Are you planning a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and wondering where to start? Look no further than my ultimate guide to exploring the region! With its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, the Yucatan Peninsula is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
I still remember planning my first trip to Mexico back in 2013. Although I had heard a lot about the country from the locals, I was not sure which places in this huge and diverse country I should visit first. When I think about it today I can only smile, because now I know the answer. Having visited numerous Mexican cities, when somebody asks me: “I only have a week in Mexico, where should I go?”, my go-to suggestion is to visit the southern region of the country and explore the stunning Yucatán Peninsula made up of three states – Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche.
- Why should I go to the Yucatán Peninsula?
- Best time to visit Yucatan Peninsula
- How to get to Yucatan Peninsula?
- Where to stay in Yucatan: Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
- What to see in Yucatan Peninsula?
Chichen Itza
Tulum
Cenonetes Azul & Cristalino
Xcaret Park - What to eat in Yucatan Peninsula?
Why should I go to the Yucatán Peninsula?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a stunning destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in vibrant culture, the Yucatan Peninsula has it all.
One of the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula is its rich history. The region is home to many ancient ruins, including the iconic city of Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited attractions in Mexico, and for good reason. The famous pyramid is a real must-see.
But the Yucatan Peninsula is not just about history – it also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. The town of Tulum is known for its stunning coastline and well-preserved ruins, while the secluded island of Holbox offers a peaceful retreat with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.
If you’re looking for culture, the Yucatan Peninsula does not disappoint. The cities of Merida and Valladolid offer a glimpse into traditional Mexican life, with colorful colonial buildings, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals. And of course, no trip to the Yucatan Peninsula would be complete without sampling the local cuisine.
Overall, the Yucatan Peninsula is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Mexico. With its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit Yucatan?
The “dry” and at the same time the peak season for Yucatan travel spans from November to April. I was in the region twice and I always stayed there in December. To my suprise the season was not as dry as I thought. In the third week of December the weather was really great, but after just a couple of days it started to rain a lot and it was even cold. During the peak season, the accommodation prices are really high, and you’ll have to pay extra for flights and hotel reservations.
I would not recommend you to visit the region between May and July because it can get really hot. Remember that this part of Mexico is located in the tropical zone.
Yucatan experiences hurricane season from June to November, with a greater chance of storms occurring from August to October. However, they are infrequent. In the last 30 years, the area has encountered only two hurricanes. This is why alternatively you can also think about visiting Yucatan for example in September. It is the beginning of the fall season, with very warm sea temperatures and way better prices.
How to get to Yucatan?
From my experience, either if you are coming from abroad or are already in Mexico, the most efficient and the safest way of transportation are planes. The country is really huge, and it takes over 6 hours to fly from the north to the south. This is why
I would not recommend you to travel by car.
Mexico has dozens of international and domestic airports. Among the airports in the Yucatán region are Cancún (CUN), Cozumel (CZM), and Mérida (MID)
Most of the tourists fly directly to the Cancun International Airport – the second biggest airport in the country.
Where to stay in Yucatan? Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
For those planning a trip to Mexico, one question often arises: where should I stay? While Cancun and Playa del Carmen are popular choices among tourists, each offers a distinct experience.
Cancun is perfect for those who enjoy big all-inclusive hotels with a party atmosphere. Its location close to the airport also makes it a convenient choice for some visitors.
On the other hand, Playa del Carmen offers a more traditional, laid-back vibe with a small-town feel. It’s less commercialized than Cancun and has a range of local restaurants, shops, and beautiful beaches. This town is perfect for travelers looking to experience local culture and customs while still having access to modern amenities.
Personally, I prefer staying in Playa del Carmen because of its authentic charm and easy access to the rest of the region. With plenty of options for exploration and relaxation, it’s a great base for your Yucatan Peninsula adventure.
What to see in Yucatan?
- Chichen Itza, Yucatán, Mexico – the New World Wonder
For travelers venturing to the southern region of Mexico, Chichen-Itza is an absolute must-visit destination. This exceptional Mayan center, located in the Yucatan peninsula, has been shaped by diverse cultures throughout its 1,000-year lifespan. Its breathtaking stone monuments and artistic works offer a glimpse into the visionary Maya and Toltec perception of the world and the universe. The city’s fusion of Mayan construction techniques with central Mexican elements serves as a testament to the Mayan-Toltec civilization. With a history shrouded in mystery, the Mayan culture depicted in movies such as “2012”, “Apocalypto” and “Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of Crystal Skull” continues to captivate people.
