Everything you need to know about Covid testing in Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Since the announcement by both the US and Canadian governments that travelers need to provide a negative COVID test result upon entry, we have been flooded with questions about how to get COVID testing in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The good news is that resorts were quick to turn around and adapt with a lot of the offering on-site Antigen testing for free or at a reduced cost. The average cost for an Antigen test is about $35.00 USD. For a PCR test, the average cost is about $150.00 USD.
The Center for Disease Control in the United States has announced that a viral test conducted no more than 3 days prior to the flight’s departure will be required for everyone entering its territory through international air travel starting on January 26th.
Center for Disease control and prevention testing FAQ
Official CDC global airline testing order
Canada requires proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the traveler’s scheduled time of departure to Canada.
Pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results for air travelers coming to Canada
Alternatively, if you are not staying at a resort or there is no availability, you can get tested at certain private clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies.
However, all the options can get confusing. Therefore, we have made a list (that we will update as needed) of what the resorts are offering for testing (with pricing). We have also included what your options are if you test positive.
Please note that we will try and update the information as we go along, however, it can change at any time.
COVID TESTING OPTIONS PER RESORT
Here is a quick access list of all resorts covered in alphabetical order, just click to get to their respective testing program.
Atelier and Estudio Playa Mujeres
Shielded Vacation program information
- 2 Free antigen tests per room done on-property/ Extra test 300 pesos per test (+/-$15 USD)
- PCR Test done on-property/ 1,500 pesos per test (+/- $75.00 USD)
- 14 days complimentary quarantine stay in case of positive test.
- Results delivered by email 24 hours after sample collection
AM Resorts (Breathless, Dreams, Now, Reflect, Secrets, Sunscape and Zoetry resorts)
AMRESORTS™ Proactive Support and Beyond
- Free antigen tests done on-Property/ Result available same day
- PCR Test done off-property / $175.00 USD per test/ Result within 12-24h
- Cost of quarantine covered for up to 14 days in case of positive test.
Test information PDF from AM resorts
Barcelo Resorts (Barcelo, Occidental, Royal Hideway and Allegro resorts)
- Antigen test on-property / $33.00 USD per test / Result available same day
- PCR test on-property/ $120-$150 USD per test / Result within 12-24h
- 20% rebate on daily or agency rate in case of positive test.
Tests information PDF from Barcelo Maya Grand
Blue Bay Hotels and Resorts
- Antigen test done off-property (Hospiten Playa Del Carmen/ $50.00 USD per test + transportation ($28.00 USD for 1-4 people)/ results same day
- PCR tests done off-property (Hospiten Playa Del Carmen/ $155.00 USD per test + transportation ($28.00 USD for 1-4 people)/ results 24-48h
- No quarantine protocol in case of positive test.
Blue Diamond Resorts (Royalton, Planet Hollywood and Mystique Resorts)
Safety assured vacation program and Covid testing press release
- Free antigen tests done on-Property with a 4-night stay/ Result available same day/ $60 per test otherwise.
- PCR test done on property / $170.00 USD per test / Result within 12-24h
- Free Medical Assistance coverage to cover the cost of any accidents or illness, including COVID-19 related medical needs until March 31, 2021 (Must register)
Catalonia Resorts (Catalonia Royal Tulum, Catalonia Costa Mujeres, Catalonia Riviera Maya, Catalonia Yucatan and Catalonia Maroma)
- Free antigen tests done on-Property / Result available same day
- PCR test done off-property / $150-$275 USD + transport /results within 24h-48h
- Complimentary quarantine stay for up to 10-days in case of positive test results
El-Cid Resorts (Hotel Marina El-cid and Ventus at Marina El-cid Spa and Beach Resort)
Always committed protocol program and Covid testing press release
- 2 Free antigen tests per room done on-property for stays of 3-nights or more/ Result available same day/ $87.00 USD per test otherwise.
