The Riviera Maya has a way of pulling you in—with its turquoise coastline, Maya ruins tucked into jungle, and slow, sun-baked pace of life. Whether you’re planning a trip, already here, or dreaming from afar, books can offer a deeper look at the people, history, and undercurrents that shape this region.
From fictional thrillers set in Tulum to first-hand jungle expeditions, here’s a curated reading list of books to inspire your Riviera Maya travels, make your Mexico adventure more meaningful—or give you a little escape from wherever you are.
All of these books are available in at least one format (Hardcover, paperback, Kindle) on Amazon which I have linked to in each of the descriptions below. Coming2Mexico is an affiliate of Amazon.com. If you make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, so thank you!
Contents
Fiction Set in the Yucatán & Riviera Maya
Driftwood: Stories from the Margarita Road
Written by my friend and former owner of Playa del Carmen’s iconic Luna Blue Hotel, Tony Head, this captivating collection of stories follows modern-day nomads escaping the rat race in search of a fresh start. Fleeing boredom, bad marriages, and dead-end jobs, these adventurers wander south to Playa Paraiso—a lush, unspoiled village on Mexico’s idyllic Caribbean coast. There, they encounter the unpredictable, hedonistic, and sometimes frightening world of the tropics.
Drawing from his years as a local hotel and bar owner, Tony’s intimate knowledge of expat life infuses each story with authenticity and depth. If you have ever lived in Playa del Carmen, you may feel like your know these characters…because you do.
Wheels Up
The first book in the Wheels Up series drops readers into the wilds of the Yucatán, where pilot Layla Navarro’s plane goes down under suspicious circumstances. Stranded in unfamiliar terrain and pursued by ruthless cartel members, Layla must rely on her instincts and resilience to survive.
Gritty and suspenseful, Wheels Up is about more than danger—it’s a story of independence, endurance, and what happens when one woman is pushed to the edge. Author Jeanine Kitchel draws on her years living in Mexico to ground this thriller in real-life issues while keeping the pages turning.
Tulum Takedown
In this adrenaline-fueled thriller set in the bohemian-meets-brutal world of modern-day Tulum, journalist Camille Sheridan uncovers more than she bargained for while investigating Mexico’s rising cartel violence. As she digs deeper, she becomes entangled with a U.S. DEA agent, a local kingpin, and a plot that could cost her everything.
Part of Kitchel’s Wheels Up series, Tulum Takedown blends fast-paced action with real-world tension, giving readers an insider’s glimpse into the dark side of paradise. Author Jeanine Kitchel, a long-time resident of the Riviera Maya, writes with local insight and a journalist’s eye for detail.
Sunsets of Tulum
Reed Haflinger and his aloof wife take an impromptu trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, but it’s not the reconnection Reed was hoping for. When she departs early for home, he stays at the resort, lost in what remains of a vacation he feels he deserves. A brief interaction with a beautiful female traveler offers a clue as to how to meet her again, leading Reed to decide whether to venture out of his comfort zone in search of her or accept that he will always let life pass him by. Author Raymond Avery Bartlett, a seasoned travel writer, paints a vivid portrait of Tulum’s allure and the complexities of human connection.
Tales of the Quintana Roo
This collection comprises three supernatural tales set along the easternmost shore of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Auhtor James Tiptree Jr. (pseudonym of Alice Sheldon) masterfully blends elements of fantasy and horror, drawing readers into a realm where the line between reality and myth blurs. The stories delve into themes of transformation, the unknown, and the mystical forces lurking beneath the surface of the natural world.
Young Adult Fiction with Maya Mythology
The Joshua Files
This thrilling five-book series follows Joshua Garcia, a Mexican-American teenager thrust into a world of ancient prophecies, secret societies, and time travel following his father’s mysterious death. Set against the backdrop of impending global catastrophe linked to a Mayan prediction, Josh’s journey is fraught with danger and self-discovery. Author M.G. Harris, inspired by her visit to Mayan ruins, intricately weaves historical intrigue with modern adventure, making it an engaging read for both young adults and those young at heart.
Non-Fiction & Autobiographical Works
The Lost World of Quintana Roo
In 1958, at the age of 21, Michel Peissel embarked on an expedition along the uncharted eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Abandoned by his boatmen, Peissel continued his journey on foot through dense jungles and along isolated beaches. His adventure led to the discovery of several Maya ruins that had remained hidden for centuries. Peissel’s narrative captures the raw challenges of exploration and offers a vivid portrayal of the region’s natural beauty and cultural remnants.
