Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is an expansive swath of land within the southeastern a part of the nation, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. From the azure waters of the Caribbean Coast to the stays of historical Mayan ruins strewn all through the inside, there are such a lot of issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula you’ll want to return repeatedly to see all of it.
The Yucatán Peninsula is sometimes called merely “The Yucatan” nevertheless it truly consists of three states – The Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. Most individuals are accustomed to Quintana Roo as it’s right here you’ll discover well-known seashores and the all-inclusive resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum. This journey information goes to take you past the vacationer resorts to discover every little thing the Yucatan Peninsula has to supply.
Issues to do in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
Few locations within the western world see luxurious seaside resorts constructed beside ruins from a earlier civilization that thrived not so way back. The place spring-breaking faculty college students frequent an space simply as common to world-renown archaeologists and educational consultants from across the globe. The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico appeals to everybody!
What to do in Yucatan Mexico
This Mexico Yucatan information was initially written by Justin and Tracy and it has been up to date and expanded for 2022
Affected by archeological websites, countless white-sand seashores, and containing the ring of Cenotes, there are such a lot of issues to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, it would draw you again repeatedly. Regardless of the rationale, when you get there, there are a lot of other ways you may discover, take pleasure in, and enrapture your self within the Yucatan Peninsula. This space, as soon as a main stronghold of the Mayan Empire, is now a haven for vacationers of all walks of life.
Our Favorite Lodges within the Yucatan
Once we go to the Yucatan Peninsula, we frequently keep in all-inclusive accommodations for not less than every week to calm down earlier than getting down to discover. And typically we merely ebook a week-long getaway. These are a few of the accommodations we’ve stayed in and have totally loved.
1. Swim with Whale Sharks
By far among the best issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula is to go swimming with Whale Sharks. Taking a ship journey simply two hours off the coast of Cancun is the prospect to verify off this final bucket record merchandise and get within the water to swim with whale sharks. Learn extra: Swimming with Whale Sharks Cancun
We booked our whale shark tour with GetYourGuide. This was an incredible tour that takes you out to the islands of Contoy and Holbox. In addition to whale sharks, preserve a watch out for sea turtles and dolphins as effectively.
Ebook your tour right here to swim with the Whale Sharks – It gives free cancelation inside 24 hours of tour and it picked us up at our condominium rental in Playa del Carmen.
2. Make a Cease at Chichen Itza
One of many prime issues to do within the Yucatán Peninsula is, with out query, is Chichen Itza. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage web site of Mayan pyramids, ball courts, sanctuaries, and temples is believed to be the first location for Mayan Governance. Learn extra on the Final Information to the Yucatan.
The Mayan Pyramid of Kukulcan, or El Castillo because it’s colloquially known as, is the centerpiece. The steep, excessive stairs appear to taunt you as they draw the attention up in admiration of a really magnificent Mayan construction. It’s right here the place Mayan clergymen performed their most non-public and vital ceremonies, to present thanks, ask for blessings, and even bury their leaders.
Along with El Castillo, The Nice Ball Courtroom is one other factor you do not need to overlook. As soon as the positioning of an historical, ritualistic recreation performed by the Maya in honor of the Gods, whose loser misplaced not solely the sport however typically his life this a part of Chichen Itza provides an fascinating look into the Mayan tradition.
Ebook this extremely rated tour of the ruins. In addition to seeing Chichen Itza, it additionally takes you to the Sacred Cenote and Valladolid.
3. Swim in The Sacred Cenote
On the grounds of Chichen Itza is the Sacred Cenote, the first cenote from which the traditional Maya civilization thrived for a whole bunch of years. Proof means that the Maya used this web site for spiritual ceremonies. See what it’s wish to tour considered one of Mexico’s underground rivers at Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves
As we speak it’s a main attraction for guests to the Yucatan because of the deep, refreshing waters and mesmerizing surroundings. This cenote is a key vacation spot for historians, scientists, {and professional} divers, as pottery, instruments, and even stays have been discovered alongside riveted cabinets within the cenote partitions!
