10 Best Places to Visit in the Yucatan
Ever since we first visited the Yucatan Peninsula over a decade ago, my family and I have been enthralled with its diversity. It is a fascinating area, and there are so many places to visit in the Yucatan.
Sadly, much of it is unknown to visitors to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the other holiday spots along the Riviera Maya.
No matter what your interests are, you won’t run out of things to do in this part of Mexico. We have been visiting Yucatan since 2012 and living here for the past 4 years. Yet there is still much to discover. We look forward to sharing some of the highlights below to help you expand your holiday fun when you travel to Yucatan.
Where is the Yucatan Peninsula and how big is it?
Before going any further, it’s worth explaining what the Yucatan Peninsula is. Millions of holiday-makers flock to the Riviera Maya every year. And Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are household names to many. Many might also know that the Riviera Maya is in the state of Quintano Roo.
But not so well-known is that the Riviera Maya is on the Yucatan Peninsula, which covers about 75,000 square miles (197,000 km2). The peninsula goes from the Caribbean coast east and takes in the states of Quintano Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche. (It also takes in much of Guatemala and Belize but I’m only covering the Mexican portion.)
This blog is about our favorate places in the Yucatan Peninsula and not just the Yucatan state. This means you will learn about many opportunities for adventure and many fascinating places to visit in Yucatan!
Many places to visit in the Yucatan – don’t miss anything!
If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s no better place to find it than in Yucatan.
We continue to find new thinsg about this beautiful region of Mexico. It is home to some of the most thrilling outdoor activities and excursions in the world. From zip-lining through the jungle to exploring ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone in Yucatan.
In this blog, I’ll cover the must-see places to visit in the Yucatan, along with the best excursions in the peninsula. I’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your outdoor activities and excursions. But if you simply want to relax, I’ll tell where you the best places are.
Safety in Mexico is a constant topic with tourists, for obvious reasons. Is Yucatan safe? The good news – if you follow some common-sense guidelines, yes, it is safe. I’ll give you great tips for traveling to the Yucatan and tips about keeping safe.
Top 10 Reasons to visit places in the Yucatan for Vacation
Let’s start. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit the Yucatan Peninsula for a vacation – in my order of preference!
1. World Class Beaches with white sand and blue waters
Yucatan is home to many beautiful world-class beaches, from the Caribbean coast to the Gulf of Mexico.
We have visited beaches around the world – from Australia, Philippines, Maildives, Africa and Europe – and it has to be said, there are few places that can beat the Mexican Caribbean.
You can relax in the sun or enjoy splashing about in the Caribbean in some of the most beautiful seas in the world. If you find the crowds at Cancun too much, relax on the beaches of Puerto Morales. Be quick – this is fast becoming a go-to destination. The mayor is spending heavily to bring the tourists.
And don’t forget the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico at Progreso or Sisal! These are not as good as the Caribbean but offer a much quieter beach experience.
2. Relaxation in all-inclusive luxury or simple retreats
In addition to all of the exciting activities available, Yucatan is also a great place to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Riviera Maya has stunning top-rate, world-class all-inclusive resorts to satisfy even the most determined.
Our first all-inclusive holiday was along the Riviera Maya and, to a great extent, it was the reason we decided to keep coming back!
But elsewhere, you can unwind in luxury or basic simplicity – the options are unlimited.
See 5 Best Places to Relax in the Yucatan
3. Adventure for all above and below ground
There are so many places to visit in the Yucatan for adventures – big or small. You can explore ancient ruins. Perhaps swim in underground cenotes (natural sinkholes) or, if you prefer the sun, enjoy water sports galore from the beach. Further afield, consider boat rides looking for crocodiles and flamingos. There are endless opportunities for adventure in Yucatan.
4. Water sports for all ages and skill levels
Between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, you have a huge choice of water-based activities. Whether you want to go swimming with whale sharks at Isla Holbox, snorkeling, scuba diving along the world-famous Mesoamerican Reef, fishing, or sailing, the water is yours to enjoy.
