yucatan peninsula trip

The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

For several years, Mexico has consistently ranked among our favorite countries in the world to explore–and after our most recent return visit to take a Yucatan road trip, we are more confident than ever that it will never be unseated. 

Between the overwhelming number of interesting sights, absolutely sublime food, and incredibly welcoming culture, we can never get enough of Mexico.

With this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, we hope we can help you fall in love with it too!

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of those just-right destinations that is easy enough to travel in that newer travelers will feel comfortable exploring, and fascinating enough that veteran travelers will never be bored.

Between the Mayan cities and mystical cenotes, the colorful towns and delicious food, the lagoon of Bacalar and the stunning beaches the region is known for, a Yucatan road trip truly has something for everyone.

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Table of Contents

How We Structured This Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

Why choose the yucatan for a mexico road trip, getting around during your road trip in the yucatan, will this 10 day yucatan itinerary work without a car, other destinations to add to your yucatan road trip itinerary, useful driving tips for this mexico road trip itinerary, faq about taking a road trip in the yucatan peninsula, yucatan road trip itinerary map, the best time to road trip the yucatan peninsula, what to pack for your yucatan road trip.

We structured this Yucatan road trip itinerary to center around some of our favorite things to do in the Yucatan: explore Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, and enjoy beautiful beaches.

We are covering the Yucatan peninsula here, not just the state of Yucatan, and much of this Yucatan travel itinerary does take place in Quintana Roo.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves climbing many pyramids, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually only take around 12 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We’ve included some of Mexico’s biggest tourist highlights here, including Chichen Itza, while also throwing in up-and-coming spots like Bacalar, and organized them in a loop beginning and ending in Cancun (aka, the biggest airport hub in the region by far).

This guide to spending 10 days in the Yucatan is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

When looking for the perfect road trip in Mexico or even all of Latin America, the Yucatan peninsula immediately shoots up to the top of the list.

The peninsula is known as one of the safest regions for tourists in all of Mexico (and for the record, we have always felt incredibly safe not only there but everywhere we’ve been in Mexico), the driving is very lowkey, and the sights, from the ruins of Mayan cities to beaches to colorful towns to the peninsula’s world-famous cenotes, are sublime.

With a flawless combination of safety, ease of travel, and unforgettable sights, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect Mexico road trip than one through the Yucatan.

The best company to rent a car for your road trip in Mexico from will likely vary dramatically depending on exactly when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your Yucatan road trip.

Check prices and shop rental cars for your Yucatan road trip today!

Parts of it, yes, but it would be more of a hassle to reach some spots.

Mexico’s ADO bus network is impressive, incredibly comfortable (some of the most comfortable buses we’ve ridden on anywhere, quite frankly), and can easily get you around the peninsula, including all the way down to Bacalar.

For smaller day trips like visiting Ek Balam and the cenotes around Valladolid , though, you’d need to either negotiate a taxi (not terribly difficult, but a hassle, especially if you’re not comfortable negotiating in Spanish), jump in a collectivo, or book a tour.

There’s no doubt that driving will make this particular 10 day Yucatan itinerary much easier and more flexible, but if you can’t or would prefer not to drive, you can still have an incredibly rewarding trip to the peninsula using this Yucatan travel guide.

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun and head to Valladolid.

Assuming you arrive in Cancun early enough in the day to reach Valladolid before sunset, we highly recommend grabbing your rental car at the airport and then immediately hitting the road!

If your flight arrives in the late afternoon or evening, though, you’ll want to spend your first night in Cancun itself and then get an early start by driving to Valladolid the next morning.

Valladolid is a little under 2 hours from Cancun by car.

Day 2: Explore Valladolid and check out nearby cenotes.

The colorful, small city of Valladolid is a laid-back and delightful place to explor.

The Zocalo, cathedral, and the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena are all worth a look, as are the many delicious restaurants and the colorful street of Calzada de los Frailes.

The main reason that Valladolid is a favorite for people exploring the Yucatan, though, is not for the charming city that is itself one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns), but for what lies outside of it.

Valladolid is located at the perfect epicenter of many of the area’s best day trips, including several cenotes and Mayan ruins.

For the first several days of this Mexico road trip, we recommend basing yourselves here–the next few days of this Yucatan itinerary are designed as day trips from Valladolid.

For today, start your stay in Valladolid by exploring the town and potentially by checking out a few of the nearby cenotes.

Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than 15 minutes from town by car, as is the complex housing both Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.

Too tired to drive anymore but still want to check out a cenote today?

No worries–Cenote Zaci is certainly not the most impressive of these cenotes, but it does win points for being right in the center of town!

Where to Stay in Valladolid

Valladolid has a fantastic selection of places to stay, ranging from budget hostels to beautiful boutique hotels. 

Here are some of the best, including the hotel we adored on our most recent visit!

Hostel Candelaria — Featuring a perfect location in the center of Valladolid, colorful decor, hundreds of near-perfect reviews and plenty of dorm and private room lodging options, Hostel Candelaria is a go-to choice for budget travelers to Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Candelaria!

Casa Aluxes Hotel — We absolutely adored our stay at this boutique hotel. The breakfast is fantastic, the service perfect, the inner courtyard and pools beautiful, and their location excellent. When we return to Valladolid yet again, we’ll definitely consider staying again.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Aluxes Hotel!

Le Muuch Hotel — This luxury hotel in Valladolid offers spacious family rooms, excellent service, and a fantastic breakfast, all housed in a convenient location within walking distance of Valladolid’s major sights.

The grounds include two beautiful pools, and the hotel’s hundreds of excellent reviews make it a sure bet when visiting Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Le Muuch Hotel!

Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil.

For your first day trip from Valladolid, head to none other than Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruin and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza.

We highly recommend showing up very, very early, and entering the park as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Most of the big tour buses bringing visitors in by the hundreds from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen won’t show up until an hour or two after that, giving you a bit of time to explore the ruins in relative peace.

After you finish up at Chichen Itza itself, be sure to take a dip in nearby Cenote Ik Kil!

Day 4: Visit Ek Balam and Cenote X’canche.

I’ll be honest: I intentionally scheduled Chichen Itza as the first Mayan city on this Yucatan itinerary, not only because I know just about everyone wants to visit, but because the other Mayan cities you will visit after it–in my biased opinion–blow it out of the water.

Ek Balam is located about half an hour from Valladolid, and in contrast with bustling Chichen Itza the previous day, will likely feel downright deserted.

With far fewer crowds and plenty of structures that you can climb, visiting Ek Balam is an absolute delight and one of our personal favorite stops on this Yucatan road trip.

Located in the same complex of sorts–you won’t need to move your car again–is Cenote X’canche, which is arguably our favorite cenote that we’ve seen on the peninsula as well!

Featuring brilliantly beautiful water, a slightly wild feel, and a waterfall, Cenote X’canche is one of those places where it is easy to understand why the Mayan religion purports that cenotes are the entrances to the underworld.

Day 5: Make your way to Tulum.

On day 5 of your Mexico road trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid and head for the beach!

Tulum is about an hour and a half away from Valladolid, giving you plenty of time to make your way back to the coast and then visit the famous Tulum ruins and beach.

While the ruins are certainly more crowded than Ek Balam from yesterday, their setting just cannot be beat–the views of the Mayan city overlooking the phenomenal beach are just magnificent.

Be sure to bring your swimsuit along: your ticket to visit the Tulum ruins also includes access to the beach, and you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours there!

When it comes time to find somewhere to stay for the night, you absolutely can stay in Tulum itself, but be prepared for some serious sticker shock: Tulum is not only expensive as compared to other cities in Mexico, it’s just expensive, period.

If you’d like to save a little cash, consider staying outside of Tulum instead–there are plenty of options, from luxury accommodation to hostels to boutique hotels, a 20-30 minute drive down the road.

One of the major benefits of being on a Yucatan road trip rather than a traditional itinerary is that you can take advantage of flexibility like that!

Optional Yucatan Road Trip Stop: Coba.

Still dreaming of more Mayan ruins?

With three archaeological sites in three days included on this Yucatan itinerary, you quite possibly will not, but it’s worth pointing out that as you drive from Valladolid to Tulum, you’ll pass right by the Coba ruins, which also make for a delightful place to explore.

Less popular (read: crowded) than Chichen Itza, but more crowded than Ek Balam, Coba boasts some stunning structures in a forested setting, and you can climb the main pyramid for beautiful views over the jungle.

Day 6: Road trip Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Bacalar.

On day 6, it’s time to head to the most up-and-coming destination on this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, a place we’ve heard described as “what Tulum was 30 years ago”: Bacalar.

The drive from Tulum to Bacalar takes less than 3 hours, so depending on time you could spend the morning in Tulum before heading down, or stop at Sian Ka’an Biosphere to see another magnificent part of the Yucatan peninsula.

Alternatively, you could wake up early and head right to Bacalar to maximize your time at this otherworldly lagoon–more on it below.

Day 7: Enjoy Mexico’s Lagoon of Seven Colors.

Look out over the beauty of the Bacalar Lagoon, and you may just be convinced that you’ve been transported to the Maldives or to an obscure Pacific atoll.

You’ll almost certainly have a hard time comprehending that the brilliant blue you see doesn’t come from a sea or ocean of any kind, but from a freshwater lagoon.

Bacalar, both the town and the lagoon it is named after, is a sleepy, beautiful place where it’s easy to kick back, relax, and enjoy some truly unique nature.

While you’re there, consider taking a boat tour to discover the best swimming spots and viewpoints on the lagoon, checking out the rapids (basically a natural lazy river), and hopping down to one of the beach clubs for a swim and some food served up with incredible views.

Back in town, be sure to visit Fort San Felipe, which was built by the Spanish in the 18th century to defend against the real-life pirates of the Caribbean that attacked the town.

For dinner, we can heartily recommend La Playita–one of the best-known spots in town with one of the best restaurant views imaginable–and also La Pina, which isn’t located right on the lake but has an impressive garden atmosphere all the same.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

We recommend spending two nights visiting Bacalar as part of this Yucatan road trip–here are some great options for where to stay.

Blue Hotel — With comfortable rooms, affordable prices, and excellent service, Blue Hotel is a fantastic choice for travelers visiting Bacalar on a budget.

While the hotel is located a bit further from the center of town than most, in Bacalar, that’s not a problem when you’re on a Yucatan road trip–you’ll probably drive to most attractions anyway.

Check rates & book your stay at Blue Hotel!

Hotel Tuparenda — We loved this boutique hotel in Bacalar–so much, in fact, that when we doubled back to Bacalar on our Mexico road trip, we returned for a second stay here!

The location is excellent (a short walk from La Playita), rooms comfortable, and service wonderful.

The rooftop, where the included breakfast is served and there is a small pool, has a lovely view of the lagoon in the distance!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Tuparenda!

Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel — Want to stay directly on the lake, with a restaurant and spa located on-site and no reason to leave?

If so, check yourself in for relaxation and pampering at the popular and well-reviewed Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel for a taste of luxury… at far more affordable prices than a similar accommodation would go for in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Check rates & book your stay at Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel!

Day 8: Head to Playa del Carmen, stopping at Akumal on the way.

At this point during your Yucatan road trip itinerary, things become a bit choose-your-own-adventure by virtue of the fact that there is so much to do between Bacalar and your eventual destination of Cancun, where you’ll say goodbye to Mexico in a couple of days.

Our suggestion is to head to Playa del Carmen (we loved our time at Isabella Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for an adorable but not insanely expensive place to stay), which is about a 3.5-hour drive from Bacalar and will put you both much closer to Cancun and in the heart of plenty of things to do in the Yucatan.

Along the way, consider stopping off at Akumal to cross a major highlight off of your Yucatan bucket list: swimming with sea turtles.

Day 9: Cross one more thing off your Mexico bucket list. 

With one more day of your Yucatan road trip left and an excellent central base in or near Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya is your oyster.

Here are a few of our suggestions for what to do on the last day of your road trip in the Yucatan…

Go for a swim in a cenote (or two).

Playa del Carmen is surrounded by absolutely stunning cenotes, including Cristalino, Jardin del Eden, and Cenote Azul.

Have a beach day at Xpu-Ha.

While the beaches in Playa del Carmen proper are not among the best on the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha, which is located just a short drive outside of town, is absolutely amazing and a fantastic place to kick back and relax.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving.

The stunning island of Cozumel is located very close to Playa del Carmen, and is especially well-known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkeling! Whether you book a day trip from Playa del Carmen or hop one of the many ferries over to Cozumel yourself, you’ll be able to find excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Prefer to go underground?

Snorkeling in an enclosed cenote is an unforgettable experience.

Day 10: Return to Cancun and say goodbye (for now) to Mexico.

As your Yucatan road trip comes to a close, it’s time to return to Cancun.

Before saying goodbye to Yucatan travel, though, consider hitting the beach one last time if you have time before heading to the airport!

Cancun has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some are absolutely free to visit, including the positively magnificent Playa Delfines.

A mere 10 days in the Yucatan could never hope to cover all the incredible peninsula has to offer.

If you have a longer Yucatan itinerary to work with, here are a few other places to consider adding onto your Yucatan road trip!

I specifically didn’t include popular Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox in this Yucatan travel blog post, as they’re decidedly not road trip destinations, but we adore them both and they’re definitely worth considering adding to your itinerary for the Yucatan as well!

In fact, we started our most recent trip to the Yucatan peninsula with a few days on Isla Mujeres before picking up our rental car, and couldn’t recommend the experience more.

The pink lakes of Las Coloradas, Mexico have become increasingly #instagramfamous in the last few years, and they are still one of the most unique places to visit in the Yucatan!

They are actually private reservoirs belonging to a salt company, not natural lakes at all, but they are incredibly interesting to look at.

Visiting has become more regimented over the years, and these days you’ll be charged a small fee to enter and be required to keep a guide with you, and you definitely can’t swim in the lakes.

If you’d like to see them for yourself, they’re a doable day trip from Valladolid (a little under 2 hours of easy driving each way).

The colorful, beautiful ex-pat haven of Merida is incredibly popular with visitors planning long stays in the Yucatan, but it’s quite far out of the way for this Yucatan itinerary that focuses more on the southern and central parts of the peninsula.

If you have longer than 10 days in the Yucatan, though, definitely consider stopping by to explore some of the best things to do in Merida .

It’s a beautiful, colorful city with lots of amazing food to offer, and is also the capital of the state of Yucatan.

Buried deep in the jungle in the state of Campeche, Calakmul is one of the most difficult Mayan ruins to get to, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Climb atop the pyramids there, and you will see nothing but ruins surrounded by lots and lots of jungle.

If you look closely on a clear day, you may even spot the tip of La Danta, a pyramid in modern-day Guatemala that once stood in the lost city of El Mirador and is–by some measures–the tallest pyramid in the world.

The city of Izamal is located vaguely between Valladolid and Merida, and is known primarily for its brilliant color–much of the town is painted bright yellow!

Be sure to check out the Convent of San Antonio of Padua, the beautiful (yellow) architecture downtown, and the markets while there.

Our current favorite archaeological site in Mexico is located only an hour and a half north of Bacalar, making it easy to add on to your Mexico road trip!

Becan is uncrowded, inexpensive, incredibly well-preserved, and a true hidden gem on the Yucatan peninsula. 

If you’re looking for a memorable side trip while traveling the Yucatan, we can’t recommend a visit to Becan enough!

Plan to drive only during the day.

With lots of speed bumps (more on that below) and very few street lights, the Yucatan peninsula is not an ideal place to drive at night. 

Luckily, this Yucatan road trip itinerary should make it fairly easy to drive during the day only–most days include only a couple of hours of driving.

Keep an eye on the time (zone).

This itinerary covers destinations in both the state of Quintana Roo and the state of Yucatan.

Despite being right next door to each other and frequently covered on the same trip, these Mexican states are in different time zones!

Quintana Roo uses Eastern Standard Time, and Yucatan uses Central Standard Time.

Typically, someone will pump your gas for you.

Most frequently, when you pull up to the gas pump in Mexico, someone will pump your gas for you as well as clean your windshield. You’ll want to provide a small tip for the service.

If you don’t see someone servicing the pumps, though, you can also pump your own gas in some places, so keep an eye on what others are doing!

… but be sure to check the pump to avoid scams.

There’s a known gas station scam in the Yucatan in which you’ll be charged extra because the gas pump isn’t set to $0.00 before the attendant starts pumping your gas.

This has never happened to us, but we’ve heard of fellow travelers experiencing it!

Luckily, the way to avoid it is very simple: if you’re not pumping your own gas, be sure to look at the pump and confirm it’s set to zero before the attendant starts to pump.

Keep an eye out for topes.

Topes (in English, speed bumps) are the major way that speed limits are enforced in the Yucatan peninsula, especially in towns and other population centers.

Go over them too fast, and you’ll throw out the suspension of your rental car–proceed carefully and when in doubt, go slow.

Don’t leave anything visible in the car when you park.

This is truly good advice for most of the world, but it especially goes here: visible luggage and belongings left in a parked car can attract thieves.

Leave nothing visible.

Check for onsite parking when booking hotels.

It will make your life much simpler if there’s parking onsite at each place you stay in Mexico, and hotels with parking are very easy to find.

We’d consider it a road trip mistake to accidentally show up somewhere without parking!

Pick up a Mexican SIM card before you get started.

Having cell phone data with you will make your Mexico road trip through the Yucatan far, far simpler, and buying data is incredibly affordable.

To save time and hassle, consider picking up a SIM card for your phone before you even leave the airport.

Do you need to speak Spanish for this Yucatan road trip?

No, but it will make your trip much, much easier.

While you definitely don’t need to know how to speak Spanish well for this Yucatan itinerary, we recommend learning at least some basic phrases before you go.

How’s the driving?

Incredibly easy!

Truly, we found driving in the Yucatan to be far, far easier than driving in most places we’ve been in Europe. 

For most of this Yucatan road trip itinerary, you’ll be driving on flat, well-signed, uncongested highways.

After the initial few hours of getting used to driving in Mexico, we found our road trip to be extremely relaxing.

Like in virtually all places around the world, driving is a bit more complex and congested in and around large cities, but not overly difficult for confident drivers.

Is this road trip in Mexico safe?

Safety is a very complicated subject, of course (I discussed a bit more about safety in Mexico here ), but generally speaking, yes. 

While cartel violence is certainly a problem in Mexico, it very, very rarely touches tourists and even more rarely touches tourists who avoid going near illegal activities (don’t stumble out of a bar drunk at 3am and try to pick up a prostitute on the way home, basically).

We have spent months in Mexico, spread across many different states, and have always felt supremely safe–just as safe as we feel in an average town in the USA.

Our fellow American travelers do tend to stick to the Riviera Maya (basically the corridor between Cancun and Tulum), but every place on this Yucatan road trip itinerary has a fairly developed tourism structure, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.

Very generally speaking, the people traveling this route are made up of a combination of European and Canadian vacationers (including lots of young families!), as well as Mexican tourists exploring their own country and a fair number of long term travelers/people backpacking the Yucatan.

In other words, while these places are a bit off the beaten path for an average US citizen taking a week off of work to head down to Mexico, they’re not remotely intimidating places to travel once you get the hang of the route, and they feel very safe.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

The high season for traveling the Yucatan Peninsula runs roughly from mid-December to April, with the biggest crowds (and highest prices) typically found around Christmas, New Yea’s, Spring Break, and Easter.

This is most prominent on the Riviera Maya, though–we’ve traveled the Yucatan peninsula extensively during high season on multiple trips, and have had no issues with crowds or extreme prices outside of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the odds are long that your trip would be caught up in a hurricane, you can expect more rain and cloudy weather during your Mexico road trip during those months.

Lower prices and fewer crowds might very well be a solid trade-off, though, depending on your travel style.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced Yucatan road trip is definitely better a case of safe than sorry.

We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Mexico.

Cell Phone Holder — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in the Yucatan.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

28 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary”

This is basically my dream Mexico trip!!! My boyfriend and I had talked about going this year but obviously we’ll see. Either way saving this post for inspiration. We’ll definitely make sure to see that cenote at Ek Balam, wow.

Ahh I’m so happy to hear that Jessica! We truly love this part of the world so much, I just want to shout from the rooftops about it. SERIOUSLY hoping your trip can happen this year, for so many reasons.

Currently planning ours for next month!! Thank you so much

As a fan of this area for over 35 years, enjoyed reading your writings here. As far as shouting from the rooftops, I often feel maybe I have done that too much. Holbox and Bacalar are two places I have known for many years and often recommended. But now due to mass development they are both becoming almost unrecognizable to me and that is a sad thing.

Great post, Kate. We’re stuck up here in Ohio at the moment and would love to be on the beach in Mexico instead.

Thanks, Mark! Completely agree–we’d much rather be back on a beach in Mexico right now too.

This article was extremely helpful. Thank you for suggested itinerary and descriptions.

So happy to hear that, Beth! Hope you have a great trip to the Yucatan!

Do you think a road trip around the Yucatan would be at all feasible with a 1 year old? I think we’d have to make some modifications but overall do you feel like it would be safe and not an insane amount of driving?

Hi Michelle!

Yes, it’s absolutely doable with modifications (depending on the one-year-old in question, of course). We’ve always seen quite a few families out and about when in the Yucatan. Hotels and restaurants tend to be extremely welcoming to kids.

If you want to cut quite a bit of driving, you can trim off Bacalar to stay more central. Most of the driving distances in this itinerary are fairly short, coming in at 3 hours or less of driving a day.

I finally booked plane tickets to Mexico thanks to your blog! Thanks for all the inspiration. I’ll be following most of your itinerary!

Thank you so much, Allie, that makes my day! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi, thanks so much for your 10 day itinerary post. I’m trying to figure out which of the islands -mujeres or cozumel- to include given ill cut out chichen itza and coba probably, and bacalar as i want to minize driving time. Im travelling with a two year old so ruins may not be the best idea. Would really appreciate your thoughts.

Both islands are beautiful, but Cozumel is better known for diving and Mujeres for its beaches. You guys could have a great time in either, but if I had to choose, I’d say that Mujeres is probably a bit more toddler-friendly.

We (couple with 16 year old son) went to Cancun for the first time in March 2021 and really loved it! Planning a trip back in the spring of ’22. We split our time between Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, including day trips to Coba, Tulum, and Akumal. Just wanted to add an update, though…unfortunately at the time we went there was no climbing at the ruins which had previously allowed it. We heard different reports of whether that was temporary due to COVID-19, or if that was permanent. Also, do watch out for gas station scams! (Search it on the internet…) I had read of some before we went and was prepared, but I was still pretty surprised when the very first place we stopped for gas the attendant used one of the scams to try to rip us off! We called him on it and he tried to talk his way out of it at first, but when we insisted on speaking to his boss he changed his tune and gave back the extra money. We totally would have been fooled if we hadn’t read about it first.

Hi Katie! Thanks so much for the additional information, sounds like you love the area as much as we do. So far I’ve only heard that climbing at Coba is limited due to COVID, but we’ll definitely keep an eye on whether it becomes permanent. Coba is beautiful but if you’re looking for even more ruins next time, Becan, Calakmul, and Ek Balam are all among our favorites.

Hi! What do you think of going on this trip in May?

You will be very, very hot! That wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for us, personally, especially since you’ll probably also benefit from a shoulder season dip in prices, but be prepared for soaring temperatures, especially inland.

The rainy season generally starts in June, so your odds of having sunny weather are solid (especially if you visit toward the beginning of the month), but be prepared to spend lots of time cooling off in the water.

Hello 🙂 thanks for a great post. we are planning the first night in Cancun as we arrive late. the next day we will drive to Valladolid early and have 1 night there. then we will travel to Tulum, and here my boyfriend and I are discussing, whether we should stay in Tulum and take day trips to Bacalar and Akumal or whether we should take overnight stays in Bacalar and playa del Carmen as you recommend. my boyfriend feels stressful changing hotel all the time and driving so much. did you find it stressful? and would you have done something different now if you could? we arrive March 2 and travel home March 11, 2022 – can we snorkel with sea turtles at this time? or is it only possible in the sea turtle season? thanks in advance. Sincerely, Christina

It all depends on your tastes, but I’d be more likely to stay somewhere other than Tulum and day trip to it rather than from it! The prices, crowds, and traffic are all much higher in Tulum than in the surrounding areas.

Basing yourself in fewer places and taking day trips is definitely much easier than changing hotels every night! That being said, driving in the Yucatan is pretty simple once you’re outside the larger cities.

The sea turtles are in Akumal year-round, you shouldn’t have any problem seeing them in March. 🙂

Hope you guys have a great trip!

Thank you for the great ideas and suggestions . We are planning on visiting Cancun in April 24, 2022. We are looking for transportation from Cancun Airport to Valladolid. We don’t want to rent a car, any suggestions? Thank you in advance

Sincerely, Estela

If you don’t want to drive, the easiest way is definitely to take the ADO bus! You’ll need to take one bus from the airport to the downtown terminal or Playa del Carmen, and then catch a bus to Valladolid.

The ADO buses are very comfortable and popular with travelers (but bring a jacket because they tend to blast the a/c).

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or private transfer, but it will be very expensive!

Hi Kate – Thank you for all the great tips! We are trying to figure out how to rent a car after our trip to Isla Mujeres. Essentially we are flying into Cancun, going to Isla Mujeres and then renting a car to drive around the Riviera Maya. We’ll return the car. I tried the car rental place but I can’t figure out how to rent near the Isla Mujeres ferry. Any tips? Thank you!

Hi Mary! It’s just a quick cab ride from the ferry to the airport, where you can easily rent a car. Taking a taxi to the rental car agency will likely be the simplest way to get there.

Thanks a mill for this itinerary! We are planning 2-3 weeks for my big milestone birthday so having the different add-ons to extend the trip is so great 🙂

Just nervous about driving, as we drive on left side here in Ireland but I’m sure I’ll figure it out!

You definitely will! We’ve gone the opposite way (spent about a month in total driving in Ireland) and it wasn’t nearly as bad switching between the sides as we feared. 🙂

Hello, thanks for this great post! My husband and I were in this area 20 years ago but a lot has changed! We are considering traveling here with our kids (ages 16 & 12) in late June – early July. They are pretty experienced travelers and have been to different areas in MX a few times before. I’m just worried that the level of heat, rain & mosquitos might make the trip unpleasant. We were in Greece last summer and found that as long as we arranged our day to be in water, AC or driving for the middle part of the day we were fine, but that was dry heat. Any advice? Thanks much!

Hi Rebecca,

With the caveat that I spent my upbringing in very hot and humid climates (Texas, Florida, Oklahoma), I would say that generally speaking, the humidity will probably be more intense than in Greece but the general format of your trip will still be doable.

The heat will be more of an issue at the inland locations for sure, I’d definitely plan on some slow afternoons at cenotes and/or resting, and try to reach any ruins you visit first thing in the morning.

There will definitely be weather moments that can be described as unpleasant, but that personally wouldn’t be enough to keep me away from Mexico. 🙂

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Yucatán Peninsula

Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. Actually, there's only one – the Yucatán Peninsula. The peninsula comprises parts of Belize and Guatemala, as well as three separate Mexican states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Quintana Roo is probably the best known thanks to the tourism mega-destinations of Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where millions flock annually to get their share of vitamin D on brochure-perfect beaches or resort infinity pools. But head just a couple of hours west and you hit Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state, whose colonial architecture and contemporary restaurants are a satisfying change of pace, not to mention the many cenotes (freshwater springs) nearby. Neighboring Campeche state is home to mind-blowing Maya ruins galore. This entire compact peninsula holds wonderful, varied and accessible travel surprises.

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Museo Maya de Cancún

Surrounded by dense tropical forest, the contemporary Museo Maya de Cancún is a welcome respite from the beach and buffet lines of the neighboring high…

Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an

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Chichén Itzá

Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland

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Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary [2024]

• by Nellie Huang

For an epic Yucatan road trip, here is a detailed 10-day Yucatan itinerary packed with outdoor adventures and cultural immersions.

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a lot more than just all-inclusive resorts and wide sandy beaches — it’s dotted with gorgeous cenotes (underwater sinkholes), impressive ancient ruins and charming colonial towns. Since moving here, we’ve discovered that the region really has no shortage of archaeological ruins, historical colonial cities, and freshwater caves.

We chose to live here, for good reasons! I promise you’ll fall for the Yucatan, just as we did. To help you plan the perfect Yucatan road trip , I’ve put together this action-packed Yucatan itinerary that will show you the best beaches, colonial cities and ancient sites in just 10 days.

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico travel requirements , best time for a yucatan road trip, is this yucatan road trip safe, how much does a yucatan road trip cost, where to stay in valladolid, yucatan itinerary day 2: valladolid, swim in cenote zaci, visit convent of san bernardino, visit the stunning cenote suytun, explore ek balam , swim in cenote x’canche, float in cenote ik kil, visit the yellow city of izamal,  soak up mexican culture in merida, where to stay in merida, see the monumento a la patria, visit  the palacio de gobierno, explore the mayan world museum of merida, catch a pok ta pok mayan ball game, experience a shaman ritual in cenote sacamucuy, where to stay in tulum, visit  mystika tulum, swim in the gran cenote, extending your yucatan road trip, more travel tips for the yucatan:, further reading on mexico, yucatan  road trip guide.

The main gateway to Yucatan is Cancun International Airport (even though Cancun is not in the Yucatan state). Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. You can  fly from New York to Cancun  for as little as $300 return (4.5-hour flight).  Flights from Los Angeles to Cancun  are slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight).

Book Flights to Cancun

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane or ferry. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.

However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. It is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

How to Get Around the Yucatan

For this Yucatan road trip, I recommend hiring a compact car. An economy rental car in Mexico averages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country.

It’s generally easy to drive in Mexico, especially outside of the cities. I drive in Playa del Carmen everyday and find it quite easy: just watch out for portholes and crazy drivers! In this Yucatan itinerary, we cover roads that are in relatively good conditions. 

Check Car Rental Prices

If you don’t want to drive in Mexico, it is absolutely possible to follow this Yucatan itinerary by bus. Mexico has an extensive bus network and buses are really affordable. The buses are generally good quality and air-conditioned. The most popular bus company in the region is Grupo ADO. Book tickets online to ensure availability . Some offer luxury or de lujo services with lots of legroom, reclining seats, and TVs.

The best time to visit the Yucatan is during the dry season between December and April , when there is virtually no rain. Head to the Yucatan Peninsula at the start of the season (November to early December) when prices are lower. Read this guide on the best time to visit the Riviera Maya .

The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Try to avoid public holiday as surcharges are common around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.

 Yucatan is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers . While petty crime is common here, it has one of the lowest rates of homicide in Mexico (10 times lower than the rest of the country).

Many travelers report that taking public transport around the peninsula is safe during the day. However, like the rest of Mexico, it’s advised not to travel around at night . Carjackings have been reported, most occurring at night or on desolate roads.

A common scam targeting visitors is money switching, particularly at gas stations. You may hand over a 500 peso note and the attendant swiftly changes it for a 50 peso note, insisting you need to pay more. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and don’t leave until you have the correct change.

Mexico is generally very affordable, but the Yucatan Peninsula is slightly more expensive than other parts of Mexico that receive less tourism. Budget travelers can survive on around US$40 – $50 per day.

My 10-Day Yucatan  Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Cancun
• Day 2: Valladolid
• Day 3: Day Trip to Ek Balam
• Day 4: Day Trip to Chichen Itza
• Days 5-7: Merida
• Day 8-10: Tulum

Yucatan Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in CANCUN

Begin your 2-week Mexico itinerary in Cancun. If you’re coming a long way here, then spend a few nights at a resort in Cancun and have some downtime. Check out our list of fun things to do in Cancun and where to stay in Cancun . But for those who don’t like lazing at an all-inclusive resort (like us), I recommend heading straight to Valladolid.

Calm and unpretentious Valladolid is one of the best kept secrets of the  Yucatan Peninsula . Despite being the closest town to  Chichen Itza, Valladolid is surprisingly quiet and laidback. It’s a 2-hour drive away from Cancun, on a new tolled highway.

Listed as one of Mexico’s  pueblo magico  (magical towns), Valladolid is lined with cobblestoned streets, pastel colored houses and old colonial buildings converted into art galleries or indie boutiques. It also has a large Mayan population — you’ll see plenty of locals walking around in traditional dress and lots of the restaurants serving typical Mayan dishes.

Budget: Casa Hipil

A lovely homely budget option, this place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel and even has a lounge and communal kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming with clean and comfortable en suite rooms. Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel Colonial Zaci

Located just one block from the main central square, Hotel Colonial Zaci is a graceful and elegant choice. Rooms feature dark wood furniture and beautifully-patterned tiles on the floor, but also feel modern and updated. There’s also a lovely central courtyard to relax in. Check rates here. 

Luxury: Le Muuch

One of the best and newest hotels in Valladolid, Le Muuch is full of charm and color. Open-air public spaces feel jungle-like with lots of plants and foliage. Individually-decorated rooms are themed around different precious stones and feature added touches such as a hammock, traditional cookies and local Mexican coffee. Check rates here.

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Valladolid. There are actually many things to do in Valladolid , from exploring archaeological sites to cenotes and charming colonial architecture.

One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to wander around town aimlessly. It’s such a pleasure strolling along the streets, admiring the pastel colored houses and wondering what surprise is in store around each corner.

The most photogenic street in Valladolid is the Calzada de los Frailes, which has been tastefully restored with indie boutiques, museums, and small cafes. Be sure to stop at  Idilio Folklore Cervecero , a stylish restaurant that offers a small museum and beer tasting sessions.

Valladolid is unique in the fact that it boasts a cenote right in the center of town: the Cenote Zaci . While beautiful and easy to get to, it’s not the most spectacular of the Cenote’s close to Valladolid. One of the best we visited was Cenote Saamal , a very deep cenote with a gorgeous tumbling waterfall. Just grab a taxi from the central square to get there.

