There are limitless adventures to have within the Yucatan. Right here’s a have a look at the very best issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Few locations provide as a lot selection as Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. An unlimited expanse of jungle, bordered by pristine white seashores, grows out of a singular and complicated ecosystem.
Your complete peninsula is porous limestone with caverns of contemporary water. Numerous sinkholes (referred to as cenotes) break the floor, offering vacationers with alternatives for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
And that’s simply nature. The Yucatan comprises a mixture of three necessary cultures: Mayan, Spanish colonial, and trendy Mexican.
You possibly can immerse your self in all three in locations like Valladolid, close to Chichen Itza, with a go to to the well-known ruins within the morning, a cease at a Sixteenth-century convent within the afternoon, and a dinner of Yucatan specialties at a classy gastropub within the night.
There are such a lot of issues to do within the Yucatan that many vacationers return repeatedly. I’m certainly one of them. Throughout my 10 years dwelling in Mexico, I visited the realm about every year, typically extra.
With so many locations to go to within the Yucatan, you’re certain to have an important expertise it doesn’t matter what you’re searching for!
Listed below are the highest 15 issues to see and do within the Yucatan, plus sensible recommendations on tips on how to profit from your journey.
1. Go to Playa del Carmen
Though Cancun is the first vacation spot that will come to thoughts, I like to recommend Playa del Carmen as a primary cease within the Mayan Riviera.
Cancun is ok if you wish to confine your journey to a giant beachside resort (or if you wish to tough it in low-cost resorts in Cancun’s considerably rundown downtown space).
However if you wish to stroll barefoot out of your family-run lodge to the seaside for an early morning swim, Playa del Carmen is the place.
Though the seaside has suffered erosion and algae invasions lately, and there are bigger seashores in Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Akumal, what provides Playa the sting over these different seaside cities is Quinta Avenida (fifth Avenue).
Conveniently beginning on the major bus station and working parallel to the seaside, Quinta Avenida is pedestrian-only for practically 2 kilometers.
It’s lined with small resorts, memento retailers, and a variety of Mexican and international eating places. Exploring this bustling avenue is well one of many prime issues to do within the Yucatan.
Essentially the most genuine native meals, together with the largest nightclubs, are a block or two away, and also you’re in all probability higher off searching for a lodge elsewhere (due to noise). However there’s nothing fairly like wandering down Quinta Avenida, day or evening, taking in all of the sights, sounds, and smells.
Ensure to take a look at Calle 38 (simply off of fifth Ave.) and proceed taking fifth avenue north all the best way into Colosio.
2. Hit the Seaside Beneath the Ruins of Tulum
There are a whole bunch of archeological websites within the Yucatan, starting from tiny (however fascinating) iguana-filled San Miguelito in Cancun’s lodge zone to large, world-famous Chichen Itza.
Tulum could have misplaced most of its allure over the previous few years, however I like to recommend Tulum for a first-timer’s must-see within the Yucatan. The ruins and seaside listed below are fairly unimaginable.
About an hour south of Playa del Carmen, it’s simple to go to Tulum on a day journey even from Cancun (about two hours away). It has spectacular buildings and a superb mixture of open grassy areas and paths via bushes.
The principle enchantment of Tulum, nonetheless, is its location above the turquoise Caribbean.
It’s one of many prime locations to go to within the Yucatan for images. Better of all, a picket staircase results in a small seaside under, the place you’ll be able to swim out within the water for a distinct view of the Tulum ruins.
A street from the south exit of the park goes to the primary seaside in Tulum, which is lengthy, huge, and overflowing with powdery white sand. This mix of ruins and seaside makes a visit to Tulum one other probably the greatest issues to do within the Yucatan.
Learn the way to go to the Tulum Ruins in our article, right here.
3. Mountain Bike within the Jungle at Punta Venado
Talking of good seashores in Mexico, there’s a stunning and secluded one at Punta Venado (Deer Level) about fifteen minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
The Punta Venado Seaside Membership has good meals and affordable costs, and the quiet seaside is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the Yucatan for some privateness.
