A guide of the best places to visit in Yucatan, with my recommendations on where to go and what to see in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a beautiful and diverse part of Mexico that offers a blend of ancient history, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. It captured my heart, and I’m sure it will capture yours too!
In the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, you’ll find yourself in the awe-inspiring world of ancient Mayan civilization, majestic archaeological sites, unmissable natural phenomena like cenotes, and the locals’ warm, welcoming culture.
If you are a nature, culture and architecture fanatic, the Yucatan will be your new travel heaven, as it became for me!
I feel the Yucatan really does have something for every traveller.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, a beach bum, or looking to explore the food of Mexico, this magical region offers an experience that will leave you enchanted and longing to return.
Here are the best places to visit in Yucatan.
Table of Contents
Best Places To Visit In Yucatan
Chichen Itza
Exploring Chichen Itza is a once in a lifetime experience and an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of ancient Mayan civilization. I believe visiting this iconic archaeological site should be on everyone’s bucket list.
As you approach the grand entrance and first see the light of the imposing El Castillo pyramid, it takes your breath away. The temple’s sheer size and intricate design make it clear why it’s one of the World’s New Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mayan civilisation used incredibly advanced technology for the time, which speaks volumes here. To think they were built thousands of years ago blows your mind.
As you walk through the ancient city, you’ll also find the Temple of the Warriors, the Ball Court, the Observatory, and the other impressive structures that showcase the truly remarkable Mayan history.
Imagining an ancient civilisation wandering in these ancient ruins is a sobering reminder of how time can be lost.
Visiting Chichen Itza is not just a history lesson; it’s a spiritual and immersive experience that connects you to the ancient world and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the Mayan culture, and your life and the world.
It is highly recommended that you book a guided tour so you can learn all about the Mayan civilisation that built Chichen Itza.
> Book your guided tour of Chichen Itza here
Cancun
Cancun is a world-renowned destination where you can find some rest and relaxation or enjoy its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere.
With top-notch bars, Cancun has become synonymous with non-stop revelry and entertainment. Cancun has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to dance the night away, sip on exotic cocktails, or spend the day at the beach.
One of the iconic spots for partying in Cancun is the Hotel Zone, a stretch along the Caribbean coast with many bars and clubs. Book tickets for Coco Bongo for a night at this legendary club with a thrilling blend of live performances, music, and special effects.
> Book your Coco Bongo tickets here
For a more laid-back experience, consider visiting Mandala Beach Club, where you can enjoy a beachfront setting, refreshing drinks, and relaxed vibes during the day, which transitions into a lively party scene as the sun sets.
If you’re after a taste of local authenticity, Parque las Palapas offers a different partying experience.
This public square transforms into a bustling hub of food stalls, live music, and a friendly community atmosphere, allowing you to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in Cancun’s local life.
Alternatively, book a day out at sea on a catamaran for some snorkelling and to visit the idyllic island of Isla Mujeres, with its white sand beaches. This boat ride is one of the best things to do in Cancun.
> Book your catamaran day trip here
Tulum
Visiting Tulum is like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard paradise. It’s a place where the ancient Tulum ruins meet the Caribbean Sea, and it’s one of the unmissable places to visit in Yucatan.
Tulum’s tranquil and laid-back vibe makes it a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a perfect blend of historical exploration and time for the beach.
It also has a massive spiritual and wellness scene there now. Tulum has become a hub for healing and the new age movement. Some are dubbing it the “New Bali“.
Everywhere you look, there are offerings for spiritual experiences like Temezcal, yoga, meditation, and healing treatments.
Tulum is a great place for those seeking to delve into their inner worlds and forge a connection with their spiritual selves. It’s not everyone’s scene, but I would say it’s worth a visit!
Coba
Visiting Coba is like embarking on an adventure through the Yucatan jungle.
Coba’s highlight is undoubtedly the Nohoch Mul pyramid. You can climb this pyramid too, but I’m too scared of heights! Although I’m sure scaling the pyramid offers an adrenaline rush for those adrenaline junkies.
It also boasts some unbelievable panoramic views of the dense jungle canopy below.
Coba’s attraction lies in its unspoiled and raw beauty, with the ruins nestled amidst the jungle. It reminded me very much of the scenery described in the Celestine Prophecy (if you haven’t read this book, it will change your life!).