In the evening, head out to the elegant San Bernardino Convent , where you’ll see video mapping and colored lights are projected onto the sides of the complex. The projections tell the story of Valladolid and its history in a beautiful and magical way. Check with the Tourist Information Office on the main square as to the days and timings.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 3:  Ek Balam

I’m a big fan of cenotes: they’re in essence natural sinkholes or caves that contain water. Cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. Of all the cenotes I’ve been, my absolute favorite is   Cenote Suytun .

Yes, it’s risen to enormous fame thanks to Instagram, but it’s one of those rare few places that’s actually as magical as it appears in photos. I took the following photos with my iPhone (no filter!) and didn’t need any fancy photography equipment.

If you visit first thing in the morning (9am) like we did, you’ll avoid the crowd and be able to capture the famous sunbeam (provided it’s sunny). It’s only a 12-minute drive from Valladolid. Read my guide to visiting Cenote Suytun .

A 20-minute drive from Cenote Suytun is the spectacular and less-visited archaeological site, Ek Balam . It’s equally impressive but far less commercialised (you won’t find any vendors here!). Read my guide to Ek Balam ruins .

It’s also still possible to climb to the top of the pyramids. At 100 feet (29m) high,  the Acropolis  is the tallest structure in Ek Balam. A spectacular view awaits at the top: ancient pyramids poking above the tree canopy and lush green jungles for as far as the eye can see!

Midway to the top of the pyramids is the tomb of Ek Balam’s powerful ruler, Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, who reigned during the city’s peak in 800 A.D. The tomb is being restored, but you can see carvings, paintings, and murals.

Next to the archaeological site of Ek Balam is the wild and rugged Cenote X’canche .We absolutely loved the wild and atmospheric setting of this cenote. It’s surrounded by the jungle, with tree roots hanging over the spearmint blue water and rickety wooden bridges running along the sides of the cenote. There’s also a zipline over head, which our 6.5 year old daughter loved!

Best of all, it was actually empty when we visited on a Saturday afternoon, and we had the whole place to ourselves.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 4: Chichen Itza

One of the highlights for any first-time visitor to the Yucatan Peninsula is surely Chichen Itza , one of the country’s most celebrated Mayan archaeological sites. An important Mayan-Toltec city it spans a thousand years of history. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , it ranks #1 on the best things to do in  Yucatan .

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Valladolid, but I recommend leaving early and reaching the site around 8am, before all the day-trippers arrive from Cancun. I also suggest hiring a guide, as there aren’t many plaques or information. Read my guide on how to get to Chichen Itza .

No trip to Chichen Itza is complete without a swim in the Cenote Ik Kil , a sinkhole that is connected to Chichen Itza by a raised pathway. It’s said that this large natural well may have given Chichen Itza (“Well of the Itzáes”) its name.

The use of the Sacred Cenote was exclusively ceremonial. Over the years, the water has yielded many artifacts including gold, jade, copper, shells and the bones of around 200 people who were thrown in as a sacrifice.

This cenote isn’t my favorite, as it’s the most commercialized that we visited (artificial stairways, lookout points and too many tour groups). But with an almost perfect circular opening and lush green vegetation dangling over the water, the cenote definitely has a stunning setting.

Cost: 150 Pesos ($7.50) per person

Yucatan Itinerary Day 5:  Merida

Start by strolling along the Paseo de Montejo, a tree-lined street flanked by the most beautiful buildings in Merida. Walk the whole length of 2 miles or 3.2km, and make stops at the numerous cute cafes and chic shops along the way. Read our full list of 30 best things to do in Merida .

Budget: Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza

A beautiful budget option for solo travelers, this centrally-located hostel has beautiful rooms with a garden, terrace and small pool. Check rates here.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 6:  Merida

Dating back to 1892, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) houses Yucatan state’s executive government offices and it’s open to the public. You’ll find murals and oil paintings by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting the Yucatan Peninsula’s history.

A 20-minute drive from Merida is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum), which houses the largest collection of Mayan art and artifacts in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s lauded as the best museum in Merida, so it’s worth a trip for art and history lovers. Note: it’s closed on Tuesdays.

Pok Ta Pok is an ancient Mayan game that was played thousands of years ago. The ball game was part of a sacred, sacrificial ceremony, pitting good against evil. The winner (yes, winner!) of the game was sacrificed, which was then the highest honor bestowed on a Mayan player.

On Friday nights at 8-9pm, the ancient sport is reenacted in front of Merida Cathedral – luckily though, sans sacrifice. It’s fun to watch and it gets pretty crazy towards the end, when the ball is literally ON FIRE, prompting faster passes, for sure.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 7:  Uxmal Day Trip

Yucatan Itinerary Day 8:  Drive to Tulum

Even so, the area near the beach hasn’t been overly built up and the jungle comes right down the sand. Beyond the beach, you’ll also find  cenotes (sinkholes filled with crystal clear waters), secluded lagoons, turtle reserves, and fascinating Mayan ruins that have been tumbled and shaped by time. Check out our list of best things to do in Tulum .

The town itself doesn’t have any particular attractions, but it’s great for tacos and vegan food. For lunch, there are some great places to dine in town. If you’re a vegetarian, I highly recommend La Hoja Verde , which offers lots of typical Mexican dishes with vegetarian alternatives. The other place I absolutely loved was Burrito Amor , who make their own deliciously spicy sauces.

Budget: Che Tulum Hostel

Situated in the center of Tulum Town, this may be a budget choice, but it still offers an outdoor pool and fun hip vibe. There are both private and dorm rooms available, as well as lockers and free wi-fi. They also rent bikes, so you can easily cycle to the beach. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Coco Hacienda

Sitting on the edge of town, the Coco Hacienda is a great option for those who don’t want to pay the high prices on the beach, but still enjoy being surrounded by nature. As it is located a bit out of the center, the hotel has a large tropical garden filled with palms and banana fronds. It’s built in a rustic colonial style and has two tranquil swimming pools. Check the rates here.

Luxury: The Beach

As the name suggests, this gorgeous eco-boutique hotel sits right on the beach and offers a boho-chic vibe with a rustic charm. The luxurious thatched cottages offer private plunge pools and hammocks, while the communal areas feature several pools hidden amongst the jungle foliage. There are also free yoga classes each morning. Check the rates here.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 9: Tulum Ruins

You can’t travel to Yucatan without visiting the Tulum Archeological Zone . The area is filled with Mayan ruins, which sit high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, as well as numerous iguana and tropical flora. Remember to bring your bathing suit as there are a few lovely white sand beaches, which can only be accessed from the site.

After a busy day under the sun, head to the Gran Cenote , a gorgeous sinkhole filled with clear turquoise-colored waters, partly open to the sky and partly under an enchanting cave. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel with you (or rent one when you’re there) as a variety of fish and turtles live beneath the surface.

 Itinerary Day 10: Fly Home!

If you have some extra time before your flight, I recommend doing a day trip from Tulum checking out cenotes and wilderness reserves in the area. Some of my favorite cenotes include Car Wash Cenote, Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido . Each one is totally unique and beautiful in its own way.

• Buy a Mexican SIM card before you start this Yucatan road trip.  Having internet data will make it easier to navigate, do research on the go and contact hotels etc. You can get a Telmex SIM card from OXXO for less than $10.
• Pump your gas in advance, don’t wait until your gas tank is completely empty. We always use PEMEX (the petrol kiosk withe the best prices), as we’ve always found the staff to be reliable. They always pump it for you, though they expect a small tip.
• Try to avoid driving at night, as you won’t be able to see the speed bumps.
• That brings me to my next point —   you’ll find MANY speed bumps (topes) on the roads of Yucatan, including on the federal highway. Some of them are treacherous, so make sure you slow down when you see a sign that says ‘TOPE’.
• Don’t leave anything visible in your car, to avoid break-ins and theft. We always leave anything we have in the trunk.
• Parking is super easy anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula . In the city centers, there are usually street parking (marked by white squares) and green parking meters for paying. You simply key in your license plate number and throw in a few coins (average cost is 10 pesos/hour). Once outside the center, parking is free.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

• 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
• 30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
• 20 Best Day Trips from Tulum
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
• 30 Best Things to Do in Merida
• 20 Cool Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
• My Guide to Isla Holbox Mexico
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip Itinerary
• 10-Day Baja California Itinerary
• 10-Day Guanajuato Itinerary
• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• 10-Day Copper Canyon Itinerary

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15 thoughts on “Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary [2024]”

thanks for this trip plan! A few good ideas for me.

peeked at your WildJunket very quickly…and my first thought was:

The true voyage of discovery is not in going to new places, but in seeing with new eyes. – Marcel Proust

And this is coming from 80+ country traveler….most of recent travels – past decade, most places have been to countries I’ve already been to – but certain specific places.

Most unexplored place in the world…is looking back at you in the mirror….ever heard of a True Mirror?

anyway…like your photos of the Yucatan. 2nd trip to Yucatan next year…but will rent car, so not dependent on tours, buses, guides.

Thanks very much for the kinds words! Interesting stuff.. I need to go read up on True Mirror!

I think one thing to mention is that MERIDA is a HUGE CITY / area of 1.2 million people. which may come as a shock to anyone traveling in Yucatan. There is no other city larger than 100,000 people (Per wiki).

All your lodging choices (Look nice) are smack dab in the middle of the city…which I guess is ok if you arrive by bus or what not…but I’m not driving through that mess of streets in a car. Don’t use GPS – just printed maps (sometimes I print google maps out) and sense of direction.

Want to visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, but that’s on the fringe a little, on a major street. I think staying in Progreso is a better choice or Ixmal. Or for a visit to Uxmal, right near Uxmal in small towns.

You’ve added several days to my planned trip!

Ah yes.. Merida is a big city, but honestly the town center doesn’t feel that way. It feels rather quaint and small to me. We drove our car and stayed in the center of the historical city. The streets aren’t too messy or hectic to navigate and there’s not a lot of traffic. We parked the car at the hotel and mostly walked everywhere, but used to it to explore outside of the historic center like the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and Uxmal. Progreso does look pretty laidback (I made a new friend who lives there) and we definitely want to visit someday!

ok..took a closer look…if one stays on the main drag or two, easy to avoid 99% of all other streets…so staying in the center is not as bad as I thought.

Also I see the sequential street numbering, so not hard to get around from that angle.

Progreso still looks more peaceful for the $! 🙂 We’ll see…

Hi! Your information about the Yucatan is awesome. Can one safely travel with small children?

hi Rachel, yes! We live in the Yucatan Peninsula (specifically Playa del Carmen) with our 7-year-old daughter and we feel safe traveling around the region with her. The area is great for kids because of all the outdoorsy activities available, like cenote-hopping, exploring Mayan ruins, and beach combing.

Hi Nellie, your 10-day road trip around the Yucatan Peninsula sounds great. I was curious how much downtime there is factored in. My wife and I are going on a 8/9 day trip at the end of November and I want to make sure we don’t end up rushing around too much. How would you adapt the trip to allow enough downtime? Any suggestions you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks, Phil

hi Phil, thanks for dropping in! Honestly, there’s not a lot of downtime factored in. If you want to allow for some downtime, I would suggest removing Uxmal from the itinerary (since you’ll be seeing Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Tulum ruins) and then spending the day relaxing in Merida or even going to Tulum earlier to chill on the beach. You can also skip the cenotes in Tulum since you’d have visited a few in Valladolid (which in my opinion are better there). Hope this helps!

Just wondering if it’s possible to do 5 days of all inclusive resort and 4 days of road trip. Do you know if I can book separately?

hi Cathy, oh it’s all up to you and what kind of travel you like. I personally don’t like all inclusive resorts but it’s easy to see why it appeals to so many people. You can definitely book it yourself and then hire a car to do the road trip yourself. If you need some ideas on where to stay, check out this Cancun article I’ve written. From there, you can do a short road trip to just Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and Cenote Suytun. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on the coast, then you can head down to Tulum, see the Tulum ruins and explore the cenotes near there. I’ve written about all these destinations so feel free to search on my site.

Great itinerary! We have been to Mexico several times and done road trips. We felt that it was safe, and smooth sailing. I think I have been to all the places on your list! We love visiting cenotes, Mayan ruins, and places in the cities.

Hi Nellie, just want to thank you so much for all of the wonderful tips you have provided! We have 6 nights booked in Merida at an AirBnB, and another 7 nights in the Yucatan area. Your advice is helping me to plan a route and narrow down where we should stay for the later half of the trip. Thanks again from Canada.

Aww Kathie, thank you for the very kind comment! I’m so glad you’ve found my tips helpful! Have a great trip in the Yucatan Peninsula. 🙂

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45 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula: A Local’s Guide

There are lots of incredible things to do in the Yucatan peninsula that will keep you occupied for days on end. From gorgeous Caribbean beaches that boast soft, powdery white sands and translucent turquoise waters, to ancient Mayan cities, quaint colonial towns, and unique gastronomy, this region has something for everyone. 

The Yucatan peninsula is a tri-state area in south-eastern Mexico made up of the states of the Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. The Riviera Maya region is incredibly popular with tourists, but for the most part, the wider Yucatan remains largely untapped. 

This article has been written by a British Travel Writer that has been living in the Yucatan capital of Merida for the last two years. In that time, I have made it my priority to see as much of my new home as is physically possible and travel to different places in the area every weekend. 

Only now am I starting to feel that I have seen a lot of what the area has to offer, so rest assured, you won’t be struggling for things to do during your one or two-week vacation. You are in good hands here 😉 

This article has not been written by someone who simply passed through once, and a lot of the recommendations you will find here are not mentioned in any other travel guides. 

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45 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 

The Yucatan is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico, as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. People often comment that culturally, the Yucatan feels very different from other parts of Mexico – almost to the extent that it feels like traveling to a different country entirely.

This makes sense as the Yucatan was an independent country for a period of time. Culturally, the Yucatan feels different because most of the people that occupy this region are of Mayan descent. 

Many Yucatan residents speak Mayan and the culture, cuisine, and customs are very different to those in other states. The suggestions of the best things to do in the Yucatan detailed below range from must-see sights, to off-the-beaten-path Yucatan highlights that few people are aware exist. 

Drive along the Ruta Esmerelda 

The beaches around Cancun, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya region may be some of the most popular among tourists, but they pale in comparison to some of the coastal areas along the Northern Yucatan. The Ruta Esmerelda is a scenic route that starts in Chuburna Puerto and runs all the way to the beach towns of San Crisanto and Dzilam de Bravo. 

Yucatan beaches are characterized by their soft, powdery white sand and translucent emerald waters that would rival those in the Caribbean. This area, at least for now, is largely undeveloped so you can easily find entire stretches of coastline and hidden coves to yourself – especially in the low season. 

San Crisanto, a pristine tropical beach surrounded by coconut groves, is worth adding to your radar. So too is San Bruno, which is home to the upscale Kokomo beach club and Tulum-inspired Casa Ku resort. 

Visit the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun

Dzibilchaltun , meaning ¨writing on flat stones¨ is an ancient Mayan city that sits just 16km north of the Yucatan capital of Merida. The settlement dates back to 500 BC and was once home to more than 25,000 people. 

If you are not a massive fan of archeological sites, it can feel like all of the various Mayan cities sort of blend together after a while. Dzibilchaltun is interesting because of a temple structure known as ¨the Temple of the Seven Dolls¨.

The structure is believed to have been built in honor of Yum Kax, the Mayan god of corn. When archeologists excavated the site, they found seven crudely-made clay dolls with exaggerated genitalia that were believed to have been used in spiritual rituals.

Today, the dolls are stored inside the on-site Dzibilchaltun museum. Twice a year, you can catch the spring/autumn equinox at Dzibilchaltun. 

At sunrise on these specific dates, hundreds of locals and tourists head from Merida to the site. The sun shines through the doorway of the Temple of the Dolls and this would indicate to the Mayans that it was time to start planting or harvesting their produce.

Stay in a converted luxury hacienda 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Yucatan was one of the richest regions in the world! This was largely due to the local henequen industry. 

The natural fiber was harvested and shipped across the globe to make hammocks, baskets, and other course textiles. As the industry thrived, the Spanish built haciendas to maximize production and profits.

These grand homesteads doubled as spacious homes and agricultural premises used for growing henequen, tending livestock, and mining other nearby resources. Sadly, with the introduction of synthetic fibers, the demand for henequen gradually declined in the 20th century and many haciendas were eventually abandoned.

Fortunately, a number of properties have been purchased and converted into upscale restaurants and hotels in recent years. These make great places to stay if you want to treat yourself for a day or two during your Yucatan itinerary. 

If your budget doesn’t allow you to stay in a hacienda, you can consider stopping by for breakfast or dinner. The hacienda Santa Cruz is a gorgeous property close to the town of Dzununcán where live musicians and mariachi perform to delighted visitors over breakfast. 

Hacienda Sacnicte close to Izamal is perhaps one of the most upscale of the renovated Yucatan hacienda hotels. The property was purchased and restored by Italian designers and seamlessly blends local tradition with modern design. 

The property retains its original features and charm, while the rooms have been decorated with contemporary European artwork, eccentric sculptures and statues, and plush modern furnishings. 

Search for abandoned haciendas 

While a number of haciendas have been purchased and restored to their former glory, many more have not been so fortunate. As you drive around the Yucatan, you will pass by numerous abandoned haciendas. 

Some have been reclaimed by the jungle and have fallen into disrepair. Others are somewhat frozen in time, derelict, with old furniture still scattered throughout the ruined rooms. 

In the Merida area, there are a couple of interesting properties worth noting in case you happen to pass by them. The Hacienda Cancabchen Casares in Cholul is a spooky spot that is said to be haunted. 

According to local legend, the hacienda owner was abusive towards his employees until one day they eventually got tired of it and killed him. In Maxcanú, you can see what remains of the 16th-century hacienda San José Chactún and in nearby Chan Chocholá, you can find the impressive ex-hacienda Santa Eduviges whose turrets resemble a medieval castle.  

Travel back in time to the ancient city of Aké 

Aké meaning ¨place of the reeds¨ is a seldom-visited Mayan archeological site east of Merida and close to the town of Tixkokob. Settlers first arrived in the city around 2,300 years ago, and Aké thrived between 600 and 1200 AD. 

Like many Mayan cities, it was eventually abandoned around 1450 AD. The structures here are built in a style known as ¨Megalithic¨ and use huge blocks of stone. However, there are some buildings that exhibit the Puuc style of architecture. 

Among the various pyramids and shrines, one of the most notable structures here is the ¨pyramid of the columns¨ which once held up the biggest roof in the Mayan world. The sacbes (white stone Mayan roads) that veer off from the site once connected it to Izamal, which Aké is believed to have had a dependency on. 

One fascinating thing about visiting Aké is that the village’s hacienda is still operational. It is one of the only places in the Yucatan that is still involved in henequen production and if you poke your head through one of the windows near the hacienda, you will see all of the old machinery still in use. 

Many of Ake’s 300-strong population depend on this hacienda for work. 

Explore an eerie abandoned ghost town 

Misnebalam is an eerie pueblo fantasma (ghost town) that awaits just off the road between Merida and Progreso. There were once 170 people living here and working in the henequen industry. 

However, over the past century, numerous paranormal occurrences and sightings were reported and Misnebalam residents gradually moved away. The final inhabitants left in 2005 and the area has been abandoned ever since. 

Visiting Misnebalam today means having the chance to explore a grand old hacienda with a large pool and gardens that lie in ruins, an overgrown graveyard, roads to nowhere, and a roofless church. 

There have been reported sightings of the former hacienda owner seen wandering the grounds of his property, a ghostly monk, and the ghost of a young boy known as Juliancito. Producers of various supernatural shows like ¨Most Haunted¨ have filmed documentaries in Misnebalam and if you dare, you can camp out overnight to see if you spot anything strange. 

By day, kids from local villages come here to play a game of ¨gotcha¨ (paintballing) among the ruined structures. If you prefer not to come alone, you can do an ATV tour of Misnebalam from Progreso. 

Sample famous Yucatan honey at the pueblo magico of Mani

There are four pueblo magicos in the Yucatan state . One of the least visited is a city called Mani (meaning peanut in Mayan) which sits in the central part of the state, some 69km from Merida.

Pueblo magicos are cities, towns, and villages that have been recognized by the Mexican tourism board for offering a particularly special culture, history, or gastronomy. Generally speaking, when somewhere has been recognized as a ¨pueblo magico¨ it is a good indicator that it is a worthwhile place to visit. 

While the other pueblo magicos in the area get a trickle of tourists, Mani is largely overlooked. The city is famous for its meliponarios (beekeepers). 

In the Yucatan, beekeepers tend to a stingless melipona bee that is native to this part of Mexico and is known locally as Xunan kab. The honey has a different taste and runnier consistency than European/American honey and the ancient Maya believed that it had magical healing properties! 

At Mani meliponarios like U Naajil Yuum K’iin, you can see how the bees are tended to and buy some local honey, which makes a great souvenir of your trip to Mexico. In the city center, you can also admire the 1549 Franciscan convent of San Miguel Archangel and the Mani cenote. 

The local cenote has a dark place in local history. It was here where the Franciscan Friar Diego de Landa ordered the burning and destruction of Mayan books and manuscripts during the Spanish colonization. 

Try the locally famous huevos motulenos at Motul 

Huevos motuleños is one of the most famous breakfast dishes that you will find in the Yucatan. You can try it in various cafes and restaurants across the peninsula, but it hails from the city of Motul and if you are a true foodie traveler, this is where you will want to try it. 

Different establishments place their own unique spin on the dish. But the traditional way to make it is by serving fried eggs on a fried tortilla slathered in frijoles (beans) and then lathering them in tomato sauce, peas, ham, a dash of hot sauce, and plantains. 

For the best of the best huevos motuleños, you should head to Doña Evelia restaurant in the Mercado Municipal 20 de Noviembre in Motul. At weekends, people are often queuing out the door to sample these famous eggs but they are worth waiting for.

Wash it all down with a steaming hot cafe de olla – Mexican coffee prepared with cinnamon and piloncillo. The marketplace is a fun environment to dine in too – there are rarely any Western tourists here and local entertainers perform Yucatecan jarana dances and sing for tips as you dine. 

If you happen to be traveling to the Yucatan in July, you can catch the annual huevos motuleños festival. This unique event sees live performers take to the stage, as local chefs and restauranteurs compete to see who can make the very best huevos motuleños.

See Chichen Itza with your own eyes 

The ruins of Chichen Itza need no introduction. The ancient Mayan city is not only one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Yucatan, it is one of the most famous places in all of Mexico. 

The ruins were designated as a UNESCO-protected world heritage site back in 1988 and in 2007, Chichen Itza was voted one of the ¨new¨ seven wonders of the world. The main temple that you see in Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan but the site is actually far larger than many people realize and spans an area of over 4 square miles. 

Archeologists still debate about precisely when the city was founded but it is believed to be around 1,500 years old and date back to around 400AD. In its heyday, more than 35,000 people called the city their home. 

There are more than 26 notable structures in Chichen Itza. Some of the most interesting ones to look out for are the Tzompantli – a stone platform decorated with carved skulls that the Mayans would place the severed heads of their enemies on to scare potential traitors and other tribes.

The sacred cenote where people would be sacrificed, and jewels and valuables were thrown into the water as gifts to Xibalba (the Mayan underworld). Meanwhile, La Iglesia (¨the church¨) is also interesting because its doors and windows are decorated with masks depicting the rain god Chaac. 

Relax at Playa Las Dunas, Chuburna 

Playa Las Dunas is a paradisical, lesser-known beach that awaits about an hour away from Merida, close to the coastal village of Chuburna. Very few people are even aware of the beach’s existence or take the time to venture here. 

The beach offers miles upon miles of soft, white powdery sands that border translucent aquamarine waters and rolling dunes. The beach is never crowded; Even at weekends, you can easily find a peaceful stretch to yourself. 

Wild sea turtles call the warm waters here their home, and you will often see pelicans, flamingos and other wildlife flying overhead or diving for fish. En route to the beach, you will pass a lot of street vendors selling desserts prepared with fresh coconut. Pay de coco (coconut pie) and coco helado (coconut ice cream) are personal favorites.

Chill out by the beach in El Cuyo 

El Cuyo is a charming beach town that awaits at the far northeastern tip of the Yucatan state. It is not the easiest place to get to – El Cuyo is about 3.5 hours drive from Merida and 2.5 hours from Cancun respectively. 

But for now, at least, El Cuyo has managed to avoid a lot of the over-tourism and development that has affected the nearby Riviera Maya. 

You can think of the little beach town as what Tulum was like some 15-20 years ago. For the time being, it is little more than a handful of hotels and restaurants scattered along a pristine stretch of coastline. 

The natural bay that El Cuyo sits in means that the beach is often pretty windy and the area has quickly become a favorite destination for kitesurfers – many of whom can be credited for helping develop El Cuyo. The main draw of coming to El Cuyo is having the opportunity to relax and detach from the stresses of modern life. 

Waking up to see every sunrise and sunset is a must, and the sunrises here are some of the most beautiful over the Gulf of Mexico. If you are interested in kite surfing, it is possible to rent equipment or take lessons – whatever your age or experience level. 

A visit to El Cuyo can also be tied in with a trip to nearby Rio Lagartos and the lakes of Las Coloradas. 

Fall in love with the colonial capital of Merida 

The colorful colonial city of Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and a highlight of visiting the Yucatan peninsula. Merida dates back to 1542 when it was founded by the Spanish Colonizer Francisco de Montejo y Leon. 

During the henequen boom of the 18th and 19th centuries, Merida was one of the richest cities in the world, and many grand, neoclassical mansions from this era still stand. 

(Many have now been converted into ultra-luxurious hotels, restaurants, boutique stores, and guesthouses that retain the original designs). The cobbled streets and promenades of Merida are lined with pastel-colored houses that are a photographer’s dream.  

(In particular, stop by Calle 58 and Avenida Del Deportista.) Even just one day in Merida is enough to get a feel for the city but the Yucatan capital makes a great place to base yourself during your trip and you can take day trips out from here.

Be sure to stroll down the Paseo de Montejo and check out the Monumento a la Patria – a giant carved indigenous sculpture by the Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo that depicts the history of Mexico through the centuries. 

The Mayan World Museum (C. 60 299 E, Unidad Revolución) contains interesting Mayan sculptures and artifacts collected from various places across the Yucatan peninsula, while the Merida paranormal museum is a unique exhibition containing items that are said to be ¨cursed¨ or ¨possessed¨. 

Go off the beaten path to the forgotten ruins of Oxkintok 

Oxkintok is about as off the beaten path as you can get in the Yucatan peninsula. The sunbleached remains of this Ancient Mayan city await 70km south of Merida near the town of Maxcanu and close to the border with Campeche state. 

The name ¨Oxkintok¨ is believed to mean ¨three flint suns¨ in Ancient Mayan, and this city had important commercial and political relationships with the cities along the Ruta Puuc (Uxmal, Labna, etc). Oxkintok is believed to have been occupied from 500–300 B.C. to around A.D. 1200–1450. 

The vast site deserves at least 2-3 hours of your time and if you can speak Spanish, you can hire a local guide at the entrance for around 200-300 pesos. 

One of the most mysterious and unusual buildings here is a labyrinth known as ¨Satunsat¨. It is not common to see labyrinths in Mayan cities and only two others have been documented in Mexico.

The labyrinth is unfortunately closed to the public (perhaps to stop tourists from getting lost inside?). However, interestingly it is spread over three floors which are believed to represent the earth, the underworld, and the celestial level.  

There are a couple of well-preserved temples that you can climb to enjoy views over the Yucatan jungle canopy and take great photos from high above the ancient city. The Palacio del Diablo is an interesting structure because its purpose is unknown but its entrance is guarded by a peculiar skeleton sculpture. 

Learn about Mayan trading culture at Xcambo ruins 

The Mayan city of Xcambo can be found close to the pink lake of Laguna Rosada and the coastal village of Telchac Puerto. The name ¨Xcambo¨ means ¨the place where bartering is done¨ which is a fitting title since this was once an extremely important commercial trading post. 

The Mayan people that lived here would mine salt from the nearby salt lakes and then trade it with other cities within the peninsula. Most of the structures here have been built in the Peten archeological style, similar to Mayan cities in neighboring Guatemala.  

Unfortunately, little is known about Xcambo or its rulers as the city was only excavated over the past couple of decades and didn’t open to the general public until 2021. 

At the center of the site, you will find a ramshackle catholic church with a little cross and a sculpture of Jesus on its roof. This was built by the local people back in the 1950s before INAH declared Xcambo an important archeological site. 

They quarried stones from the Mayan structures to build the church. According to a local legend, an apparition of the Virgin Mary once appeared here. 

Sample authentic Yucatecan cuisine 

When you talk about dishes that you must try in Mexico , tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas are the first things to spring into most people’s minds. However, Mexican cuisine is far more diverse than most people realize, with different regions and states offering their own distinctive gastronomy. 

Yucatecan food is special because many of the regional dishes follow recipes invented by the Ancient Mayan, and often, the same traditional cooking methods are still used all these centuries later. You won’t be short of opportunities to try the local cuisine in the Yucatan as ¨comida Yucateca¨ is the default offering at most restaurants and cucina economicas.  

Be sure to try cochinita pibil – slow-cooked pork that is marinated with achiote and orange rind and cooked in an underground oven known as a pib. Papadzules are a popular Yucatan street food dish that is made by rolling steamed eggs in fresh tortillas and slathering them in a delicious pumpkin seed sauce and tomato salsa. 

There are some spectacular restaurants in Merida where you can try the best regional food.  In particular, you should stop by Wayan´E for tortas and tacos, Habaneros for cooked Yucatecan delicacies, and Kuuk for elevated Yucatan cuisine. 

Visit Mayapan, the last great Mayan city 

The city of Mayapan , like so many other Mayan cities in Mexico on this list, is frequently overlooked by most people that travel to the Yucatan. This is a shame because this is one of the most important Mayan archeological sites in the country. 

Mayapan dates back to around 1000 AD and it is particularly interesting because King Kukulkan II and his people relocated here after the downfall of Chichen Itza. Many of the buildings that you see at Mayapan are replicas of structures at Chichen Itza, and indeed the main pyramid at Mayapan is considered an inferior replica of the temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. 

After King Kukulkan II died, feuds broke out between the different groups that occupied Mayapan, and the city was eventually abandoned. 

Swim in the freshwater Homun cenotes 

The Yucatan peninsula is famous for its cenotes. These are freshwater sinkholes that were formed when the Chicxulub meteor smashed into the earth 65 million years ago and weakened the surface of the ground in Southeastern Mexico. 

There are more than 7,5000 cenotes in the Yucatan and this is the only part of the country where they are found (aside from one or two in Veracruz and Chiapas state ). Sure, there are cenotes that are famous on social media, but some of the most gorgeous ones in the Yucatan can be found in and around the little village of Homun. 

Homun has what is called a ring of cenotes (¨anillo de los cenotes¨). There are more than 20 cenotes in and around the village. 

For 200 pesos, you can hire a local tuk-tuk driver and guide to take you to some of the best cenotes in the area. Some are ¨closed¨ and set inside caves with dramatic stalagmite and stalactite formations. Others are open, surrounded by jungle. The Santa Barbara cenotes, Cenote Cholul, and Cenote Bal Mil are particularly gorgeous.

Stop for homemade ice cream along the Merida – Izamal Carretera 

There are few better ways to cool down on a hot, sticky, humid day in the Yucatan peninsula than with a freezing cold pot of homemade nieve (ice cream). You will find plenty of La Michoacana ice cream shops in all of the cities, towns, and villages here, but for something particularly special, look out for an old Mayan man and his daughter selling homemade ice cream along the Merida – Izamel carretera. 

He makes huge tanks of fresh ice cream each morning. This is often vanilla and strawberry ice cream with real fruit pieces, but sometimes he makes uniquely Yucatecan flavors like elote (sweet corn) ice cream which sounds obscure but is absolutely delicious. 

The vendor advertises his treats with a hand-painted sign on a giant boulder at the side of the road that reads ¨helado¨ and he stands beneath a thatched palapa hut. There are usually lots of Yucatecans lining up to order ice cream, with their cars parked up at the side of the road. 

Check out an out-of-place European castle

34km north of Izamal, you will find a little hamlet called Chenche de las Torres. Like Izamal, all of the houses and structures here have been painted in the same uniform shade of bright yellow, yet there are absolutely no tourists here whatsoever. 

While the dirt roads and narrow streets of this tiny settlement are great places to take photos of local life in the Yucatan peninsula, the highlight of this area is an imposing, out-of-place European castle. 

Hacienda Chenche de las Torres was built in the 18th century by Don Alvaro Peón de Regil and Doña Joaquina Peón Castellanos, Counts of Miraflores. The grandiose home, with its turrets, emblems, and sprawling gardens is more reminiscent of a castle in Europe than something you would expect to find in the rural Yucatan – although perhaps the Counts of Miraflores felt nostalgic for their homeland. 

The house is often rented out for celebrations, birthdays, and quinceaneras. If you happen to pass through the area, you can usually take a tour of the grounds for around 100 pesos. (Circa $5 USD). 

Drive along the Ruta Puuc 

The Ruta Puuc is a 30km long driving route in the southern part of the Yucatan state that leads you past a collection of ancient Mayan ruins that are known for their distinctive Puuc style of architecture. The route starts at the UNESCO-protected site of Uxmal and then takes you onwards to Labna, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and the Loltun Caves. 

If you are short on time, you can explore the ruins in this area in a day. However, if you have a particular interest in Mayan history, you can spend a couple of days exploring the various towns, villages, and ruins along the route. 

Kabah, Labna, and Sayil boast several interesting structures and palaces whose facades are decorated with hundreds upon hundreds of masks of the long-nosed rain god Chaac. Labna is famous for its intricately-designed ceremonial archway, while Sayil is home to an interesting, well-endowed statue of a Mayan god of fertility. 

If you want to stay overnight in the area, you can opt to stay at one of the haciendas or hotels near Uxmal, or in the villages of Santa Elena or Sacalum. 