- PCR tests done on-property/ $157.00 USD per test/ Result within 24h-48h
The Excellence Collection (Excellence Riviera Cancun, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Finest Playa Mujeres, Beloved Playa Mujeres)
Excellence corona virus information
- Free antigen tests done on-property with a minimum 3-night stay/ Result available same day/ $50 per test otherwise
- Free PCR tests done on-property/ with a minimum 3-night stay/ Result available within 24h week days, 48h weekends/ $150 per test otherwise
- 14-day complimentary quarantine stay in case of positive test
Grand Palladium Resorts (Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah, Whitesand, and Costa Mujeres. TRS Yucatan and TRS Coral)
Ready to care for you program and COVID-19 testing press release
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR test done on-property / $150.00 USD per test / Result within 24-48h
- Stay Safer plus FREE Health insurance policy to cover quarantine stay
Tests information PDF from Grand Palladium
Grand Velas Resorts
Stay safe protocol and COVID-19 testing info
- Free antigen tests done on-property with a 3-night minimum stay/ Results available within 24h
- PCR test done on-property / $175.00 USD/ Results available within 24h
- PCR test done off-property (Amerimed in Playa Del Carmen) / $140.00 USD/ Results available within 24h
- 75% discount on the public rate for quarantine period if tested positive
Covid information infographic from Grand Velas
H10 Resorts (Ocean Coral & Turquesa, Ocean Riviera Paradise, Ocean Maya Royale)
- Antigen test done on-property / $50.00 USD per test / results same day
- PCR tests done on-property / $150.00 USD per test/ results 24-72h
- $85.00 per person per night preferential rate for quarantine accommodation in case of positive test results
Hard Rock Resorts (Cancun and Riviera Maya, Unico 20°87°)
Safe and sound program and Covid Testing information
- 2 free antigen test per room/ $50.00 per additional test / result available same day
- PCR test done on-property in Cancun and off-property (Hospiten in Riviera Maya) / $99.00 USD per test / Result within 24h
- PCR test on-site in Ca/ $170.00 USD per test / Result within 24h-48h
- Complementary quarantine accommodation for up to 14 days in case of positive test results
Hotel X-Caret
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR test done on-property at extra cost
Iberostar Resorts (Iberostar Quetzal, Ibersostar Tucan, Iberostar Paraiso, Iberostar Del Mar, Iberostar Lindo, Iberostar Maya, Iberostar Grand, Iberostar Cancun)
- Antigen test done off-property at Hospiten / $45.00 USD- $60.00USD per test + transportation / results same day
- If 7 people or more, they will have a doctor come to the resort.
- PCR test done off-property at Hospiten / $160.00 USD + transportation / results 24h-72h
- Extra care travel insurance (when booked online) included which covers quarantine accommodation in case of positive test results.
Karisma Resorts (El Dorado, Palafitos, Hidden Beach, Generations, Margaritaville and Azul Beach)
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR test / $170.00 USD per test / Result within 24h-48h
- Complementary quarantine accommodation for up to 14 days in case of positive test results
Palace Resorts (Moon Palace, Sun Palace, Beach Palace, Isla Mujeres Palace and LeBlanc)
Purely Palace program and Covid Testing information
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR test done on-property/ $150.00 USD per tests / Result within 48h
- Complimentary quarantine accommodation for up to 14 days in case of positive results with a minimum 4-night stay.
Posadas Resorts (Fiesta Americana, Live Aqua)
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR tests are done off-property and booked through concierge
- Travel with Confidence insurance offered at $4.00 USD per night to cover positive test results. Rate of $10.00 USD per person per night for quarantine period if insured.
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
The majestic Mission Program and Majestic Care Insurance
- Antigen test done on-property / $35.00 USD per test / Result availability same day
- PCR test on-property / $42.50 / Results within 12-24h
- Quarantine stay covered through the free Majestic Care Insurance Policy (need to register)
Oasis Resorts (Oasis Cancun, Oasis Palm, Grand Oasis, Smart Cancun, Oh! Cancun)
Be free, Be safe program and Covid Testing info
- Free antigen tests done on-property with a minimum of 3-nigths stay/ Extra tests $18.00 USD per test/ Results available within 30 minutes
- PCR tests done on-property / $75.00 USD per test / results within 24h-48hC
- Complementary quarantine accommodation for up to 14 days in case of positive test results
Original Group (Temptation and Desire resorts)
- Free antigen tests done on-property with a minimum of 3-nigths stay (2 per room)/ Extra tests $50.00 USD per test/ Results available within 30 minutes.
- No PCR tests available. Will recommend a Laboratory or Hospital nearby.
- $75.00 per person per night quarantine rate in case of positive test results.
Playa Hotels and Resorts (Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Panama Jack Playa del Carmen, Panama Jack Cancun, Hilton Playa del Carmen)
- Free antigen tests done on-property with 3-nights stay/ Extra test $49.00 per test/ Results available same day
- PCR tests on or off property depending on resort / $150.00 per test / result 24-48h
- 50% discount for guests that test positive and need to quarantine for up to 14 days.
Riu Resorts (Riu Playacar, Riu Yucatan, Riu Lupita, Riu Tequila, Riu Caribe, Riu Cancun, Riu Palaces, Riu Dunamar)
Riu Covid-19 health Protocol and Covid Testing Press release
- Free antigen tests done on-property/ Result available same day
- PCR test done off-property at Hospiten / $100 – $200 USD / Result within 72h
- 10-day courtesy quarantine stay in case of positive test results
Royal Resorts (Royal Sands, Royal Haciendas and Grand Residences)
Royal Care Standard program and Covid-19 latest updates
- Free Antigen tests done on-property / results available within 24h
- PCR tests done on-property $100-110 USD per test/ results within 24h-72h
- 14 day complimentary quarantine stay in case of positive test
Sandos Resorts ( Sandos Playacar, Sandos Caracol, Sandos Cancun and Palmaïa)
Sandos Clean Stay initiative and COVID-19 testing press release
- Free Antigen tests done on-property / results available within 24h
- PCR tests done on-property/ $150.00 per test/ results available within 48h
- 14-day complimentary quarantine stay in case of positive test results
The Reef Resorts ( Reef 28, Coco and Playacar)
Travel with Peace of mind program
- Antigen test done on-property / $33.00 USD per test/ result within 24h
- PCR tests done on-property/ $150.00 per test/ result within 24h
- 14 day complimentary quarantine stay in case of positive test
The Fives (The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences, The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos and The Fives Downtown)
The Fives initiatives program and Travel with peace Covid testing
- Free antigen test done on-property with 4-night minimum stay / $30.00 USD per test / results within same day
- PCR test done on-property /$80.00 USD per test / results within 36h
- In case of positive test The Fives Hotels will help the guest to find an alternative stay for him, and his family, the hotel will reimburse the days that may remain pending of stay through the means that the reservation was confirmed.