As good because the seaside is, the actual draw to Punta Venado is its mountain bike park. A big community of trails has been constructed via the rainforest, and one sandy path runs proper alongside the coast.
You’ll see many wild animals on the paths, together with iguanas, monkeys, and the raccoon-like tree mammal coati.
The paths have three ranges of problem. The intermediate and professional trails are lengthy, bumpy, and certain to fulfill professional cyclists used to massive mountains. The newbie trails are a lot much less daunting, however anybody driving them must be totally comfy on a mountain bike.
You possibly can hire good high quality, well-maintained mountain bikes on the store or convey your personal. And naturally, after your trip, you’ll be able to spend the remainder of the day swimming within the sea or sipping margaritas on the seaside membership’s poolside bar.
4. Discover Isla Mujeres by Bicycle
If you wish to expertise the Yucatan on two wheels however aren’t up for warm and arduous mountain biking within the jungle, you continue to have loads of choices.
You possibly can hire bicycles at practically each vacationer vacation spot within the Yucatan, resembling Tulum, Merida, and Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida…and Isla Mujeres.
Top-of-the-line Yucatan actions is to cruise throughout Isla Mujeres by bicycle. The lengthy, slim island is situated simply north of Cancun, and you may attain it by ferry from Cancun’s lodge zone or Puerto Juarez.
The ferries drop you off on the north finish of the island, the place the little village and the most important seashores are. Most guests by no means go away this space, and certainly won’t even know the way rather more to the island there’s.
And truly, the very best a part of the Yucatan is Punta Sur, a rocky lookout on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. It’s an attractive spot, and strolling out to it is without doubt one of the prime issues to do within the Yucatan, and greatest locations to go to in Isla Mujeres.
Renting a cruiser bike within the village is a superb possibility for attending to Punta Sur, and you may make stops at different Yucatan points of interest on Isla Mujeres throughout your trip, resembling Garrafón Pure Reef Park.
Take a look at this enjoyable biking expertise across the island, which takes in most of the sights and could be very inexpensive.
5. Swim or Scuba Dive in a Cenote
The Yucatan has many dive websites, particularly the Mayan Riviera, the stretch of the Caribbean shoreline from Cancun to Tulum. In addition to reefs, there’s additionally an underwater museum, which is a sequence of submerged statues within the sea between Isla Mujeres and mainland Cancun.
This would possibly sound unusual to scuba divers, however for me, the very best diving is reached by van, not by boat, and never within the deep open sea, however in slim caverns in only some meters of contemporary water.
I’m speaking about cenotes, the freshwater sinkholes that result in in depth networks of caves. Scuba diving in cenotes is certainly one of my favourite adventures within the Yucatan, and every time I am going, I go to a number of new ones.
Two fashionable cenotes are Dos Ojos and El Pit. They’re proper subsequent to one another, sharing an entrance and customer heart, they usually’re conveniently situated off the freeway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
They make for a superb introduction to cenote diving each due to their location and in addition as a result of they’re very completely different.
Dos Ojos is a cavern dive with two routes that take you thru slim passages filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and tree roots dangling within the water.
El Pit, because the identify suggests, is a large, deep chamber, the place vivid beams of sunshine slant via the blue-tinted water.
If you wish to go cenote diving, go to a dive store in Playa del Carmen or Tulum. They’ll talk about the choices with you, hire gear, and supply transportation.
In case you’re not a scuba diver, Dos Ojos continues to be a good selection for swimming in a cenote.
If you end up in a distinct a part of the Yucatan, resembling Merida, don’t fear, as a result of cenotes are in all places, and every one gives one thing distinctive and fascinating. Swimming of their cool contemporary water is without doubt one of the important issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula.
6. Swing in a Hammock over Kaan Luum’s Sapphire Water
About quarter-hour south of Tulum city by automobile or public transportation is a complete different form of cenote. Kaan Luum is a big, roughly round lagoon of contemporary water surrounded by dense jungle.