Compared to other sites, I found that Coba retains a sense of authenticity and connection to nature, which can sometimes be lost in tourist sites.
Renting a bicycle to explore the area is a popular choice and a great way to discover the ancient pathways and hidden gems of Coba.
>Book a bike tour of Coba and the Mayan jungle here
Las Coloradas (Pink Lake)
Located within the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a few hours away from Cancun, there exists an enchanting location where the expanse of seawater transforms into a brilliant shade of pink.
This captivating phenomenon is attributed to the process of salt production. The pink lakes of Las Coloradas serve as a hub for large-scale industrial sea salt manufacturing.
As the water undergoes evaporation, the elevated salinity levels lead to the proliferation of red algae, plankton, and brine shrimp, casting a reddish-pink hue upon the water’s surface.
Accessible by car, you can explore the lakes and the adjacent small town with the same name. But the easiest way to visit is by joining a day tour from Cancun or from Tulum.
Here, you can walk along the shores and capture surreal photographs of the pink-tinged water.
This site is undeniably peculiar, and intriguingly, it explains the reason behind the distinctive pink colour of flamingos. While here, you may even be fortunate enough to observe pink flamingos congregating a short distance away.
Las Coloradas has gained recent notoriety on platforms like Instagram, resulting in restricted water access. Nevertheless, you can still seize the chance to capture photographs of this remarkable phenomenon.
> From Cancun: Book your day tour to Las Coloradas Pink Lakes
> From Tulum: Book your day tour to Las Coloradas Pink Lakes
Riviera Maya beaches
The Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo has some of the best beaches in Mexico. They are, in fact, some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.
Whether you choose the lively shores of Playa del Carmen, the tranquillity of Akumal, or the hidden gem of Xpu-Ha, each beach has its special appeal.
I always carve time out to get some R&R on beaches wherever I travel too. It’s so easy to get caught up in endless to-do lists and places to see; sometimes, you forget to rest and enjoy the present.
Relaxing on the Riviera Maya is like entering a paradise of holiday bliss. There is something so healing about the ocean; I could swim in it for hours. And nothing beats a day of sleeping on the sand.
The turquoise waters of the Caribbean offer brilliant snorkelling opportunities, too, if you can’t quite lay on a beach all day. There are lots of colourful marine life and vibrant coral reefs to explore.
For the more restless adventure seekers, the Riviera Maya beaches are the perfect place for water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet-skiing, which are a great way to explore the coast as well.
Akumal
In Akumal Beach, you can go swimming with sea turtles, one of my highlights when travelling the world. I was literally breathless when I was gliding along, and suddenly, this beautiful, gracious creature swam up next to me out of the corner of my eye.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime memory that will stick with me forever. I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to do so!
Akumal Beach is a mere half-hour drive south of Playa del Carmen. The shallow green waters serve as the habitat for three distinct species of sea turtles, allowing you to share the waters with these magnificent creatures.
A set of new regulations has been put in place to protect this precious environment.
You must now wear a lifejacket available to rent alongside your snorkelling equipment. Also, vigilant lifeguards navigate the waters on paddle boards to ensure safety.
Additionally, local operators offer organised snorkelling tours tailored for encountering sea turtles, allowing you to immerse yourself in this remarkable experience while supporting the area’s conservation efforts.
> Book your snorkelling with turtles tour in Akumal Beach
Valladolid
Visiting Valladolid is like stepping back into a charming colonial gem, where colourful buildings and ornate churches line cobblestone streets.
Finding old historical quarters and towns and getting a feel for what Mexico would have been like before tourists is always a highlight for me.
Valladolid is a Pueblo Magico, and here you can experience the lively atmosphere of vibrant markets offering local handicrafts and delicious Yucatecan dishes.
Beyond the town’s historic charm, Valladolid is surrounded by cenotes, providing a refreshing escape from the Mexican heat after a day of exploring. This authentic Yucatecan town invites you to immerse yourself in local Mexican culture!
If you are a bit tight on time when exploring the best places to visit in Yucatan, you can combine a visit to Valladolid with Chichen Itza, and a cenote.