COVID TESTING OPTIONS AT PRIVATE CLINICS
Clinics and Laboratories offering PCR Testing
Hospitals/ Laboratories | Appointments | Opening Hours | Cost | Notes | Contact information |
AMERIMED | Need to be done 48hrs prior | Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm | $2,800 Mexican Pesos per person +/-$140.00 USD +/-$180.0 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport. -If you go before 1pm the results will be available in 24-36hrs -If you go after 1pm the results will be available in 36-48 hrs. -Results are sent via email and can be sent in Spanish or English | Phone: Playa: 984 859 3314 Cancun: 998 881 3400 Cozumel: 987 869 5555 Website: http://www.amerimedhospitals.com/red-de-hospitales |
CEDEME | Online | Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm | $3,586.82 Mexican Pesos per person +/-$180.00 USD +/-$230.0 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport. -If you go before 1pm the results will be available in 12-24hrs. -If you go after 1pm the results will be available in 24-48 hrs. -Results are sent via email and can be sent ONLY in Spanish. -They recommend not to eat, drink or wash your mouth 2hrs prior the test | Phone: Playa: 984 222 8250 Cancun: 998 874 2732 Website: https://www.cedeme.com.mx/ |
Centro Quimico | By Phone | Monday to Friday from 730am to 11am Saturday from 730am-9am | $2,300 Mexican Pesos P.P +/-$115.00 USD +/-$147.00 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport. -Results will be available in 48 business hrs. -Results are sent via email and can be sent ONLY in Spanish. -They recommend not to eat, drink or wash your mouth 4hrs prior the test. | Phone: Playa: 984 873 0641 Website: https://centroquimico.com.mx/contacto/ |
HOSPITEN | Can get better price when booked through hotel concierge | Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm | $5,300.00 pesos per person +/-$266.00 USD +/- $340.00 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport -Results will be available between 2 or 3 business days. -Results are sent via email and can be sent ONLY in Spanish. -They recommend not to eat, drink or wash your mouth 4hrs prior the test. | Phone: Playa: 984 803 16 06 Website: https://hospiten.com/centros-y-hospitales/hospiten-riviera-maya |
COSTAMED | Need to be done 48hrs prior. Call for availability 800 900 1133 | Monday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm | $ 2,499 Mexican Pesos P.P +/-$125.00 USD +/-$160.00 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport. -Results will be available between 48 or 72 business hours. -Results are sent via email and can be sent in English under request. -They recommend not to eat, drink, smoke or wash your mouth 4hrs prior the test. | Phone: Appointment: 800 900 1133 Website: https://www.costamed.com.mx/en/covid-19/schedule-your-appointment-covid-19-tests |
Medica Playa | 2 or 3 days in advance | Monday to Friday from 8am to 9pm Saturday from 8am to 2pm | $ 2,500 Mexican Pesos P.P +/-$125.00 USD +/-$160.00 CDN | -Bring a mask & Passport. -Results will be available in 30 minutes. -Results are given in paper to the client and can be written in Spanish or English . -Payment is in cash. | Phone: 984 801 8152 Website: http://medicaplaya.com/ |
COVID TESTING OPTIONS IN CANCUN AND RIVIERA MAYA AT PHARMACIES
You can get the rapid testing Antigen test done at a lot of local pharmacies as well. You can even get a drive-thru test at Farmacia Similares!
The cost is between 300 (+/-$15 USD) to 400(+/-20 USD) pesos plus IVA (16%).
Here are three (3) of the main ones in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and what they offer
FARMACIA DEL AHORO
The best deal. There are a lot of locations to choose from. All you need is to go into the pharmacy and ask to see the doctor. It is on a first come first serve basis but it usually goes pretty quickly.
FARMACIAS SIMILARES
Farmacias similares is the low-cost pharmacy option in the area. The principle is the same, you go in the pharmacy to see the doctor on a first come first serve basis. They even have a drive thru option at some pharmacies in Cancun!
FARMACIA YZA
They are a bit more expensive but do have locations everywhere whether you are in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. They are also offering tests approved by COFEPRIS which is the Mexican equivalent of the FDA in the United States.
We hope that this list for Covid testing in Cancun and the Riviera Maya has been helpful and will make you feel more at ease with your upcoming travel plans.
We also know the hotels and area inside and out! Need help booking your destination wedding , getaway, or family vacation? Contact us for help!