It’s fairly shallow, about chest-high, till the middle of the lagoon, which comprises a deep cenote. Right here the sky-blue hues of the clear water all of the sudden go darkish. It’s roped off, so you’ll be able to’t swim into it, however you’ll be able to swim alongside and ponder its murky depths.
Kaan Luum is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the Yucatan to chill out. Carry chilly drinks and snacks, and hang around on one of many lengthy piers all day.
You may as well climb into one of many hammocks strung up over the water and swing the day away. Discover Kaan Luum on the map, right here.
7. Take a Boat Journey in Bacalar
For a multi-colored lake on a a lot grander scale than Kaan Luum, head south to Bacalar, the lake of seven colours, one of the vital lovely locations to go to within the Yucatan.
For the total Bacalar expertise, take a ship journey across the lake. As quickly as you strategy the primary dock, individuals will instantly strategy providing boat journeys. You possibly can convey no matter you need on the boat, resembling a cooler filled with beer, and are available ready to swim.
The boat journey will take you throughout the lake, making stops at submerged cenotes and a shallow sandy space close to a canal as soon as utilized by pirates, the place you’ll be able to soar in and funky off.
The information can even level out stromatolites, coral-like limestone rocks which might be shaped by an historical algae that’s one of many oldest types of life on Earth.
For a bit more cash, however a way more peaceable journey, head out on a sailboat as a substitute!
8. Escape the Crowds at Holbox
The 2 giant islands off of the Yucatan’s Caribbean coast, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, are inside simple attain by comparatively brief ferry journeys from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
They’re glorious locations to go to within the Yucatan, with tons to do, particularly biking on Isla Mujeres, scuba diving off Cozumel, and hitting the seaside at each.
Considerably overshadowed by these two luminaries is the Yucatan Peninsula’s third main island, Holbox, situated between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s considerably farther away, requiring a protracted (however easy) drive or bus journey from Cancun or Merida earlier than you get on the ferry to the island.
It’s well worth the journey, and probably the greatest locations to go to within the Yucatan to get away from all of it. Holbox has a cool village with pleasant, inexpensive resorts and a spread of eating places.
The seashores are astounding, and one part typically lights up with bioluminescence at evening. And for those who’re there between June and September, you’ll be able to participate in one of many best possible Yucatan adventures — swimming with whale sharks.
9. Stroll the Tranquil Streets of Valladolid
Valladolid’s largest declare to fame could also be its proximity to Chichen Itza, one of many New Seven Wonders of the World. However the fairly small city is completely value a go to for its personal sake, and I recommend staying for a number of days if doable.
Colourful, well-restored colonial buildings line cobblestone streets in a neatly deliberate grid, making for nice strolling and images.
Scattered amongst them are Yucatan points of interest like leafy parks, museums in colonial mansions, a 500-year-old convent, a cenote, and an genuine market with native specialties on the market.
There are quite a few issues to see and do in Valladolid to maintain you busy. Plus, there are some glorious eating places right here as effectively.
Staying in Valladolid is smart earlier than or after a visit to Chichen Itza because you’ll be capable to go to the ruins proper after they open, earlier than the tour buses arrive.
10. Step Again in Time at Mayan Ruins
With quite a few archeological websites on the Yucatan Peninsula, you may spend a lifetime pursuing an adventurous Indiana Jones expertise, particularly in distant areas overgrown with vegetation like Calakmul, Coba, and Uxmal.
With its iconic pyramid, Chichen Itza attracts the crowds, and for good purpose. The big website has a captivating number of buildings, detailed carvings, and distinctive sections.
It’s giant sufficient to spend the entire day in and be frequently stunned by one thing new — platforms filled with columns, paths via the jungle, and two cenotes.
It won’t really feel as distant or mysterious as another Mayan ruins, however visiting Chichen Itza continues to be probably the greatest issues to do within the Yucatan, regardless of all of the hype and vacationers. Then, in your subsequent journey, you’ll be able to (and may) go to different historical Mayan cities.