5. Delve into Culture, History, Ruins, and much more
Yucatan is rich in culture and history, most of which is unknown outside of the peninsula. The Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula, such as Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), are well-known. But there are many other archaeological places to visit in the Yucatan, and with smaller crowds. And don’t miss the Spanish influence, which left behind stunning haciendas. The architecture in the cities in the Yucatan peninsula will provide you with awesome photo opportunities.
Best Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan
Merida – Cultural Capital of Yucatan
Visiting Chichen Itza and enjoying it!
6. Unique Natural History in easy reach
The landscape of Yucatan is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the white sand beaches to the lush jungles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The biosphere reserves near Campeche or Tulum are a must for nature lovers. Rio Lagartos is famous for its bird life and the nearby pink salt lakes.
7. Yucatan’s Stunning Wildlife is waiting to be discovered
The wildlife in Yucatan is truly unique. From crocodiles and jaguars to monkeys and parrots, you have the opportunity to see some of the amazing animals of the Yucatan up close. And don’t forget the seas filled with colorful fish, waiting to be seen through a snorkel mask.
Wildlife in the Yucatan
Best Birdwatching Spots in Yucatan
8. Shopper’s Paradise – Markets, Souvenirs, Brands and Malls
Be sure to add extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs. I’ve learned this the hard way when my wife goes shopping in Yucatan! Keep a look out for the local crafts are amazing but you will also see handmade mementos from all over Mexico on sale here. The bigger cities in the Yucatan have malls, with high-end brand names.
Shopping in Yucatan – fun or frustrating?
Souvenirs to look out for in Yucatan
9. Yucatan food and drink to tempt your taste buds
The Yucatan peninsula is renowned for its unique cuisine, which blends Mayan and Spanish influences. With its long coastline, it’s no wonder seafood is a popular ingredient! The food is a delight and so are the local drinks. Don’t miss favorites like Xtabentún, a Mayan liquor with a mild aniseed taste, made from the honey of bees that feed on the xtabentún flower.
10. Easy day tours from Riviera Maya in Yucatan
With so many places to visit in the Yucatan, the opportunities for day trips, either as part of a group or by renting a car, are awesome.
Mayan ruins, gorgeous secluded beaches, cenotes – underground and above ground, cultural cities, amazing architecture, jungle, parks, theme parks – there is so much to do. Please click this link to find the best day tours from Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
The Mayan Railway opened at the end of 2023, with the idea of opening up the whole peninsula!
Sadly, this hasn’t happened yet. The rush to open has contributed to various teething problems. The prices are also not as low as they were originally supposed to be. However, when it does get finished, the Mayan Train will enable you to visit places you would not easily get access to.
These are my 10 best things to do in the Yucatan peninsula. You may discover others. If you want to get more detail on any of those mentioned, simply click on the links above and find out more – a lot more!
Let’s dive in for more detail about Yucatan and some extras, like tips on what to bring and staying safe while vising the Yucatan.
The Variable Climate in the Yucatan
If you’re coming on holiday, one of the first things you want to know about is the weather in the Yucatan peninsula.
Along the Caribbean coast, the Yucatan peninsula has a tropical climate and is known for its beautiful weather year-round. However, there are certain times of the year when the weather is especially nice.
The best time to travel to the Yucatan peninsula is during the dry season, which along the Caribbean coast runs from November to April. During this time, there is less rain and the temperatures are milder than they are during the wet season. August and September are normally the wettest months. With the increased humidity, the heat can feel a bit more oppressive but the sea breezes help offset this.
Inland and away from the Caribbean, the temperatures can be higher. This is where many of the cities and ruins, which are some of the more interesting places to visit in the Yucatan, are found.
Merida is the capital of Yucatan state and often feels hotter than most other parts of Yucatan. Merida regularly registers temperatures of 100f (38c) – or higher – for days at a time. This is more common between May and August – trust me, it can get very hot during these months! The cooler season in Merida is shorter than the coast, typically from December to end-February. These months are the best time to explore Merida.
