all-inclusives, with the clifftop ruins as a backdrop. Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in December 2023 and cuts the transfer for some flights. Browse Tulum hotels.
Before you fly: Quintana Roo charges foreign visitors a state tourism fee, Visitax. Sargassum seaweed can affect beaches in some seasons; ask your specialist which resorts have the most sheltered or best-maintained beaches for your dates.
The Mexican Pacific
Los Cabos
At the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos combines desert mountains, golf, sport fishing and the famous rock arch at Land’s End. Resorts line the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Many Pacific-facing beaches are unsafe for swimming, so ask about the beach and the pools. From December to April, humpback whales pass close to shore. Compare Cabo San Lucas hotels.
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta sits on the Bay of Banderas, backed by the jungle-covered Sierra Madre. The old town has a lively seafront promenade; north across the state line, Riviera Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Punta de Mita) has many of the big all-inclusives. See Puerto Vallarta hotels.
Which Coast Is Right for You?
Choose the Caribbean coast if…
You want calm, turquoise water, short flights from the eastern U.S., Mayan ruins and cenotes, and the biggest choice of resorts.
Choose the Pacific coast if…
You fly from the western U.S. or Canada, love dramatic scenery and sunsets, and want winter whale watching, golf or fishing.
Travelling in summer or fall?
Both coasts can see tropical storms in season. The Pacific season officially starts May 15; the Atlantic season starts June 1.
More Mexico Planning
Mexico All-Inclusive FAQ
Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
Cancún has the most resorts, the easiest transfers and the most nightlife. Playa del Carmen and the wider Riviera Maya mix large resorts with a walkable town and easy access to cenotes and ruins. Tulum is smaller, more boutique and more eco-minded, with its own airport (TQO) since late 2023.
What is sargassum and will it affect my trip?
Sargassum is a floating seaweed that washes onto Mexico’s Caribbean coast in some seasons, typically heavier from spring through late summer. Amounts vary a lot by year and by beach. Many resorts clean their beaches daily; Isla Mujeres and Cancún’s north-facing beaches are often less affected.
Are there extra fees in Quintana Roo?
Yes. The state that includes Cancún, the Riviera Maya and Tulum charges foreign visitors a tourism fee called Visitax, paid online. Check the official Visitax site for current details before you fly.
Can I swim at Los Cabos resorts?
Many beaches on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas have strong currents and are not safe for swimming. If swimming in the sea matters to you, choose a resort on a calmer stretch of the Sea of Cortez side and ask about the beach before you book.
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