Cenotes of the Yucatan
Probably the greatest issues to do within the Yucatan is to discover its Cenotes. (An underground cave). There are a number of cenotes scattered all through the Yucatan and the state of Quintana Roo. This Cenote Tour takes you to the 4 varieties of cenotes in Quintana Roo that exist in nature: semi-open, open, historical, and cavern discover its Cenotes. Ebook this extremely rated tour right here.
4. Take within the Stunning Scene from Tulum
When strolling as much as the Mayan ruins of Tulum, you may’t assist however assume that “these Mayans had the proper concept!” With the crystalline aqua of the Caribbean Sea as a fantastic backdrop, Tulum stands proudly on the shores far above the white sands beneath. Amid seaside golf equipment, trip resorts, hammocks, and sun-kissed vacationers, Tulum is without doubt one of the most visually fascinating areas in all of North America.
The resort city that Tulum rests inside does nothing however add to the inspiring nature of the situation, as revelers of fun-in-the-sun can take a historical past break to stroll the grounds of the previous Mayan fortress. After exploring the attractive ruins, take a stroll down the street to any one of many native eating places for contemporary meals and drinks – proper on the seaside.
Ebook this Tulum Tour in Mexico Yucatan, it features a tour of Tulum the place you’ll study of the Mayan civilization and tradition adopted by a cease at one of the stunning cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula.
5. Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Positioned farther south down the coast of Quintana Roo, The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the most important protected space within the Mexican Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is wealthy with wildlife together with many chicken species. With actions like boat excursions and snorkeling, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is an effective way to get out and expertise the pure fantastic thing about the Riviera Maya.
6. Stroll The Streets Of Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a serious vacationer vacation spot in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and never solely is it a superb place to go to, nevertheless it’s additionally an ideal place to remain too. Day excursions and accommodations typically shuttle individuals to Playa del Carmen the place you may store on La Quinta Avenida. However staying in a single day is a should as effectively.
The eating places and nightlife will preserve you busy, nevertheless it isn’t fairly as wild an evening out as it’s in Cancun. There are lots of locations to select from together with the world-famous Coco Bongo however you’ll additionally discover chilled-out seaside bars, dwell music, and scrumptious Mexican delicacies.
7. Isla Mujeres – The Island of Ladies
Isla Mujeres is a well-liked day journey from Cancun however you may keep on the island as effectively. It has white sand seashores, clear waters, and nice snorkeling at Garrafon Reef Park. Isla Mujeres is translated to the Island of Ladies in English. It was sacred to the traditional Mayans who worshipped it because the goddess of childbirth. Therefore the identify the Island of Ladies. Learn extra: The Finest Cancun Day Journeys. You may ebook day excursions to Isla Mujeres with excursions to Isla Contoy for chicken watching.
8. Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox is a quiet island off the coast and has turn into fairly common in recent times. Whale sharks migrate by means of the area making it a sensible choice for whale shark excursions. No vehicles are allowed on the island however there are accommodations, trip leases, and eating places. You may ebook whale shark excursions from right here.
Day excursions take you to Chiquilá the place you catch the ferry to discover its colourful homes, do some chicken watching, and swim in its pristine waters. However if you wish to mellow out, keep in a single day for a day or two.
9. Scuba Diving
The waters of Cozumel have pristine coral reefs stuffed with an abundance of marine life and colourful fish. Its superb readability, with visibility reaching over 100 ft, makes it one of many nice locations for scuba diving on the earth.
Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island, situated a brief ferry journey from Playa del Carmen. In 1961 Jacques Cousteau found the magnificent scuba diving right here and declared the world as one of the stunning dive websites on the earth. They had been declared a nationwide marine park in 1996. This has allowed the reef to thrive and the wildlife to flourish, making for one of the sensational scuba diving experiences you’re more likely to ever have. We notably loved drift diving on this space.