11. Pattern Native Delicacies in Merida’s Public Market
Merida is the most important metropolis within the Yucatan and the capital of the Yucatan state. The peninsula contains three states, with Yucatan within the north and heart, Quintana Roo on the east facet, and Campeche on the west facet.
It doesn’t really feel like a metropolis, nonetheless, however extra like a dwelling museum of Spanish colonial structure. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to within the Yucatan to wander round and absorb some tradition.
And there’s no higher place to leap proper into the tradition than Merida’s sprawling market. A go to right here is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Merida.
Positioned a number of blocks from the zocalo (heart sq.) in the course of city, the market has a number of sections the place you’ll find produce, flowers, drugs, souvenirs, and every kind of family items.
The meals part is my favourite half. You possibly can strive the various dishes of the Yucatan Peninsula’s distinctive delicacies at all kinds of small eating places and meals stalls, and you may’t beat the low costs.
Some tried-and-true favorites are cochinita pibil, shredded pork marinated in spicy ashiote sauce, which is commonly served in tacos or typical Yucatan finger meals resembling panuchos and salbutes.
Relleno negro, a black turkey soup, tastes nothing like the way it seems. Additionally, head to a juice stand to strive genuine chaya, a local leaf floor up and served as a refreshing drink.
12. Take the Horse-Drawn Practice to the Cuzuma Cenotes
Spending a day attending to the Cuzuma cenotes is without doubt one of the adventures within the Yucatan you’ll always remember.
Three cenotes are situated in a former sugarcane plantation, and a small railroad passes via the positioning. It was previously used to move crops, and now it’s used to move guests to the cenotes.
Horses pull the prepare vehicles surprisingly shortly from cenote to cenote. The cenotes themselves are incredible, with giant chambers and loads of room for swimming.
The doorway to 1 is only a shoulder-width gap within the floor with a picket staircase main down into the darkness.
From the city of Cuzuma, it’s simple to get details about discovering the prepare. To get to Cuzuma in public transportation, search for colectivos (passenger vans) leaving from close to Merida’s public market.
13. Marvel on the Pink Water of Las Coloradas
The pink lagoons of Las Coloradas, close to the small city of Rio Largartos, are a photographer’s dream. The world is used for salt manufacturing, which turns the water shades of pink and pink each six months.
You’re not allowed to get within the water anymore, however you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll round their shores, trying out the colours and establishing nice pictures. Ensure to come back in March or in July and August to see the colours at their brightest.
Rio Lagartos is situated on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the finish of a freeway coming from Valladolid. In addition to Las Coloradas, the realm additionally has beautiful seashores and a big protected space filled with crocodiles and flamingos.
14. See the Flamingos on the Celestún Biosphere Reserve
In case you didn’t get sufficient flamingos in Rio Lagartos, then head west from Merida to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, which has an infinite flamingo colony.
This big nature reserve takes up practically your entire west coast of the peninsula north of Campeche, and probably the greatest entry factors is the sleepy fishing village of Celestún. You may as well take a look at the deserted and overgrown ruins of an outdated hacienda close by.
You possibly can see the flamingos proper on the seaside close to a city, or you’ll be able to organize a ship journey via the mangroves, the place you’ll see a number of different tropical birds and crocodiles.
You may get to Celestún by automobile or public transportation from Merida in about an hour and a half, and there’s no query {that a} day journey to this pristine space is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the Yucatan Peninsula to understand nature.
15. Study Some Historical past within the Colonial Gem of Campeche
Based in 1540, Campeche was a vital Spanish outpost in colonial occasions, and town in the present day is a must-see within the Yucatan for historical past lovers.
The pastel-painted buildings of the historic district are nonetheless enclosed by the outdated metropolis wall, making for a enjoyable day of sightseeing. And no journey to Campeche is full with no go to to Fort San Miguel, now an archeological museum.