See the obscure mummy museum in Santa Elena 

While you are exploring the fascinating Puuc route, it is worth making a brief stop in the charming little village of Santa Elena. Local legends state that the entire settlement was built in just one night and there are a couple of interesting Yucatan attractions that are well worth checking out while you are here. 

The burgundy church of Santa Elena awaits up a flight of stairs a short distance from the central square (Zocalo), surrounded by papel picado flags that flutter in the wind. The benches of the zocalo act as a rendevous-point for local old-timers to catch up with their friends and neighbors and there are a couple of cute statues here of cowboy-wearing Mexican men and women in traditional dress. 

A small street food market offers the opportunity to fill up on yummy light bites like tacos and marquesitas, while the colorful La Michoacana ice cream store sells some of the best strawberries and cream ice cream you will ever taste. Still, the most fascinating attraction of Santa Elena is the somewhat macabre Santa Elena mummies. 

When renovation work took place on the church, 12 tiny coffins were found which turned out to be the bodies of 12 infants that for whatever reason, had not decomposed. Today, they are on display in the small, obscure Santa Elena museum. 

Visit the yellow city of Izamal 

The ¨yellow city¨ of Izamal is one of four pueblo magicos in the Yucatan state and somewhere that is quickly establishing itself as a popular day trip destination from Merida and Cancun. You might have seen photos and reels of the city on Instagram.

All of the buildings here have been painted in the same shade of bright yellow, likely in honor of the Mayan Sun God Kinich Kakmó. A pyramid dedicated to this deity can be found in the center of the town and it is free to visit and climb.

This is one of the only surviving pyramids in the Yucatan peninsula as the majority were torn down and destroyed by the Spanish colonizers. Nearby, you will find a restaurant that also goes by the name ¨Kinich¨ which is widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in southeastern Mexico. 

Here, you can try local classics like relleno negro and cochinita pibil, and wash it all down with a refreshing mezcal cocktail. Yum! 

The Convento de San Antonio de Padua (1561) sits on a hilltop in the center of town and is one of the oldest convents in North America. 

It still functions today, and depending on the time you stop by, you might see the resident nuns pottering around the garden or eating their lunch outside. 

Explore the jungle ruins of Chacchoben 

One of the best Mayan cities that you can visit in the Yucatan peninsula is the city of Chacchoben (Cha – cho – ben) in the southernmost part of Quintana Roo. Even if you have traveled to a bunch of Mayan ruins already, Chacchoben is unique because the pyramids and structures are nestled deep in the jungle. 

Many temples have become overgrown and are covered with moss, while 100-foot palm trees tower overhead, covering the jungle canopy so that you can barely see the sky. If you get here early in the morning before the tour buses arrive, you may find that you have the ruins largely to yourself and you might even be able to spot some of the howler monkeys, spider monkeys, foxes, and pecarries that call Chacchoben their home. 

Chacchoben means “the place of red corn” in Mayan and is believed to date back to 200 BC. It was not discovered until the 1940s when a local man saw the top of a pyramid poking out above the ground, loved the space, and decided to build his home amongst them. 

An American Archeologist eventually reported the site to INAH in 1972, but Chacchoben wasn’t opened to the public until 2002. 

Visit Progreso, the most popular beach town near Merida 

Progreso is the closest beach town to the city of Merida and is a popular place for locals, expats, and travelers to head to for the day when they are seeking some much-needed R&R by the sea. Progreso is your quintessential Mexican beach town and at weekends, the shores of the beach here are filled with families having picnics and dining at local restaurants. 

Most of the beachfront bars and taverns here let you rent a sunbed and an umbrella for the entire day provided you spend a few dollars in their establishments. Marymar Beach Club and Silcer beach club are also great choices if you are looking for something a little more upscale. 

It is pleasant to stroll along the waterfront Malecon, stopping here and there for drinks, a fresh coconut, or meringue , especially in the evenings as the sun sets. 

Spend a few days in the Mexican Caribbean at Mahahual 

If you want all the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean without the crowds of the Riviera Maya, you should consider traveling south through Quintana Roo to the Costa Maya and the little beach town of Mahahual. 

This little fishing village is home to just over 2,600 people and although a steady stream of tourists have started visiting the area, it is still relatively quiet and low-key compared to other coastal areas in Quintana Roo. 

A trip here is more about relaxing and unwinding rather than sightseeing and checking things off a to-do list. Reserve a stay in one of the waterfront hotels so that you can wake up and head street to the beach each morning. 

The Mahahual promenade is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes sourced from the nearby waters, and delicious cuisines from all over the world. From the central Mahahual beach, you can also walk or rent a bike and cycle to the beaches of La Bamba and Maya Chan. 

Kayak across the multicolored lagoon of Lake Bacalar 

Lake Bacalar is a long, narrow lake in the southern part of Quintana Roo, close to the border with Belize. It is affectionately referred to as the ¨ seven-color lagoon¨ because the waters here shimmer in different shades of green, blue, and turquoise. 

Bacalar is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico and a great place to treat yourself to a relaxing weekend break. As is to be expected with a lake town, there are a ton of water-based activities that you can enjoy here – from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to taking a guided boat trip across the lagoon. 

There are a couple of notable sites to look out for as you make your way around town. The Fort of San Felipe is what remains of an old defensive structure that was used to defend the town’s residents from English pirates centuries ago, while an abandoned hotel complex at the northern point of the lake was an ultra-luxurious property designed to accommodate the mega-rich, but was never allowed to open as its founder was arrested for having links to organized crime groups. 

Browse the markets of Muna 

Muna, meaning ¨place of soft water¨ in Mayan, is a small city in central Yucatan that is home to just over 11,000 residents. There aren’t a heap of things to do here, but you may have to change buses here en route to/from Uxmal from Merida, or you may have time to stop for a traditional dinner while exploring the Ruta Puuc. 

The Muna Zocalo is flanked by the impressive burgundy 16th-century Virgin of the Assumption church and the nearby Mercado Municipal de Muna is a charming marketplace whose walls and ceilings are decorated with colorful murals depicting scenes of life in the Yucatan peninsula. 

If you are renting a car in Mexico , you can drive to the Muna lookout point on the outskirts of town. Here, locals have built a higgledy-piggledy wooden viewing platform which you can climb for a few pesos and glance across the jungle canopy to see the pyramids of Uxmal in the distance. 

Treat yourself to an indulgent stay at the Telchac Puerto Marina 

Telchac Puerto is a beach town along the Yucatan’s Ruta Esmerelda, just an hour away from Merida. It doesn’t quite have the beauty of San Bruno or San Crisanto, but if you have plenty of time to spend in the Yucatan peninsula, it’s a nice alternative place to visit. 

The town itself is home to a long sandy beach bordered by a waterfront Malecon where couples come to take scenic strolls at night and street vendors sell micheladas in every flavor imaginable, served in obscure cups. 

Arguably the best place to stay or stop for lunch is the Hotel Marina Kinuh, whose excellent in-house restaurant serves sumptuous dishes from across Mexico, and where guests can take a golf caddy to a private section of a pristine secluded beach. A lot of yacht owners moor their boats at the marina here while exploring the Yucatan peninsula, and the property is effortlessly elegant without any air of pretension.  

Nearby, you will also find the Sayachaltun Eco Reserve. The reserve is a new project by a collective of 26 fishermen from Telchac Puerto, who want to show visitors the natural beauty of the region. 

Here, you can organize kayaking and boat tours through the mangroves and your local guide will point out all of the wildlife that calls the reserve home. 

Go scuba diving off the coast of Cozumel

Cozumel is a gorgeous island in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, and the state of Quintana Roo. The ferry to get here takes just 45 minutes each way, and Cozumel is well worth the effort to get to. 

There are dozens of breathtaking beaches on the island and if you venture a little ways away from the main towns and resort areas, you can find some secluded spots that feel like your very own desert island getaway. Head to the eastern part of the island if you are looking for something peaceful away from the crowds. 

Punta Morena, El Mirador, Playa de San Martin, and Playa Chen Rio are gorgeous spots. Cozumel also offers the opportunity to dive or snorkel in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

This is the second-largest reef in the world. (Second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia) and you can organize dive lessons and tours to see coral reefs, colorful fish, rays, and turtles. 

See flamingoes in their natural habitat at Celestun 

The coastal town of Celestun , in the western part of the Yucatan, is home to the protected Ría Celestún biosphere where thousands of pink flamingos, crocodiles, and birds live within the rivers and mangroves. The reserve was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004 and is a beautiful place to visit during your time in the Yucatan – even if you don’t consider yourself someone who is massively interested in birdwatching. 

When you arrive at the reserve, you can rent a boat for 1800 pesos (circa $107 US dollars). The boat accommodates 8-9 people so if there are just a few of you, you can wait until other travelers arrive and the boat is full. 

(There are always plenty of tourists here so it isn’t difficult to find other people to share your trip with). The American flamingoes are here between November and April each year before migrating east toward El Cuyo. 

Experience an authentic Yucatecan neighborhood in Itzimna 

Most tourists that travel to Merida will base themselves in the central touristic districts close to the Paseo Montejo, Parque San Juan, the Zocalo, and Parque Santa Lucia. But if you want to experience an authentic Yucatecan neighborhood that still offers plenty by way of cafes, restaurants, and cultural experiences, take a look at Itzimna. 

This quaint district takes its name from the Mayan God Itzamná and was once an independent town until urban expansion saw it become a part of Merida. Parque Itzimna marks the center of the neighborhood and is home to the 1710 ¨Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help¨ Catholic church. 

Casa Gemela (Calle 16 No.107 Esq. 31, Cto. Colonias, Itzimná) is an elegant mansion that has been transformed into an art gallery and cultural space. It plays host to live musicians every Saturday night, who perform to a small, intimate audience. 

Caffe Latte Itzimina is widely regarded as being the very best coffee place in the city, while the various independent stores that encircle the square sell local agro products that make great souvenirs from your trip to Mexico. 

Experience Hanal Paxan – the Mayan Day of the Dead 

If you happen to be traveling to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in November , you can participate in the region’s magical Hanal Paxan celebrations. This is essentially the Mayan answer to the infamous Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and the two holidays take place on the same dates, although they share several differences and similarities. 

Hanal Paxan means ¨food for the souls” in Mayan and the holiday celebrates the lives of loved ones lost. November 1st and the 2nd are the key dates but in the capital of Merida, the festivities go on for a couple of weeks. 

Bakeries and patisseries around the city sell pan de los muertos (bread of the dead) – a delicious, sugary orange-flavored doughnut-like pastry and every store, train station and hotel decorate their interiors with calavera skulls and calaca skeletons. 

Paseo de las Animas is a particularly interesting tradition. Locals paint their faces with catrina makeup and participate in a candlelit procession from Merida’s Cementerio Genera to the city center, to welcome the souls of the deceased back into the world of the living. 

Relax at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area just south of Tulum. Sian Ka’an means “gate of heaven” or “origin of the sky” in Mayan. 

This area is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and beach-goers alike. Here, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of alluring white-sand beaches backed by dense jungles and coconut groves, sail through the mangroves, or set out on a hiking and trekking adventure.

Assuming that you want to relax by the coast, some of the best beaches in the area can be found at Punta Allen and Boca Paila. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the nearby waters. 

Go birdwatching in Rio Lagartos 

Rio Lagartos is a small fishing village on the banks of Lagartos Lagoon, on the northern tip of the Yucatan state. Less than 4,000 people call this little pueblo their home and most of the local residents work in fishing and agriculture, although a small handful of tourists have started venturing here in recent years.

For 900 pesos, you can hire one of the local fishermen to take you on a 3-hour boat tour across the lake. Along the way, you will stop to see mud baths that the Mayans would use as a natural spa, a grove occupied by crocodiles, and the spectacular beaches of Playa de San Felipe and Playa Publica.

For an extra special experience, take a boat out at night to see the sunset over the lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. There are only a handful of hotel/accommodation options in the area, most of which are quite rustic. 

Hotel Rio Lagartos is a nice choice, and they have an excellent rooftop bar where you can enjoy pina coladas and frozen margaritas as you gaze across the lagoon. 

See the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas and Laguna Rosada 

The infamous pink lakes of Las Coloradas and Laguna Rosada were on everyone’s social media feeds a couple of years ago. The water in the lakes is naturally a shade of ultra-bright pink – creating a setting that looks absolutely out of this world. 

This is because of a specific type of red brine shrimp that lives in these waters. Las Coloradas is the more popular of the two, but it is often crowded with tourists, even if you go early in the morning. 

Laguna Rosada, close to the Xcambo ruins and Telchac Puerto is a great, alternative option. Interestingly, locals also mine salt from these waters, and you can see them working and sieving it out as you walk around. 

Experience Valladolid 

The city of Valladolid is a charming pueblo magico in the center of the Yucatan state, some 44km away from the ruins of Chichen Itza. Valladolid Mexico is named after the city of the same name in Spain, which was the country’s capital at that time. 

The city dates back to 1543 and was developed by the descendants of Spanish Conquistadors over the site of an existing Mayan city. The Spanish destroyed Mayan temples and shrines, pillaging them for building materials. 

This led to several violent clashes and fights between the Spanish and the Maya that would last for centuries.

Modern-day Valladolid is sleepy and tranquil – a stark contrast to its violent origins.

Despite its size, the city has more of a small-town feel about it. The impressive 1545 San Servacio church can be found in the city center, along with some interesting local markets selling traditional food and clothing. 

While you are here, you should also make time to visit the colorful Convent San Bernardino – one of the oldest convents in the Yucatan. 

Spend a weekend in Campeche 

The state of Campeche is the least visited of the three states in the Yucatan tri-state area. The state capital, Campeche City is a colorful colonial port city that thrived during the 17th century and was an extremely important trading post for the Spanish. 

Its old town is UNESCO-protected and is widely regarded as being one of the best-preserved colonial settlements in Mexico today. The crumbling remnants of old fortifications, bastions, defensive walls, fortresses, and rusting cannons that once guarded the inhabitants against pirate attacks still stand. 

Part of the joy of visiting Campeche is simply found in taking the time to get lost among the cobbled streets and narrow passageways. For 100 pesos, you can take an old-fashioned trolley tour of the city, stopping here and there to photograph important churches and neighborhoods. 

The Campeche Malecon is a 7km promenade that leads you along the waterfront, past interesting sculptures, street art murals, bars, and restaurants. 

See a city developed around ancient ruins in Acanceh 

Acanceh is a small town southeast of Merida that is worth stopping at briefly if you are driving through the area en route to the Homun cenotes or Izamal. Acanceh means ¨lament of the deer” in Yucatecan Mayan, and the interesting thing about this town is that it is also an ancient Mayan city and archeological site. 

Here, grand Mayan pyramids and observatories, with well-preserved stucco masks of the sun god K’inich Ahau sit beside colorful churches and tumbledown wooden shacks selling drinks and snacks. The modern-day town has been built between and around the ruins, and Acanceh is unlike anywhere else in the world. 

Have brunch or dinner in Cholul  

Cholul is an upscale village just north of Merida whose bars, restaurants, and boutique stores attract a crowd of well-heeled Yucatecans. It is worth coming here for an afternoon from Merida to have lunch or dinner and to meander around the Parque K’íiwik Cholul. 

Every Sunday morning, there is a small flea market beside Cholul church, where locals come to sell their second-hand clothing, toys, and games, while street vendors pop up selling local fruits, sweets, and carne asada. 

Al Modar (C. 20 106, Cholul) is a great place to head to for breakfast or brunch, and the eatery offers giant cups of frothy cappuccinos as big as your head, as well as excellent breakfast dishes from across Mexico and the world – from Spanish omelets and eggs benedict to spicy chilaquiles. 

Nearby Sabor a Mango offers elevated Mexican cuisine in a stunning setting. The interior of the premises is designed like a traditional Yucatecan homestead, while you can also choose to sit in the outdoor courtyard where live musicians perform jazz, blues, and Mexican pop music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. 

Spend a day by the beach in Sisal

Sisal is the final of the four Yucatan state pueblo magicos. It was awarded ¨pueblo magico¨ status in December 2020 and awaits at the northwestern tip of the state. 

In the 19th century, this was an important trading port for the Spanish as they shipped henequen (¨sisal¨) to various countries across the globe. As time went by, Progreso became the best strategic port in the Yucatan and today, Sisal is best known for its pretty beach. 

You could easily while away a lazy day or two hanging out on the beach here. Since Sisal is a bit of a trek from Merida, Cancun, and the other popular tourist sites in Yucatan Mexico, few people make the effort to venture here and the beach is generally pretty quiet. 

If you are traveling from Merida, you can also stop in the lovely town of Hunucmá on your way to Sisal, to indulge in traditional cuisine and homemade ice cream. 

Edzna Ruins 

The Edzna ruins , some 52km south of Campeche city are both some of the most impressive and yet, largely unknown Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula. This, in part, is likely because public transport in Campeche state leaves a lot to be desired, and a lot of travelers are not aware of the existence of the site unless they have a major interest in history. 

Edzna was also known as ¨House of the Itzas¨. It dates back to 700 BC and formed strong political and commercial relationships with Uxmal and Chichen Itza until it was eventually abandoned in 1500 AD.

The ruins were not discovered until 1907 and excavation works were still ongoing in the 1980s. There are a couple of interesting buildings to look out for here. 

The ¨Temple of the Masks¨ contains two incredibly well-preserved giant masks of the god Kinich Ahau. One portrays him as an old man, the other portrays him in his youth. 

The Great Pyramid and the Grand Acropolis that occupy the main plaza are towering structures that can be seen from a distance along the jungle road well before you arrive at the Edzna complex. 

Swim with whale sharks at Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox (pronounced ¨Hol Bosh¨) is a gorgeous island off the northern coast of Quintana Roo in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve and a protected area. 

A diverse range of wildlife can be found in Holbox; American flamingos live here from April to October, and pelicans, turtles, crocodiles, and dolphins also call the island home. 

No cars are permitted on the island, so most people get around by ATVs and golf caddies. 

One of the best things that you can do on Holbox Island is to take a whale shark tour or go swimming with whale sharks. These majestic endangered creatures migrate to the warm waters of the Mexican Caribbean between April and September every year.

These gentle giants can grow up to 12 feet long and live off a diet of plankton. They pose no threat to humans. (The suggestion of swimming with sharks can sound terrifying but this isn’t like you are swimming with great white sharks!)  

From Holbox, you can also take day trips and excursions out to the nearby Isla Pasión (Passion Island), Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), and Cabo Catoche (Cape Catoche).

Admire the coastal Tulum ruins 

The Tulum ruins are among some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico . They are perched on top of a rocky bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the site is the only known Mayan city that was built along the coast. The name “Tulum” means “wall” in Mayan – a nod to the sunbleached defensive walls that still stand here. 

It is thought that the original city that once stood here was actually named “Zama” and the site is believed to date back to at least 564AD. One of the best things about visiting the Tulum ruins is having the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters of the beach beneath them. 

Rent a bicycle and cycle through the ruins of Coba

The Coba archeological site is what remains one of the largest and most important Mayan cities in the Yucatan peninsula. At one point, more than 50,000 people called Coba home, meaning that the city was of equal size and scale to Chichen Itza. 

It is estimated that there are more than 6,500 structures at the Coba site, although only a portion of them have been excavated currently. (Who knows what other treasures and artifacts await beneath the surface?). 

The site is so vast that its various buildings and plazas are connected by a series of white stone Mayan roads known as sacbes that you can rent a bicycle and cycle between. One of the most notable structures here is the 137-foot pyramid of Nohoch Mul – one of the largest in the Yucatan. 

Take photos at Cenote Suytan 

Cenote Suytan is the famous Instagram cenote that you have probably seen plastered all over people’s social media feeds in Mexico. It’s the popular cenote that has a little circular platform in the center of it, providing the perfect photo opp. 

A small hole in the roof of the cenote allows a single spotlight of sunlight to shine through, creating a magical effect. Cenote Suytan was once used by the Ancient Maya for ceremonies and rituals and they believed that it was a portal to the underworld that would allow them to communicate with their gods. 

Cenote Suytan is not really a place to go if you want to spend a peaceful afternoon swimming as it is always crowded and you have to queue up to get a photo on the famous platform. But it isn’t far from the main attractions in Tulum, so if you want to get a shot of yourself here, it is worth stopping by. 

(Come as early as you can to avoid the crowds and tour buses!)  

Final thoughts on the best things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula 

Do you have any further questions or concerns about the best things to do in the Yucatan? I have been living in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula for the last two years and have explored every destination in this Yucatan peninsula travel guide, and a great deal more!

This guide is already pretty mammoth but I will update it periodically as I find more and more interesting things to do in the Yucatan. If you are planning a trip to this region for the first time, you might also enjoy reading these Mexico travel tips.  

Have a wonderful time in Mexico! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo 

Melissa Douglas

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Mexico Yucatan Peninsula

Your ultimate guide to mexico ‘s yucatan peninsula, yucatan peninsula travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Top Destinations  |  Things to Do  | Tours  |  Travel Safety  | Yucatan Blogs |  FAQ

mexico Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Mexico yucatan peninsula: at a glance.

From world-class beaches and swimmable cenotes, to Mayan ruins and colorful, colonial cities — there’s something for everyone planning a Yucatan Peninsula trip. The area known as the Yucatan Peninsula consists of three states: Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state.

• Quintana Roo:  This state is home to all the big destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun , Tulum , Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen , but also great off the beaten path places, like Isla Holbox Island and Laguna Bacalar Lake .

• Yucatan : This state is considered one of the safest in Mexico, if not the safest. The capital city, Merida , is known as the safest city in Mexico, though other cities like Valladolid and Izamal , as well as the beaches of Yucatan , are also safe to visit.

• Campeche : The least visited Yucatan Peninsula state, this off the beaten path Mexico destination is safe. From the Walled City of Campeche to the Calakmul Mayan Ruins — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Campeche State has many Mexico hidden gems.

Mexico Yucatan Peninsula: Know Before You Go

• ✈️ Airport: Cancun Airport (code: CUN) and Merida Airport (code: MID) ⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula?

For the best weather: November to March are the ideal months to travel to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This is, of course, the high season or busy season in Yucatan, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds.

Yucatan Peninsula Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Yucatan — a magical time when the weather is still nice, and the prices are still low.

For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your buck! However, know these months can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy. Surrounded by the Mayan jungle, mosquitoes an issue in Yucatan, especially in the summers, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray 🦟

⛈ Note: June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Located on the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is susceptible.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is a region in southeastern Mexico that consists of three states — Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state. As its name state, this is a peninsula , with the Gulf of Mexico to the north, and Caribbean Sea to the south and east.

Yucatan Peninsula map

What’s the best airport for Yucatan Peninsula travel?

For most travelers, you’ll want to use for Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) — the largest airport in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This airport has the most direct flights, and you can easily travel to Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum from here.

If you’re visiting Merida, Valladolid or Campeche, opt for Merida International Airport (code: MID).

What are the best Yucatan Peninsula travel destinations?

Tulum , Mexico

Once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the top Mexico travel destinations. It has some of the best beaches in Mexico, located right on the Caribbean Sea.

Is Tulum worth visiting? Tulum is perfect for travelers looking for a unique experience. It has an interesting mix of bohemian vibes and spiritual seekers, with luxurious Tulum resorts on the beach, Mayan Ruins and swimmable cenotes .

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun has been one of the top Mexico travel destinations for decades now. Visitors from all over the world head here to enjoy the beautiful beaches, Cancun cenotes , lively party scene and more.

Is Cancun worth visiting? For travelers who want to take advantage of the great Cancun all-inclusive resorts , kick back on the beach, frozen Margarita in hand — you’ll love Cancun Mexico!

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Playa del Carmen is located about 45 minutes south of Cancun. It is popular with expats in Mexico, as well as travelers, and digital nomads in Mexico.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting? Playa (as it’s known by locals) has a similar vibe to Cancun, but on a smaller scale. There are still great Playa del Carmen resorts , but it sees fewer tourists than Cancun.

Merida , Mexico

Merida is the capital city of Yucatan state — and considered the safest city in Mexico. Once a Mexico hidden gem, Merida is fast becoming a top Mexico vacation city.

Is Merida worth visiting? Those seeking to experience the “real” Mexico will love Merida. It’s a great place for Mexico culture travel and foodie travel, with plenty of amazing Merida day trips located nearby.

Best things to do in Yucatan Peninsula

Each of the best places to visit in Yucatan Mexico have unique things to do. The easiest way to plan your Yucatan trip is to identify the places you plan to visit, and then discover all the best things to see and do within those locations.

Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Holbox Island

Isla Mujeres

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Bacalar Lagoon

Cozumel Island

Akumal Beach (Turtle Swim)

Campeche City

Izamal “The Yellow City”

Best yucatan peninsula tours.

Multi-day tours in Yucatan are a great way to see a lot of sites on one trip — and not have to worry about coordinating your transportation between places. Below, you’ll find the best Yucatan tours, which include unique excursions on land to see the Mayan Ruins, and unforgettable adventures under the sea.

Is Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico. Popular areas in Mexico, like the Yucatan Peninsula, are heavily moderated by Mexican police to keep these places safe — so visitors continue to return year after year!

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

Some other less-obvious things to watch out for are dehydration, sunburns , mosquitoes and hangovers! With a tropical climate, Yucatan is hot year-round, and the mosquitoes are quite bad in the summers.

Speaking of summer, this is the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and situated between the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan is susceptible.

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Yucatan Travel Blogs: Learn more about Yucatan Mexico 🇲🇽

Cenote Ik Kil Mexico: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for 2024

10 Best Chichen Itza Private Tours for Travelers in 2024

Renting a Car in Riviera Maya Mexico: What to Know in 2024

Mexico yucatan peninsula: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Yucatan Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the Yucatan weather like?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate — meaning you can expect warm and hot temperatures year-round, and heavy rains throughout the summer.

In the summers, temperatures hover around 95°F (35°C), though can feel hotter because of the humidity. For the best weather in Yucatan Mexico, visit between November to March.

Is Yucatan worth visiting?

Yes — Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a unique destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.

This area of the country has the largest Mayan population in Mexico, and you can visit numerous Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Tulum Ruins, Uxmal Ruins, Coba Ruins and Chichen Itza Ruins, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

There are also amazing Caribbean beaches, 5 Star all-inclusive resorts and overwater bungalows , world-class birdwatching, delicious Yucatan food , historic Colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and cenotes (natural jungle pools).

No matter the kind of vacation you’er after, you can find it in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

How many days do I need in Yucatan Mexico?

If you only have a weekend to travel, stick to 1-2 cities that are near each other — like Cancun and Isla Mujeres , or Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island . If you have one week in Yucatan, you can visit 3-4 cities. To see all the best sites and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, you’d need at least two weeks, if not more!

The Yucatan Peninsula is large, and if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, a Mexico rental car is the way to go.

🚗💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company?

Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies so you get the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

🚗💨 Is it safe to drive in Yucatan Mexico?

Many want to know, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? For most travelers, YES , it’s perfectly safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Cancun , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips so you feel safe and confident while driving in Mexico.

Is Yucatan Peninsula expensive?

This depends on where you’re going, as some places are pricier than others. Big-name destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum cost more (though Tulum budget travel is totally possible!), but off the beaten path places cost less.

To visit the cheaper Yucatan hidden games, head to Valladolid , Puerto Morelos , Bacalar Lagoon and Merida .

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

After spending a winter living in Mérida and years of trips traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula, I’ve finally put together the best itinerary for two weeks in Mexico.

Most travelers go to Mexico to lie on the beach for a week, maybe go on an excursion to a ruin or a cenote, and head straight home.

And yes. That can be fun. But you can do SO MUCH better than that!!

Mexico is one of my favorite countries. It’s absolutely brimming with culture and music and fantastic food and the nicest, kindest people. It’s diverse in experiences and it’s so much more than what most people think it is.

You might look at this itinerary and think to yourself, “You know, I’ve been to Playa del Carmen before. I’ve done Chichén Itzá, too. Is it worth it to go back to the same region?”

Yes. It’s worth it. Because the Yucatán is SO much more than just beaches and ruins. Plus, when you do it on your own — on a road trip or even by public transportation — it’s so much more satisfying than staying in a resort and traveling on tours.

Even if you’ve already been to a resort in the Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum area, I encourage you to give road-tripping around the Yucatán Peninsula a chance. This is a fantastic part of Mexico.

You can download this as a printable itinerary here!

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Two Weeks in Mexico

If you’ve got two weeks in Mexico, you could go in lots of different directions. Honestly, I’ve spent months in Mexico and my list of places I still haven’t been (Baja! Guanajuato! El Chepe!) is miles long.

But Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is great because it’s easy for all kinds of travelers, yet diverse and fulfilling enough for experienced travelers.

You’ll fly into Cancún International Airport, which is well-connected with lots of flights. You’ll drive on good roads. You’ll visit destinations that are accustomed to tourism — but not too overtouristed.

What does this part of Mexico look like? In two weeks in the Yucatán Peninsula, you could see places as varied as these:

Unusually, this Mexico itinerary does NOT include Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Almost every Yucatán road trip itinerary includes at least one of these destinations as a stopover. Not this time.

Why don’t I include them? Because there are better places to go.

My goal, today and always, is to ensure that you have the best trip possible. Those three destinations are overcrowded and expensive. You don’t have to go there just because everyone else does — but you’ll still pack in some beach time.

This two week trip to Mexico packs in so much! One of the coolest islands around, a big city with tons of great restaurants, ancient Mayan ruins, underground neon-blue cenotes, soft white sand beaches, and the Lake of Seven Colors.

Cenotes, in particular, are the best part of traveling the Yucatán, in my opinion.

Read More: 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Definitely don’t miss the vibrant city of Mérida , the lake of seven colors in Bacalar , and magical, bohemian Isla Holbox !

If you spend it in the Yucatán Peninsula , you’ll have easy access to beaches, ruins, cenotes, cool cities, and color-changing lakes.

Yes! The Yucatan is an incredibly safe part of Mexico (and Mérida is safer than every city in the US). It’s a safe place to travel solo as a woman.

The best time to visit the Yucatan is between December and March , when the weather is gorgeous and it isn’t too hot or too rainy.

Yucatán Road Trip Map

On the map above, you can see the driving route you would take on this trip. The destinations in blue are where you would overnight; the destinations in orange are day trip options.

Here is the two weeks in Mexico itinerary I recommend:

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún Airport, drive to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-3: Holbox
• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Valladolíd
• Day 5: Valladolíd and surrounding area
• Day 6: Drive from Valladolíd to Río Lagartos
• Day 7: Drive from Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips
• Day 11: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 12-13: Bacalar
• Day 14: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Holbox

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to the town of Chiquilá (two hours). This town is where you get the ferry to Isla Holbox . Holbox is a car-free island (except for some local vehicles), so you’ll be leaving your car on the mainland for a few days. You can take a golf cart to your hotel!

Park in one of the many parking lots in Chiquilá — don’t worry, this is a safe place to leave your car! Plenty of tourists do every day. The rates are usually 100 pesos ($5) for 24 hours.

Head to the dock and hop on one of the ferries that run every half hour. The journey costs about 200 pesos ($10) for an adult.

Once you arrive on the island, walk or take a taxi to your accommodation (the taxis are all golf carts here!). Then just relax and stroll around the island, getting to know your new home for a few days. You’ll be spending three nights here.

Where to Stay in Holbox

Holbox is a small island, and I recommend staying within a few blocks of the main center. The western part of the island is home to lots of rentals, but there aren’t as many shops or restaurants.

If you want a luxury accommodation, I recommend Ser Casasandra . This is the best luxury spot on the island (and I stayed here on my first trip ). I love the beachfront area, the pool, the romantic design of the rooms, and the food is outstanding.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Para Ti . I stayed here on my second trip and absolutely loved this adults-only hotel. It has a great pool area, the decor is bohemian and fun, they are a perfect quiet location a few blocks from the town, and once again, ADULTS ONLY.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotelito Villas Holbox . This hostel is right in the center of town, and rooms are small and basic but clean. If you want to stay at a hostel, I recommend Tribu , but know it can get loud at night.

Find deals on Holbox hotels here.

Days 2 and 3: Isla Holbox

Take these two full days to unwind on Isla Holbox. You can spend your time idling on the beach or taking day trips around the island. Either way, be sure to have some great cocktails and catch a few sunsets.

Things to Do in Isla Holbox

Take a boat trip to Cabo Catoche. I loved my trip to Cabo Catoche! This inlet is further away from town, but it’s where you get the clearest, most beautiful water. An absolute must for people who want good photos of Holbox. This Cabo Catoche tour includes snorkeling and/or fishing.

See three islands on a boat trip. This popular three-island boat trip will take you to Bird Island, home to tons of interesting birds; uninhabited Pasion Island, where you can walk on a sandbar; as well as the mainland to swim in Cenote Yalahau.

If you’re visiting from June through September, you can swim with whale sharks ! One of the coolest activities you can do in Mexico! Peak season is in July and August.

Head to Punta Cocos for the sunset. Watch with a cocktail in hand! It’s a very long walk and I recommend taking a taxi, as it will be dark when you start walking back. Taxis wait around to take people back after sunset. Bring mosquito repellant!

Just hang out on the beach. Even if you don’t book a hotel with beachfront access, there are lots of beach clubs and restaurants where you can set up camp for the day.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico

Day 4: Holbox to Valladolíd

Take the ferry back to Chiquilá, pick up your car, and head out on the road. If you’re hungry, I recommend getting breakfast at La Sardina Enamorada on the mainland in Chiquilá.

Today you’ll be driving from Chiquilá to Valladolíd (just over two hours), crossing from Quintana Roo into Yucatán state.

Know that you will be crossing a time zone! As you cross into Yucatán state, time drops one hour earlier.

Valladolíd is one of the prettiest colonial towns in Mexico, and it’s especially nice in late afternoons and evenings, once the tourists day-tripping from all inclusive resorts go home. It feels gentle and welcoming. You’ll fall under its spell in no time.