10. Cozumel Island
Talking of Cozumel, we spent every week on the island not solely making it our base for scuba diving, however additionally it is a whole lot of enjoyable to discover Cozumel Island. We rented a jeep to get across the island and discover the seashores. If you’re staying on Cozumel and may’t make it to the mainland to go to the Mayan Ruins, you may go to Uncover Mexico Park to see fashions of Mexico’s hottest points of interest.
Or you may go to the small Mayan Destroy of San Gervasio Ruins to pay tribute to the Goddess of Love. There are markets, eating places, and bars in Cozumel making for an ideal Mexican trip. Cozumel Island is a 40-minute ferry journey from Playa del Carmen making it a well-liked day journey as effectively.
11. Celebration it Up in Cancun
No journey to the Yucatan could be full with out not less than stopping within the well-known coastal metropolis of Cancun. Its lengthy sandy seashores, an countless row of accommodations, and world-famous nightlife have made it a cease on each spring breakers bucket record. It’s enjoyable to move into city for the evening to occasion in considered one of its bars. Go loopy for an evening and have some enjoyable within the city within the Lodge Zone.
Cancun isn’t only for partiers although the countless sand seaside is engaging to anybody, Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum the most important assortment of Mayan artifacts. There are many issues to do in Cancun and we now have an entire record of Cancun points of interest right here.
12. Sea Turtles of Akumal Seashore
Akumal is a well-liked nesting floor for sea turtles and swimming with sea turtles has turn into the highest draw within the space. The protected bay makes for good circumstances for snorkeling. Sea turtles are plentiful and you’ll snorkel right here independently without having to take a tour. So seize your snorkel gear, hire a automotive and make your strategy to Akumal to see what it’s wish to swim with sea turtles. Akumal is situated between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, 104 km (65 miles) from Cancun.
If you wish to go diving in a Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos is situated between Akumal and Tulum. Dos Ojos Cenotes (which means Spanish for 2 eyes) is without doubt one of the greatest locations to scuba dive in a Cenote within the Yucatan. Cenotes in Photographs – Uncover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves
13. Mérida
Generally known as the White Metropolis, Mérida is the capital metropolis of Yucatan State and is called the cultural capital of the cities in Yucatan. It’s additionally thought of one of the stunning cities within the Yucatan. Merida has turn into a well-liked spot for ex-pats settling in Mexico due to its infrastructure and facilities. Colourful buildings line the streets, the place native artisans promote hammocks, conventional clothes, and conventional Yucatan meals. It is usually an ideal place to study Spanish. It turned referred to as the white metropolis because of the white mansions that line the tree-lined boulevard, Paseo Montejo. Be certain that to spend a day or two in Merida for a extra genuine Mexican trip away from the touristy cities of Quintana Roo.
14. Izamal
Izamal, aka La Ciudad Amarilla (or The Yellow Metropolis), is designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical City) by the Mexican authorities. This designation is to protect its particular tradition and it’s particular certainly. Positioned between Mérida and Chichén Itzá, Izamal is a well-liked day journey from Merida. Named after the Mayan God Itzamná, Izamal attracts guests to marvel at its stunning yellow buildings. Some individuals imagine the town was painted yellow to honor a go to from Pope John Paul II in 1993 whereas others say it’s to honor the Mayan Solar God Kinich Ahau (Kinich Ajaw). Regardless of the motive, it has accomplished an incredible job attracting guests.
15. Cliff Dive at Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is without doubt one of the hottest cenotes within the Yúcatan. Positioned in Valladolid, Cenote Zaci is only a brief stroll from downtown. Zaci Cenote is reasonable to enter, at solely about 30 pesos per individual, and gives a merely irreplaceable expertise as soon as inside. You’ll end up stepping down a steep, slender, staircase that reveals a grand expanse of vegetation and cliffs which overlook the attractive Cenote Zaci. Right here you may problem your concern of heights with a soar of greater than thirty ft into the waters under!