> Book your tour of Chichen Itza, Valladolid and cenote here
All the Cenotes
Exploring the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula is a surreal experience where you’ll discover a hidden world. I never knew places like this existed before visiting Mexico.
Descending into the depths of these amazing sinkholes, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by rock faces and greenery. They are some of the most unique geological formations I’ve seen.
The way the sunlight filters through openings creates a very ethereal atmosphere, which I love.
Some of the best places to visit in Yucatan include cenotes, like Dos Ojos, Calavera, and Cenote Suytun. Each one has its unique charm, from open-air cenotes where the sun bursts through on the water, to cave cenotes with crystals decorating the underground chambers.
They make for incredible photo opportunities, too, so there’s no wonder Mexico has been overrun with people looking for the perfect shot in recent years!
You can visit the cenotes independently, or by joining a tour like this one, which takes you to Casa Cenote, home to blue crabs and barracudas, and to Dos Ojos Cenote, which translates as ‘Two Eyes.’
> Book your cenote day tour here
Bacalar
Overrun by Pirates in the 17th century, the town of Bacalar is now a tranquil spot with a population of around 12,000.
Bacalar is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos, with colourful fishermen dwellings and boats peppered all over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
A great way to explore Bacalar Lagoon is by renting a kayak for a day or by joining a boat trip that will take you to the Pirates’ Channel.
Bacalar Lagoon is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to the different hues of blue you will find across the varying depth, soil the way the sun hits the water.
You can also visit one of the beach clubs or balnearios and swim in these stunning and refreshing waters.
Merida
Step into a vibrant cultural oasis where the old-world charm meets modern Mexican life by visiting Merida.
The colonial architecture and colourful facades create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for a day of wandering and getting lost – my favourite pastime when travelling to new places.
Merida has a wonderful historical centre with lively markets and street performers. The Grand Plaza Grande stands at the city’s heart with the stunning San Ildefonso Cathedral, which is well worth a visit.
Merida also has plenty of museums that showcase the region’s Mayan heritage as well as its contemporary art scene.
As the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mérida hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate its diverse traditions. The Mexican fiestas and celebrations are the most fun I have ever been to! The Mexicans sure know how to celebrate!
Merida’s warm hospitality and authentic atmosphere welcome you with open arms, making it a city where history, culture, and modern life blend harmoniously.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a vibrant destination, Merida is one of the best places to visit in Yucatan and it promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wishing you had more time in the city.
Merida is also the perfect place to base yourself and go on day trips to Chichen Itza and Izamal, Uxmal, and to also go and see flamingos in Celestun Beach.
Uxmal and Mayan Villages
Ready for a journey back in time? Add exploring the ancient ruins of Uxmal on your list of places to visit in Yucatan.
Uxmal is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not one of the most popular but it’s arguably one of the best.
Start your day early to beat the crowds and the heat. In Uxmal you used to be able to climb the towering Pyramid of the Magician for a breathtaking view of the ancient city, but this is no longer possible. It is still a very impressive site and worth getting there early for.
Make sure you hire a local guide or join a tour of the site to make the most of your visit and to understand the fascinating Mayan culture and history that took place here.
Remember comfy shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water!
There are also some ancient Mayan villages nearby that I highly recommend, particularly Santa Elena. Santa Elena has been inhabited by Maya people for 1,500 years.
Mayan villages like Santa Elena offer an authentic glimpse into the local culture. They offer the opportunity to engage with the friendly locals, who are always eager to share their traditions and stories.
There are also bustling markets where you can find handmade crafts, colourful textiles, and mouth watering street food such as cochinita pibil.
Try your hand at traditional cooking or crafting workshops to truly immerse yourself in Yucatan culture and bring home some new skills!
As the sun sets, you may even witness a local dance or a storytelling session.
Exploring Uxmal and the nearby Mayan villages isn’t just sightseeing – it’s a chance to connect with history and people in a whole new way!
Izamal, The Yellow Town
Step into a city with an unwavering fascination for bold colours… or a single colour in this case!
Nearly every wall and building façade in Izamal has been daubed with a rich shade of golden yellow. This was first done back in 1993 in order to pay homage to the momentous visit of Pope John Paul II.
