Everything you want to know about the best place on Earth.

The Basics, at a glance

• When to visit/weather

  The high seasons in the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen occur in the "winter" months from December through April and again during summer vacation in July and August. The peak seasons in Playa del Carmen are Christmas and Spring Break (Semana Santa) which is the week before and after Easter. The weather varies a little, but has an average of 340 days of sunshine per year and a year-round average of temperature of 27°C / 80°F.

• Currency

  Mexican money is the peso. Exchange rates vary but count on about 16 pesos for 1USD. You can exchange your money at some hotel receptions and at exchange booths located across town. USD will be accepted almost everywhere, but at variable exchange rates.

• People

  The population of the Yucatan peninsula is a combination of Maya and Spanish mestizos.

• Visa

  No visas are required for US and Canada, but tourist cards are a must. Stays are good up to 180 days.

• Clothing & electricity

  Pack light. 110 volts. Same as U.S.

• Time zones

  -5 hours GMT. Daylight savings is no longer observed.

• Flight times (hours) to Cancun

  New York (3.5); Miami (1.5); Los Angeles (4.5); Vancouver BC (6); Toronto (4.5); Denver (4); and Europe (12). Playa del Carmen is 45 minutes south of Cancun airport.

• Health & safety

  Most hotels and restaurants offer purified tap water, but when outside your hotel drink bottled or seltzer water (agua mineral) to be sure. Qualified English-speaking doctors are available for health emergencies. Crime in the area is limited to a rare pick-pocketing or overcharging for drinks. Use common sense.

• Language

  Spanish, Mayan and English are spoken in major cities.

• Smoking

  There’s far too much. Cuban cigar smokers will be pleased: they’re legal here.

• Things to buy

  Silver jewelry, pottery, hammocks, honey, coffee, embroidered dresses, Panama hats, men’s guayabera shirts, wood carvings and blankets. Tequila, mezcal and hot sauce.

• Driving/Car rental

  Rental cars can be expensive, and you should buy all the insurance they offer. Roads are excellent but night driving is very dangerous for a variety of reasons. Buses are a good alternative and very reasonable.