Hurricanes and Floods
The Yucatan peninsula lies within the Atlantic Hurricane Belt. The storms come from the west and, due to the Yucatan’s flat topography, the storms can cause damage a little way inland.
Whichever part of the Yucatan you are in, even when it rains, the downpours normally only last an hour or two and then pass. On most days the sun will poke through the clouds. Drainage in many parts of the Yucatan is not great, so you should expect roads to be flooded for a few hours after a heavy rain storm.
The Geography of the amazingly flat Yucatan Peninsula
Overall, the Yucatan is flat. Very flat, with little or no topographical variation. The only notable hills are a small range called Puuc (which is, understandably, Mayan for hills) which only has a maximum elevation of about 500 feet (a few hundred meters).
Yucatan sits on a limestone plateau, covered with a relatively thin layer of topsoil. The porosity of the limestone means that there is little surface water and no rivers or streams except briefly after torrential rain.
The structure of the limestone has resulted in thousands of cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula and a large number of caves. One of these, Ox Bel Ha System, is one of the longest caves in the world at over 168 miles (270 kilometers) long.
Recently, its title of the longest cave system in Mexico was lost to the Sac Aktun system, which combines dry and underwater caves to make a total length of over 229 miles (368km). That makes it the world’s second-longest cave system (behind Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, USA) but the longest underwater system in the world.
Click for more details about the best cenotes in the Yucatan.
An Overview of the Troubled History of the Yucatan
The history of the Yucatan peninsula really starts with the Mayans. There are several museums in the area to give you an insight into Mayan life. Yucatan is also famous for its many Mayan sites, ranging from some excellent archaeological sites down to a simple small pyramid next to a village square (Acanceh). The best-known ruins in the Yucatan are Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, and Uxmal. If you’re interested in Mayan history, there are other places to visit in the Yucatan where you see Mayan villages still running the way they have for hundreds of years.
With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century, the Mayan civilization fell into increased chaos and warfare. The Spanish first attempt at colonizing Yucatan started in 1527 after permission was granted by the King of Spain. Unlike the swift overthrow of the Aztecs, the Yucatan Mayans took many years to subjugate. Yucatan peninsula history is peppered with ongoing uprisings against the conquerors and, later, the colonizing Spanish empire. These continued right up until the Caste War of Yucatán, which ran from 1847 to 1901. Yucatan only recognized the Mexican government in 1915. Even after that, the last skirmish of the rebellion was only in April 1933!
The long-running history of wars and uprisings in the Yucatan is responsible for the population of the peninsula even today regarding others (without malice) as “foreigners”. Mayan is still spoken, especially outside the larger towns.
Did you know the Dinosaur extinction is linked to the Yucatan?
Anyone with an interest in dinosaurs will be familiar with the Chicxulub Crater. According to scientists, the crater was created around 65 million years ago, when a massive meteor about six miles(10km) across hit the Yucatan peninsula. The impact resulted in a crater, thought to be over 100 miles (180km) across and 12 miles (20km) deep. The force of the impact is thought to be responsible for the extinction of most of the dinosaurs and the start of the age of mammals.
The Chicxulub Crater covers part of the Gulf of Mexico and north Yucatan. The nearest town is Progreso in Yucatan state. If you are interested in dinosaurs, you may enjoy a visit to “Meteorite Museum – The origin of new life” in Progreso. There are some great dinosaur statues around the town!
Click Here to Find 16 Things to do in Progreso or nearby
3 Important Tips for a great time in Yucatan
Traveling to any foreign country carries an element of risk and, for some, a bit of stress. Don’t worry. Yucatan is the safest part of Mexico for traveling. Several places to visit in the Yucatan are increasing their police presence to ensure visitor safety.
The news often portrays Mexico as a dangerous place. And in some parts, it is. But is the Yucatan peninsula safe for tourists? Yes. Yucatan is far from the normal crime hotspots. Merida is reported to be the safest city in North America!
I’ve found always the police in Yucatan to be friendly and helpful.