Watch our video having enjoyable within the Yucatan’s Cenotes
If cliff leaping isn’t fairly your velocity, the expansive and funky waters are good for a peaceable float within the warmth of the day, and simply reachable by the walkway that’s constructed into the perimeter of the cenote. Learn extra: Cenotes in Photographs – Uncover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves
Cenotes could be discovered throughout this a part of Mexico, particularly in Quintana Roo. In the event you don’t make it to Cenote Zaci, ensure you not less than look into different Cenote Excursions Like this one which we did.
16. Discover Enchanting Ek Balam
Ek Balam is the traditional Mayan metropolis nearest to Valladolid and that wants loads of time to go to. The complicated is sprawling, with greater than 45 buildings of various function, design, and dimension. Probably the most notable construction on the grounds is El Trono (‘The Throne’), the place the founding father of Ek Balam society, Ukit Kan Le’okay Tok’, is considered buried.
This can be a placing construction with a deceivingly steep climb of 106 steps to the highest. From right here, one can gaze upon your entire cover of the Yucatan jungle. Nearer to floor degree, there are historical chapels, steam baths, and the Oval Palace. It was believed to be a spot of worship giving due to the Gods.
17. Climb the Steps of Coba
Coba is among the many ruins within the Yucatán Peninsula that provides essentially the most fascinating, freshest perspective amongst history-lovers and archaeologists. It’s believed that 90% of the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula are nonetheless buried at Coba.
Solely partially full in its excavation, Coba stays a rugged construction that peaks above the emerald timber to disclose the true remoteness of its setting. You may see mounds upon mounds of unearthed buildings throughout the forests – the place scientists imagine that greater than 90 p.c of the Mayan ruins within the Yucatan stay hidden! Ebook this Tulum Coba and Valladolid Tour to expertise one of the best of the Yucatan in sooner or later.
Whereas not as absolutely excavated as Chichen Itza, that’s precisely what makes this particular. Right here you may climb the best Mayan Pyramid within the Yucatán Peninsula at greater than 130 ft in peak. Ensure you put on a superb pair of sneakers, as Coba presents one of many more difficult climbs among the many pyramids in Mexico, with 120 steep and daunting steps to the highest!
18. Las Coloradas (Pink Lakes)
Las Coloradas has actually grown to turn into one of many prime issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula. With Instagram and TikTok gracing our lives, everybody desires to share pictures and movies of pink lakes. It’s an awe-inspiring sight to see pink lakes, and those at Las Coloradas are second to none. The brilliant pink salt lakes are the results of the critters that thrive within the dense saltwater. Algae, shrimp, and brine. You may now not go within the water and even get near it. There at the moment are platforms for viewing however the easiest way to view the lakes is to ebook a tour.
This Day Journey from Cancun takes you to the Pink Lakes in consolation the place you’ll discover the salt lakes of Las Coloradas, the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, and a seafood lunch.
19. Laguna de Bacalar (Lagoon of Seven Colours)
It was in 2003 that we took a bus from Cancun to cross the Belize border whereas exploring Latin America. Taking our time exploring the south of Mexico was a once-in-a-lifetime journey. On our strategy to the border city of Chetumal (the capital metropolis of Quintana Roo), we stopped at Balacar Lagoon.
Generally known as the Maldives of Mexico, The Lagoon of Seven Colours has (you guessed it) seven shades of blue. Positioned two hours south of Tulum, it’s the good getaway to keep away from the mass of vacationers within the Riviera Maya.
This 60km collection of inland waterways was as soon as a passage for pirates and early merchants. Admittedly we haven’t been again since that journey, however we’ll always remember the attractive turquoise waters of Balacar Lagoon.
20. Valladolid
Whereas the temptation will probably be to remain in both Cancun or Playa del Carmen we expect you’ll get extra out of your time within the Yucatan by staying in Valladolid. Positioned a mere two-hour drive from spoil areas equivalent to Tulum and fewer than an hour from a handful of different fascinating areas, Valladolid is each reasonably priced and exquisite.