I have read this book twice. Once when we first arrived in 2004 and then again a few years later after having explored much of the Riviera Maya coastline. It’s almost impossible to fathom the changes that have taken place here in such a short time.
Incidents of Travel in Yucatán Vol. I & II
Between 1839 and 1842, John Lloyd Stephens, accompanied by illustrator Frederick Catherwood, undertook extensive explorations of Maya ruins across the Yucatán Peninsula. Their travels led them to 44 ancient sites, including renowned locations like Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
Stephens’ engaging prose, combined with Catherwood’s detailed illustrations, provided the Western world with one of the first comprehensive accounts of Maya civilization, significantly contributing to the field of archaeology.
Where the Sky Is Born: Living in the Land of the Maya
Jeanine Kitchel’s memoir chronicles her and her husband’s journey from their initial travels to the Yucatán Peninsula in the early 1980s to their decision to leave their Silicon Valley jobs and settle in Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village south of Cancún. The book details their experiences purchasing land, building a beachfront home, and immersing themselves in the local culture. It also recounts their explorations of various Maya ruins throughout the region.
If you have traveled to this region before, you might know the wonderful bookstore, Alma Libre, in the center of Puerto Morelos. In fact, it is pictured above in the feature photo for this article. This wonderful shop is the culmination of their Riviera Maya adventure and a labor of love for Jeanine and her husband Paul. It is still open today (under new ownership) and is a great place to stop in if you find yourself in town.
Embarking on the Mariposa Trail
Author Mari Pintkowski and her husband transitioned from their established lives in the U.S. to pursue a dream of building a bed and breakfast on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. This memoir details their journey of purchasing property, constructing their establishment, and integrating into a new culture. Pintkowski candidly shares the challenges of navigating a different business environment, language barriers, and the nuances of tropical living, offering readers an intimate look into the realities of expat life.
Frida Kahlo at Home
Suzanne Barbezat explores how Frida Kahlo’s various residences, particularly La Casa Azul (The Blue House) in Mexico City, influenced her art and personal identity. The book delves into Kahlo’s life, examining how her surroundings, from her childhood home to places she lived with Diego Rivera, shaped her creative expression.
Richly illustrated with photographs and artworks, it provides a comprehensive look at the intimate spaces that nurtured one of Mexico’s most iconic artists. My friend and fellow travel writer, Suzanne has poured her heart and soul into this and created a real collector’s item for anyone who loves Frida Kahlo.
Frida Kahlo: Love Letters
This collection, thoughfully curated by author Suzanne Barbezat, offers a window into Frida Kahlo’s personal life through her correspondence. The letters reveal her deep emotions, relationships, and the complexities of her marriage to Diego Rivera. Accompanied by reproductions of her paintings and photographs, the book provides an intimate perspective on Kahlo’s passions, struggles, and the inspirations behind her art. For collectors and Fridaphiles, this is a must-have.
History & Culture
The Maya Civilization
This comprehensive overview traces the history of the Maya civilization from its inception through its peak and eventual decline. The book examines the societal structures, cultural achievements, and the enduring legacy of the Maya people. It serves as an accessible introduction for readers seeking to understand the complexities of this ancient civilization.
Insurgent Mexico
In 1914, American journalist John Reed ventured into northern Mexico to document the Mexican Revolution. Traveling alongside Pancho Villa’s rebel army, Reed provided firsthand accounts of battles, strategies, and the daily lives of revolutionaries. His reportage captures the fervor and tumult of the era, offering readers an immersive experience of the revolutionary landscape.
Popol Vuh
The Popol Vuh is the sacred text of the Kʼicheʼ Maya, one of the most important surviving works of Mesoamerican literature. Part creation myth, part epic tale, and part moral philosophy, this 16th-century manuscript preserves the oral traditions of the Maya in written form, recorded in the early colonial period by an anonymous indigenous author and later translated into Spanish.
At its core are the adventures of the Hero Twins—Hunahpú and Xbalanqué—who descend into the underworld, outwit the gods of death, and restore cosmic balance. But the Popol Vuh is more than mythology; it’s a window into a sophisticated worldview where time is cyclical, nature is sacred, and every action ripples across the universe. Reading this before visiting the Maya ruins of the Yucatan can add profound meaning to what you see
Got a favorite book about the Riviera Maya or the Yucatán? Let me know—I’m always looking for the next good read.