Things to Do in Valladolíd

Take a dip in Cenote Zaci. Cenotes are all over the Yucatán, but Cenote Zaci is right in the middle of downtown Valladolíd! The water isn’t as clear as others but it’s a beautiful setting with waterfalls. It’s one of the deepest cenotes in the region, too, and hosts free diving competitions.

Note: Cenote Zaci closed for renovations in mid-2022. We hope it reopens soon. Their restaurant.

Enjoy the zócalo. Valladolíd’s main square is a lovely place to sit and people-watch.

Get gelato at Wabi Gelato . Good gelato is very hard to find in Mexico — this is a special place for a treat. Flavors are limited but inventive and change frequently. I loved their rosemary gelato.

Stroll down Calzada de los Frailes. This is arguably the prettiest street in Valladolíd, if not all the Yucatán, decorated with flags and lined with cafes, bakeries, shops, and hotels. I had a great pay de limón (lemon pie) at a cafe called ConKafecito .

Visit the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena. At the end of Calzada de los Frailes is a former convent that you can visit. There is a sound and light show in the evenings. This is also where you’ll find the town’s Valladolíd sign.

Where to Stay in Valladolíd

Valladolíd is a small, cheap city and you can enjoy it on a budget, but spending a bit more money can get you a much nicer hotel. I recommend staying within a few blocks of the zócalo, the main square, to maximize your time here.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Le Muuch Hotel . This may be the most beautiful property in town with chic, colorful rooms and a beautiful outdoor area with hammocks and a pool.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Tia Micha . This is a mid-range property that feels luxurious, from its classy stone bathtubs to its elegant carved wood furniture, but it’s well priced and central.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Zazil-Maj . Here the rooms are simple but clean and recently renovated, just a few blocks from Cenote Zaci.

Find deals on places to stay in Valladolíd here .

Day 5: Valladolíd, Chichén Itza, and Cenotes

Today it’s all about seeing the surroundings of Valladolíd! First thing in the morning, head to the Chichén Itzá ruins (45 minutes). They open at 8:00 AM and I recommend being there as early as possible to get a good parking spot and avoid the tourist crowds from the resorts.

The Chichén Itzá ruins are some of the largest and most impressive ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, is an enormous and impressive pyramid, but I found that some of the most enjoyable sites are those further afield.

Keep in mind that Chichén Itzá allows merchants to sell direct on site, and it can get annoying having men constantly ask you to buy things. They sell devices that make a jaguar noise, so you’ll hear constant jaguar shrieks throughout your visit. Be ready for that!

Note: I do not recommend visiting Chichén Itzá on a Sunday. This is the day Mexicans get free admission. As a result, the site is even more insanely crowded and parking is a nightmare. If Day 5 is scheduled on a Sunday, I recommend going to Chichén Itzá on the afternoon of Day 4 instead.

After the ruins, backtrack a bit to enjoy a cenote. One of my favorite cenotes is in this region: Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman . I love this cenote because it’s visually spectacular, large, not too touristed, the grounds are lovely, and the food is surprisingly good. It’s solid all around and a great place to visit.

You do drive back toward Valladolíd for this cenote (50 minutes), but trust me, it’s best to visit Chichén Itzá in the morning when it’s less hot and crowded and then cool off in the cenote after.

Another option is Cenote Ik-Kil , which has a similar look and style, but this is much more popular with Chichén Itzá tourists and it gets more crowded.

You might want to head back to Valladolíd and have a relaxed, chilled out afternoon and evening.

But if you want to continue ruins-hopping, consider visiting Ek Balam, which is about a 30-minute drive north of Valladolíd. Ek Balam only gets a fraction of the tourists that Chichén Itza receives!

There are tons more cenotes surrounding Valladolíd, including Cenote Suytun, the Instagram-famous one with the platform. Be sure to check out the “cenotes near Valladolíd” section of my cenote guide .

Day 6: Valladolíd to Río Lagartos

Today you’re getting an early start and driving north to Río Lagartos. This is a short journey — just 90 minutes by car — but this is the only day that you have here.

Because of that, I urge you to book a Río Lagartos tour before you leave on your trip. It can be hard to jump on a tour same-day.

If you’ve dreamed of visiting pink lakes, that’s the star attraction of this region. Those pink lakes are called Las Coloradas.

In Río Lagartos there are several tour operators in town who have both private and group tours of the landscapes and the neon pink salt flats. I don’t have a specific tour operator recommendation, but be sure to ask around and see just how much time you spend at the lakes. Some tour operators will whisk you by quickly without much time to enjoy them.

Keep in mind that you may not see as many flamingos as you’d like — peak season is from March to June and climate change has impacted the number of flamingos that make their home here. But the pink lakes? Spectacular.

Important note: Since Las Coloradas became an Instagram hotspot in the last decade, people are no longer allowed to get into the pink lakes or use drones at the lakes. Please respect the rules.

Where to Stay in Río Lagartos

Río Lagartos is a very small town and there isn’t a huge variety of accommodation — at least not yet! All of these properties are located within the center of town.

If you want upscale accommodation, I recommend Hotel Río Lagartos . While not super luxurious, this is one of the best properties in town. It has a nice pool and swim-up bar, as well as views over the water.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Tabasco Rio . This stylish property offers great value for money and has hot, powerful showers.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Mercy Inn’s . This hotel is simple but clean and comfortable with beds that are a step above the usuals in budget Mexican hotels.

Find deals on places to stay in Río Lagartos here .

Day 7: Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal

You’ve got two options today. You can spend the morning on another tour in Río Lagartos, or head off as soon as you get up.

There’s a lot to see between Río Lagartos and Mérida, so I recommend figuring out what you want to do the most. The Ek Balam ruins and Cenote Sac-Aua (1 hour, 15 minutes from Río Lagartos) make a great pairing.

If not? Head straight to Izamal (two hours from Río Lagartos, 1 hour 45 minutes from Ek Balam). This town, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos , is famous for its color — everything is painted bright canary yellow!

While some people say that it was painted yellow for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993, the town was actually yellow for quite some time beforehand. It’s a cute town and great for photos.

If you’re low on time, you can axe Izamal if you want to — it’s easy to visit from Mérida.

Finally, it’s time to drive from Izamal to Mérida (1 hour), where you’ll be staying for the next four nights.

Where to Stay in Mérida

My top recommendation in Mérida is to stay in Centro. Mérida is a huge city of many neighborhoods, and some of these neighborhoods are popular with expats, but I recommend Centro because you’ll be able to walk everywhere (or take a $1 Uber), the best restaurants are located here, and it’s filled with lovely colorful buildings and nice parks.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel . Every inch of this beautifully restored villa hotel is drool-worthy, from the outdoor pool area to the elegant, classy rooms. It’s located right on the best restaurant street in Mérida, literally the best location possible, and is close to everything.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Viva Mérida Hotel Boutique . When you see this hotel, you’ll think it’s luxury — but it’s actually great value for money. The hotel is colorful and very Yucatecan in style, and it’s a few blocks from Mérida’s zócalo and the center of town.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel La Piazzetta . Located on the eastern part of the Centro on Parque de la Mejorada, this hotel is small and simple with comfortable rooms but they bring out cute creative touches wherever they can.

As far as hostels go, Nomadas Ecohostel is a classic.

Find deals on Mérida hotels here .

Days 8, 9, and 10: Mérida

I visited Mérida for the first time in early 2019, and I loved it so much, I came back to live there for two months a year later! Four years since that first trip, it’s still one of my top five favorite places in Mexico (along with Oaxaca , Guanajuato , Mexico City , and Bacalar ).

This city is low-key, welcoming, and cheap. It wasn’t on tourists’ radar for a long time, but it’s becoming more popular over the last five years. It seems like everyone who comes here loves it.

By this point, halfway through your Yucatán road trip, you’ll be looking to relax a bit, and Mérida is the perfect place to do so. Come here to explore the surroundings. I hope you’re ready to eat.

Mérida is a great place to hang out, but more than that, I’m convinced it’s the best base for day trips in all of Mexico. You can go to so many cool places within a short drive of Mérida.

Best Restaurants in Mérida

You can eat extremely well on the cheap in Mérida. Honestly, I’m including a whole restaurants section here because there are so many good ones. I miss the restaurants in Mérida so much!

For breakfast, my #1 recommendation is to get the molletes at SOCO . SOCO is a bakery and everything they make is scrumptious. Molletes are a very simple dish — just bread topped with beans, cheese, and pico de gallo — but SOCO makes them SO much better than anyone else. You can also pick up a loaf of sourdough to take back with you.

For lunch and dinner, my absolute favorite restaurant is Micaela Mar y Leña , which specializes in seafood but also has a lot of good meat dishes. This is a high-end restaurant and if you’re into design, you’ll love the interior. I want my future home to look like Micaela!

My favorite dishes are the smoked oyster dip appetizer (if you’re a New Englander missing chowder, this will scratch your itch), the fabulous grilled shrimp, and the whole octopus, which is a showstopper. The cocktails are sensational.

Another superb restaurant, and the one I visited most frequently while living in Mérida, is Hermana Republica (the location on Avenida Colón, which is central to Mérida). This is a local brewery with excellent beers. My favorite is the Belgian Blonde.

It may just be a casual brewery, but the food is SUPERB — Yucatecan and Mexican specialties that are just phenomenal, from sopa de lima to salbutes de cochinita to tostadas de atún . They also serve the best tortilla chips I’ve ever had.

Those may be my absolute favorites, but I have a few others to recommend. I love Chill-Akil for customizable chilaquiles for breakfast (you can also go to Chilakilez if you like them with crispy pork belly). La Casita del Cheviche is great for ceviche and especially the shrimp aguachile. Merci is where you go for fancy breakfast or lunch.

Mercado 60 is a trendy food hall with a huge variety of food, not just Mexican, and makes for a fun night out. El Catrín can be hit-or-miss, but the atmosphere is fun — go when it’s dark for a mezcal margarita, guacamole, and their light show.

My friend Nathan lived in Mérida for a few years and is the ultimate expert on the best restaurants in Mérida .

And if you love high-end coffee, Manifesto is phenomenal, with the best coffees in town. They roast in-shop. Márago Coffee is also nice and they’ll make coffee in lots of different ways, from Chemex to French Press to Aeropress.

Things to Do in Mérida

Honestly, I spend my time in Mérida hanging out, eating, or doing day trips outside the city. But if you’re looking for things to do within the city, here are a few great options:

Stroll down Paseo Montejo. Many people consider this one of the most beautiful streets in Mexico, lined with mansions, shops, museums, and cafes.

Experience a magical Mayan ancestral ceremony . My sister and I did this when she came to visit! This ceremony is an interesting look into Mayan culture right in Mérida. After receiving the ceremony from a Mayan shaman, you spend time soaking in several herb-scented tubs. It’s unusual, peaceful, and I recommend it.

Go on a design walk. Mérida is becoming one of the big design hubs for Mexico, and you can go on a few different tours to see how people have renovated these homes. The Mérida English Library puts on free walking tours ( see schedule here ).

Check out El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya . This phenomenal museum is one of the most comprehensive guides to Mayan culture, and has lots of interesting displays. It’s on the way out of town.

Visit the cantinas. Two of Mérida’s most fun casual bars are La Negrita and La Fundación Mezcalería , which are owned by the same people and both feature great drinks, live music, and dancing. La Negrita is open until 10 PM, making it an early spot; La Fundación Mezcalería goes until late.

Best Day Trips from Mérida

Where Mérida really shines is its day trips. It’s a huge advantage over other Mexican cities. If you’re eager to explore, take two of those Mérida days and spend them exploring the surrounding region. Here are some of my recommendations:

Celestún. This low-key beach town with powdery white sand just might be the next-next-next Holbox. You can also explore the mangroves. While flamingoes used to dominate the landscape, their population has dwindled in recent years due to climate change. Celestún is a great day trip, and a one-hour drive from Mérida. You can also visit on a tour from Mérida .

Progreso. Want a wilder Mexican beach town? Progreso is a true local experience with blasting music and beers on the beach. Is it pretty? Eh, it’s all right. But is it fun and authentically Mexican getaway? Hell yes.

Progreso is a 40-minute drive from Mérida. If you plan to drink on the beach, consider taking an Uber instead — it should take 40 minutes and cost around $15 each way.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes. The Mayapán ruins are close to Mérida (45 minutes — be sure not to drive to the town of Mayapán, which is a different place and further away) and one of the nice things is that you can actually climb them! Even the giant pyramid.

Mayapán is close to several of the best cenotes in Mexico , including Cenote Noh Mozon and Na Yah Cenote, both near the town of Pixyá. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and the cenotes of Homún.

If you skip Izamal on your drive from Valladolíd to Mérida, some of my friends think that Izamal makes the perfect addition to a Mayapán and cenotes trip.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate museum, and cenotes. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins are better than Chichén Itzá, in my opinion, and get a fraction of the visitors. This tour from Mérida includes the ruins, the chocolate museum next door, and a cenote visit.

Homún or Cuzama cenotes. There are SO many cenote options in this part of the Yucatán! The towns of Homún and Cuzama are famous for their high concentration of cenotes, both hacienda cenotes and wild cenotes.

If you want a more developed and organized cenote with a restaurant on site, head somewhere like the Santa Barbara Cenotes . But if you want something more rough and wild, there are plenty of motorbike drivers who will take you to some off the beaten path sites. You can also book them on a tour from Mérida .

Campeche. This town is so pretty. Campeche has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and it’s prettier and more put together than Mérida’s. At 2 hours and 15 minutes, it’s one of the longer day trips from Mérida, but it can be done. See my full Campeche guide here.

Alternatively, you can spend three nights in Mérida instead of four and spend the fourth night in Campeche.

Day 11: Mérida to Bacalar

Bacalar , a town set on a lagoon in Quintana Roo, is one of my absolute favorite places in all of Mexico. They call Lake Bacalar the Lake of Seven Colors and it genuinely lives up to its name, shimmering in every color from cerulean to aquamarine to ink.

Bacalar is unique and special, and juuuuust starting to get popular. My advice? Go as soon as you can; it may not always be as peaceful as it is now.

Bacalar is just over a four-hour drive from Mérida. If you eat pork, I have the BEST lunch stop for you: it’s a place called Carnes Asadas “Mr. Samy’s” in the town of José Maria Morelos, about halfway between Mérida and Bacalar. Samy and his wonderful family served me and my friends on the way there and back, and the food is SO good.

Most likely you’ll get to Bacalar in the late afternoon. Take it easy after your long drive: get settled in at your hotel and enjoy some drinks and ceviche while overlooking the beautiful lake at sunset.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

If you want luxury accommodation, there are two options depending on the kind of trip you want. I recommend Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa if you want an isolated luxury spa getaway on the lake. If you want to be central, and able to enjoy the town, Hotel Carolina is one of the nicest properties in Bacalar town with nice rooms and swings right in the lake.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Chukum . This beautiful, environmentally friendly hotel has colorful rooms and a chlorine-free swimming pool, and the complimentary breakfast includes eggs.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend The Yak Lake House Hostel . This classic Bacalar spot has both dorms and private rooms, and it’s a great place to meet new people or just relax at its lakefront location.

Find deals on Bacalar hotels here .

Days 12 and 13: Bacalar

You should spend a minimum of two full days in Bacalar, because one should be spent on a boat tour of the lake, and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. Trust me on this one. They’re both wonderful activities and I wouldn’t want to go to Bacalar without enjoying both to the fullest.

Things to Do in Bacalar

A boat tour is the most popular activity to do in Bacalar, and booking this should be your top priority. You can join a boat tour (this one has an open bar) — or hire your own boat if you want a private trip — and explore the lagoon, from the shallow waters of Pirates’ Canal to the dark cenotes within the lake itself. Many boats turn into a party!

Spend a day at Los Rapidos. Los Rapidos is a riverside beach club about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar. You can sit by the river, lie in Instagrammable hammocks right in the water, and enjoy food and cocktails — but the best part is jumping in the river and letting it whisk you downstream! Insanely fun.

I highly recommend water shoes for Los Rapidos, as the pavement is sharp and painful to walk on, but the river carries you downstream so you can’t get out in where you left your shoes. Water shoes solve that problem. They’re also good for wearing in Lake Bacalar.

Check out the Cenote Azul. This is a good place to stop on the way to Los Rapidos, as it’s on the same road out of town. This giant open cenote is a nice place to stop for a morning swim.

Go stand-up paddle boarding. If you’ve never tried SUP before, a lake is the perfect place to learn. It’s a great core workout that doesn’t feel like a workout, and a gorgeous way to explore the lake. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here.

Hang out on the docks and at the beach clubs. Throughout Bacalar town there are docks where you can just go and sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Many belong to hotels and guesthouses, but several are open to the public, too.

Read More: Guide to Bacalar, Mexico’s Lake of Seven Colors

Day 14: Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Sad times — it’s time to head home. The drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport takes about four hours.

If you have an early flight departing from Cancún, it might make more sense to drive up from Bacalar the night before and spend the night in a hotel close to the airport like the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport , which is good value for money and just a four-minute drive from departures.

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

A lot of people get intimidated about driving in Mexico — but it’s not as scary as you think, especially here in the Yucatán Peninsula. This is a safe and easy region of the country. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive alone in this part of Mexico!

If you’re driving in Mexico for the first time ever, the Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect place to start. Most major roads are in good condition. Yucatán state has exceptionally low crime; Quintana Roo state’s crime is mostly concentrated in the resort towns you’ll be avoiding. The landscape is flat for the most part and you don’t have to deal with treacherous mountain passes.

In other parts of Mexico, like remote areas of Chiapas, locals frequently shut down roads due to protests or ask passing drivers for money; this is very uncommon in the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

If you’re looking to get good value for money, I recommend comparing car rental rates at RentalCars.com . Keep in mind that the cheapest rates are often for manual transmissions — if you need an automatic car, specify that when you book so there are no surprises.

Obviously, you’ll need a license to drive in Mexico. Mexico recognizes English language licenses, regardless of country. If you don’t have an English or Spanish language license, you may want to bring an international driving permit (which is essentially a translation of your license that you can get in your home country).

Mexicans drive on the right side of the road.

If you’re nervous, you may want to do all your driving during the day. I planned out this Mexico road trip itinerary so that you could do all of your driving during the day if possible. The longest driving days are about four hours. A lot of people feel more comfortable driving during the day, when more people are out and the light is better.

Speed bumps are a continuous annoyance while driving in Mexico. They are everywhere — in the middle of towns, on smaller roads, on busy roads, and sometimes even on the highway. While sometimes they’re painted yellow and have signs, sometimes they appear out of nowhere and are hard to spot. Keep an eye on the road continuously.

There are lots of toll roads ( cuota roads) in Mexico, and they add up. Still, I recommend taking toll roads when you can, as they tend to be in far better condition with fewer potholes and speed bumps. Keep money on you — both bills and change — to pay these tolls. You may have to pay as much as 200 pesos ($10). Trust me, it’s better than the regular roads.

There are checkpoints throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, especially when crossing state lines. Sometimes they will wave you straight through; sometimes they will ask you where you’re going. One time, when driving into the town of Hecelchakán in Campeche, a local cop asked me why we were heading there. “Cochinita,” we replied — we were there for the famous slow-roasted pork. He grinned and waved us in.

Gas stations are easy to find throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. I’m a fairly cautious person and tend to refill when I get down to half a tank; you won’t need to worry about this, as there are plenty of stations. Gas stations in Mexico are full-service — the attendant pumps your gas for you. Be sure to give him a small tip (10-20 pesos is fine).

You should keep in mind that many rural areas of Mexico have no phone signal, and that includes along the highways. Much of the time you need to get to a town before you get phone signal.

Finally — Mexico is not nearly as dangerous as the American media would have you believe. Just like the US, there are very safe areas and not-so-safe areas. Much of the drug violence is concentrated in pockets of the north. The Yucatán Peninsula is a very safe area of Mexico — in fact, Yucatán State and Mérida are frequently cited as the safest state and city in Mexico.

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?

Alternative Yucatan Road Trip Itineraries

Want a slightly different two week Mexico itinerary? No problem! You can customize this Yucatán itinerary to your needs.

Would you rather take public transport than drive? You can do that!

Would you rather change accommodation less often and stay longer in fewer places? Indeed you can.

Do you only have 10 days or a week? We can absolutely work with that.

Do you have more than two weeks to travel? Lucky you. I have suggestions.

Traveling in the Yucatán by Public Transportation

Don’t want to drive? That’s okay! With a few adjustments, you can do this trip by bus. You won’t have the freedom to come and go as you please, and you’ll have to plan ahead for scheduling your time, but for some people, not having to drive makes it worth it.

The buses in this part of Mexico are very safe and comfortable. I’ve taken them many times as a solo female traveler and I wouldn’t hesitate to take them again.

Here is the two-week Mexico itinerary I recommend, using public transportation:

• Day 1: Get a shuttle from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá , then get the ferry to Holbox
• Day 4: Ferry to Chiquilá, bus from Chiquilá to Río Lagartos via Tizimín
• Day 5: Book a day trip to Las Coloradas from Río Lagartos, then bus to Valladolíd later
• Day 6: Colectivo from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá and back
• Day 7: Bus from Valladolíd to Mérida
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips (include Izamal here)
• Day 11: Bus from Mérida to Bacalar
• Day 14: Bus from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

A few notes: You may want to switch up the order of Río Lagartos and Valladolíd. If you’re traveling from Río Lagartos to Mérida, you’ll need to change buses in Tizimín.

You technically can get a bus from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá to Mérida, but you probably don’t want to drag your luggage around the ruins, so I recommend doing Chichén Itza as a day trip from Valladolíd and catching a bus to Mérida the next day.

While in Mérida, you’ll be better off doing organized day trips that include the transportation.

Here are a few easy and fun day trips from Mérida where you won’t have to drive:

Progreso beach: Head to Progreso by public bus from Mérida (20 pesos, or $1, each way), or take an Uber for about $15 USD each way. The drive is just 40 minutes.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes: The Mayapán ruins are close to several top cenotes. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and some great cenotes nearby.

Homún cenotes: Take a colectivo from Mérida to Homún (1 hour) and upon arrival, hire a motorbike driver to either take you to Santa Barbara Cenotes (resort-like hacienda experience) or hire a driver for the day to take you to several wild cenotes in the area. Alternatively, take a tour to the Santa Barbara Cenotes direct from Mérida.

Another similar option is taking a colectivo to Cuzama, another town close to Homún that has its own collection of cenotes.

Celestún beach and mangroves: I recommend booking a tour for this as the public bus takes 2.5 hours but it’s just an hour’s drive from Mérida. This Celestún tour from Mérida includes time in the biosphere reserve and free time on the white sand beach.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate, and cenotes: This Uxmal tour from Mérida includes a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins, a trip to the chocolate museum, and a cenote visit.

A Slower Two Week Mexico Itinerary

Do you prefer not changing hotels often, with longer stays in fewer places? I totally get it. It’s the best way to have a relaxing trip. If that’s the case with you, I recommend basing in three places during your two week trip to Mexico: Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar.

This can be done either as a Yucatan road trip or with public buses (though keep in mind the bringing your luggage to Chichén Itza issue — you may want to go there and back to get your bags before heading to Mérida).

• Day 1: Drive from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-4: Holbox
• Day 5: Ferry to Chiquilá, drive to Mérida via Valladolíd and Chichén Itzá
• Days 6-9: Mérida
• Day 10: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 11-13: Bacalar

If You Have More than Two Weeks

If you have longer than two weeks for your Yucatan road trip itinerary, you can add extra days to any of the previously mentioned destinations. Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar in particular would be great places to add extra days. Here are some other things you can do.

Spend a night in Campeche . Or maybe two. Campeche is lovely — its old town is smaller, cleaner, prettier, and better put together than Mérida’s. There’s also a nice malecón , or path along the seafront. I wrote about my time in Campeche here.

Spend a night or two in Mahahual. This beachside town on the Costa Maya is on the verge of getting super-popular — the way Tulum was 15 years ago. The time to visit is now, while it’s still a bit low-key, before the major developers arrive.

If you REALLY want to, spend a night or two in Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, or Tulum. I’m not going to stop you. Just go in with measured expectations. They’re popular resort towns. Like I said, there are far better places to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula, and you’ve been to lots of them. (I’ve heard Isla Mujeres is quite nice, though.)

See the Coba ruins. The Coba ruins are about 45 minutes west of Tulum and like the Mayapán ruins, you can climb them! The Gran Cenote makes a good stop on the way back (there are turtles swimming in it!) but know it’s much pricier than the cenotes near Mérida and Valladolíd.

If you have the budget for a night or two in a resort, you’ll probably want to do it around the Riviera Maya. This part of Mexico is not lacking in resorts! Relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand can be a nice way to end your two-week Mexico road trip.

10 Days in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have 10 days in Mexico, I would make a few cuts on the places that excite you the least. If if were up to me, I would cut Río Lagartos out of your itinerary, limit Valladolíd to a short drive-by visit, and remove one of the days in Mérida.

Day 4 is going to be a LONG day. I recommend starting early to make the most of it.

• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Mérida via Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, possibly a cenote
• Day 5-6: Mérida and day trips
• Day 7: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 8-9: Bacalar
• Day 10: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

One Week in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have one week in Mexico, I would split your time between two destinations: either Holbox and Mérida or Bacalar and Mérida. I know it’s tempting to add in lots of destinations, but trust me on this one.

In 2019 I spent a week in Mexico split between Holbox and Mérida and it was perfect. (And it definitely whet my appetite for more — a year later I came back to live in Mérida for the winter!)

You may want to consider a one-way car rental from Cancún to Mérida. One-way rentals can often be more expensive, but it saves you hours of driving in this case. Once again, RentalCars.com will give you an idea of the pricing.

But a car isn’t necessary for this weeklong trip. You can easily do this itinerary by public transportation on the ADO buses, as I did in 2019. If you go to Holbox, take one of the many shuttles from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá — it’s faster and easier than the bus.

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Chiquilá and get the ferry to Holbox (or drive to Bacalar)
• Days 2-3: Holbox (or Bacalar)
• Day 4: Drive from Chiquilá (or Bacalar) to Mérida
• Days 5 and 6: Mérida
• Day 7: Depart Mérida

There is a lot more to see on the drive from Chiquilá to Mérida — Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, some cool cenotes, Izamal — than the drive from Bacalar to Mérida.

So which place is better, Holbox or Bacalar ? Wow, that’s a tough one! Having spent time in both places recently, I would give the edge to Bacalar. It’s more unique and I think it has a better vibe.

Mexico Travel Tips

When you arrive in Mexico, you’ll fill out a form on the plane and present it at immigration. You’ll be given part of the form back. This needs to be presented when you leave Mexico — do not lose it! If you do lose it, there are places in the airport where you can pay for a new one.

If you want to get a SIM card for your phone when in Mexico, I recommend Telcel. Remember to bring your passport to the store for ID. If you run out of data, you can top it up at an OXXO drug store, which are all over Mexico.

Quintana Roo and Yucatán states are in different time zones. According to this itinerary, you’ll cross these time zones when you go from Holbox to Valladolíd on Day Four and when you go from Mérida to Bacalar on Day Ten. Keep that in mind.

Keep small change for using the bathroom. Many public restrooms charge you to use them. It’s usually 5 pesos (25 cents).

Keep in mind that an “M” on the bathroom means it’s for women! I have made that mistake before! M is for mujeres, or women. Sometimes bathrooms are labeled Mujeres and Hombres , or Damas and Caballeros .

The water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Your accommodation will often provide you with drinking water, and I recommend a LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle to cut down on your plastic waste. That said, there’s nothing wrong with brushing your teeth with Mexican water.

If you get sick in Mexico, consider visiting a Farmacia Ahorro. I learned this when living in Mérida — several pharmacy chains, including Farmacia Ahorro, have a doctor working in the pharmacy who can examine you! Ask the pharmacist and they’ll give you a ticket for the doctor. Tip the doctor when you’re done (100 pesos, or $5, is fine).

Best Time to Visit Mexico for a Yucatán Road Trip

The absolute best time to visit the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is during the winter months: from December to March. This is primarily for weather reasons: nice sunny days, it rarely rains and temperatures are at their most pleasant.

This is especially important because Mérida is brutally hot for most of the year. The winter months are when Mérida is at its most pleasant, but even in winter, you’ll occasionally have some days at 95 F (35 C).

Outside of these months, it really heats up in Mérida. Mérida’s hottest month is May, and late April and early June are also brutally hot. It stays hot through November.

The other destinations on this itinerary, like Holbox and Bacalar, aren’t QUITE as hot as Mérida, thanks to their location by the sea, but the heat can still be unpleasant. Plus, so much of this itinerary is dependent on outdoor weather conditions and I know you’d rather not risk being rained out.

Consequently, this winter months are when Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula gets the most tourists, and when places tend to be most expensive. But I encourage you to visit at this time because weather really can make or break your visit.

Plus, visiting Mexico when it’s cold at home is the point! You need a warm weather escape, and Mexico is one of the best possible places you could visit. Your friends are going to be jealous of your photos…

What to Pack for a Mexico Road Trip

The good thing about Mexico is that you can often buy what you need there. Still, you should pack wisely, just in case.

In terms of clothing, you can wear whatever you want in Mexico — just nothing grotesquely revealing, and keep swimwear to the beach. Light fabrics help you breathe. I tend to wear dresses, skirts, and tank tops with sandals, plus some athletic wear for active days. You might want to bring a sweater and jeans for cool nights or bus rides.

(Like my bag in the photo above? I got it at Poshería , my favorite shop in Mérida, right on Paseo Montejo. Such a great, useful souvenir!)

Here are some items that are smart to pack for a trip to Mexico:

Biodegradable sunscreen . Leave your regular sunscreen at home — it can be harmful to delicate areas like cenotes, Lake Bacalar, and the waters surrounding Holbox. Stick to the biodegradable or reef safe brands.

Earplugs . Mexico is loud . Even in small towns. Even in luxury hotels. Even on a Monday night. Earplugs are essential to get a good night’s sleep in Mexico.

LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle . This lets you drink water safely in Mexico without creating more waste from bottled water.

Pacsafe Travelsafe . Lock up your valuables to something sturdy in your accommodation. I consider my portable safe  the most important thing I pack .

Mosquito repellant . Mosquitos can be incessant in this part of Mexico, especially at sunset.

Travel towel . Cenotes don’t provide towels — you’ll need to bring your own.

Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf . These scarves have a hidden pocket for your passport or cash, and some come in light fabrics perfect for Mexico. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ).

Sports sandals . Sports sandals are ideal for climbing ruins and exploring the outdoors while leaving your feet room to breathe on hot days.

Flip-flops . I wear mine everywhere in Mexico. I can’t wear most flip-flops due to arch issues but I ADORE my  Abeo flip-flops with arch support .

Water shoes . I don’t usually recommend these, but they are extremely useful in Bacalar, especially at Los Rapidos, where you alternate being in the water and walking on painful ground.

GoPro . You are going to want to take photos in the water in this part of Mexico — especially cenotes and at Bacalar.

Travel Insurance for Mexico

One last note — it’s absolutely vital to have travel insurance before traveling to Mexico.  If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home for more care, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin.  I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Mexico.

Travel insurance will help you in your hour of need if you come down with appendicitis in Mérida or trip and break an ankle while climbing the pyramid at Mayapán, and if your flights get canceled due to hurricanes, you can get accommodation and new flights paid for.

As always, be sure to read your policy carefully and make sure it’s a fit for you.  See what World Nomads covers here.

You are going to LOVE your Mexico road trip.

Mexico is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. I love this country fiercely, and I will always come back to it. The more time I spend in Mexico, the more places I keep adding to visit someday!

So many people go to Mexico and see nothing more than beach resorts, when the country has SO much more to offer, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula. I know your trip will be so much better when you focus on areas outside the resorts.

And please don’t forget that you can put your own spin on whatever you want to do. Maybe you’re not a fan of ruins. That’s fine! You don’t have to go to any! And if you don’t like swimming in deep water, know that you don’t have to swim in any if you don’t want to. (Plus, they all provide lifejackets.)

This is your trip. You go do Mexico the way you want to. I’m just here to help you along the way.

Have the best time in Mexico — then come back and tell me all about it!

Planning a Trip to Mexico:

• Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?
• What NOT to Do in Mexico

Places to Visit in the Yucatán and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast:

• Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico, The Lake of Seven Colors
• Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico’s Most Magical Island
• 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Places to Visit in Inland Mexico:

• The Absolute Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Best Mexico City Neighborhoods to Stay In
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico
• How to Visit Sumidero Canyon from San Cristobal de las Casas

Places to Visit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast:

• 24 Fabulous Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico
• Guide to Bucerías, Mexico, an alternative to Puerto Vallarta

Have you been on a Yucatan road trip? Where do you recommend going? Share away!

The Ultimate Yucatan Road Trip – A 2 and 3 Week Yucatan Itinerary

Ever since I saw a photo of a cenote for the first time, I’ve been desperate to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They just look so beautiful, and I’m a massive water sports and diving enthusiast, so was eager to experience them in real life. My husband and I travelled coast to coast in Mexico for over 2 months – it was a dream trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone. We ended the trip in the Yucatan Peninsula and went on a mission to explore as many cenotes, diving spots and underwater experiences as we possibly could, along with Mayan ruins, beaches and of course, plenty of tacos, in the ultimate Yucatan road trip.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

The Yucatan Peninsula is made up of three states; Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche, and this road trip covers all three to some extent over two or three weeks. If you would like to incorporate other parts of the country into your Mexican holiday, check out our 3 week Mexico itinerary , which includes Mexico City and Oaxaca too.

Read our 3 Week Mexico Itinerary

Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula

You may have concerns about driving in Mexico, and we didn’t originally plan to do a road trip at all, having bussed our way all the way from the east coast to Merida. However, driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is quite different from driving in other parts of Mexico and is generally considered safe. Roads are in good condition and most people drive safely and courteously (I’ve experienced much worse in Italy – sorry Enrico!).

