WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO CANCUN AND THE RIVIERA MAYA

February 9, 2021

Latin America, Mexico - EN, Press Releases, Tips and Tricks

Updated December 9th, 2020

Cancun and the Riviera Maya is the most popular destination searched for 2021!

According to the 2021 Travel Trends Report published by ARC in collaboration with Expedia, Cancun is the number one destination searched by Expedia for 2021, followed by Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Cancun and the Riviera Maya reopened in June after a three-month shutdown due to the pandemic.

As part of the reopening process, Mexico implemented a color-coded infection rate scale (red, yellow, green) to help residents and travelers more safely move around or avoid certain areas. Currently, the Mexican Caribbean is in the yellow phase, which means that most resorts, hotels, restaurants, and attractions are operating at 60% capacity.

Safety Measures taken by Cancun and Riviera Maya Resorts

Limits to maximum occupancy

Resorts in the Riviera Maya have implemented a maximum occupancy rate of 70% to facilitate proper social distancing between guests. Maximum occupancy caps are also in place for public areas such as pools, bars and restaurants.

Scheduled dining timeslots

Some resorts have implemented scheduled timeslots for meals in their restaurants in order to restrict the number of people dining at the same time. Please inquire with your resort’s front desk for specific details on your property.

Medical Insurance Coverage for Guests

Many hotel and resort chains are offering complimentary medical insurance for their guests for the duration of their stay. This will cover any COVID-19 related complications which may happen on your trip, however coverage levels may vary.

Our recommendation is to instead purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before you travel in order to cover the entire portion of your trip and give you more financial security. Please inquire with one of our travel experts and we will be happy to offer you discounted rates on travel insurance through our partners, AIG.

Extensive Cleaning and Limited Capacity for Pool

Resorts have taken steps to limit the number of people who can make use of property pool areas at one time. The maximum capacity varies between each property.

Pools are also cleaned first thing in the morning and throughout the day with extensive disinfecting measures.

Will All-Inclusive Benefits be Restricted?

You will still be able to enjoy the full-value of all-inclusive resorts. The new protocols will not limit the amenities hotels offer, but simply restructure how their guests access them in order to encourage best health practices.

In the cases of resorts with buffets, there will be pre-established routes for diners to walk the food line to limit contact and food will be served by staff who are trained in proper hygiene and safety protocols.

Limited Group Size for Activities

Area resorts have also implemented smaller group sizes for the activities they offer. Many open-air activities are still available for you to enjoy safely and any activities which require equipment will have staff disinfect that equipment after each use.

Masks on Hotel Property

Masks are not mandatory when you are with your own travel group or in cases where proper social distancing can be maintained, although it is recommended to wear masks in public areas. It is mandatory in areas such as the buffet line or areas where you may come within 6-feet of another guest.

Encouraging Card or Electronic Payments

While cash is still accepted, paying electronically or by credit card is highly recommended to reduce risk of exposure.

Will online check-in be mandatory? How far in advance can it be done?

Online check-in will not be mandatory, but it is highly recommended to avoid crowding at reception, reduce paperwork, and speed up entry. This procedure can be done from any mobile phone or computer and will be enabled for all hotels.

Courtesy Towels and Other Fabric Amenities

Many non-essential textiles such as bathrobes have been removed from rooms for the health and safety of guests. If you wish to have a bathrobe or extra towels, simply call the front desk and they will deliver it to you in a hermetically-sealed bag.

For towels pool-side, they will be available at reception or with hotel staff.

Increased Cleaning at Spa Areas

The spa centers of the hotels will be open and will implement similar hygiene, distancing, and health safety measures as the other areas of the resorts.

We hope we’ve taken care of some of your concerns about traveling to this great destination safely and hygienically. If you’re interested in learning more about travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya feel free to check out some of our other blogs below:

Yes. You Can Still Travel to Mexico