There are many issues to do in Campeche and some nice eating places, so be certain to present your self a while right here. In case you plan on spending the evening, take a look at these prime Airbnbs in Campeche.
Additionally, due to its location within the west of the peninsula, Campeche can also be a logical cease for individuals on bigger journeys to Mexico. By automobile or bus, you will get to Ciudad del Carmen in three hours and Palenque in 5.
FAQ’s In regards to the Yucatan Peninsula
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on this area of Mexico.
Sure, the Yucatan is mostly secure. As with wherever you journey, particularly in Mexico, at all times take primary precautions. Don’t drink an excessive amount of, don’t settle for drinks from strangers, don’t go away your purse or backpack unattended on the seaside or on a restaurant chair, and don’t stroll down unfamiliar streets at evening.
In recent times there have been disturbing incidences of drug-related violence in seaside cities within the Mayan Riviera, resembling Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and even usually peaceable Puerto Morelos. They’re nonetheless comparatively uncommon however are occurring extra steadily.
In case you’re involved, look into staying in quieter locations that don’t have a lot of a celebration ambiance, resembling Akumal or Holbox, or focus your journey on inland areas, resembling Merida, which is without doubt one of the most secure locations to go to within the Yucatan and all of Mexico.
Ensure to have journey insurance coverage in your journey to the Yucatan Peninsula. SafetyWing is an efficient possibility for travellers and digital nomads.
Coastal areas within the Yucatan are usually heat and breezy all 12 months, whereas inland locations (Merida, Valladolid, and so forth.) get a lot hotter in the summertime months.
Rain is feasible at any time, though it normally solely comes down laborious for about half an hour. Then the solar shines down laborious once more, drying off your garments.
Hurricane season is from June to October, so throughout these occasions, the likelihood exists for harmful multi-day storms.
There’s not a lot you are able to do concerning the climate, however you may make your time within the Yucatan a lot nicer by avoiding busy journey occasions. Extra worldwide vacationers go to in December and January, particularly between Christmas and New Yr’s Eve.
Home vacationers additionally go to in giant numbers then, together with late July to early August (when many Mexicans have time without work work) and Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week earlier than Easter, when everybody has time without work work.
Keep away from Semana Santa in any respect prices. Accommodations and flights will probably be booked up, and seashores and vacationer locations will probably be packed.
Automotive leases are low-cost within the Yucatan. All the same old firms have workplaces on the Cancun and Merida airports, the 2 major airports within the area.
In case you’ll solely be staying in a single spot, you don’t have to hire a automobile. Peninsula-wide, a number of kinds of public transportation run often all day lengthy. Getting from Cancun to a different place on the coast, resembling Tulum, is fast and simple.
In case you plan to go to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, merely stroll onto the ferry. Each are shut sufficient for day journeys, however you’ll be able to see much more for those who keep a number of days.
For longer journeys, resembling from Cancun to Merida, you’ll take a bus. ADO is a first-class bus firm with stations all around the peninsula. Take a look at their web site for choices, costs, and journey occasions.
Second-class buses additionally go away from ADO stations, however they make a number of stops and take oblique routes, and you may normally solely get details about them and buy tickets on the station, not on-line.
Sure, the Yucatan is certainly value visiting! With all kinds of issues to see and do, you’ll by no means be bored. Whether or not you’re into pure magnificence or colonial cities, there’s one thing for everybody within the Yucatan Peninsula.
How a lot time you want is determined by what you wish to do. In case you’re going to stay to 1 or two cities, then you’ll be able to go to for a number of days. If you wish to see ruins, go to seashores, go to reserves and discover colonial cities, then give your self every week.
Now You Know What to Do in The Yucatan
Scripting this put up actually makes me wish to return to take pleasure in the entire fantastic locations to go to within the Yucatan.
I’ve had a good time over time experiencing all of those greatest issues to do within the Yucatan, and compiling them right here has me serious about my subsequent journey to this unimaginable area of Mexico.
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