Seeing as there are so many beautiful cenotes to explore, having a car gives you so much more freedom than relying on buses and tours, so after some research, we decided to hire the car to travel in Yucatan and I’m so glad we did.

Book a rental car

A few things to know about driving in Mexico:

• It is a legal requirement to have liability insurance. This is not the same as travel insurance and can be purchased from the hire car company. You could end up with a lot of problems if you do not have this.
• If you were to be involved in a crash, you must not move the car. Wait for the police to arrive and you will be provided with an attorney via your insurance who will deal with the legal stuff for you.
• There is a free breakdown service called Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels), they patrol the highways but you can also call them on 078.
• Watch out for topes. These speed bumps are everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula and they are worse than they look. Make sure you slow down for each one so you don’t end up bashing the front of your hire car!
• I really recommend downloading offline maps on Google Maps – there are lots of one-way roads in the towns and cities and this will help you avoid getting lost or caught in the wrong street!
• We read a few things about scams at petrol stations, particularly around Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. We didn’t experience this, but it’s worth reading this guide to avoiding scams before you go.

Yucatan buses

If you’re not keen on driving, it’s easy to get around the Yucatan by bus. We travelled with most of the Mexican bus operators during our Mexico trip including ADO and Primera Plus, which operate in the Yucatan. You can buy tickets at the bus station or online. I found this article very useful for bus info (and also hilarious). We booked the majority of our tickets through Busbud .

Now onto the fun part! The Yucatan road trip!

3 Week Yucatan  Itinerary

• Day 1 Cancun to Valladolid
• Day 2 Valladolid to Chichen Itza
• Day 3 Chichen Itza to Izamal
• Day 4 Izamal to Merida
• Day 5 Merida
• Day 6 Merida to Campeche
• Day 7 Campeche
• Day 8 Campeche to Bacalar
• Day 9-10 Bacalar
• Day 11 Bacalar to Tulum
• Day 12-13 Tulum
• Day 14 Tulum to Cozumel
• Day 15 Cozumel
• Day 16 Cozumel to Cancun
• Day 17 – 21 Cancun/Holbox/Isla Mujeres

2 Week Yucatan Itinerary Option

It’s possible to condense this Mexico itinerary into 2 weeks by not spending a night in Izamel and stopping for a few hours en route to Merida, then skipping Campeche and travelling straight from Merida to Bacalar, and then missing the days in Holbox and Isla Mujeres at the end.

Cancun – Collect Hire Car

Unless you’re coming from the West of Mexico as we were, it’s likely that you will start your trip in Cancun – which has the largest international airport. From here you can travel in a loop (technically a triangle), ending back in Cancun for your return flight. Depending on where you’re flying from I suggest collecting the hire car and heading straight off on your journey. However, if you’ve had a long-haul flight you may wish to spend a night here to acclimatise.

Book flights to Cancun

Cancun to Valladolid – 161km / 1 hour 45 minutes

Valladolid – 1 night.

Head straight to Valladolid! I loved this little town. It has a beautiful Zocalo (main square) and colourful narrow streets. It’s a really good base for cenote exploration as they are plenty on the outskirts of the town. Most cenotes have a fee to enter, which is usually around $100 pesos. Although we did encounter some as much as $350.

Find accommodation in Valladolid

Cenote Oxman

This was probably my favourite of all the cenotes we visited – the main reason being that it has an awesome   rope swing. It’s a beautiful cenote and if you’re not keen on the swing there are steps to climb down and have a swim. But I highly recommend you try it!

Cenote Suytun

You’re likely to have seen pictures of this cenote on Instagram, as it has an incredible photogenic platform, with a beam of light shooting down from above. It is beautiful, but as with many things that have been shared on social media – it’s popular. You’ll find queues of people waiting to post on the platform which sort of spoilt the whole thing for me. (I obviously still had a photo though!) The water is actually pretty shallow here, so it’s not really the best for swimming, so of all the cenotes we visited I would say this was my least favourite, but if you have time, it’s still worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Valladolid 

Budget – Hotel Casa Rico is a 2-star accommodation with a terrace, shared lounge and swimming pool. Rooms have private bathrooms.  There is free street parking nearby. 

Mid-Range –  4-star Hotel Colonial Zaci has a shared garden, lounge and terrace, located a block from the Zocalo. There is free private parking.

Luxury –  Hotel Mesón del Marqués is set in a Colonial 17-century house next to Francisco Cantón Park in the centre of Valladolid. The 5 star hotel has an à la carte restaurant, outdoor pool and free parking.

Valladolid to Chichen Itza – 53km / 50 minutes

Chichen itza – 1 night.

Although there isn’t much around and in the nearby town (Piste) of Chichen Itza, I still recommend staying the night. We were advised to do this and I’m glad we did. It means you can get up super early and get to the temples before they open – and be the first in. Chichen Itza is one of, if not the most popular tourist attraction in Mexico and it gets busy. Arriving early you can explore some of the temples without other people and really feel the spirituality of the place (and of course get photos without hundreds of people in them!).

Where to Stay in Chichen Itza

Budget – La Casa de las Lunas is a simple accommodation with a pool in nearby Piste (a 4-minute drive to Chichen Itza). There is free parking and restaurants nearby. We stayed here and it was perfect for a short stay.

Mid-Range –  Villa Arqueologicas Chichen Itza is one of the closest hotels to Chichen Itza and is located within the archaeological site. It is surrounded by beautiful forest and with gorgeous outdoor pools and a spa. There is a restaurant and bar on-site and free parking. 

Luxury –  Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa is an eco-friendly resort located next to Chichen Itza and even has a private entrance into the Mayan city. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant serving organic Mayan Fusion cuisine and free parking.

Find accommodation in Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza to Izamal – 70km / 1 hour 6 minutes

Izamal – 1 night.

If you’re short on time you don’t necessarily need to stay a night in Izamal, however, I do recommend it. It was one of the most relaxed places we stayed and I also had the best Margarita of our entire Mexico trip at our hotel here (reason enough!). Izamal is famous for its beautiful yellow Franciscan monastery, as well as for being an important place of worship for the Mayans. It has beautiful cobblestoned streets and quaint little shops.

Sleep – we stayed at Macan Ché, which has small bungalows set in gardens with a rockpool-styled swimming pool. Make sure you order a Margarita!

Izamal to Merida – 67km / 1 hour

Merida – 2 nights.

I’d read a lot about Merida and was excited to visit. I was expecting a cool bohemian town, and I was a little disappointed when I arrived, to be honest. It’s actually a very busy and large city, and after travelling through some of the lovely towns beforehand, we found it a bit hectic.

Having said that, there is a lot to do and see in and around this city, This is another great base for exploring cenotes. If you do have a car – great – you can explore these on your own. If you don’t, then you can join an organised tour bus that will take you to two or three cenotes for the day.

Cenote Canunchen

This was another favourite of ours, and it also had a rope swing. It was more of a cave-type cenote than the others, making it dark and a bit ethereal. It wasn’t too deep and you could dive down and see the tunnels leading to other cenotes.

Note: Never try and swim through the tunnels – some go on for miles and divers and swimmers have died exploring these. If you want to dive a cenote go with an experienced guide.

Cenote Tres Oches

This one is a deep and narrow open cenote, accessed by a wooden ladder. It was pretty busy when we visited but a lovely spot.

Cenote Bal-Min

A cave cenote filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You can’t swim in this one as there isn’t much water but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Cenote Santa Rosa

This cenote has two platforms to jump off, which we loved. It’s another cave-like cenote and pretty dark inside, but great for a swim.

Merida Bars and Restaurants

Merida has great nightlife and is a good place for enjoying a few tequilas. There are lots of good bars and restaurants. Our favourites were:

• La Chaya Maya   – A Merida institution – there are now two restaurants as this place is so popular. We visited the newer one, situated in a lovely colonial building
• La Negrita Cantina – Great bar with live music
• Pipiripau – Another great bar with a big courtyard
• Mahalat – Cool speakeasy bar with great cocktails

Mexican Cooking Course

While in Merida, Enrico booked us a cooking course for my birthday, and it was great! We visited a local market to buy ingredients and then learnt how to make Yucatan specialities. It’s a good way to learn about the region’s cuisine.

Where to Stay in Merida 

Budget –  Che Nomadas is a great adult-only hostel that has both dorms and private rooms. There is a large pool and they put on lots of activities including cooking classes and yoga. If you’re a solo traveller this is a great place to meet people. It also has free parking. 

Mid-Range –  Hotel Caribe Merida Yucatan is located in the historic centre of Merida. Set in a beautiful 16th-century building with a swimming pool and bar and restaurant. 

Luxury –  Ya’ax Hotel Boutique is a 5-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace and restaurant. À la carte or American breakfast is included. There is free parking nearby.

Find accommodation in Merida

Merida to Campeche – 176km / 2 hours 15 minutes

At this point, you have two options, depending on how much time you have.   You can continue south to Bacalar or head west to Campeche.

Campeche (optional) – 2 Nights

Campeche is a walled city on the coast, with a fascinating history. It has some of the gorgeous colourful houses and cobbled streets that you’ve probably seen photos of. While here, be sure to walk the walls and visit the Maya Architecture Museum, Baluarte de la Soledad, which tells you the history. There’s also a nightly light and sound show on the walls of El Palacio Centro Cultural. 

Where to Stay in Campeche

Budget –  Ambar apartamentos are centrally located, less than 50m from the market. Rooms have air-conditioning, free WiFi and private bathrooms.

Mid-Range –  Castelmar Hotel is located in the historic centre and has an outdoor pool and sundeck. Rooms are spacious with original tile floors, high ceilings with wood beams and cedar furniture.

Luxury – Hacienda Campeche is a 5 star hotel located in a restored 17th-century mansion house. It has a spa and indoor and outdoor pools. There is a bar and outdoor terrace, and breakfast is available. There is free on-site parking.

Find accommodation in Campeche

Campeche to Bacalar – 419km / 5 hours 40 minutes

Bacalar – 2 or 3 nights.

We hadn’t originally planned to visit Bacalar as it is quite far south towards Belize. However, I’m so glad we did. It is gorgeous! The town is situated on Lake Bacalar, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours, due to the incredible colours of the water.

Cenote Azul

To the south of the town is Cenote Azul. This large open cenote is worth visiting for a quick swim, but for me, it wasn’t as beautiful as the cenotes we saw further north and looks more like a lake. However, it is over 90m deep!

Bacalar Boat Trip

There are lots of boat trips heading out on the lake and we opted for a sailboat. It was one of my favourite days in Mexico. We had a small pink sailboat, and it was just us and our skipper, who took us to different areas of the lake to swim and explore. I highly recommend you do this while in Bacalar.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Budget –  Zayali Guest House has air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. There is a garden, a shared lounge and an outdoor swimming pool. Street parking is free. 

Mid-Range –  Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique has an incredible outdoor pool and terrace. Breakfast is included and there is a bar and restaurant on site, as well as free parking and bike hire. 

Luxury – Hotel CasaBakal is a 5-star accommodation with a swimming pool overlooking the lagoon. There is a restaurant on site and breakfast and free parking is included. 

Find accommodation in Bacalar

Bacalar to Tulum – 215km / 2 hours 30 minutes

Tulum – 2 or 3 nights.

I had seen many, many pictures on Instagram of Tulum and was really looking forward to visiting it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed. It has a gorgeous beach (although there is a bit of a seaweed problem) and we stayed at a lovely hotel. However, it is so expensive compared to other parts of Mexico, and even to other parts of the Yucatan peninsular and it is quite pretentious; lots of people in designer clothes posing with overpriced cocktails. Having said that, the beach clubs are pretty cool, and at the end of Tulum Beach is Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is absolutely worth exploring.

What really made our stay in Tulum, was our accommodation and I would totally go back, just to stay there again.

Where to Stay in Tulum 

We stayed at Olas , right at the very end of the beach and next to the Biosphere Reserve. This was an oasis in Tulum. The beach is much quieter up this end and away from the building works of the town and beach clubs. I feel like this is the Tulum you would have experienced 10 or 20 years ago. It’s an eco-resort, and is completely self-sufficient – run on solar and using rain and groundwater. The breakfast is excellent, made with locally sourced produce and set under palm trees on the sand. If you let them know in advance they also offer dinner. We spent a lot of time relaxing at the beach here.

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, we also spent a night in the main town of Tulum at Casa Abanico . I loved this accommodation and it had its own kitchen which is great when you’re on a budget. However, it’s a bit of a trek to the beach and the main town of Tulum feels a bit like a construction site. Something to bear in mind! (However, this is pretty much where all the budget accommodation is!).

Find accommodation in Tulum

Diving Tulum

Aside from the beach, a good reason to stay in Tulum is to dive. Unfortunately, we were both unwell and were not fit to dive, however, I’ve heard great things about cenote diving in Yucatan and we were gutted to miss it.

Tulum to Playa Del Carmen/Isla Cozumel – 65km / 54 minutes

Here you have two options, as Cozumel is an island, you need to take a ferry to get there. So you can either take your rental car on the ferry, or you can return your rental car in Playa Del Carmen and take the passenger ferry (and then bus/taxi back to Cancun). We did the latter, although in hindsight the first option is probably easier.

Cozumel – 2 Nights

We visited Cozumel to go diving as it’s considered one of the best diving spots in Yucatan. It’s quite a big island, and the main town feels quite touristy, however, I’ve heard it’s quite different on the other side of the island.

Cozumel Diving

We did two dives with Scuba Life Cozumel , which were fantastic! There were great swim-throughs, colourful corals, an abundance of fish, and turtles! It’s totally worth making the trip over.

Sleep – We stayed at Hotel Mary Carmen , which was a short walk from the ferry and lots of restaurants.

Find accommodation in Cozumel

Playa Del Carmen/Isla Cozumel to Cancun – 68km / 56 minutes

Cancun – 3 nights.

At the end of your Yucatan road trip, if you can afford it, it’s worth spending a few nights in an all-inclusive on the beach in Cancun to really unwind. We stayed at Haven Riviera . You can read my review here .

I’m not usually an all-inclusive hotel person, but it was really nice to switch off for a few days, not think about where to go and just chill on the beach and by the pool, and eat and drink as much as we wanted!

Other destinations to add to your Yucatan itinerary

Isla holbox.

If you have more time on your Yucatan road trip, drive (or take the bus) from Cancun up to Chiquila and take the ferry over to Isla Holbox. We didn’t do this, but I’ve heard it’s a lovely relaxed island and well worth the visit.

Isla Mujeres

Another beautiful island and also a great diving spot. To get there, you can take the Ultramar Ferry from Puerto Juarez which takes about 20 minutes.

It is safe to drive in the Yucatan, as long as you stick to the speed limit and watch out for speed bumps (topes). Make sure you purchase liability insurance when you hire a car. Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) is a free breakdown service, they patrol the highways and you can also call them on 078.

Three weeks in the Yucatan means you can visit the main towns and archaeological sites as well as enjoy some beach time. You can still fit the main highlights in two weeks.

Hope you enjoyed our Yucatan road trip itinerary – please comment below if you found it useful or if you think we missed anywhere!

You may also like

3 week mexico itinerary, the best tacos in mexico city, haven riviera cancun – review.

Thank you so much for all of this great information! It is very helpful.

You’re welcome!

how much did it cost roughly for the accommodation and travelling etc in yucatan itself. Thanks 🙂

It really depends where you stay and how much you want to spend. There are lots of options at different price points. We budgeted around $200 AUD per night for accommodation but often spent more or less depending on the place and what we wanted. Have a lovely trip!

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8-day Best of Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Price: Please Inquire

Discover the best of the Yucatan Peninsula on this unforgettable adventure, experiencing charming markets, tasting delicious regional cuisine, climbing Maya ruins, and relaxing by the Caribbean Sea.

With something for everyone, this Yucatan adventure captures the true essence of this famed Mexican region. Explore one of the New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, swim in a sacred cenote and tour underground cave systems.

As with all Journey Mexico tours, this Best of Yucatan Peninsula vacation can be fully customized to your specific desires.

Merida – Discover the lively capital of the Yucatan, a charming colonial city filled with markets, squares, and a bustling commercial center

Maya archeological sites – Take guided tours of the amazing archeological sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Cobá, and Tulum

The Puuc Route – Travel along the Puuc Route by car and by bike and stop at freshwater underground cenotes, the Loltún caves, and Acanceh

Rio Secreto – Take a journey into the amazing Río Secreto, the longest cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Tulum archeological site – Marvel at the gorgeous beach-side ruins at Tulum and look up at this ancient castle from the Caribbean Sea

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun, transfer to Chichen Itza

When you arrive at Cancun International Airport, you will be greeted by a Journey Mexico guide and privately transferred to your hacienda. Settle in, stroll the grounds, and acclimatize to the warm Yucatan climate.

Overnight Hacienda Chichen

Day 2: Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik-Kil, Merida

After breakfast, you will embark on a morning exploration of the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza in a privately guided tour with your expert guide. This site is world renowned for the sophistication of its structures and the high level of astronomical and engineering accomplishments on exhibit as well as the variety of temples, ball courts, and ritual centers. The site comes alive with the expert interpretation of your guide adding color and contour to the sprawling site. As the mid-day heat descends, you will head to Cenote Ik-kil, one of Yucatan’s most enchanting freshwater underground pools where you can opt for a refreshing swim.

You will continue on to Merida, the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, perfect for an evening walk through the cobble stone streets in the city center.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda

Day 3: A Taste of Merida with City Sightseeing Private Experience

To start this unique foodie adventure your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Discover Merida’s most emblematic cultural highlights as your guide shares their local knowledge about the city’s historic and gastronomic hidden treasures. Get to know the flavors of the Yucatán as you explore Mérida’s ornate streets, vibrant markets, and favorite traditional eateries.

The day begins with a delicious taco sampling at Wayan’e, a locally famous taqueria offering over 30 traditional Yucatecan stews to try wrapped in fresh tortillas. You can accompany your tacos with some fresh flavored water, made from seasonal fruits, as you soak up the atmosphere.

The experience continues exploring a couple of buzzing local markets starting at the commercial heart of the city, where you’ll sample traditional regional dishes at Mercado Lucas de Gálvaz. Feast your eyes on the market’s seasonal fruits and vegetables, sombrero stalls, hand made hammocks and religious articles. Peek into the tortilla factory to see a staple of Mexican cuisine in the making, as you take in the aromas of mixed spices in the air. Next, visit the Santiago neighborhood’s local market where you’ll get to taste dishes like cochinita pibil and el lechón, prepared using a Mayan pit-style oven that’s made in the ground.

During the adventure, you will also discover the historical centre’s colonial style architecture, grand building facades, and vivid colors. The main city square plays host to Yucatán style buildings, where you’ll explore the most important highlights including the oldest cathedral in Mexico, and the Government House with paintings by Fernando Castro.

After taking in the sights and colors, head to Los Trompos, an authentic local gem serving up Mexican Tacos. Washing down the vibrant regional flavors with an artisanal beer is highly recommended!

To end the experience, a visit will be made to El Colón on the elegant Paseo de Montejo Avenue. The traditional candy and sorbet shop, founded in 1907, serves up tangy sorbet and refreshing champola, a classic frozen drink made from milk and fresh fruit.

At the conclusion of your visit you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day 4: Loltún Caverns and Uxmal

Today after breakfast, you will traverse the underground cave system at Loltún, that shows evidence of the Maya civilization from the late pre-classic era (300 BCE-300 CE); in fact many mammoth and dinosaur bones were found here. A local guide will lead you through the cave, explaining the history and pointing out important stalagmites, stalactites, cave paintings, fossils and Maya handprints found there.

Afterwards, your guide will drive you to the ancient Maya city of Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors (considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan Architecture) and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician, which consists of 5 super-imposed temples.

Upon completion of your guided archaeological visit, you may enjoy some time for lunch (not included) before returning to your hotel in Merida for the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Coba archeological site and Maya cenote, transfer to Tulum

After breakfast and hotel check out, you will meet your driver and head eastward towards the magic Mexican Caribbean. En route, you will visit Valladolid, the former colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. The charming city center has preserved its small plaza and fine architecture that reveal the glory of a bygone era.

After some time for lunch (not included), your journey continues toward Coba the archaeological site in the Riviera Maya. Coba is amongst the largest Mayan city-ruins of the Yucatan region, surrounded by lush rain forests teeming with wildlife stimulate the mind to imagine ancient times. Coba’s architecture remains a mystery because its pyramidal temples and stelae resemble those of Tikal rather than Chichen Itza or Tulum, both much closer in proximity.

Out next stop, one of the Yucatan’s newest discovered cenotes (underground freshwater sink holes) deep in the Yucatan Jungle! You will enjoy the opportunity to swim and relax around the refreshing waters before continuing to your oceanfront accommodation. Enjoy a tranquil evening back at your hotel at leisure.

Overnight Ana y Jose

Day 6: Caving Private Adventure at Rio Secreto

Take a journey into the amazing Río Secreto, the longest cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula, that’s semi-submerged in crystal clear water.

Arriving to the natural reserve, you’ll be welcomed by your personal, specialised guide before heading to the Río Secreto entrance (15 mins approx). After a safety and equipment briefing, follow your guide inside the natural reserve, where you’ll receive a Mayan welcome ceremony.

Get ready to enter the underground cave system, a natural museum of rock formations, which tells the geological history of the area. With your expert guide, you’ll walk and swim following an otherworldly 1km route. Admire hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over many years, in a surreally beautiful setting.

Exiting the caves, toast to a truly unique experience with Xtabentún, a regional Yucatecan liqueur made from anise seed, honey and rum. To complete your adventure, refuel with a regional buffet and fresh, flavored waters before continuing back to your hotel.

Overnight  Ana y Jose

Day 7: Tulum archeological site

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a private tour of the archaeological site Tulum, located just 25 minutes away; you will enjoy the spectacular view over the Caribbean Sea and its temples honoring the gods of the wind and rain. As you traverse the archeological site you will learn about Maya history and cosmology from your expert guide who will lead you in your exploration. You will also have a chance to swim in the Caribbean waters and look up at Tulum’s iconic “Castillo” from below.

Afterward, you will be driven back to your hotel for the rest of the afternoon on your own. You may choose to wander the property or simply enjoy the white sands and turquoise sea.

Day 8: Departure day

As your adventure comes to an end, you will be privately transported to Cancun International Airport from where you will catch your flight home.

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

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Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. ($1,800 per couple in beach destinations)

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2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

Are you visiting Mexico for the first time and looking for the perfect Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary?

We’ve put together a 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary that covers the popular attractions, Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), and some hidden gems.

Mexico is one of the best countries in the world, with its fascinating culture and history, heavenly food, ancient Mayan Ruins, mystical cenotes, and tropical beaches.

A Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip is the best way to explore Chichen Itza , the Yellow City of Izamal , the best cenotes near Valladolid, the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar, and Tulum’s Instagrammable places .

Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do. You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Hi! We are Dittus & Máté

Yucatan peninsula itinerary by ado bus, best hotels in cancun, best hotels in valladolid, mexico, best hotels in merida, best hotels in bacalar, best hotels in tulum, best cenotes in tulum, no time to read now pin it.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is located southeast of Mexico, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

The Yucatan Peninsula is Mexico’s most visited area, a vast coastal region with many things to do.

Most people know the Yucatan Peninsula as just Yucatan, which is misleading as the Peninsula is made up of three Mexican states: Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

Recommended post → Best Places to Visit Yucatan Peninsula

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan, Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo and San Francisco de Campeche is the capital of Campeche.

Popular Yucatan Peninsula resort destinations, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum , are in Quintana Roo.

Did you know that the Yucatan Peninsula is home to Mexico’s famous Mayan Riviera?

Cancun is the perfect place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

See also → Best Things to Do in Bacalar

How to Get to the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is easy to reach, and there are several ways to get there. Depending on where you want to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary, there are a few international airports from which to choose.

International airports in the Yucatan Peninsula

• Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Merida International Airport (MID)
• Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
• Chetumal International Airport (CTM)

TIP Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Mexico.

If you are staying in Mexico City or can get a cheaper connection from there. You can fly first to Mexico City International Airport (airport code MEX) and then to Cancun. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to fly from Mexico City to Cancun.

Most travelers to Mexico arrive at Cancun International Airport, as you can get cheap flights to Cancun. There are many direct flights to Cancun from Mexico City, Europe, the U.S., and other international countries.

If you like our content and we’ve helped you with our free travel guide, please consider supporting what we do. Thank you.

How to Get Around the Yucatan Peninsula

The best way to get around the Yucatan Peninsula is to rent a car or take an ADO bus. For nearby attractions or day trips, you can join a group or private tour, travel by taxi or Colectivo (shared minivan), or rent a bike.

TIP If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use  Bookaway.

Rent a car and make the most of your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary!

See also → Things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by car

We did this 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. We have a complete guide to safe car rental in Mexico, which includes how to avoid Mexican scams and some Yucatan Peninsula driving tips.

Recommended post → Before Renting a Car in Mexico, You Need to Know

The driving will make this Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary much easier and more flexible.

During our travels, we always use  Discover Cars  for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

Car rental will cost around 30-35 USD per day, which included full insurance.

Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability  HERE.

Public transport in Yucatan and Quintana Roo is excellent, and you can easily get from one place to another. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico.

The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.

Get Bus Tickets here.

TIP ADO buses are usually quite cold due to the air conditioning, so you should bring a pullover.

Best Time to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. February and April are ideal months for a Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

The best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is between December and April. This period is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and little rainfall.

However, these months are also the peak season in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, which means high prices and crowds.

TIP In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance.

Read more → One Day in the Yellow City

In May, the temperatures are hotter, and heavy rains can occur. But if you are traveling on a budget, it is the perfect month to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

The rainy and hurricane season usually starts in June and ends in October.

Good to know Plan your trip for early November if you want to enjoy the Día de Muertos celebrations (Day of the Dead in Mexico).

Do I need a Visa to travel to Mexico?

Probably not. Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.

When you arrive in Mexico and go through Customs and Immigration, you will be issued a maximum 180-day (6-month) FMM tourist card.

Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Mexico and apply for an e-visa online.

You can enter Mexico without a Covid-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test. However, always check the entry requirements!

Is the Yucatan Peninsula Safe?

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest destinations in Mexico. However , some areas of Mexico are still worth avoiding because they are not safe! We found driving in the Yucatan Peninsula safe and easy, so we highly recommend renting a car in Cancun, Mexico .

We did our 2-week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by car, and it was safe to travel in Mexico, but always be careful.

Small thefts can happen like in any other country. So take care of your valuables, don’t show your expensive camera, and don’t leave your smartphone or passport in the car!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose  SafetyWing  for our travels.

Mexican scams are common in popular cities such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. But the chances of kidnappings and drug cartel deals are minimal, so don’t worry about safety on the Yucatan Peninsula.

There are many checkpoints between cities, lots of police cars in the tourist areas, and unlike the city centers, there are few cars on the highways.

In our experience, Mexican people are very kind.

Good to know You shouldn’t drink tap water in Mexico!

Read more→ The most common scams in Mexico

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula?

Mexico is a cheap country, but its popularity and luxury resorts make the Yucatan Peninsula more expensive than some other parts of Mexico.

Budget travelers will spend around 40-65 USD per day. Depending on the mode of transport you will be using to travel around the country, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants.

TIP Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

Recommended post → Best Cenotes near Tulum

Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary Map

The Ultimate 2-Week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in cancun.

Welcome to Mexico! Hola! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore the charming Yucatan Peninsula .

Cancun is the best place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary, as there are cheap and direct flights to Cancun.

Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

See also → How to Renting a Car in Mexico

Depending on when you arrive in Cancun, you can choose to continue your trip to Valladolid or spend one night in Cancun. We don’t recommend that you drive at night!

You can take a private or shared airport shuttle and taxi to reach downtown Cancun or the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone). It is good to know that Uber is not available in Cancun!

Book an airport transfer to Cancun Hotel Zone & Downtown Hotels.

The travel time is 40 minutes, and the shuttle starts from 11 USD per person.

As our flight arrived in Cancun in the evening, we decided to pick up our car on arrival. Then, we stayed at an apartment close to the airport and traveled to Valladolid the next day. In Cancun, we stayed in the Suites Rivera , only a 10-minute drive from the airport.

If you are traveling by car, you should download an offline map and get a local sim card to drive to your hotel without any problems. There is no SIM card vendor at Cancun Airport, but you can get one at any OXXO shop.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Mexico.

TIP We recommend you buy the Telcel SIM card as the internet was excellent during our 2-week trip.

Recommended post → How to Get from Cancun to Valladolid

Where to Stay in Cancun

Cancun has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Oleo Cancun Playa Boutique
• Mid-Range:   Cancun Plaza  or  Bed and Breakfast Pecarí
• Budget:   Suites Malecon Cancun

Day 2: Travel to Valladolid

Good morning! It’s time to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary! Check out from your hotel, have breakfast, and travel to Valladolid by car or bus.

From Cancun to Valladolid, the journey time by car is 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.

The 180D highway connecting Cancun and Valladolid is a toll road costing 385 MXN (21 USD). They don’t accept credit cards or dollars, so make sure you bring enough Mexican pesos! 

Read more →   Valladolid Guide

There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Cancun and the highway. This road is very well-maintained, comfortable, and safe to drive on.

The bus ticket from Cancun to Valladolid start from 22 USD.  Book your bus tickets  HERE.

Once you arrive in the colorful colonial town of Valladolid, check in to your hotel. Afterward, have lunch at one of the authentic restaurants or try the street food, which is delicious and cheap.

Then, explore the city of Valladolid, walk along the Calzada de Los Frailes, see the cathedral, visit the monastery of San Bernardino de Siena, and swim in the Cenote Zaci.

Where to Stay in Valladolid

There are many places to stay in Valladolid, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique or luxury hotels. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
• Mid-Range:   Hotel Waye  or  Meson del Marques
• Budget:   Hotel Casa Bamboo

Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza – A highlight of your Yucatan Itinerary

The most popular destination in Mexico is Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Plan your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary to allow enough time to explore the famous Mayan Ruins.

Chichen Itza is only a 50-minute drive from Valladolid. Alternatively, you can  book a bus  from Valladolid to Chichen Itza for just 10 USD.

We suggest arriving in the morning because you can avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy a stroll around the ruins without the burning sun.

Read the full post →   Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza

TIP Don’t forget to buy Mexican souvenirs! We visited many places on the Yucatan Peninsula, but Chichen Itza had the best souvenirs.

After Chichen Itza, you should visit Cenote Ik Kil, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Cenote Ik Kil is a beautiful open cenote with long tendrils of vines and green plants that offer fantastic photo opportunities. Take a few photos from above and then go down and swim or jump into the turquoise water from the platforms.

For the best experience, book your Chichen Itza and Cenote day trips via  Viator  or  GetYourGuide.

Day 4: Exploring Valladolid

Valladolid was one of our favorite places on our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary. If you are looking for where to stay in the Yucatan Peninsula, the best choice is Valladolid.

Mexico’s magical town (Pueblo Mágico) is a great starting point to visit places like Chichen Itza, the Yellow City of Izamal, Cenote Suytun, Ek Balam, and Las Coloradas.

Recommended post → How to Spend 3-Days in Valladolid

Start your day with a short visit to Uayma, just 20 minutes from Valladolid. After that, you can visit the stunning cenotes around Valladolid. We recommend that after Uayma, you go to Cenote Suytun as it is less crowded in the morning.

Cenote Suytun is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Book your  Cenote Suytun entrance ticket.

Did you know that Cenote Suytun is one of the most photographed places in Mexico?

See also → Best Cenotes near Valladolid

Then go to the Cenote Oxman and have lunch there, then visit the other beautiful cenotes around Valladolid or spend your time in the town center.

Enjoy traditional Mexican dancing in Valladolid’s main square, shop from street vendors, and see the beautiful church.

See also → Things to in the Yucatan Peninsula

Day 5: Visit Izamal and Merida

It’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid and continue your Mexico trip. Our next destination on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary is the Yellow City of Izamal.

I zamal is only a 1.5-hour drive from Valladolid, and as you can explore in a few hours, it is well worth a visit.

Spend a short time in Izamal, climb the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, walk the yellow streets, visit the Convento De San Antonio de Padua, and shop in the local market.

Recommended post → How to Visit Izamal

After exploring Izamal and taking lots of Insta-worthy photos on the streets of Izamal, drive on to Merida.

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, the perfect place for digital nomads and budget travelers. But there is no shortage of expensive restaurants, trendy boutiques, parties, and popular events.

When visiting Merida, you’ll see that it mixes historic colonial buildings with modern neighborhoods, making it a different experience from Izamal or Valladolid.

Read the full post → Best Things to Do in Merida

Good to know You can get from Valladolid to Merida by bus. The bus tickets start from 14 USD.

Where to Stay in Merida

Most people only take a short visit to Merida, but for the best experience, it is worth spending 1-2 days there. These are our accommodation recommendations.

• Luxury: Más Palomas Concept House
• Mid-Range: Viva Merida Hotel Boutique or Hotel Santa María Mérida
• Budget: Hotel Caribe Merida Yucatan

Day 6: Travel to Bacalar

Are you ready for the best part of your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary? Bacalar is a stunning place in Quintana Roo. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and the Lagoon of Seven Colors, known as the Maldives of Mexico.

From Merida to Bacalar, the journey time by car is 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic. Since you’re about to take a long trip, read our driving tips for the Yucatan Peninsula .

Depending on when you arrive in Bacalar, try to catch the sunset at one of the docks (balnearios).

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Bacalar

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Bacalar has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Hotel Amainah Bacalar
• Mid-Range:   Hotel Aldea 19 Bacalar  or  Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
• Budget:   Xibalba in town hostel

Day 7: Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour

A sailing trip is the best way to explore the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon.