Spreading across a series of rolling hills, Izamal was once home to ancient Mayan pyramids, and today the Mayan language is still heard in its streets.
Izamal is a Pueblo Magico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a true hidden gem. It should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Yucatan.
Don’t miss climbing the great pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo, which graces the town’s skyline, for a fantastic view of the town and the countryside around it.
Just like in Merida, wandering through Izamal is a breeze. Just take a stroll to soak in the sights or do a private tour to learn about the history of this stunning town. Just make sure you don’t miss the massive yellow Franciscan monastery at the heart of the historic area.
Isla Holbox
Located on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Holbox is one of Mexico’s best kept secrets. In this laid back island no cars are allowed and the best way to get around is by bike or by hiring a golf cart.
Isla Holbox is the ideal place to end a trip around the Yucatan, where you can relax on a stunning beach, explore the island’s nature, and even swim with whale sharks, one of those once in a lifetime opportunities everyone should jump at the chance to experience.
The experience of coming so close to these gentle giants is an exhilarating and humbling encounter that leaves you in awe of nature and the ocean.
Swimming with whale sharks is a privilege that offers a profound connection to nature and a sobering reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the ocean and its magnificent inhabitants.
Other must-do things to do in Holbox include the famous tour of Three Islands, a boat tour that takes you to Isla Pajaros, Isla Pasion, and a visit to crystal clear Cenote Yalahau.
Don’t miss the spectacular mangrove kayak experience at sunrise, or the magic of stargazing and the bioluminescence phenomenon that can only be found in a few places in the world.
Yucatan FAQs
The Yucatan Peninsula is known for a great variety of things that are unique to this part of the world.
From ancient Mayan archaeological sites and mysterious cenotes, to pristine Caribbean beaches, and colonial cities like Merida and Izamal, there is a lot to discover that you will not find anywhere else in the world.
The best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is during the dry season, generally from November to April.
This period offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring archaeological sites, enjoying the beaches, and partaking in outdoor activities.
But bear in mind that the peak tourist season, especially around December and March, can result in larger crowds and higher prices.
If you’re looking for a more serene experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early fall (September and October), when the weather is still favourable but tourism is slightly less intense.
Just be aware that the hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk of storms typically occurring between August and October.
The Yucatan Peninsula is generally considered safe for travel. Popular tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum have well-established tourism infrastructure and a strong security presence.
However, like any destination, it’s essential to exercise basic safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, safeguarding your belongings, and staying aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, it’s advisable to stay updated on travel advisories from reliable sources before your trip!
What’s the best way to get around the Yucatan?
The Yucatan Peninsula offers various transportation options to explore the region effectively.
Car Rental
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore the Yucatan on a road trip at your own pace.
Major cities like Cancun and Merida have well-developed road networks, making reaching archaeological sites, beaches, and other attractions convenient. Ensure you know local driving regulations and be cautious on less-travelled roads.
> Compare rental car prices here for the best deals
Public Buses
An extensive network of public buses connects major cities and towns in Yucatan. ADO is a reputable bus company offering comfortable and air-conditioned buses.
This option is cost-effective and reliable for travelling between urban centres and popular destinations, and you can book your tickets here.
Colectivos
Colectivos are shared vans or minivans that operate along specific routes, often connecting smaller towns and tourist areas. They’re a budget-friendly option for short to medium distances and offer a chance to interact with locals.
> Find the best prices for colectivo tickets here
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in cities and tourist areas. Agree on the fare before starting the ride, or ensure the taxi uses a metre.
Some places, like Cancun, have authorised taxi services to ensure safety and transparency.
Biking
Cycling is a popular way to get around in areas like Tulum and Cozumel. Many hotels and hostels offer bike rentals, and the flat terrain makes it suitable for leisurely rides.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights can be a time-efficient option if you’re covering longer distances within the Yucatan or connecting to other regions of Mexico. Mérida and Cancun have international airports with good connectivity.
> Check Skyscanner for the best deals on domestic flights
Ferries
For reaching nearby islands like Cozumel and Isla Holbox, ferries are a common mode of transportation. Regular ferry services operate between the mainland and popular island destinations like Isla Holbox.
Do you have any questions about the best places to visit in Yucatan?
Let me know in the comments!
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