My tips for a great holiday are split into three sections: Basic safety / Driving tips / Basic travel tips. These will help you stay safe and have a stress-free vacation.
1. Basic Safety for enjoyable trouble-free visits to Mexico
Check the Travel Advisory Services before you travel. US State Department’s or the UK’s travel advisory for Mexico before you go. This will give you up-to-date information on any areas that should be avoided.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/safety-and-security
Use common sense when traveling. Keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don’t tempt others! Don’t flash expensive jewelry, cameras, or large quantities of cash. (Common sense!)
Have good travel insurance. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical, repatriation, theft, and loss of items.
Make sure your phone works in Mexico. If not, you can purchase local SIM cards for your phone so you can call or text in case of emergencies. This is particularly useful if you intend to hire a car.
Don’t wander into unsafe places. Avoid dodgy areas such as unlit back streets and quiet roads in bad neighborhoods – if you wouldn’t wander such places at home don’t do it on holiday! Criminals rarely operate in well-lit, busy areas.
Avoid bad people! I am reliably informed you can buy drugs easily in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Most of the crime in these areas is drug-related. Most serious tourist-related safety issues come from drug cartels. Avoid them and they will ignore you.
2. Driving Tips to keep you safe when driving in the Yucatan
Obey the law. Observe all speed limits and always drive defensively. The signposts are not always obvious and traffic lights/signals can be obscured by trees!
Never drink and drive. Breath tests are common, especially around holidays.
Always have enough gas in your tank. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before leaving your destination. Check the gas pump is at zero before the attendant starts filling your tank. Also, be careful when you are paying. Check the amount you owe on the pump and, if you can, give the attendant the correct money. If you need change, check it carefully in front of the attendant. A common scam in Quintano Roo is to shortchange the driver and claim you gave him a lesser amount. I’m normally careful but caught once in Tulum. By calling over the manager, I was able to get the right change but I’m told that doesn’t always work.
Don’t leave the scene of an accident. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive. Phone your (or the car hire) insurance company immediately and ask for instructions. They will probably send out an insurance assessor to sort out the liability and insurance. Under no circumstances leave the scene, even if the assessor is taking a long time to arrive.
Have emergency contact numbers handy. These are important in case of breakdowns or other emergencies, such as roadside assistance services, police departments, etc., when you may need help while traveling through Yucatan. There’s a great free roadside assistance group called the Green Angels.
3. Basic Travel Tips for Health and Hygiene
Drink only bottled water. Most of the tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Better hotels will provide bottled water.
Be careful with food. A bad stomach can ruin a great holiday. When eating out, stick to cooked foods that are served hot. Only eat food from reputable restaurants or street vendors. There is some great food available throughout the Yucatan, so don’t be scared to try it – just be careful.
Use insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be common during the rainy season. In Mexico, they can carry diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. To protect yourself, use an insect repellent that contains DEET. Apply it generously, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. I don’t bother but my wife gets bitten easily.
Don’t ignore the sun. The sun can be fierce in the Yucatan, so wear a good sunscreen and a hat. But if you’re visiting a cenote, make sure you are using an organic, reef-friendly make. Most cenotes are strict about the no regular sunscreen rule.
The Yucatan is an awesome place – Have a great time!
I’ve listed an overview of some great places to visit in the Yucatan. Click on the links to get full details and choose what suits you for a great holiday.
Remember, of all the tips – this is the most important:
Have fun! Remember, when you travel in the Yucatan it’s supposed to be an enjoyable experience so don’t take things too seriously. Relax and enjoy yourself!
If you want to know anything about the Yucatan, drop me a mail.
Don’t miss the exciting places to visit:
10 Best Things to Do in Merida
David H
After spending months in places like Playa del Carmen and Ajijic (near Lake Chapala, Guadalajara), my family and I have been living for the past four years in the Yucatan and enjoying this fabulous part of Mexico.
I've written many travel blogs for other travel sites over the years before starting Wonky Compass. I have three books published on Amazon.
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