The Bacalar sailing tour takes about 3 hours, depending on the weather conditions. When we did the sailing tour, we had great windy weather, which was ideal for the activity.

The sailing tour starts from 42 USD per person.

You can book your Bacalar Sailing tours online through  Viator  or  GetYourGuide , where you can get the best prices.

On the way, we stopped several times at beautiful places where we could swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the boat.

After the sailing tour, have lunch and visit the most beautiful cenotes of Bacalar. Spend a few chilling hours at the Cenote Cocalitos, swim and snorkel, or enjoy hanging a hammock.

Book Bacalar Cenotes Tour.

Day 8: Los Rapidos – A popular place  on your Yucatan Itinerary

Visiting Los Rapidos is one of the best things to do in Bacalar. The crystal clear waters in different shades of blue and impressive stromatolites make it the best place to visit on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

You can swim in the beautiful blue lagoon, snorkel, and rent kayaks at Los Rapidos. There is a great restaurant where you can eat delicious Mexican food or reserve a sun lounger to enjoy the scenery.

Los Rapidos is about 15 minutes from the center of Bacalar, and you can easily visit it by taxi, colectivo, or car.

You can combine a visit to Los Rapidos with Laguna Bonanza, where you can picnic, swim, and snorkel in crystal clear water.

Recommended post → Guide to Los Rapidos

Day 9: Chilling Out in Bacalar

On this day, visit Fort San Felipe and then spend the day relaxing. At Fort San Felipe, you can learn about the Bacalar’s history and enjoy the fantastic views of the Bacalar Lagoon.

You can rent a kayak and paddle across the lagoon to the shipwreck at the  Piratas Channel  (Canal de Los Piratas) or chill out at one of the beach clubs in Bacalar.

The Blúe Beach Club offers delicious meals and drinks, tropical backdrops, and fantastic photo opportunities.

TIP Laguna Bonanza is a hidden gem in Bacalar, so don’t skip it on your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

Day 10: Travel to Tulum

Continue your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary to Tulum, one of Mexico’s most visited places. From Bacalar to Tulum, the journey takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. To make the most of your day, we recommend visiting the Muyil Ruins and Coba Ruins on the way.

Join Sian Ka’an and Muyil Ruins Tour.

Then, it’s time to get that famous Tulum vibe. Stroll around the charming streets, and in the afternoon, visit Palma Central for a fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, and cold drinks.

Read our → Tulum Guide

Where to Stay in Tulum

When you have a car, we suggest you book your hotel outside Tulum. For those who want to enjoy the nightlife or explore Tulum without a car, we recommend staying near the town center or Tulum Beach.

Tulum has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Casa Malca
• Mid-Range:   Maka Hotel Boutique  or  Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel
• Budget:   Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum

Day 11: Discover Tulum Instagram Spots

Good morning Tulum! One of the best things to do on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary is to discover the best Instagram spot in Tulum.

Join a Tulum Instagram Photo Tour.

You can rent a bike and discover the most beautiful places in Tulum. Bike rental at Tulum Beach is 15 USD for 24 hours.

We don’t recommend visiting Tulum Beach by car, as parking is expensive and spaces fill up quickly.

We’ve put together a complete guide to Tulum’s best Instagrammable spots , with tips and a map to help you plan your Tulum Itinerary.

Day 12: Best Cenotes near Tulum

Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary gives you a full day to explore the most beautiful cenotes in Tulum.

If you want to visit them all, probably 1 day is not enough, as they are all so gorgeous (and some are expensive), so it is not worth taking a short time.

Join a Cenotes Tour.

• Gran Cenote
• Cenote Aktun-Ha
• Cenote Calavera
• Cenote Azul
• Cenote Dos Ojos
• Cenote Zacil-Ha
• Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum

Recommended post → Best Cenotes in Tulum

Day 13: Chill Out in Tulum

As this is your last day in Tulum, we recommend you visit the attractions you missed or spend the day relaxing on Tulum’s beautiful beaches.

Our favorite beach in Tulum was Playa Xpu-Ha. But Akumal, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Paraiso are also worth a visit.

Go to a restaurant and eat delicious Mexican food, or go shopping. Tulum has many places to shop for fashionable dresses, handcrafted gifts, and souvenirs.

See also → Top Things to Do in Tulum

Day 14: Return to Cancun or Continue your Yucatan Itinerary

It’s time to leave Mexico! Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Cancun Airport, return the car, and fly home.

TIP If you want to book bus tickets or transfers from Tulum to Cancun, use Bookaway.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Mexico. This Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary includes many things to do. But you cannot visit all of the Yucatan Peninsula attractions in two weeks.

However, if you have more time than 14 days in Mexico, here are some additional destinations you can add to your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary!

• Playa del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres
• Isla Holbox

We hope our two-week Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com Car Rentals – Discover Cars Flights – Skyscanner Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

RECOMMENDED POSTS

How to Renting a Car in Cancun, Mexico (2024)

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Best Ways: How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

2 thoughts on “2 weeks in mexico: ultimate yucatan peninsula itinerary”.

Very impressive detailed itinerary. For a 14 day road trip. I plan to print it out and take with me. Along with printing out information about all the details of the towns and side trips

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The Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

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LOCATION | WHEN TO TRAVEL | GETTING THERE | TOP PLACES | THINGS TO DO | TOP TOURS | SAFETY

If you’re heading to Yucatan Mexico, this complete Yucatan Travel Guide will help you plan your trip and decide what to see and how to move around, whether you are traveling solo or with friends.

Before diving into the Yucatan guide, I would like to clarify what is the difference between the Yucatan and Yucatan Peninsula, because they are two very different areas.

So Yucatan is one of the Mexican states, and it’s exactly what this post is about, while The Yucatan Peninsula is the geographical region that includes the states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

Quintana Roo is home to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. I will cover those in another article.

So now that we have clarified this important detail, let’s cut to the chase.

Yucatan Travel Guide: Know Before You Go

Here are the top things to know before booking your trip to the Yucatan: 

✔️ Currency: Mexican Pesos

✔️ Language : Spanish

✔️ Airports : Merida (MID) is the largest airport in Yucatan along with small regional airports. It’s an international airport where you can fly from some cities in the US. However, for more flight options and better rates, you may want to fly into Cancun and get a transfer to Merida .

✔️ Sim Card : Telcel has the best service in the Yucatan, Sim cards can be bought at all airports and in large cities or you can buy them online to avoid wasting time when you land.

✔️ Visas: Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa while others need to apply for a tourist permit. Make sure to check your country’s requirements ahead of time. 

✔️ Electric Socket: Mexico uses Type A and Type B plugs. Make sure to get a travel adapter if you need one. If you are coming from the US you won’t need one.

👉🏽 Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is in Mexico on the easternmost side of the country. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico as it has cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. 

Yucatan map

When is the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula?

Since the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and great water activities, you want to make sure you’re visiting in the dry season which is from December to April. 

However, keep in mind that the dry season is also the high season, which means higher rates and bigger crowds.

If you want to save some bucks you should consider traveling between the week after Easter and mid-June before the schools close.

During this time of the year, you should still have sunny days and clear skies but lower prices and smaller crowds. Basically, you’ll have the best of both worlds.

🌧️ What is the rainy season in the Yucatan?

The rainy season in the Yucatan is from June to October. It can rain some during the months of May and November as well, but these months are not as wet. 

☀️ What is the hottest month in Yucatan?

March to May are the hottest months in the Yucatan, even though the peninsula experiences hot weather all year round. 

During these three months, there are many days when the temperatures reach 40 °C (104 °F).

When it’s hot in Yucatan it’s unbearable, unless you are close to the water. That is a good time to visit cenotes and check out the beaches because cities such as Merida, Valladolid, and Izamal are extremely hot.

🌀 What is hurricane season in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Hurricane season in the Yucatan is from June to mid-October. Make sure you pay attention to the weather during these months in case there are tropical storms or hurricane warnings. 

The best places to visit in Yucatan 

If you’re heading to the Yucatan, you might not be sure of the best places to go. Merida and Valladolid are the main places people visit while in Yucatan State. 

Here are the top places to visit to experience each of these amazing towns. 

Merida is a historical city surrounded by cenotes and jungles. It also has an amazing food scene. You can dine in at fancy restaurants or you can grab some tacos from a local street food vendor. 

Here is a quick list of the best things to do in Merida :

👉🏽 Visit the Plaza Grande. This part of the city is more than 500 years old. You can see colonial architecture and wander down some of the side streets to immerse yourself in culture and history. 

👉🏽 Eat. Eating local food is a must anywhere in Mexico but especially in Merida. Head to the Mercado Lucas de Galvez where you can find fresh produce and small stalls selling some of the best Yucatan food.

👉🏽 Swim in a cenote. There are many cenotes around Merida but the most famous one is Cenote Noh Mozon. 

👉🏽 See a few Mayan ruins. There are many ruins to visit near Merida including Uxmal and Mayapan. 

✔️ Valladolid

Valladolid is quickly becoming more popular for travelers and with good reason! Here are some of the things not to miss while in Valladolid:

👉🏽 Tour the Convent of San Bernardo. The outside and inside of this convent are stunning. You can walk around the inside and then visit the small museum on the grounds as well. 

👉🏽 Eat in the square. In the historical square, there are many great restaurants to try. Las Campanas is known as the best, but don’t be afraid to try others as they are all fantastic. 

👉🏽 Go on a walking or biking tour. Valladolid is not very big, so it’s easy to explore some of the best sites by walking or cycling. 

👉🏽 Take a day trip. From Valladolid, you can easily get to many cenotes like Cenote Suytun. Chichen Itza is also only about 45 minutes away. 

Things to do in Yucatan

With so many things to do and see, it can be hard to decide what to put on your Yucatan bucket list. No matter how much time you have, make sure to visit a few of these places below!

🏖️ Best Yucatan beaches

➡️ Playa Norte Celestun is a breathtaking beach in Merida . It’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

➡️ Puerto Progreso is about 30-45 minutes from Merida and is well worth the drive. It’s usually not very crowded, so you’ll have the chance to relax and swim without too many people. 

➡️ El Cuyo is a nice weekend trip from Merida with some of the best beaches. It’s a popular place for kite surfing with plenty of rental gear shops nearby in case you don’t have your own. You can also sign up for a class if you’re a beginner. 

➡️ Playa Norte and Playa Sur are both beautiful beaches in Celestun. Playa Norte has more amenities as well as more options for restaurants and bars. 

➡️ San Benito is one of the beaches to visit if you want seclusion and quiet. It’s not very far from Progreso, you can always head there if you want more choices for food and nightlife. 

🌊 Best Yucatan cenotes

👉🏻 Cenote Zaci-Ha: This is one of the largest cenotes near Valladolid . It’s open-air and perfect for swimming. 

👉🏻 Cenote X’Canche: Make sure to visit this cenote after coming from Ek Balam as they are just adjacent to each other.

👉🏻 Cenote Oxman is near Valladolid. They have a few different ticket options for entry. You can pay more if you want access to the pool and restaurant while the lower ticket prices only give entrance to the cenote. 

👉🏻 Cenote Suytun is another cenote near Valladolid. It’s huge with clear blue water. The stalactites at the top of the cave also make for a great photo op. 

👍🏼 Best Yucatan ruins

You can’t travel to the Yucatan without visiting a few Mayan ruins . Here are the best ones not to miss. 

🔸 Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is the most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. The ruins are more than 740 acres. During the tour, you’ll be able to see many of the Mayan temples and learn about the Spanish conquest of the area. 

🔸 Uxmal 

Behind Chichén Itzá, Uxmal is the second most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. It’s a four-hour drive from Cancun making it a great weekend trip.

The stonework is intricate and detailed with many different temples and other ancient buildings to tour. 

🔸 Ruta Puuc

This is the best Mayan ruin site to visit if you’re in Merida as it’s not very far away.

Since it’s not as famous as other Mayan ruins in the state, you can experience the site peacefully without fighting crowds. You can also get some amazing photos. 

🦩 Where to see flamingos in Yucatan

Yucatan is famous for having an abundance of pink flamingoes as well as many other birds. Here are the best places to spot these magnificent creatures:

🗸 Rio Lagartos is famous for its flamingoes and its beautiful pink lakes. The best place to see the flamingoes is Parque Natural Ria Lagartos. 

🗸 Celestun has the largest pink flamingoes. You can take a day trip from Merida here and enjoy the lagoons and birds. 

🗸 El Cuyo is a great city to see flamingoes. They are easily spotted just outside the town center in the nearby lagoons. There are over 20,000 flamingoes in El Cuyo. 

👍🏼 Yucatan Pueblos Mágicos

Pueblos Mágicos are towns in rural areas of Mexico. Even though they see less tourism than larger cities, they often have more to offer with beautiful sites and unspoiled attractions. 

📍 Valladolid

Valladolid is not as well known as other places in Yucatan, but it’s quickly becoming more of a tourist town. It’s a great place to witness the authentic Mexican lifestyle. It also has an abundance of cenotes to visit. 

If you want to visit the most photogenic town in Mexico, come to see these amazing things in Izamal . Known as the “Yellow City,” almost every building in Izamal is painted a bright yellow. There are many great places to visit here including Mayan ruins and the Convento San Antonio de Padua. 

Sisal is a small seaport town. It’s only an hour from Merida. It has quiet beaches, small local bars, and freshly caught seafood in almost every restaurant.

🏆 Best Yucatan Tours

While you can explore the Yucatan on your own, booking a tour is a great way to learn about local culture and meet new friends as you travel. 

🌮 Mexican cooking class

If you’re itching to learn to make your favorite Mexican dishes while in the Yucatan, taking a cooking class is a great tour to book. Every cooking class is different, but the best ones include how to make fresh tortillas along with popular dishes. 

The best Mexican cooking classes also include a trip to the local market and an introduction to the history of food in the Yucatan. 

🦩 Las Coloradas pink lake

Las Coloradas are in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Along with seeing the stunning pink lakes, you also get a chance to see flamingoes, crocodiles, and hundreds of different species of birds. 

💎 Yucatan hidden gems

A tour of Yucatan’s hidden gems will take you to all the less visited places within the region. Some of the best-hidden gems include the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve and Ek Balam. 

Since the Yucatan is a huge region, endless hidden gems exist to find and explore. 

Where to stay in Yucatan

The Yucatan is full of amazing places to stay including small haciendas and 5-star resorts. There is the perfect accommodation for everyone. 

🏆 Best Haciendas in Yucatan

🏨 Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana is about 25 minutes from downtown Merida. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel that is on more than four acres of gardens. They also have a small restaurant and cocktail bar on site. 

🏨 Hacienda Santa Cruz Hotel & Spa is super close to downtown Merida. They have tons of amazing amenities, large rooms, a spa, private gardens, and several outdoor pools. 

🏆 Best Hotels in the Yucatan

🛏 Casa Tia Micha : Nice place to stay in Valladolid when you travel to Yucatan. The rooms are beautiful and it’s close to the city center. 

🛏 Hotel Tabasco Rio : One of the best hotels in the center of Rios Lagartos. They have free WIFI and air conditioning. It’s right in the city center so you can walk everywhere. 

🛏 Casa BreMar 3097: If you’re in Celestun, make sure to book a night here. They have comfortable rooms including air conditioning. You can also swim in the pool, take a walk on the private beach, or dine in the outdoor pavilion. 

🏆 Best Yucatan Resorts

🏝 Chablé Yucatán : Perfect place to be if you want to be near Merida but have more peace and quiet. The resort is in a secluded area near many cenotes around the region. They offer basic rooms, suites, and villas. 

🏝 Hotel Reef Yucatan : Right on the Gulf of Mexico, this resort is perfect if you want to spend most of your time on the beach. It’s all-inclusive so your meals and drinks are included. The terraces in the rooms are the best part as they have views of the ocean. 

🏝 Chichen Resort : If you want to be close to Chichen Itza, this is one of the best places. They have a restaurant, outdoor pool, and spa on-site. You can book a room or a small cottage. 

Is Yucatan safe?

The Yucatan is one of the safest regions to visit in Mexico. The crime rates are low compared to other parts of Mexico, especially the rates for violent crimes. It’s also the region in Mexico with the lowest number of kidnappings, homicides, and vehicle thefts. 

Petty theft is common though. You can avoid this by never walking alone at night, keeping your bag close to you, and not flashing money or jewelry. 

Some other safety tips to follow include:

✔️ Put money and other valuables in the hotel safe before heading out 

✔️ Make sure to only drink at  reputable bars/hotels and don’t let strangers buy you drinks 

✔️ Never leave your drinks unattended

✔️ Only use taxis that are metered 

By following the above tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable time while in Yucatan . 

How many days do you need in Yucatan?

Trips in the Yucatan shouldn’t be less than 5 days, but spending a week or two is ideal so you can see more of this beautiful region. 

Here are some sample itineraries so you can plan your time accordingly. 

✔️ 1-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: After landing in Cancun, head straight to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2: Spend the day exploring Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 3: Head to Ek Balam (You can also go to Chichen Itza if you have time)

👉🏽 Day 4 and 5: Spend two days exploring Merida (or use one day to swim in a nearby cenote)

👉🏽 Day 6: Take a day trip to Rio Lagartos

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour the Mayan ruins of Uxmal before heading to the airport 

If you’re flying out of Cancun rather than Merida, you might have to skip the last-day trip and drive back to Cancun. 

✔️ 10-day Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 3: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza (and go to Cenote Ik Kil since it’s nearby!)

👉🏽 Day 4: Tour Ek Balam 

👉🏽 Day 5: Take a day trip to El Cuyo

👉🏽 Day 6: Start driving to Merida, but spend the night in Izamel

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour Izamel and then finish the drive to Merida 

👉🏽 Day 8 and 9: Spend two days exploring Merida

👉🏽 Day 9: Drive to Uxmal or Celestun for a day trip

👉🏽 Day 10: Drive back to Cancun and prepare to fly back home (if flying out of Merida you can take another day trip or have an extra day exploring the city)

✔️ 2-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2 and 3: Spend a couple of days exploring Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 4: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza 

👉🏽 Day 5: Drive to Rio Lagartos and see the flamingoes

👉🏽 Day 6: Drive to Izamal and spend one day exploring 

👉🏽 Day 7 and 9: Head to Merida and spend the next two days touring the city 

👉🏽 Day 10: Take a day trip to Ek Balam or Uxmal 

👉🏽 Day 11: Drive to Progreso and spend the day lounging on the beach

👉🏽 Day 12: Head to Celestun to explore the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve 

👉🏽 Day 13: Visit Sisal 

👉🏽 Day 14: Drive to Cancun and fly home 

How to get around Yucatan

There are many ways to get around Yucatan depending on your budget and how many places you plan to go to. If you’re going to many different cities, the easiest and best way to get around is by car. 

You can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in Yucatan. You can also rent a car from many airports including Cancun International. 

If you’re nervous to drive or can’t drive, booking private shuttles is another great way to get around. They are less expensive than taxis as you will often share a shuttle with a few other people that are going to the same destination. 

Most areas of the Yucatan are easily accessible by ADO Bus , the official bus network in Mexico. Buses are extremely cost-effective and are the best way to get around for those backpacking Yucatan. 

If you are not a budget and prefer to take taxis, you can also do so. Taxis are an efficient (but expensive) way to get around. 

🚙 Yucatan Road Trip

Taking a road trip through the Yucatan is a great way to see the area. Most road trippers visiting Yucatan start in Cancun as this is usually the cheapest airport to fly into and there are ample car rental options once you clear customs. 

From Cancun, you can head straight to Valladolid where you can visit Chichen Itza and explore the various beaches and cenotes. 

From Valladolid make sure to go to Merida to see the beautiful city center, swim in a few more cenotes, and eat some good food. From Merida, you have plenty of day trip options including Rio Lagartos, Izamel, and Celestun. 

You can then fly out of the international airport in Merida or head back to Cancun if the flights back to your home are cheaper from there. 

👉 Do you need a car in Yucatan?

You don’t have to rent a car while in the Yucatan, but having a car is definitely the best way to road trip. Otherwise, you can get taxis, shuttles, or take the local bus to get to your destination. 

👉 Is it safe to drive in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Yes! You just need to make sure you follow all local driving laws and pay attention to signs and traffic lights. Petty theft is common though, so make sure you don’t leave money or valuables visible in the car when parked. 

Most roads in the Yucatan are very well-marked so you shouldn’t have a problem getting lost. 

🚌 Yucatan by bus

Using ADO buses while in the Yucatan (or pretty much anywhere in Mexico) is a fast and cheap way to get around. You can purchase bus tickets at any bus terminal in any city. Prices for bus tickets can range in price depending on where you are coming from and where you are going. 

There are also a few other bus companies that run long-distance routes. These include Primera Plus and Omnibuses de Mexico. 

ADO buses are the most well-known though. At the bus terminals, you’ll find posted bus routes and times making it easy to travel back and forth between cities. 

🌊 Yucatan tours

Many people choose to book tours while in Yucatan. This is a great way to get around the area without needing to work on booking transportation for yourself. 

When you book a tour, they will usually pick you up from your hotel. So all you need to do is get ready! After the excursion, they will then drop you back off at the hotel. 

Most transportation costs are included in the payment you give to the tour company. While you can books tours for virtually everything, the most common tours include day trips to cenotes and Mayan ruins. 

Some tours also combine several different attractions making it easy to see many of the best sites in one day. 

Planning a trip to Yucatan

💰 is the yucatan peninsula expensive.

Most of Mexico is very affordable . You’ll find that hotels and food are cheaper than what you might be used to paying at home. 

However, expect the Yucatan Peninsula to be a little more expensive compared to other places you might have traveled to in Mexico. 

Many cities and regions in the Yucatan are well-known and are common tourist destinations. So, the popularity is what makes it more expensive. 

You can still have a very affordable vacation though especially if you choose to eat at local establishments and not stay in large all-inclusive resorts. 

🧳 Do I need a travel adapter for Yucatan?

If you are from the USA or Canada, you will not need a travel adapter for the Yucatan because the plugs in Mexico are the same as in the rest of North America. 

If you’re from another part of the world, you will need to get an adapter to charge your devices in Mexico. Make sure you have the adapter that is two flat parallel pins (Type A). Mexico also has plugs with two flat pins along with a round pin (Type B). 

Universal Travel Power Adapter- EPICKA All in One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor

✔️ with Smart Power USB for USA EU UK AUS ✔️ Cell Phone Laptop (4 USB + Type C – White + Grey) ✔️ Suitable for Hair Dryer, Headphone, MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones, GPS, PDAs, travel speakers, etc

📝 Do I need travel insurance for Yucatan? 

Travel insurance is not required to visit the Yucatan, but it’s never a bad idea to buy insurance when visiting a foreign country. 

The best travel insurance plans include trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and trip delay. 

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using   Safety Wing , and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER . Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

📚 Do they speak English in Yucatan?

The main language of the Yucatan is Spanish. When you’re in rural areas or smaller towns, it can be hard to find any local people that speak English. You might want to learn some basic Spanish phrases before heading to the Yucatan. 

In larger resorts and common tourist attractions, many of the workers will speak English. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is merida yucatan worth visiting.

Although Merida is not as well known as Cancun , taking a trip to Merida is a must.

It has beautiful cenotes, several Mayan ruin sites, great markets for food, and a famous historical city center. 

Are Yucatan beaches worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan beaches have turquoise water teeming with marine life.

The sand is also soft and white making it a great place to relax, get a tan, or read a book.

You won’t regret experiencing the beaches of the Yucatan. 

Is Chichen Itza worth the trip?

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited Mayan ruins in Mexico. It’s closest to the cities of Cancun and Tulum making it a common attraction for visitors in those places. 

Seeing the pyramids and the Temple of Kulkulkan is a must for anyone wanting to learn the history of the Mayans and their life in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

There are many Mayan ruins in the Yucatan though, so you can always visit another one if you don’t have time to get to Chichen Itza. 

What language do they speak in the Yucatan?

The most common and widely spoken language in the Yucatan is Spanish. Like other regions of Mexico, you can communicate with everyone by speaking Spanish.

In the Yucatan, you might also hear people speaking Yucatec Maya to each other. This is an ancient Mayan language. 

Is the Yucatan Peninsula worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan is home to some of the most-visited regions in Mexico including Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is worth visiting for all travelers that want to see breathtaking beaches, experience some of the best diving reefs in the world, and go swimming in a cenote. 

What is Yucatan best known for?

The Yucatan is best known for being home to cenotes, beautiful beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Many people also come here for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Does Yucatan have nice beaches?

Since most tourists and travelers come to the Yucatan just for the beaches, you can be sure they are nice.

The best part about the beaches in Yucatan is they all have different things to offer. 

The beaches near Valladolid and Merida are much quieter compared to the beaches you’ll find in Quintana Roo State.

The beaches are not as well known so you can lay in the sand and go swimming without as many people around. 

What food is Yucatan known for?

Mexican food might be well-known all over the world, but some of the dishes unique to the Yucatan are not as famous. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth trying though. 

Huevos Motulenos is the perfect breakfast dish with fried tortillas, eggs, red onion, bacon, cheese, refried beans, and spicy salsa. 

Make sure to also try Papaszules which are very similar to enchiladas. Other famous dishes include Sopa de Lima, Queso Relleno, and Dulce de Papaya.

Final Thoughts: Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

While there are many regions to visit in Mexico, coming to the Yucatan is one of the best places for experiencing Mexican culture. Home to amazing beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins; the Yucatan is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. 

The Yucatan is very large making it a great destination for road trippers or others who are planning to spend a few weeks in Mexico. 

No matter how much time you choose to spend in the Yucatan, you’re sure to have a vacation you’ll never forget. 

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

23 Amazing Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Written By: Justin and Tracey

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is an expansive swath of land in the southeastern part of the country, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. From the azure waters of the Caribbean Coast to the remains of ancient Mayan ruins strewn throughout the interior, there are so many things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula you’ll need to go back again and again to see it all. 

The Yucatán Peninsula is often referred to as simply “The Yucatan” but it actually consists of three states – The Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. Most people are familiar with Quintana Roo as it is here you’ll find famous beaches and the all-inclusive resorts of Cancun , Playa del Carmen , Cozumel, and Tulum . This travel guide is going to take you beyond the tourist resorts to explore everything the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer.

Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Few places in the western world see luxury beach resorts built beside ruins from a previous civilization that thrived not so long ago. Where spring-breaking college students frequent an area just as popular to world-renown archaeologists and academic experts from around the globe. The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico appeals to everyone!

What to do in Yucatan Mexico

This Mexico Yucatan guide was originally written by Justin and Tracy and it has been updated and expanded for 2022

Littered with archeological sites, endless white-sand beaches, and containing the ring of Cenotes, there are so many things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, it will draw you back again and again. No matter the reason, once you get there, there are many different ways you can explore, enjoy, and enrapture yourself in the Yucatan Peninsula. This area, once a primary stronghold of the Mayan Empire, is now a haven for tourists of all walks of life.

Our Favourite Hotels in the Yucatan

When we visit the Yucatan Peninsula, we often stay in all-inclusive hotels for at least a week to relax before setting out to explore. And sometimes we simply book a week-long getaway. These are some of the hotels we’ve stayed in and have thoroughly enjoyed. Read more: Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Hotels and Areas For Every Budget

• Excellence Cancun Riviera  – This all inclusve adults only hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or special occasion. We had a private pool on our rooftop and enjoyed the incredible spa.
• Moon Palace Grand  –  We spent a week here and enjoyed the different levels for families and couples. Check  TripAdvisor  and  Booking.com  for reviews and rates
• Hyatt Zilara  – We love the Hyatt Zilara resorts and it also different levels of hotels for families, and couples. Check  TripAdvisor  and  Booking.com
• Barcelo Maya  – We loved our stay here on the Mayan Riviera. Check out  TripAdvisor  and  Booking.com
• The Fives Azul Beach Resort  – All-Inclusive Luxury Resort – 10 Minutes from Playa del Carmen. Check out  TripAdvisor  and  Booking.com

1. Swim with Whale Sharks

By far one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula is to go swimming with Whale Sharks. Taking a boat trip just two hours off the coast of Cancun is the chance to check off this ultimate bucket list item and get in the water to swim with whale sharks. Read more: Swimming with Whale Sharks Cancun

We booked our whale shark tour with GetYourGuide . This was an amazing tour that takes you out to the islands of Contoy and Holbox. Besides whale sharks, keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins as well.

Book your tour here to swim with the Whale Sharks – It offers free cancelation within 24 hours of excursion and it picked us up at our apartment rental in Playa del Carmen.

2. Make a Stop at Chichen Itza

One of the top things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula is, without question, is Chichen Itza. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site of Mayan pyramids, ball courts, sanctuaries, and temples is believed to be the primary location for Mayan Governance. Read more at the Ultimate Guide to the Yucatan .

The Mayan Pyramid of Kukulcan, or El Castillo as it’s colloquially called, is the centerpiece. The steep, high stairs seem to taunt you as they draw the eye up in admiration of a truly magnificent Mayan structure. It is here where Mayan priests conducted their most private and important ceremonies, to give thanks, ask for blessings, and even bury their leaders.

In addition to El Castillo, The Great Ball Court is another thing you do not want to miss. Once the site of an ancient, ritualistic game played by the Maya in honor of the Gods, whose loser lost not only the game but often his life this part of Chichen Itza gives an interesting look into the Mayan culture. Book this highly rated tour of the ruins . Besides seeing Chichen Itza, it also 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 primary cenote from which the ancient Maya civilization thrived for hundreds of years. Evidence suggests that the Maya used this site for religious ceremonies. See what it’s like to tour one of Mexico’s underground rivers at Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves

Today it is a primary attraction for visitors to the Yucatan due to the deep, refreshing waters and mesmerizing scenery. This cenote is a key destination for historians, scientists, and professional divers, as pottery, tools, and even remains have been found along riveted shelves in the cenote walls!

Cenotes of the Yucatan

One of the best things to do in the Yucatan is to explore its Cenotes. (An underground cave). There are several cenotes scattered throughout the Yucatan and the state of Quintana Roo. This Cenote Tour takes you to the four types of cenotes in Quintana Roo that exist in nature: semi-open, open, ancient, and cavern explore its Cenotes. Book this highly rated tour here.

4. Take in the Beautiful Scene from Tulum

When walking up to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, you can’t help but think that “these Mayans had the right idea!” With the crystalline aqua of the Caribbean Sea as a beautiful backdrop, Tulum stands proudly on the shores far above the white sands beneath. Amid beach clubs, vacation resorts, hammocks, and sun-kissed tourists, Tulum is one of the most visually captivating locations in all of North America.

The resort town that Tulum rests within does nothing but add to the inspiring nature of the location, as revelers of fun-in-the-sun can take a history break to walk the grounds of the former Mayan fortress. After exploring the beautiful ruins, take a walk down the road to any one of the local restaurants for fresh food and drinks – right on the beach.

Book this Tulum Tour in Mexico Yucatan, it includes a tour of Tulum where you’ll learn of the Mayan civilization and culture followed by a stop at one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

5. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

Located farther south down the coast of Quintana Roo, The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich with wildlife including many bird species. With activities like boat tours and snorkeling, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a great way to get out and experience the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya.

6. Stroll The Streets Of Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a major tourist destination in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and not only is it a good place to visit, but it’s also a great place to stay too. Day tours and hotels often shuttle people to Playa del Carmen where you can shop on La Quinta Avenida. But staying overnight is a must as well.

The restaurants and nightlife will keep you busy, but it isn’t quite as wild a night out as it is in Cancun. There are many places to choose from including the world-famous Coco Bongo but you’ll also find chilled-out beach bars, live music, and delicious Mexican cuisine.

7. Isla Mujeres – The Island of Women

Isla Mujeres is a popular day trip from Cancun but you can stay on the island as well. It has white sand beaches, clear waters, and great snorkeling at Garrafon Reef Park. Isla Mujeres is translated to the Island of Women in English. It was sacred to the ancient Mayans who worshipped it as the goddess of childbirth. Hence the name the Island of Women. Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips . You can book day tours to Isla Mujeres with tours to Isla Contoy for bird watching.

8. Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a quiet island off the coast and has become quite popular in recent years. Whale sharks migrate through the region making it a good choice for whale shark tours. No cars are allowed on the island but there are hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants. You can book whale shark tours from here.

Day tours take you to Chiquilá where you catch the ferry to explore its colorful houses, do some bird watching, and swim in its pristine waters. But if you want to mellow out, stay overnight for a day or two.

9. Scuba Diving

The waters of Cozumel have pristine coral reefs filled with an abundance of marine life and colorful fish. Its amazing clarity, with visibility reaching over 100 feet, makes it one of the great places for scuba diving in the world.

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island, located a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. In 1961 Jacques Cousteau discovered the magnificent scuba diving here and declared the area as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. They were declared a national marine park in 1996. This has allowed the reef to thrive and the wildlife to flourish, making for one of the most sensational scuba diving experiences you’re likely to ever have. We particularly enjoyed drift diving in this area.

10. Cozumel Island

Speaking of Cozumel, we spent a week on the island not only making it our base for scuba diving, but it is also a lot of fun to explore Cozumel Island. We rented a jeep to get around the island and explore the beaches. If you are staying on Cozumel and can’t make it to the mainland to visit the Mayan Ruins, you can go to Discover Mexico Park to see models of Mexico’s most popular attractions.

Or you can visit the small Mayan Ruin of San Gervasio Ruins to pay tribute to the Goddess of Love. There are markets, restaurants, and bars in Cozumel making for a great Mexican vacation. Cozumel Island is a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen making it a popular day trip as well.

11. Party it Up in Cancun

No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without at least stopping in the famous coastal city of Cancun. Its long sandy beaches, an endless row of hotels, and world-famous nightlife have made it a stop on every spring breakers bucket list. It’s fun to head into town for the night to party in one of its bars. Go crazy for a night and have some fun in the town in the Hotel Zone.