Chichen Itza is accessible by a three-hour drive from Playa del Carmen, either by car or bus. Alternatively, you may opt to book an organized tour through a local travel agency, but it’s crucial to select a reputable company. Prior to booking, it’s recommended to review the latest feedback on Google as we failed to do so on our trip, resulting in a disastrous experience.
Try to get to Chichen Itza as early as possible, because it can get really crowded and hot. Chichen Itza opens every day from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The last entrance is at 4 pm and its daily limit is 3,000 visitors per day.
You can get the tickets on site, but remember that you would need to queue twice, as the admission fee includes two tickets:
- The Ruins entrance INAH ticket
- The Ruins entrance CULTURE ticket (Yucatan State)
General Admission
From Tuesday to Saturday
General Admission: $708 MXN
Sunday
General admission: $450 MXN
Mexican citizens: $350 MXN
Ticket prices are subject to change, therefore, it’s recommended to check the official museum page. for the latest pricing information.
To save time, you have the option to purchase a skip-the-line ticket online.
For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Chichen Itza, it’s possible to hire a local tour guide on-site. Our guide was really friendly and he was able to answer all of my questions.
- Tulum
The Yucatan Peninsula is steeped in ancient Mayan history, and you can explore the remnants of this fascinating civilization at dozens of archeological sites throughout the region. Another place that you should not miss are Mayan ruins in Tulum, famous for cliffside views of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is the 3rd most visited Archeological Site in México after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza with more than 2 million visits per year. The ruins can be found on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula within the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, located only 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen. In my opinion this is one of the most breathtaking places in the world.
The location of the Tulum Ruins is arguably its biggest drawcard. Positioned on a bluff that faces the rising sun, this Maya ruin is the only settlement located on the Caribbean’s sandy beaches. Visitors continue to be captivated by the stunning views, making it a must-visit destination in the Riviera Maya.
To enter the Tulum Ruins, the access fee is approximately $35-40 pesos, with an additional fee of $30 pesos for video cameras. The site is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and includes a tour guide service within the price. Alternatively, if you prefer to skip the lengthy queues, priority tickets can be purchased for expedited entry.
- Cenotes Azul & Cristalino
Have you ever heard about cenotes? They are “natural sinkholes filled with freshwater that have opened up below the earth’s surface”. Can you imagine swimming in the underground cave?
For the Mayan civilization, cenotes were the sole source of water in the jungle and held immense cultural and spiritual significance. The Mayan believed that cenotes were portals to their “underworld” or “Xibalba,” where their deities dwelled, and their spirits linger after death, making them sacred sites to the Mayan people.
The Yucatan region boasts numerous unique cenotes for visitors to explore. For those with ample time, the famous Route of Cenotes offers a chance to discover a variety of these natural wonders.
This was an incredibly cool experience and definitely a must-do!
- Xcaret Park
If you have already been to the South of Mexico, you might have heard about an incredible nature theme park – Xcaret Eco Park, located in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya. This eco-archaeological water park with more than 50 natural and cultural attractions is a must see destination and you should not miss it during your trip to the Riviera Maya. It is situated 60 km south of Cancun International Airport, 6 km from Playa del Carmen and 57 km north of Tulum. It takes about an hour to drive to Xcaret from Cancun.
More information about Xcaret you can find in my previous article.
What to eat in Yucatan?
The unique cuisine of the Yucatan state blends a variety of ingredients from both Mayan and European culinary traditions. Mayan staples like corn, chocolate, wild turkey, squash, chiles, and tomatoes are combined with Spanish pork, oranges, and Dutch Edam cheese to create distinctive regional dishes. The most famous dish of the Mayan origin is cochinita Pibil. Cochinita pibil is a dish made by marinating suckling pig in citrus juice, garlic, and achiote paste with an orange hue. The marinated meat is then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted using a traditional Mayan cooking method. Something that I still miss after coming back home are Marisquitas – a typical crepes style dessert that cannot be found anywhere else in Mexico.
- Tacos de cochinita Pibil.
- Seafood tacos & ceviche
- Tamales (inc. tamales with fruits)
- Mariquitas
- Enchiladas
- Huevos Motuleños
- Chilaquiles
If you are staying at Playa del Carmen, I would recommend you getting a table at the famous restaurant La Cueva del Chango. We went there for breakfast, but the place also offers lunch and it is really popular among locals. I really loved their fresh juices and my traditional mole with chicken. Chilaquiles were also amazing. Maybe in the future I will write a separate article about Mexican cuisine.
In summary, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a paradise for travelers who crave sun, sand, culture, and adventure. Book your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.