Valladolid has the excellence of being named a Pueblo Mexico (Magic city) which means it has been acknowledged by the Mexican authorities as having magical qualities. Valladolid is the most important metropolis within the heartland of the Yucatán state. You’ll wish to keep as near Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton (Central Plaza) in downtown Valladolid as doable. Valladolid has a myriad of eating places and retailers. Plus it’s straightforward to entry Mexico’s freeway 180, which works west-to-east throughout the peninsula. If you wish to actually see all of the Yucatan gives, staying in Valladolid is a should.
21. Go For A Drive – With Your Digicam!
It took us just one afternoon to study a really precious lesson – take your digicam in all places within the Yucatan. Even on seemingly lengthy, empty stretches of street between spoil areas or cenotes, there are alternatives for the informal shutterbug.
Whether or not a railway main into the comb, a fantastic nation store, or scenic nature, the Yucatan will proceed supplying you with alternatives to seize extra. Merely get misplaced, cease wherever you’re moved, and attempt to seize what solely the attention can see. This is able to’ve been how the Mayans would’ve needed you to expertise their house, so do it! Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is stuffed with photograph alternatives, like this seaside in Tulum.
22. Immerse with The Locals
In relation to the individuals and tradition, the Yucatan Peninsula will depart you really moved. Any journey to the Yucatan is really remiss with out the world’s best attribute – the individuals.
They’re so variety, so giving, and so participating that you simply’ll end up misplaced in easy dialog whereas eager to know extra in regards to the customs that make the Yucatan really distinctive.
The Yucatan pulls one of the best from you, and from that, you’ll end up really mixing with a land, and other people, who’re unmatched of their allure, magnificence, and heat.
While you go to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, you’ll create recollections to final a lifetime and can wish to come again repeatedly. The Yucatan attracts all varieties of travellers.
23. Bask in Scrumptious Delicacies
You’ve by no means had authentically Mexican meals fairly like that provided within the Yucatan. So shocked will you be by the depth of taste, the intricacy of preparation, and the satisfaction of the expertise that you’ll yearn for it lengthy after your journey house.
Contemporary. Daring. Wealthy. The profiles of even the only dish within the Yucatan will depart the foodie in all of us begging for extra! We may actually say upon leaving that we’ve by no means had guacamole so good and by no means had tacos so good!
However extra importantly, we loved the distinctive spin on on a regular basis Mexican classics the individuals of the Yucatan have perfected. There are just a few native favorites within the Yucatan, most of that are comprised of a few of the greatest steak and chorizo dishes this facet of Argentina! Usually these locally-created dishes are served with pickled sweet-onions together with contemporary jams, bean dishes, and sauces equivalent to chimichurri.
Finest Technique to Get Across the Yucatan Peninsula
For us, the greatest strategy to get round Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a automotive. We desire this over excursions as a result of we are able to get to locations earlier than the tour buses stuffed with vacationers from the Riviera Maya converge. Verify automotive rental costs and availability right here.
Native Bus – Mexico has fairly good buses which are air-conditioned and reasonably priced. ADO bus firm connects cities and areas all through Mexico and the Riviera Maya.
Collectivos are the easiest way to get round if going a brief distance. They’re shared taxis and are low-cost and reasonably priced.
For Transfers from Cancun Airport to your lodge, take a look at eTransfers for one of the best costs. They provide shuttles to the Lodge Zone, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and all alongside the Mayan Riviera.
The Yucatán Peninsula has one thing for each the adventurer and the beach-bum. Maybe it’s this variety of attraction that makes the Yucatan so fulfilling, so placing, and but nonetheless considerably mysterious. Stuffed with historical and pure wonders, turquoise waves crashing on countless seashores and loads of journey, Mexico’s Yucatan is a spot you’ll love. While you go to Mexico, be certain that so as to add this spectacular vacation spot to your itinerary.