Cancun isn’t just for partiers though the endless sand beach is attractive to anyone, Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum the largest collection of Mayan artifacts . There are plenty of things to do in Cancun and we have a complete list of Cancun attractions here.

12. Sea Turtles of Akumal Beach

Akumal is a popular nesting ground for sea turtles and swimming with sea turtles has become the top draw in the area. The protected bay makes for perfect conditions for snorkeling. Sea turtles are abundant and you can snorkel here independently without needing to take a tour. So grab your snorkel gear, rent a car and make your way to Akumal to see what it’s like to swim with sea turtles. Akumal is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, 104 km (65 miles) from Cancun.

If you want to go diving in a Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos is located between Akumal and Tulum. Dos Ojos Cenotes (meaning Spanish for two eyes) is one of the best places to scuba dive in a Cenote in the Yucatan. Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

13. Mérida

Known as the White City, Mérida is the capital city of Yucatan State and is known as the cultural capital of the cities in Yucatan. It’s also considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Yucatan. Merida has become a popular spot for ex-pats settling in Mexico thanks to its infrastructure and amenities. Colorful buildings line the streets, where local artisans sell hammocks, traditional clothing, and traditional Yucatan foods. It is also a great place to learn Spanish. It became known as the white city due to the white mansions that line the tree-lined boulevard, Paseo Montejo. Make sure to spend a day or two in Merida for a more authentic Mexican vacation away from the touristy cities of Quintana Roo.

Izamal, aka La Ciudad Amarilla (or The Yellow City), is designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government. This designation is to preserve its special culture and it is special indeed. Located between Mérida and Chichén Itzá, Izamal is a popular day trip from Merida. Named after the Mayan God Itzamná, Izamal attracts visitors to marvel at its beautiful yellow buildings. Some people believe the city was painted yellow to honor a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1993 while others say it is to honor the Mayan Sun God Kinich Ahau (Kinich Ajaw) . Whatever the reason, it has done an amazing job attracting visitors.

15. Cliff Dive at Cenote Zaci

Cenote Zaci is one of the most popular cenotes in the Yúcatan. Located in Valladolid, Cenote Zaci is just a short walk from downtown. Zaci Cenote is cheap to enter, at only about 30 pesos per person, and offers a simply irreplaceable experience once inside. You’ll find yourself stepping down a steep, narrow, staircase that reveals a grand expanse of vegetation and cliffs which overlook the beautiful Cenote Zaci. Here you can challenge your fear of heights with a jump of more than thirty feet into the waters below!

Watch our video having fun in the Yucatan’s Cenotes

If cliff jumping isn’t quite your speed, the expansive and cool waters are perfect for a peaceful float in the heat of the day, and easily reachable by the walkway that is built into the perimeter of the cenote. Read more: Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

Cenotes can be found all over this part of Mexico, especially in Quintana Roo. If you don’t make it to Cenote Zaci, make sure you at least look into other Cenote Tours Like this one that we did .

16. Explore Enchanting Ek Balam

Ek Balam is the ancient Mayan city nearest to Valladolid and that needs plenty of time to visit. The complex is sprawling, with more than 45 structures of varying purpose, design, and size. The most notable structure on the grounds is El Trono (‘The Throne’), where the founder of Ek Balam society, Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’, is thought to be buried.

This is a striking structure with a deceivingly steep climb of 106 steps to the top. From here, one can gaze upon the entire canopy of the Yucatan jungle. Closer to ground level, there are ancient chapels, steam baths, and the Oval Palace. It was believed to be a place of worship giving thanks to the Gods.

17. Climb the Steps of Coba

Coba is among the ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula that offers the most interesting, freshest perspective among history-lovers and archaeologists. It is believed that 90% of the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula are still buried at Coba.

Only partially complete in its excavation, Coba remains a rugged structure that peaks above the emerald trees to reveal the true remoteness of its setting. You can see mounds upon mounds of unearthed structures across the forests – where scientists believe that more than 90 percent of the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan remain hidden! Book this Tulum Coba and Valladolid Tour to experience the best of the Yucatan in one day.

While not as fully excavated as Chichen Itza, that is exactly what makes this special. Here you can climb the highest Mayan Pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula at more than 130 feet in height. Make sure you wear a good pair of shoes, as Coba presents one of the more challenging climbs among the pyramids in Mexico, with 120 steep and daunting steps to the top!

18. Las Coloradas (Pink Lakes)

Las Coloradas has certainly grown to become one of the top things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula. With Instagram and TikTok gracing our lives, everyone wants to share photos and videos of pink lakes. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see pink lakes, and the ones at Las Coloradas are second to none. The bright pink salt lakes are the result of the critters that thrive in the dense saltwater. Algae, shrimp, and brine. You can no longer go in the water or even get close to it. There are now platforms for viewing but the best way to view the lakes is to book a tour.

This Day Trip from Cancun takes you to the Pink Lakes in comfort where you’ll explore the salt lakes of Las Coloradas, the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, and a seafood lunch.

19. Laguna de Bacalar (Lagoon of Seven Colors)

It was in 2003 that we took a bus from Cancun to cross the Belize border while exploring Latin America. Taking our time exploring the south of Mexico was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. On our way to the border town of Chetumal (the capital city of Quintana Roo), we stopped at Balacar Lagoon.

Known as the Maldives of Mexico, The Lagoon of Seven Colors has (you guessed it) seven shades of blue. Located two hours south of Tulum , it is the perfect getaway to avoid the mass of tourists in the Riviera Maya.

This 60km series of inland waterways was once a passage for pirates and early traders. We’ll never forget the beautiful turquoise waters of Balacar Lagoon. Read more: 26 of the Best Things to Do in Belize in 2024

20. Valladolid

While the temptation will be to stay in either Cancun or Playa del Carmen we think you’ll get more out of your time in the Yucatan by staying in Valladolid. Located a mere two-hour drive from ruin locations such as Tulum and less than an hour from a handful of other desirable locations, Valladolid is both affordable and beautiful.

Valladolid has the distinction of being named a Pueblo Mexico (Magic town) meaning it has been recognized by the Mexican government as having magical qualities. Valladolid is the largest city in the heartland of the Yucatán state. You’ll want to stay as close to Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton (Central Plaza) in downtown Valladolid as possible. Valladolid has a myriad of restaurants and shops. Plus it is easy to access Mexico’s highway 180, which goes west-to-east across the peninsula. If you want to really see all the Yucatan offers, staying in Valladolid is a must.

21. Go For A Drive – With Your Camera!

It took us only one afternoon to learn a very valuable lesson – take your camera everywhere in the Yucatan. Even on seemingly long, empty stretches of road between ruin locations or cenotes, there are opportunities for the casual shutterbug.

Whether a railway leading into the brush, a beautiful country shop, or scenic nature, the Yucatan will continue giving you opportunities to capture more. Simply get lost, stop wherever you’re moved, and try to capture what only the eye can see. This would’ve been how the Mayans would’ve wanted you to experience their home, so do it! Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is full of photo opportunities, like this beach in Tulum.

22. Immerse with The Locals

When it comes to the people and culture, the Yucatan Peninsula will leave you truly moved. Any trip to the Yucatan is truly remiss without the area’s greatest attribute – the people.

They are so kind, so giving, and so engaging that you’ll find yourself lost in simple conversation while wanting to know more about the customs that make the Yucatan truly unique.

The Yucatan pulls the best from you, and from that, you’ll find yourself truly mixing with a land, and people, who are unmatched in their charm, beauty, and warmth.

When you visit the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, you will create memories to last a lifetime and will want to come back again and again. The Yucatan attracts all types of travellers.

23. Indulge in Delicious Delicacies

You’ve never had authentically Mexican food quite like that offered in the Yucatan. So stunned will you be by the depth of flavor, the intricacy of preparation, and the satisfaction of the experience that you will yearn for it long after your trip home.

Fresh. Bold. Rich. The profiles of even the simplest dish in the Yucatan will leave the foodie in all of us begging for more! We could honestly say upon leaving that we’ve never had guacamole so good and never had tacos so good!

But more importantly, we enjoyed the unique spin on everyday Mexican classics the people of the Yucatan have perfected. There are a few local favorites in the Yucatan, most of which are comprised of some of the best steak and chorizo dishes this side of Argentina! Typically these locally-created dishes are served with pickled sweet-onions along with fresh jams, bean dishes, and sauces such as chimichurri.

Best Way to Get Around the Yucatan Peninsula

For us, the best way to get around Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a car . We prefer this over tours because we can get to places before the tour buses filled with vacationers from the Riviera Maya converge. Check car rental prices and availability here.

Local Bus – Mexico has quite nice buses that are air-conditioned and affordable. ADO bus company connects cities and regions throughout Mexico and the Riviera Maya.

Collectivos a re the best way to get around if going a short distance. They are shared taxis and are cheap and affordable.

For Transfers from Cancun Airport to your hotel , check out  eTransfers for the best prices.  They offer shuttles to the Hotel Zone, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and all along the Mayan Riviera.

The Yucatán Peninsula has something for both the adventurer and the beach-bum. Perhaps it’s this diversity of appeal that makes the Yucatan so enjoyable, so striking, and yet still somewhat mysterious. Filled with ancient and natural wonders, turquoise waves crashing on endless beaches and plenty of adventure, Mexico’s Yucatan is a place you will love. When you visit Mexico, make sure to add this spectacular destination to your itinerary.

Plan Your Next Trip to Mexico With These Resources

• Best Things to do in Cancun, Mexico
• Best All Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
• An Unforgettable Adventure at Mexico’s Isla Espiritu Santo
• Swim with Whale Sharks – A Massive Adventure in Mexico

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Justin and Tracey

Justin and Tracy Uselton are the writers of A Couple for the Road, a couples travel blog that focuses on food, drink and culture written from a personal and artistic perspective for the avid traveler. Follow them on ACoupleForTheRoad / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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1 thought on “23 Amazing Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula”

Great guide!

I loved the trip to Yucatan peninsula! The highlights of my trip were the cenotes, lovely beaches in Playa del Carmen, and the colorful city of Merida.

I didn’t know that in Yucatan you can snorkel with whale sharks. Well, that is a reason to return to Yucatan. 🙂

21 Best Places To Visit in Yucatan Peninsula in 2024

Are you planning your trip to Yucatan and wondering what are the best places to see? I visited the Yucatan Peninsula many times and stayed in total a couple months. It took me a couple years to visit all the tourist attractions and highlights in the Yucatan Peninsula.

In this list you will find the best places to visit and coolest things to do, but don't worry you don't need a couple months the see the best places. But if you want to see the main tourist attractions you will need a couple days, preferably somewhere around 2 weeks.

The best way to explore and travel the Yucatan Peninsula is by car. Renting a car in for example Cancun or Playa del Carmen is very cheap and totally worth it. Is it safe? YES!

After my list of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula I will show you the ultimate itinerary and below you can also find a map of where to find all these amazing places in the Yucatan Peninsula.

This Yucatan travel blog is more than just a list of amazing places and an itinerary. You will also find tips for a road trip, things to do and everything else you need to know about traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula.

At the end I tell you all about my adventures road tripping in Yucatan.

you may also like...

Traveling to Mexico? Make sure to get a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card. Here is a guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024  or make it yourself easy and order an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet. Check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Mexico on the internet in 2024 .

When you are ready to see more of Mexico I recommend you to check out my article with the 20 Amazing Places to Visit in Mexico .

1. Cancun (A)

If you feel like you need a day to rest from your flight to Cancun there are endless amazing Cancun hotels on the hotel strip. This is also where you will find the best beaches in Yucatan. Most of them are privately owned by the hotels though. Cancun is the best base for your Yucatan itinerary.

Car rentals are cheap and busses go in all directions from either Cancun Airport or downtown. From here it is easy to get to all the amazing places to visit in Yucatan. A cool day trip from Cancun is Rio Secreto, an underground river tour .

2. Isla Holbox (B)

In case you are jet legged this is where you want to get rid of it. If you travel to Isla Holbox you will understand why, because here it is all about that slow paced island life. The Caribbean vibes are all over this car-free island. Bike around the sandy streets until you find your perfect spot on a deserted beach or find a lounge bed in one of the beach clubs.

Don’t forget to got to Punta Coco to swing in a hammock for sunset, it was one of my favorite things to do in Yucatan Peninsula. Find all my Isla Holbox tips in the link. Isla Holbox is like one big resort for people backpacking Yucatan. Oh yeah and here is where you can swim with whalesharks a couple months a year.

3. Valladolid (C)

Soak up some real authentic Mexican lifestyle in this charming city. This is where you will find hidden haciendas, colorful houses, instagram spots, lovely restaurants and boutique shops. Valladolid is a small city with a lot of soul and most famous for its spectacular cenotes around Valladolid .

This is Cenote Suytun , one of the most famous cenotes in Yucatan and a famous Instagram photo spot. Make sure to visit the cenote at the right time of day or get disappointed. Check out my tips in the link above. Exploring the cenotes by bike is one of the great things to do on your Yucatan trip. Click here for my list of 22 Valladolid Mexico travel tips .

4. Ek Balam (D)

Meet the Mayas for the first time on your Yucatan itinerary. The little brother of Chichen Itza is close to Valladolid and can be done on a day trip or on your way to Rio Lagartos. Here you will also find Cenote Xcanche to cool off on a hot day. The best thing about Ek Balam is that you are still allowed to climb the pyramids and therefore one of the best places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula.

5. Rio Lagartos (E)

My trip to Rio Lagartos turned out to be one of my favorite things to do in Yucatan Peninsula. I had zero expectations and for less than $15 I got a 3 hour boat trip, including bird watching, mud bath, flamingos, crocodiles, a mangroves tour and got to see Las Coloradas Pink Lake.

When you travel to Yucatan Peninsula make sure you visit Rio Lagartos! Add this place in your itinerary, it is worth it. Click here for all my Rio Lagartos travel tips .

6. Chichen Itza (F)

There is no Yucatan travel guide that doesn’t include Chichen Itza, but on my last Yucatan trip in March 2019 I didn’t go. I went to visit Chichen Itza 11 years ago and of course it blew my mind. I heard that nowadays it got extremely touristy, but for a reason. This is one of the 7 World Wonders and a must visit in Yucatan Peninsula. If you are backpacking Yucatan be aware that the entrance fee since 2019 is raised to 480 Pesos ($25). Secret Yucatan Peninsula travel tip is to download a tour guide app for Chichen Itza for $1 to save money on an expensive guide.

I bet after you visit Chichen Itza you want to take a refreshing dip in one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan Peninsula: cenote Ik Kil, just 5 minutes away from Chichen Itza. Click on the link to see my vlog about and a complete blog post with 25 things to know about this Chichen Itza cenote .

7. Izamal (G)

A little detour on your way from Chichen Itza to Merida there is the yellow city of Izamal, definitely worth a stop on your Yucatan itinerary. It is a Maya pilgrimage for a sun god so it made sense to paint your house yellow but when in 1993 the Pope visited Izamal they all went bonanza painting their houses yellow. It is a unique place to see in Yucatan Peninsula.

8. Merida (H)

The capital of the Yucatan State and the most authentic city on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is considered the oldest city in the Americas and of course full of history. This is where you go dancing in charming bars at night and escape the daily heat by swimming in cenotes. The Merida nightlife is the best place to soak up some latin vibes. Merida is a peaceful city with amazingly friendly people and a vibrant vibe. Plan you Yucatan Peninsula itinerary so that you visit Merida on a Sunday. There are street markets and live music everywhere around the city. It was one of the best experiences on my Yucatan road trip. Click here for all my Merida Mexico travel tips .

9. Celestun (I)

Visiting Celestun is kind of the same as a trip to Rio Lagartos. Depending on the month of your Yucatan Peninsula trip this is where you will find much bigger groups of flamingos though. They can be found with hundreds together here in Celestun. Find also plenty bird life, crocodiles, boat trips and a peaceful fishing village. Visiting Celestun is best to be done on a day trip from Merida.

10. Uxmal (J)

The very impressive Uxmal ruins deserve a spot in this list of amazing places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula. Great thing about the Uxmal ruins is that you can still climb one of the big pyramids and it offers great jungle views. Uxmal can also be visited as a day trip from Merida or on your way to Chetumal or Bacalar.

11. Chetumal (K)

I honestly wasn’t really impressed by the capital of the Quintana Roo state and one night is enough here to rest from your long drive from Uxmal ruins. Chetumal is the border town with Belize and hasn’t really any tourist attractions. It is great if you are backpacking Yucatan as it is really cheap. You won’t often find it in any Yucatan Peninsula travel guide, although some Costa Maya ruins are nearby: Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Kinichna. These ruins are totally off the beaten path and you will have them all for yourself. You could visit them on your way from Uxmal to Bacalar. If you decide to skip Chetumal on your Yucatan peninsula itinerary I would totally understand.

12. Bacalar (L)

One of the newest Yucatan Peninsula highlights is Bacalar. Located on an utterly stunning lake renown for its shades of blue it is now named in every Yucatan travel blog. The town is struggling with its popularity though and good value accommodation is hard to find. Go kayaking on the lake or hop on a boat to the Pirates channel and enjoy the day in this absolutely amazing lagoon. There are also several ‘beach’ clubs located along the lake and tubing or kayaking tours are among the best things to do here. For amazing food go to the Vegan restaurant Mango y Chile.

13. Mahahual, Costa Maya (M)

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of amazing tourist destinations and another favorite of mine was  Mahahual Costa Maya Costa Maya . This sleepy fishing village quickly changed into a tourist hotspot when they constructed the Costa Maya cruise port in Mahahual.

Although on cruise days the town can get busy it still is one of the coolest places to visit in Yucatan. The best thing to do in Costa Maya is to grab a beer and swing in a sea hammock.

14. Sian Ka’an (N)

The only place I have not been on this ultimate Yucatan itinerary. It surely is an off the beaten path tourist destination in Yucatan Peninsula as it is hard to get to. When you are on a road trip it makes things easier. Sian Ka’an is popular for day trips from Playa del Carmen and Tulum as here you can snorkel with manatees, sea turtles, dolphins and even see crocodiles all in one boat trip. All this wildlife makes a Sian Ka’an boat trip one of the best things to do in Yucatan Peninsula.

15. Tulum (O)

The Tulum beaches, cenotes and Maya ruins have been the main reasons to visit Tulum, but over the last years this city gained popularity through Instagram as a real hipster place.

Co-working spaces, lovely coffee cafe’s, vegan restaurants and yoga workshops are well present in Tulum. A great place for many digital nomads boosting an inspiring vibe. There are no high-rise hotels to be found in Tulum which makes it a much more relaxing place to visit in Yucatan Peninsula.

16. Coba (P)

When thinking about visiting Maya Ruins in Quintana Roo then Coba is your best bid. It can easily be done on a day trip from Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There is no need to stay overnight at Coba unless you want to be the first one in and climb the pyramid without any other tourists around. Still not sure where to go then read my Coba vs. Tulum Ruins article.

17. Akumal (Q)

Once a super small village and one of the best kept Yucatan Peninsula travel tips. There is a stunning beach with a reef just offshore full of sea turtles and stingrays. Apparently the marine wildlife can still be seen, but nowadays Akumal beach is not public anymore. To protect the ecosystem you will now have to pay 100 Pesos ($5) for beach access, but snorkeling with sea turtles is still possible. I stayed overnight in Akumal, but it can easily be done on a day trip from Playa del Carmen or Tulum as well.

18. Playa del Carmen (R)

No need to introduce one of the most popular places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula. The notorious Playa del Carmen is a super touristy destination, great for those looking to party. For miles there are many big all inclusive resorts lined up along the beach and there is a party to be found everywhere around the famous 5th Avenue. From Playa del Carmen there are many day trips to be found like Selvatica Canopy adventure , Tulum and Coba tour , etc.

19. Cozumel (S)

Towards the end of your Yucatan Peninsula itinerary it is time for some island vibes again. Cozumel is a very popular cruise destination in the Yucatan Peninsula. A day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is an option but then you will miss the amazing sunsets. Rent a scooter on Cozumel and drive around the island.

Beach clubs, deserted beaches, snorkeling and even surfing can be found here. If you have more time and are a scuba dive lover then you will love a trip to Cozumel.

20. Puerto Morelos (T)

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya than make sure you include Puerto Morelos on your Yucatan road trip. A super chilled beach town right in the middle of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Snorkeling in amazing here read more about it in my Puerto Morelos travel blog .

21. Isla Mujeres (U)

The best way to end your Yucatan itinerary is by soaking up some final beach vibes before you get back in the plane. Isla Mujeres is just a stone throw away from Cancun and offers one of the best beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although touristy there are still places to escape the crowds and when the day trips from Cancun leave Im sure you will find this the best place to end your Yucatan trip. Check out this article for the best things to do in Isla Mujeres in 2024 .

I am pretty sure when you would tick off all the above cool things to do and amazing places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula it is going to be the trip of your lifetime!

Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula road trip itinerary

Day 1: cancun (a), day 2-4: isla holbox (b) - island life, day 5-6: valladolid (c) - cenotes, day 7: ek balam (d) - maya ruins, day 8-9: rio lagartos (e) - wildlife, day 10: chichen itza (f) - maya ruins, day 11: izamal (g) - picturesque town, day 12-13: merida  (h) - authentic city life, cenotes, day 14: celestun (i)- wildlife, day 15: uxmal (j) - maya ruins, day 16: chetumal (k) - maya ruins, day 17-18: bacalar (l) - lake/lagoon, day 19-20: mahahual costa maya (m) - beaches, day 21: sian ka’an (n) - wildlife, day 22-23: tulum (o) - beaches, cenotes, day 24: coba (p) - maya ruins, day 24: akumal (q) - beaches/snorkeling, day 24-26: playa del carmen (r) - party, day 27: cozumel (s) - scooter adventure, day 28: puerto morelos (t) - beach town, day 29-30: isla mujeres (u) - beaches.

As you can see the above Yucatan Itinerary is pretty damn packed full of cool places to see and things to do. Loads of ancient Maya ruins, sunsets, sea hammocks, ancient cities, snorkeling with turtles, beach destinations, cenotes, beautiful lakes, crocodiles, pelicans and a pink lake. Doesn’t this sound like a dream trip?

I will first give you some more Yucatan peninsula travel tips and then will tell a little bit about all the listed places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula.

Is a Yucatan Peninsula road trip safe?

Yes, yes, yes, yes! A road trip in the Yucatan is most probably safer than driving around your home country. Yucatan tourism did a lot to make this a safe place for tourists and it clearly has paid off. When I did a Yucatan road trip 11 years ago I saw loads of road blocks and military presence. This is all gone nowadays. Not a single moment on my Yucatan trip in March 2019 I felt unsafe, nor did I see anything suspicious. People around the Yucatan peninsula are extremely helpful. May you ever get lost, just ask for directions. These people don’t bite!

Make sure to always stay connected to the internet by buying a Telcel sim card. In my article the best sim card for tourists in Mexico in 2024  I found out that Telcel is the only mobile operator with decent network coverage all over Yucatan Peninsula.

There are reports of people getting stopped by the police for bribes, but all the Yucatan police did when they saw me was smiling and waving. Honestly I had not encountered any problems on my way, but literally just when I was about to gas up my car before bringing it back to the rental company they tried to scam me.

Be aware as this is a well known scam apparently! They try to scam you at gas stations. While writing about it I still get furious about how I got scammed. I sweared a lot in my best Spanish and made them all a fool in front of everyone. Basically 1 Liter gas costs 20 Pesos ($1), so a full tank is max 600 Pesos, half a tank max 300 Pesos, but the idiots asked me 700 Pesos for half a tank. So stupid! They tried it with the wrong person! Always look on the gas meter and see how many Liters approximately go in or just tell them for how many Pesos you want to gas up. The scam happened in a Pemex gas station in Playa del Carmen, the rest of the gas stations around Yucatan Peninsula were totally fine and very friendly people.

How is it to drive around Yucatan Peninsula?

The roads to the best places to visit in Yucatan are in a very good state. Almost all things to do in Yucatan are accessible by car, apart from some cenotes around Valladolid and Merida. There are only two toll roads in Yucatan Peninsula. One is Highway 180 from Cancun to Valladolid and the other one is highway 305D from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid. The rest of the roads are free of charge. On both toll roads they charge 233 Pesos ($12) for a normal car.

In Yucatan, Mexico they drive on the right side of the road. Apart from the 180(D) Highway from East to West and the 307 North to South you will be driving on single roads so be aware that there is upcoming traffic.

The most dangerous thing about a Yucatan road trip are the speed bumps. Very often there is no road sign for them and they are huge! Be aware that the speed limit often is not more than 90 km/h (60 mph). Just always drive within limits and the police won’t have a reason to stop you in the first place.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Yucatan Peninsula?

You would be surprised if I tell you that a Yucatan road trip is very affordable. Renting a car in Yucatan Peninsula is super cheap. For less than $10 per day you can already find a small car with unlimited kilometers/miles. I chose to get full coverage and therefore I paid another $12 extra per day. In total I paid a little over $20 per day for renting a car to complete most of my Yucatan itinerary.

I rented my car at MEX Rent a Car in Playa del Carmen . The employee that helped me was Carolina and she did a great job. It was smooth, fast and upon returning there was no issue. 

As I said gas costs only 20 Pesos ($1) per Liter and there are hardly any toll roads. A full tank for a small car is 30 Liters. One full tank will last for 500 kilometer (310 miles).

Backpacking Yucatan

Of course it is not necessary to rent a car to complete this ultimate Yucatan itinerary. I only rented a car for about two weeks, the rest I traveled around Yucatan peninsula by bus. The public transport in the Yucatan is very well organized and there is an extensive bus transportation system. The best bus company and of course also the most expensive is ADO. They have good, clean tourist class busses.

Because all the busses from Cancun to Isla Holbox were full I one time had to go with Oriente. Trust me if there is a choice, always pay the couple dollars extra for an ADO bus. Oriente overbooked the bus and an Italian guy had to sit in the isle for 3 hours.

If you want to backpack Yucatan in style then there also is the ADO premium class. This luxury bus is like traveling in business class. Worth the experience, but it is double as expensive.

A standard ADO bus ticket cost about $4 per hour. If you book in advance they claim to give you discounts, but I tried it myself and the prices stay the same. Therefore I would never really book in advance.

I wrote a complete guide for backpacking Yucatan with 22 travel tips, check it out in the link.

Best time to visit Yucatan Peninsula

Weather wise the best time to travel to Yucatan Peninsula is November to February when temperatures are the coolest. March, April and May it can get really hot and humid and from June till October is the official rainy season. High season is from December till April and therefore the best month to visit Yucatan Peninsula is November.

How much does it cost to visit Yucatan Peninsula

It all depends on what kind of traveler you are but there are a million ways to save money on a road trip in Yucatan. Accommodation doesn’t have to be expensive it just comes down how much privacy you are willing to sacrifice. There are great hostels around for those backpacking Yucatan, but Airbnb is a great option too. Food in the supermarket is much cheaper than back home and you can already eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for $5 per day if you prepare your meals yourself. Local food can easily be found for less than $5 per meal as well. Beers in Yucatan are cheap and at most local places you pay around $1 for a beer. Backpacking Yucatan can easily be done for less than $40 per day!

My experience traveling in Yucatan

In total I traveled, played, partied, explored, road tripped, chilled and toured around the Yucatan Peninsula for more than 2 months. Of those two months I rented a car for about 2 weeks and went to Rio Lagartos , Valladolid, Bacalar, Mahahual and back to Playa del Carmen. I stayed 5 days in Cozumel , decided to go to Holbox for a little bit and spent a week in Cancun and Isla Mujeres . Also traveled in and between Playa del Carmen and Tulum for some days before I moved to Merida  for almost two weeks. From here I visited Celestun, Uxmal and Izamal. Then I slowly traveled back and crashed again in Valladolid and through Playa del Carmen and Tulum I ended up in Cancun again and ended my Yucatan Peninsula trip in Isla Mujeres.

As you can see my road trip itinerary wasn’t really planned out very well and most of the Riviera Maya places I visited twice. But as a digital nomad and professional travel blogger I had all the time in the world to visit Yucatan Peninsula the way I wanted. Most of the times I traveled around by bus and as I said that is very comfortable.

Distances aren’t actually that long as the longest bus ride was from Cancun to Merida, which was less than 4 hours. A place where I really enjoyed having a car was around Merida. But that was also because I visited almost 15 cenotes around that area. There is no need for you to tick them all off, but I wanted to write an extensive travel blog about the Valladolid cenotes .

Where to stay in Yucatan Peninsula?

There are a ton of cheap places to be found in every city. Mostly I booked my hotels while on the road. Make sure you get a prepaid sim card for Mexico sim card  or an e-sim card for Mexico to be always connected to the internet and save on high roaming costs.

Staying longer than 3 nights in the same place then I recommend looking at Airbnb as they are mostly cheaper for long term rent. In general check out both and find your preferred one. I never made a reservation in advanced, always on the spot.

May you have any additional questions then leave me a comment below and Im happy to help.

Let my Instagram account @traveltomtom fuel you with wanderlust. As I am trying to visit every country in the world you might see places you never heard of before. As of January 2024 I have been to more than 155 countries.

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I sincerely hope all this info and these tips about traveling to Yucatan Peninsula were helpful for planning your trip. If you feel like helping me then please share the link of this article somewhere on the internet.

Every share on Facebook is amazing and much appreciated and so is a tweet on X or a pin on Pinterest. Thanks you very much in advance for helping me in return.

Enjoy your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula!

• rio lagartos
• isla holbox
• playa del carmen
• puerto morelos
• riviera maya
• yucatan peninsula
• isla mujeres
• chichen itza
• sian ka'an

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Yucatan Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Yucatan. We've got 18 trips going to Yucatan, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 14 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures.

18 Yucatan tour packages with 45 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Mini Wonders of the Maya

Overall the tour was excellent. However the hotel in Merida was below average - very dark and dingy, noisy and below expectations. The tour guide Miguel and driver Augustine were very professional and did a great job for 3 days .

• Christmas & New Year

Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights

Great. Exceeded our expectations Selected experiences were all highlights. Hotels fine - some minor niggles but no worries. Big rave for Alejandro - our guide. Just made the trip so alive and interesting.

Mayan Adventure (Multi country)

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure (including Bacalar)

Yucatan Pearls

Mexico Lindo Tour - 6 Days

Pretty good experience. Some minor logistical issues but generally happy with our tour. Thank you.

Merida City Break - 3 Days

The accomodations were great, the first tour guide was awesome. However, the second tour guide to Chichen Itza LOST me during the tour and I was traumatized in a sea of 4,000+ people...Stay close to the guide!

• Walking Adventure

Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula (from Oaxaca to Tulum)

• Kayak & Canoe

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes

Mexico Adventure

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

A very memorable experience, it was the first time I had done a trip of this type and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mexico City & Merida City (Delight Mexican Cuisine)

Verey good experience

Mini Yucatan Tour - 3 Days

• Sightseeing

Yucatan Highlights

Mexico Pure

What people love about yucatan tours.

Thoroughly enjoyed this tour, it was just what I was looking for. Daniel was a lovely guide. Lots of travelling but very well organised and sufficient time at each place, considering the itinerary. Very nice hotel in Valladolid. Hotel in Merida was in a good location but was noisy (though I was fine and slept well as I wore ear plugs ?).

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• Deutsch: Yucatan Rundreisen
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Ultimate Yucatán Peninsula Family Road Trip Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Why traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula with kids is a must

Mexico is a lively country with a fascinating history and an interesting present. Traveling to Mexico with kids is a great idea. And a road trip through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula a family favorite. If you’re looking for the best places to go, this ultimate Yucatán Peninsula family road trip guide is meant for you.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a popular tourist gateway to Mexico and as a result a very tourist friendly area. But, even though a lot of travelers visit the peninsula, there’s still enough to explore off the beaten path. You can see it all in 4 weeks, 5 if your family is fond of slow traveling. For those of us who don’t have that much time, I’ll close this article with a 3 week Yucatan Peninsula itinerary for families.

What is the Yucatán Peninsula known for?

The Yucatán Peninsula is known to be the home to Mexico’s richest history. With its gorgeous landscapes, some of the best preserved Mayan ruins, Spanish colonial cities and idyllic beaches that’s hard to argue with!

Mayan Ruins

Let’s start with the Mayan empire. Much of the Yucatán Peninsula was once part of the Mayan lowlands. Lots of the sinkholes in this area, known as cenotes, where used for sacrificial offering by the Mayans. There are so many Mayan ruins in this region that you could visit one every day of your trip and then it’s still likely you didn’t see them all. The most famous is Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the world. Other amazing ruins can be found in and around Tulum , and you shouldn’t skip Ek Balam, Coba, Uxmal and Calakmul.

Beaches, islands and cenotes

This region is practically surrounded by sea. Bring your snorkeling and diving gear, because there’s lots to discover under water. You can visit the beaches all around the peninsula and visit some paradise islands like Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox and Cozumel. All idyllic islands with pristine white beaches. There’s a large network of caves in the Yucatán Peninsula, most connected via underwater rivers that lead to some gorgeous cenotes. The unique limestone base in this region is the reason for the large amounts of sinkholes and underwaters rivers. Many of which you’re allowed to swim in. You can enjoy the water practically every day of your trip.

Spanish colonial cities

The people here love color. Mix lively colors with Spanish colonial architecture and you get some stunning cities and towns. Valladolid, Campeche and Mérida are some examples.

This ultimate Yucatán Peninsula family road trip guide is a round trip that starts and ends in Cancun. See the Yucatán Peninsula road map above for all the locations we will touch upon.

First we work our way down south along the Mexican Caribbean coastline, starting with the Riviera Maya. After exploring Chetumal we work our way inlands to Xpujil. Then we take a short detour into Tabasco to check out Palenque, before driving back north. This time we follow the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Your self-drive road trip ends by exploring the Yucatán state and by that time you’ve seen all three states within the peninsula. After a beach vacation at bounty island Holbox it’s time to head back to Cancun and return home.

Here are all your accommodation options in Cancun

Top tours in Cancun with kids

• Playa Del Carmen

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Perfect Yucatan Itinerary: 20 Best Ideas For Visiting Yucatan With Kids

The Yucatan Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural wonders, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. Located in southeastern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a diverse range of attractions to include in a Yucatan itinerary. From ancient Mayan ruins to stunning beaches, vibrant cities to hidden cenotes, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Yucatan with kids. It’s the perfect spot for families!

Since the first time my family set foot on the Yucatan Peninsula, we fell in love. We enjoy the tropical climate, the delicious cuisine, and the countless opportunities to learn about Mayan culture. The diversity of things to do in this region of Mexico (whether you’re a nature lover, beach lover, or history lover) is what keeps us coming back again and again. 

We think other families will love the Yucatán Peninsula too. That’s why I’ve put together this post of the 20 best places to go in the Yucatan with kids. It’s the ultimate list to help you start planning your dream Yucatan itinerary to this incredible part of the world.

This article was originally published on March 25, 2023.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means this blog will receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. However, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

Table of Contents

Yucatan with kids highlights

Don't have time to read the whole post? The Yucatan Peninsula is well-known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and cenotes. And taking a tour to see all three is the best way to experience the best of what the Yucatan has to offer.

This Yucatan tour, offered by Ocean Tours Mexico , takes families to see the Tulum Ruins, a beach for snorkeling, and a visit to a cenote.

20 must-see spots for visiting Yucatan with kids 

We love the vast diversity of the Yucatán Peninsula, and want to make sure families get a chance to see all that the region has to offer. The Yucatán Peninsula is divided into three states: Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche.

While the states do share similarities, each one has something that makes it unique. So it’s worth spending time in each state, rather than just focusing on one. For ease of reading, I’ve grouped my favorite Yucatán itinerary spots below by state. Take some time to read about what each Yucatan Peninsula state has to offer.

Yucatan itinerary ideas in Quintana Roo state

Families visiting the Yucatan with kids should be sure to build in some time in Quintana Roo during their Yucatan itinerary. This state is known for its many beach cities and laid-back islands.

The city of Cancun is a great starting point for exploring Quintana Roo. From there, families can play on the beaches of Playa del Carmen and other parts of the Riviera Maya, take excursions out to the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Holbox, see the ruins of Tulum, or head off to the hidden gem of Bacalar. 

Read more to see all the fun Yucatan itinerary ideas in Quintana Roo for families visiting Yucatan with kids. 

Cancun is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation in the Yucatan with kids. 

One of the best things about Cancun is that it has a wide range of family friendly accommodations (both on the beach and off the beach), including all-inclusive resorts that cater specifically to families. Kids will love the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and play on the beach while parents can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

When it comes to things to see and do in Cancun, families will have no shortage of options. One of the top attractions is the Cancun Underwater Museum, which is a unique underwater art installation that features over 500 sculptures. Families can take a snorkel through the museum's galleries to see the sculptures up close. 

Another popular activity is visiting Xcaret Park, an eco-archaeological park that offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, water theme park activities, and exploring Mayan ruins.

Book this highly rated tour to get a taste of Yucatecan cuisine in Cancun:  

3-in-1 Street Food Tour

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Cancun: 

La Villa du Golf à Cancun

2. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is another wonderful destination for families visiting the Yucatan with kids. With its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and numerous family-friendly activities, Playa del Carmen has something to offer for everyone. 

The town has a wide range of accommodations to choose from, including all-inclusive resorts and rental homes that cater specifically to families. Playa del Carmen is also a great base to explore nearby spots like the Tulum Ruins or Cozumel Island.

One activity that I suggest adding to your Yucatan itinerary is to explore Playa del Carmen's vibrant downtown area, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. A highlight is the 5th Avenue pedestrian walkway, which is lined with colorful buildings and numerous shops and restaurants. 

Families can also spend their afternoons playing at the beach. There are many beach clubs in Playa del Carmen where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day. Overall, Playa del Carmen offers a variety of activities and attractions that will ensure families have a fun and memorable vacation.

Book this highly rated tour to get a taste of street food in Playa del Carmen:

Playa del Carmen Food Tour

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Playa del Carmen: 

Riviera Maya Suites

Cozumel is a perfect island option for visiting the Yucatan with kids. This island is located just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen and offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Cozumel is known for its picturesque waters, stunning beaches, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. 

One of our favorite things to do in Cozumel with kids is visiting the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. The park features a variety of activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Families can also visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, which features beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, and a lagoon for exploring nature. Or they can take a snorkeling trip from Playa Palancar to explore El Cielo, Colombia, and Palancar coral reefs.

Book this highly rated snorkel tour in Cozumel:   

The Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Snorkel Tour

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Cozumel: 

Villas El Encanto

For a more relaxed experience while visiting Yucatan with kids, head to the town of Tulum . This small town is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and is famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, breathtaking sea views, and natural beauty. Families can learn about the Mayan culture of the area, relax on the beaches, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. 

One of the top things to do in Tulum with kids is visiting the Tulum Ruins. The ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and offer stunning views. Families can take a guided tour of the site or explore on their own, learning about how Mayans lived back then and how they live now. 

Another great activity is visiting the nearby Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is a protected area that offers a variety of activities like kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring the area's diverse wildlife. Families can also learn about the reserve’s unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts that protect it.

Book this highly rated tour to experience the Tulum Ruins:

Tulum Ruins Tour (Private, Half Day)

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Tulum: 

Hotel Casa Santiago

5. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a great choice for families looking for a more laid-back island pace while visiting the Yucatan with kids. The island is located just a short ferry ride from Cancun and is known for its relaxed vibe. Families can lounge on the beaches, explore the walkable island's natural beauty, and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities. 

A unique activity for your family’s Yucatan itinerary is to rent a golf cart to explore the island's beaches and attractions. Families can drive around the island, stopping at various beaches, restaurants, and landmarks along the way. 

There are several fun beach clubs that families can choose from: Aquatic Funday Park, Kin Há Isla Mujeres, and Garrafon Park. Families can also take a snorkeling trip to Manchones Reef.

Book this highly rated Isla Mujeres snorkeling tour:

Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure

Stay at this highly rated hotel at Isla Mujeres: 

Hotel Secreto

6. Isla Holbox

If you’re looking for another hidden gem in your Yucatan itinerary, Isla Holbox is a perfect off-the-beaten-path choice. The island is located off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, accessible by ferry from the town of Chiquila. 

One of the things to do in the sleepy fishing village of Isla Holbox is to take a whale shark tour. Families can take a guided tour to see these gentle giants up close and learn about their migration patterns and conservation efforts.

Another activity for families is to experience the island’s vibrant wildlife. Families can see flamingos at Punta Mosquitos, see wild birds at Isla Pajaros, or enjoy a bioluminescent tour. There is so much wonderful nature to experience in Isla Holbox!

Book this unique and highly rated bioluminescent tour in Isla Holbox:

Magic Night of Stargazing and Bioluminescence

Stay at this highly rated hotel at Isla Holbox: 

Villas HM Paraiso Del Mar

Bacalar is a city located in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula that families should consider visiting while in the Yucatan with kids. The city is known for its beautiful lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, which boasts a range of hues from deep blue water to turquoise. 

Families can explore the lagoon, do some snorkeling, and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking. Bacalar is also a great choice for a romantic destination in Mexico . Make it a special experience by booking a sunset boat tour!

Book this highly rated boat tour of the lagoon in Bacalar:

Bacalar Boat Tour and Visit to Cenotes

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Bacalar: 

Hotel and Suites Oasis Bacalar

Yucatan itinerary ideas in Yucatan state 

Yucatan state is brimming with captivating destinations that families will remember for a lifetime. For awe-inspiring architecture and rich Mayan history, head to the archeological sites of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, or Uxmal. To get a glimpse of vibrant Mayan and Spanish cultures, visit the cities of Merida, Valladolid, and Izamal. 

Or if you’re more in the mood for beach and nature in your Yucatan itinerary, head to the cities of Progreso and Celestun. And finally, the cenotes, unique to the Yucatán Peninsula, offer a truly memorable experience for families with their mesmerizing waters and lush vegetation. Take a look at the wide variety of destinations that families will enjoy while visiting Yucatan with kids.

8. Chichen Itza

For families looking to include some history into their Yucatan itinerary, a visit to Chichen Itza is a must! It is one of the most iconic ancient Mayan ruins in the world. Not only is it a popular Mexico bucket list destination, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is located in between Cancun and Merida, a few hours from either city. It's about 45 minutes from Valladolid.

Chichen Itza is famous for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history. Visitors can explore the site on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the site's structure. 

If you're going to visit Chichen Itza, plan to arrive early in the morning. The site opens at 8 am, and arriving right when it opens is the best way to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day. Chichen Itza is located in a hot and humid part of Mexico, and visitors should come prepared with water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect themselves from the sun. 

Hire a guide ahead of time for your visit to Chichen Itza:

Guide Service in the Archaeological Zone of Chichen Itza

Known as the "White City" for its beautiful colonial architecture and white buildings, Merida , the capital of Yucatan state, offers a fulfilling cultural experience for families visiting Yucatan with kids. Its museums, galleries, and festivals give families a chance to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere and experience its unique blend of Mayan and Spanish cultures. 

Merida offers a variety of family-friendly lodging, including hotels and rental homes. Seek out places in the Centro and San Antonio neighborhoods. 

One of the top things to do in Merida with kids is visiting the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. This museum features interactive exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Maya civilization, including artifacts, artwork, and replicas of ancient temples.

Families can also explore the city's lively and colorful downtown area, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and local vendors. The city's main square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Merida is a great starting point for a day trip to nearby attractions like the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or the area's many cenotes.

Book this highly rated tour to sample Yucatecan cuisine in Merida:

Merida Street Food Walking Tour

Stay at this hotel in Merida that we personally enjoy:

Gran Hotel de Merida  

10. Valladolid 

For a visit to another colonial city, head to Valladolid. Families will enjoy experiencing this designated Pueblo Magico (Magic Town). 

Valladolid is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the region’s natural cenotes (there are at least 4 popular cenotes near Valladolid). A cenote is a natural limestone sinkhole that visitors can swim in. 

Another great activity is spending an afternoon at Parque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado. Or families can visit the city’s Casa de los Venados (a private folk art museum) or the Museo de Ropa Etnica de Mexico (Museum of Mexican Ethnic Clothes).

Book this highly rated unique bike tour from Valladolid exploring Mayan culture:

Go Maya by bike in Valladolid (Local market-Cenotes-Mayan Family)

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Valladolid: 

Casa Quetzal Hotel Boutique

11. Progreso

If you are looking for a low key beach city, consider heading to Progreso . This charming beach town is located on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The town is known for its long stretch of sandy beach and delicious fresh seafood. 

Besides walking along the Malecon or playing on the beach, families can visit the nearby archeological sites of Dzibilchaltun and Xcambo. Additionally, families can spend an afternoon at the nearby El Corchito cenote and nature reserve, kayak through nearby mangroves, or see the pink waters of Laguna Rosada. 

Overall, Progreso is a fantastic destination for families looking to relax on the beach and explore the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Book this highly rated tour from Progreso to visit El Corchito:

4 in 1, Corchito Ecopark, Flamingos, Salt Flats and Mayan Site

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Progreso: 

Tecnohotel Casa Villamar

12. Rio Lagartos

Ria Lagartos is a natural reserve located on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its diverse wildlife and ecosystems, including pink flamingos, crocodiles, and mangroves.

To visit Ria Lagartos, families can either take a guided tour or explore the reserve on their own. If you’re taking a guided tour from a tour company, transportation to and from the reserve will likely be included, as well as a knowledgeable guide and a boat tour through the area. Families can also explore the reserve on their own by renting a car.

Book this tour of Rio Lagartos:

Nature tour by boat in the Natural Reserve in Río Lagartos

If you’re looking for a break from beaches, cenotes, or water activities, head to the colonial town of Izamal. This town is known for its distinctive yellow buildings, which have earned it the nickname "The Yellow City." Izamal is also a designated Pueblo Magico.

One activity that families can do in Izamal is visiting the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, which is a former Franciscan monastery that dates back to the 16th century. The monastery features a large central courtyard, a museum, and several ornate chapels. For a small donation, families can learn about the history of the monastery and explore its unique architecture. 

Izamal is also a noteworthy destination because it is home to a Mayan pyramid, the Kinich Kakmó Pyramid. This pyramid is within walking distance from the convent, and is free and open to the public.

Book this highly rated private tour of Izamal:

Izamal Magic Town and Mayan Handcraft Workshop Private Tour

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Izamal:

Hotel Hacienda Izamal

When it comes to archeological sites in Mexico, most visitors to the Yucatán Peninsula focus only on Chichen Itza. But there are other sites that are interesting to visit too, such as the archeological site of Uxmal. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ideal destination for families interested in learning about Maya civilization. 

Notable structures at Uxmal are the Governor’s Palace, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the Ballcourt. The site was built by the Maya people and showcases their impressive engineering and architectural skills. According to Mayan records, Uxmal was created around 500 AD (though most construction occurred in the 800s and 900s) and was once a thriving city that housed around 15,000 people.

Uxmal is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, and visitors can enjoy guided tours or explore the site on their own.

Book this highly rated tour of Uxmal and the nearby Choco Story:

UXMAL and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote Private Tour

Stay at this highly rated historic hotel near Uxmal:

Hacienda Uxmal Plantation & Museum

15. Ek Balam

Another noteworthy archeological site to visit for your Yucatan itinerary is Ek Balam. This site is located just north of Valladolid, and was most prominent during the years of 770-840 CE.

Like other archeological sites in Mexico, Ek Balam has plenty of impressive architecture, including the imposing Acropolis pyramid, which stands over 100 feet tall. The Acropolis also has a tomb of a Mayan king, Ukit Kan Lek Tok’. 

Ek Balam is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. Visitors can take guided tours or opt to explore the site on their own. There is also a nearby cenote, called Cenote Xcanche, that features a zipline. And don’t forget to visit the nearby town of Ek Balam, where you can buy affordable hand-woven hammocks from local Mayan artisans.

Visiting Ek Balam offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Maya people while exploring an impressive archeological site. It’s an unforgettable destination for families who want to learn about Mayan culture.

Book this highly rated tour to visit the community of Ek Balam, as well as the pyramid and cenote: 

Visit to the Community of Ek Balam, Cenote & Pyramids Tour

16. Cenotes

No Yucatan itinerary would be complete without a visit to one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s many cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are found in this part of Mexico and are believed to have been formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes the underlying groundwater. 

In addition to being naturally beautiful, cenotes are also culturally significant to Mayan culture. For ancient Mayan communities, cenotes were considered sacred. Many still hold spiritual and cultural importance for the local Mayan communities today. 

Many cenotes are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, allowing families to explore the natural beauty of the underground rivers and caves. Here are the ten most popular cenotes to visit in Yucatan with kids:

• Dos Ojos (near Tulum)
• Azul (between Akumal and Playa del Carmen)
• Hubiku (near Valladolid)
• Yal-ku (near Akumal)
• Multum Ha (between Valladolid and Tulum)
• Hacienda Mucuyche (south of Merida)
• Saamal (near Valladolid)
• Xcajum (near Valladolid)
• Xlacah (north of Merida)
• Il Kil (near Chichen Itza)

Book this highly rated private Cenote tour:

The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman

17. Celestun

For families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, head to Celestun, located on the western side of Yucatan state. It's known for its natural beauty and interesting wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

A highlight of Celestun is the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a vast array of wildlife, including hundreds of species of birds, crocodiles, and pink flamingos. Families can take a guided boat tour through the reserve to see these animals up close and learn about the unique ecosystem of the area.

Another highlight of Celestun is its beautiful beaches, which offers opportunities for families to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. Overall, Celestun is an excellent destination for families seeking an outdoor adventure and a chance to experience the nature of Mexico. 

Book this tour to see flamingos in Celestun:

Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Celestun:

Hotel Beach Don Gonzalo

Yucatan itinerary for Campeche state

If you’re wanting a more off-the-beaten-path destination during your visit to Yucatan with kids, head to the state of Campeche, located on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula. Campeche offers a great mix of colonial and pre-hispanic history, as well as stunning nature.

During your Yucatan itinerary in Campeche state, be sure to visit the colorful colonial city of Campeche, as well as the ancient Mayan archeological site of Edzna. Also be sure to take a trip to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve to experience the biodiversity of the region and explore even more Mayan ruins. 

Read more to see why you don’t want to miss a visit to Campeche state during your trip to the Yucatan with kids.

18. Campeche

For a visit to a colonial city during your Yucatan itinerary that’s packed with cultural and historical heritage, head to the city of Campeche. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche is home to a large number of historical monuments, churches, and forts that reflect the city's colonial past. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Besides historical monuments, families can also enjoy strolling along the city’s Malecon. Alternatively, spend an evening enjoying the lively street life of Campeche’s Zona Centro. There are also plenty of great restaurants for families to sample local Campechano cuisine.

Campeche City is an excellent  jumping off point for adventuring through the rest of Campeche state. Take day trips out to nearby beaches, or Mayan archeological sites like Edzna, Becan, Chicanna. 

Book this highly rated private walking tour of Campeche:

Half Day Private Tour of Campeche, the Walled City

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Campeche: 

Gamma Campeche Malecon

If you’re in the mood for ancient history while visiting Campeche on your Yucatan itinerary, head to Edzna, an ancient Mayan archaeological site located 52 km from Campeche city. Edzna was a significant political and economic center for the Mayan civilization, and was established around 600 BC. 

The archaeological site features several impressive architectural structures, including the Great Acropolis, the Temple of the Masks, and the Ball Court. The buildings are adorned with intricate carvings and impressive stucco facades. 

The Edzna archaeological site is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, and the entrance fee is approximately $5 USD per person. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen.

Stay at this highly rated hotel near Edzna: 

Hotel Los Cedros Uayamon

20. Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

For a nature fix during the Campeche portion of your Yucatan itinerary, head to Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a fantastic destination for families looking to immerse themselves in nature and learn about ancient civilizations. Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is home to the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul. Families can explore the ruins and learn about the Mayan culture of the region.

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species (around 70,000!), including jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys. The reserve is also home to a wide variety of bird species (including ocellated turkeys, crested guans, toucans, and parrots), making it a popular destination for birdwatching.

The reserve is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Calakmul Biosphere Reserve also offers families an opportunity to learn about the local culture and traditions as the reserve is home to several indigenous communities.

Visitors are advised to bring insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and sturdy shoes when visiting the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. The best time to visit the reserve is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. 

Stay at this highly rated hotel in Calakmul:

Hotel Maya Balam

Book this highly rated tour to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve:

Calakmul Excursion

Check out more Yucatan Peninsula spots for your multiple week Mexico itinerary!

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Sample Yucatan itinerary for visiting Yucatan with kids

Now that you have some ideas of where to visit in the Yucatan with kids, it’s time to build the perfect Yucatan itinerary for you! Mix and match the spots we’ve shared above to find ones that fit your family’s preferences.

To help you with your itinerary planning, I’ve put together some sample itineraries based on different travel styles. I’m defaulting to a 14 day Yucatan itinerary. But if you have more time to spend in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’re welcome to add in more days to each destination, or add more destinations to your itinerary.

Yucatan with kids highlights itinerary

If you’re looking for the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, check out this Yucatan itinerary. This itinerary includes a mix of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities, giving families a diverse and exciting experience of the Yucatan Peninsula.

• Cancun (Day 1)
• Tulum (Day 2)
• Chichen Itza (Day 3)
• Merida (Day 4-5)
• Campeche (Day 6-7)
• Celestun (Day 8)
• Progreso (Day 9)
• Valladolid (Day 10)
• Playa del Carmen (Day 11-12)
• Cozumel (Day 13)
• Cancun (Day 14)

Riviera Maya Yucatan itinerary

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline in the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, extending south from Cancun to Tulum. This Yucatan itinerary focuses solely on destinations within the Riviera Maya. It offers a perfect blend of sun, sand, history, and culture, giving visitors an unforgettable experience of the Yucatan Peninsula.

• Isla Holbox (Day 2-3)
• Isla Mujeres (Day 4-5)
• Playa del Carmen (Day 6-8)
• Playa Cozumel (Day 9-10)
• Tulum (Day 11-12)
• Cancun (Day 13-14)

Yucatan itinerary for history and culture

As you’ve seen from this post, there’s more to the Yucatan Peninsula than beautiful beaches. The region is also rich with history and culture. For families looking for a more culturally immersive experience on a multiple day Yucatan road trip or vacation, this Yucatan itinerary is a perfect way to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

• Merida (Day 1-2)
• Campeche (3-4)
• Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (Day 4)
• Edzna (Day 6)
• Uxmal (Day 7)
• Izamal (Day 8)
• Chichen Itza (Day 9)
• Valladolid (Day 10-11)
• Ek Balam (Day 12)
• Merida (Day 13-14)

Mayan Train Yucatan itinerary

The Mayan Train , also known as the Tren Maya, is a proposed railway project in Mexico (set to complete in September 2023) that aims to connect popular tourist destinations within the Yucatan Peninsula. 

While the Mayan Train is intended to boost tourism and make travel around the region easier, there has been controversy surrounding the Mayan Train’s environmental footprint and impact on indigenous communities. Take some time to learn about the communities and areas impacted by this project. 

This Yucatan itinerary focuses on major stops along the Mayan Train route. It can also make an excellent Mexico road trip itinerary too.

• Cancun (Day 1-2)
• Valladolid (Day 3)
• Chichen Itza (Day 4)
• Izamal (Day 6)
• Merida (Day 6-7)
• Campeche (Day 8-9)
• Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (Day 10)
• Bacalar (Day 11)
• Tulum (Day 12)
• Playa del Carmen (Day 13)

Slow travel Yucatan itinerary

The best way to experience the Yucatan Peninsula is to take it slow. If you are filling a multiple week Yucatan itinerary, rather than jumping from one city to the next every other day, slow down the pace and focus on one city in each state. 

This Yucatan Peninsula itinerary gives families a chance to dive deeper into this wonderful part of Mexico.

• Campeche (Day 3-6)
• Merida (Day 7-8)
• Playa del Carmen (Day 9-13)
• Merida (Day 14) 

Why you should go to the Yucatán with kids

Beach lovers will enjoy spending time in the region’s beautiful beaches. And for those who love to snorkel, the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are teeming with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The region’s many cenotes also offer families a chance to experience some unique natural wonders.

If you’re looking for a fantastic destination to visit with kids of all ages, the Yucatán Peninsula is it. With a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, the Yucatan offers a unique and enriching travel experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

For families seeking a cultural experience, the Yucatán offers plenty of opportunities for families to learn about Mayan culture, both past and present. There really is something for everyone in the Yucatán Peninsula!

Packing tips for a Yucatan itinerary

When preparing for your Yucatan itinerary, make sure you have the basic travel essentials. If you’re planning to spend time at the beach, be sure to bring a beach blanket and reef-safe sunscreen. For snorkeling activities, you should be able to rent snorkel gear while you’re there. 

Most supplies are readily available in the Yucatan Peninsula, including first aid gear, baby gear, and a SIM card. However, there are some things that you’ll want to get ahead of time. Be sure you get these items for your Yucatan Peninsula trip:

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage

Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes

KEEN Kid's Newport Sandal

If you’re doing family travel with young kids, know that some of the streets may have uneven walking terrain. It’s helpful to bring a backpack carrier if your little one is light enough. While it’s possible to bring a compact stroller for your vacation to Yucatan with kids, it might not be ideal depending on where you go. 

Buy one of these highly recommended baby carriers or strollers for your trip:

Kelty Journey Perfect Fit Elite Child Carrier

Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

Thule Spring Compact Stroller  

Other things to know for a Yucatan itinerary

Before jetting off on your trip to the Yucatan with kids, familiarize yourself with some helpful tips and basic facts. Understanding the best time to go to the Yucatan, how to get there, how to get around, and what to pack will be extremely helpful in planning a Yucatan itinerary that’s perfect for your family.

And to really make the most of your visit, understanding the region’s history and culture will be helpful as well. Here are some Mexico travel tips you should know for a great trip to the Yucatán Peninsula.

How to get to Yucatan with kids from outside of Mexico

The best way to get to the Yucatán Peninsula from outside Mexico is by airplane. The major international airports in the Yucatán Peninsula are Merida International Airport and Cancun International Airport.  

An alternative way to come to the Yucatán Peninsula from Central America is via the land borders. Border crossings can be found along the borders of Guatemala and Belize. Visit the Banjercito website for more information on border crossings.

Cruise ships also make ports of calls in various ports around the Yucatán Peninsula. Cozumel, Progreso, and Cancun are popular cruise ship destinations.

All international travelers require a passport to enter Mexico. All travelers, including travelers from visa-free countries, need to fill out a form, called an FMM, before entering the country. Most inbound flights will provide this form to you before landing.

Getting to and getting around Yucatan with kids from within Mexico

Getting to the Yucatán Peninsula from within Mexico is relatively easy. Mexico has airports throughout the country that fly into Merida and Cancun. Popular domestic airlines include AeroMexico, AeroMar, Volaris, and VivaAerobus.

There is also a fairly extensive bus system. The buses that operate in the Yucatan Peninsula include ADO bus or OCC bus (managed by ADO). ADO has more schedule options, and the cost can range from 375 to 600 pesos (roughly $18.75 to $30 USD). Check rates on their website.

Another option is to rent a car and do an ultimate Yucatan road trip. If you’re planning on getting a rental car for a Yucatan road trip itinerary, you should also purchase insurance along with the rental. 

If you have a USA driver’s license, you won’t need an international driver permit (IDP) to get to drive around the Yucatán Peninsula. However, nationals from other countries may need to get an IDP before coming to Mexico in order to legally drive.

Best time to visit Yucatan with kids

The Yucatán Peninsula has a tropical climate, with generally high temperatures and humidity levels compared to other parts of Mexico. 

The best time to visit Yucatán with kids is during the dry season, which typically runs from November through April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit and 17-36 degrees Celsius. 

While the months of May and July are typically the hottest months of the year, the rainy season actually runs from May to October and can bring heavy rains. Hurricane season runs typically from July to October. If you’re planning your Yucatan itinerary during that time, be sure to be prepared for the weather. 

Getting to know Mexican culture and history

If you’re planning to visit this part of Mexico, take some time to learn about the Yucatán Peninsula’s culture and history. 

The area was first inhabited by the Maya people group around 2500 BC. Ancient Mayan cities like Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic sites in the region, were prominent around 250-800 CE. The peninsula was later colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, and it became an important center of the colonial era, with cities such as Merida and Campeche flourishing.

Today, Mayan culture is still alive and well in the Yucatán Peninsula. And there are plenty of ways to experience the culture. You can visit Mayan villages, sample traditional cuisine, and take part in ceremonies like a traditional temazcal . And if you want to get a general overview of Mexican culture before your trip, why not read some books about Mexico with your kids!

Planning to go to Mexico City too? Check out this Mexico City itinerary !

Creating the perfect Yucatan itinerary

Visiting the Yucatan with kids is an experience that the whole family will cherish for years to come. With a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, the Yucatan offers something for everyone. 

Whether your Yucatan itinerary is filled with visits to ancient Mayan ruins, swims in stunning cenotes, or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches, there is no shortage of activities for kids and adults alike. With its warm climate, deep history, and breathtaking natural beauty, the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect destination for a family vacation that your kids will never forget.

Want to experience more of Mexico? Check out these ideas:

Best 10 Day Mexico Itinerary For Families: 4 Ideas For The Perfect Mexico Family Trip

15 Safest Cities in Mexico To Travel: Safe Places in Mexico For Travel

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We love nature/wildlife/outdoor activities. Are interested in a beach since it is likely that Sargassum will impact the beaches in Akumal while there. We'd prefer somewhere off the beaten path as we know Akumal is well trodding by tourist.

We have been to Isla Mujeres , and loved it, but would like to visit somewhere different this time around. We will most likely rent a car . We're considering El Cuyo for beach, but are worried there won't be much to do for our kids. Have also talked about Valladolid to see the city/cenotes, but then are missing out on the beach. Isla Holbox looks interesting but a little pricey to reach.

Does anyone have recommendations on the aforementioned, or an alternative? If so any activities you'd recommend in the areas?

Thanks in advance.

2 replies to this topic

Well that limits your options and takes off the obvious places of Coz and PDC.

Just about the only thing left would be Rio Lagartos??

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Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

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A New Train Is Opening Up the Yucatán, for Better or Worse

When it’s a quick trip from the schlocky pleasures of Cancún to the remote cities of the Maya, is something lost along the way?

Cenote Zaci near Valladolid, Mexico. Credit... Matthew Pillsbury for The New York Times

Supported by

Photographs by Matthew Pillsbury

Text by Nicholas Casey

• March 21, 2024

El Tren Maya, which links five states in southern Mexico, is one of the country’s most-debated infrastructure projects. Carved through the Yucatán Peninsula at great expense, the 966-mile loop pits the megaproject ambitions of Mexico’s departing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, against the will of environmentalists and Indigenous leaders seeking to preserve a pristine environment of jaguars, ancient ruins and sacred underwater caves.

The route, which partly opened in December and is expected to be in full service this year, includes a stop at Cancún International Airport, the second-busiest airport in Mexico and a gateway for international tourism, making it possible for sightseers to journey quickly from the schlocky pleasures of Señor Frogs to remote cities of the late-classic Maya. Along the way, they might stay over in the likes of Mérida, a city of stately limestone palaces once called the Paris of Mexico, or spend the night en route in private sleeping cabins traveling at nearly 100 miles per hour.

In the 19th century, the British artist and explorer Frederick Catherwood portrayed Uxmal, a gorgeous ancient city with pinkish stone structures, with only a few human figures gracing the landscape. This year, the photographer Matthew Pillsbury traveled the Tren Maya route to document the changing sites along the way, including Uxmal. An archaeologist there told him that thousands of people visit every year now, and that the train is expected to bring millions in the years to come.

Pillsbury has long focused on the ways technology changes our lives. He often uses long exposures to show how some people, marked by long, ghostly shadows, move through their environment and how others stay put. “Often the people who stop,” Pillsbury said, “are themselves in the process of photographing or being photographed.”

One picture that inspired him during his journey was a photo of his great-grandfather ascending an Egyptian pyramid with just a few friends, something that is no longer possible because of the crush of tourism. Pillsbury thought of his own recent experience climbing a temple in a remote site called Edzná, also on the route of El Tren Maya. He saw only three other tourists that day. There is going to be a time, he said, when we are going to have memories of some of these places and think back and say, “That’s crazy that I was at Edzná then, and there was no one else that day.”

On the Route of El Tren Maya

Matthew pillsbury visited stops from valladolid to palanque to cancún, a circuit of nearly a thousand miles. this is what he saw., ● valladolid.

Traveling the Tren Maya loop counterclockwise, starting and ending in Cancún in the northeast, Pillsbury first came to Valladolid, a bustling colonial city. Travelers often stay overnight as they visit sites like Cenote Oxman, one of the thousands of natural sinkholes connected by underground rivers across the Yucatán Peninsula.

● Chichén Itzá

One of the “Seven Wonders of the New World,” Chichén Itzá is about 45 minutes by car from Valladolid, the nearest major town. Many tourists take the bus in the early morning from Cancún and back again that same evening — about six hours round-trip. Spectacular ruins like El Castillo, above, have already made it one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.

Izamal has been continuously occupied for more than a thousand years, first by Maya, then by Franciscan monks, who built their monastery on the foundation of an ancient citadel . Visitors to the bustling central marketplace can walk to some of the most important sites in Mayan history within just a few minutes.

One legend has the Pyramid of the Magician, in Uxmal, being built overnight by supernatural means. The ancient city, a short drive from Maxcanú, was abandoned after the 10th century A.D. for reasons unknown. The UNESCO World Heritage Convention notes that many of its impressive architectural features remain well preserved because of “ the region’s remoteness and sparse population. ”

Edzná re-emerged from history slowly, first as a mere mention by the German explorer Teobert Maler in 1887, then in a report by local workers in 1906 and finally by way of a formal investigation by the Mexican archaeologist Nazario Quintana Bello in 1927. On the day Pillsbury visited, he saw only a handful of visitors.

Palenque — in Chiapas, at the southernmost end of a long spur of the Tren Maya loop — is one of the best preserved cities of the Classic Maya era. It first came to the attention of the Spanish in 1567, when a missionary named Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada heard rumors of an abandoned city from the Chol Indians he was attempting to convert.

Rancho Encantado, a low-key hotel on Bacalar Lagoon in Quintana Roo, near Mexico’s border with Belize. The pace of development here has not yet reached the fever pitch of beach towns farther up the Riviera Maya.

Tulum, on the other hand, has quickly developed from a quiet escape from the tourist bustle of Cancún to its own, somewhat higher-dollar major destination. Now the ancient Mayan city is walking distance from a thriving beach scene.

● Playa del Carmen

The display over this shop in Playa del Carmen, once a quiet fishing village and now one of Quintana Roo’s biggest cities, is made up of hundreds of little sombreros.

● Cancún Aeropuerto

In the late 1960s, technicians with the Mexican government began feeding data into a computer program to help determine the best place to build a resort town from scratch . The answer came back: Cancún. From an empty beach in 1972, the planned city has become a wildly popular tourist destination. Now millions of visitors every year can travel back into history on the Tren Maya — or enjoy more modern pastimes at Coco Bongo Beach Party and its partner, Coco Bongo Nightclub.

Nicholas Casey is a staff writer for the magazine. He was previously the Madrid bureau chief for The Times and a foreign correspondent based in Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Israel. Matthew Pillsbury is an American photographer known for long exposures. He has photographed big cats in Philadelphia and natural cityscapes in Singapore for previous Voyages issues.

Nicholas Casey is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. He has spent a decade as a foreign correspondent in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East and wrote about national politics during the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign. More about Nicholas Casey

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