guide voyage yucatan

• Mexico City
• Copper Canyon
• Guadalajara
• Huasteca Potosina
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• San Miguel de Allende
• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
• 10-Day Chiapas Road Trip
• 10-Day Copper Canyon by Train
• 10-Day Guanajuato Road Trip
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip
• Cozumel Island
• Isla Mujeres
• Holbox Island
• Playa del Carmen
• Punta Allen
• Puerto Escondido
• Hot Springs
• Mayan Ruins
• Mountains and Valleys
• Wildlife Experiences
• Best Mexican Foods
• Best Mexican Movies
• Best Books about Mexico
• Mexican Artists
• Mexico Fun Facts
• Mexico Historical Facts
• Mexican Holidays
• Day of the Dead in Mexico
• Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico

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
• 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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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.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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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Ultimate 2-Week Yucatan Itinerary in Mexico

Embark on an incredible journey to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: the Caribbean dream destination. From driving past the stunningly turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya to exploring ancient ruins and colorful colonial streets, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in this part of Mexico . Add the region’s delicious (street)food, remarkable large cenotes, and vast jungles, and you’re set for quite the adventure. Discover all the best spots with this ultimate 2-week Yucatan itinerary.

Two weeks in the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has an incredible range of destinations, from bustling tourist hubs like Cancun and Tulum to historic colonial cities like Valladolid and Merida. Though you can get around with public transportation, this Yucatan itinerary is best traveled by car, allowing you to hop between the region’s beautiful beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins. 

Tip: Many people speak English in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, but learning a few words in Spanish is always appreciated. Knowing how to greet people, order food and drinks, or ask for directions goes a long way!

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun

Start your Yucatan adventure in popular Cancun, known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and buzzing nightlife. As an iconic spring break destination, the city on the Caribbean coast immediately reveals one of the biggest draws to the region: the stunning turquoise sea. 

Take some time to recover from your flight by heading to the beach and grabbing some food at one of the restaurants. You’ll find the best beaches in the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) , a long strip of soft sands and high-rise hotels. 

Tip: If you have time, it’s also an option to travel directly to Tulum . The boho town has an airport , though it’s much smaller and has fewer flights than Cancun. 

Where to Stay in Cancun 

In Cancún, the buzzing Hotel Zone is the perfect place for beach lovers, with pristine shores and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more authentic local experience with traditional markets and restaurants, choose a hotel in downtown Cancun . 

Hotels in Cancun 😴

Day 2-3: Tulum

Just 2 hours south of busy Cancun, you’ll find the slower, laid-back town of Tulum. With incredible white-sand beaches, jungles, Mayan ruins, and unique hotels , it makes the perfect destination to unwind on your Yucatan travel itinerary. 

Soak up the sun on the famous Tulum Beach that lies in front of the resorts of the Hotel Zone . With incredibly blue water and powdery sand, it’s a real slice of paradise and one of the main reasons people visit the Caribbean town.

Afterward, depending on where you’re staying, have dinner in the Hotel Zone or head to the vibrant Tulum Centro for some yummy tacos. Downtown Tulum also makes the perfect place to go boutique shopping or find some cool souvenirs!

Join this local food tour or vegan food tour in Tulum .

Tulum Cenotes and Ruins

Take your time to explore the area; head off on a half-day trip to hidden cenotes (also the best way to cool down on your Yucatan itinerary!) or walk amongst the ancient Mayan ruins that sit perched on the coast’s cliffs. You can tour the Tulum pyramids on your own or book a tour to learn more about the Peninsula’s rich history.

Read: Best things to do in Tulum, Mexico

How to Get to Tulum

Tulum is only 2 hours away from Cancun and is easy to get to by bus, car, or taxi. Rent a car in Cancun and drive south along the stunning coastline. Alternatively, hop on one of the ADO buses that leave for Tulum at the main bus terminal downtown ( book your tickets here ). Traveling by bus is generally the cheapest way of getting around the Yucatan in Mexico.

We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Tulum

Tulum has new accommodations pop up everywhere in town, with many dotted along the coastline ( Hotel Zone ). Prices are a bit higher here, but hotels include different amenities and have direct access to the beautiful beaches. You can also find good apartments and hotels downtown (Centro). 

Hotels in Tulum 😴

Day 4: Day Trip to Sian Ka’an

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area on the Caribbean coast in Mexico, home to many animal species and stunning landscapes. Take a day to explore the jungle marshes, mangroves, cenotes, and vibrant blue lagoons in this protected UNESCO site.

Whether it’s relaxing in a hammock with your feet in the water of Laguna de Kaan Luum or walking through the jungle and past ancient Mayan ruins, Sian Ka’an offers a refreshing addition to your 2-week Yucatan itinerary. Cool off in the huge open cenote, float down man-made canals, and explore the Muyil ruins by booking an organized tour . 

Note: Due to the harsh chemicals in many sunscreens and bug sprays, you’re not allowed to wear them in the reserve (and many other places in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula). Instead, choose a non-toxic bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen .

Here are all your hotel options in Tulum.

Day 5-7: Bacalar (Highlight of Yucatan)

Discover the magical town of Bacalar, one of the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This beautiful destination is known for its freshwater lagoon with shockingly turquoise water and vibrant downtown. Though it’s growing in popularity, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem, making it a must-see on your Yucatan itinerary.

Read: Best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico

Spend a few days exploring the different corners of Bacalar and its surroundings, from deep open-air cenotes to powerful streams and the lagoon of seven different colors. Once you get to Bacalar, unwind at one of the beach clubs (Balnearios) at the lagoon’s edge and witness the beautiful sunset from the fortress downtown.

Kayak, Paddleboard , or Boat Tour on the Lagoon

Kayaking on the Bacalar Lagoon is easily one of the best things to do on a 2-week Yucatan itinerary. You can rent kayaks (or paddleboards) around the lake, including many Balnearios (200 – 300 MXN). Head out early to explore the island crops and ancient stromatolites.

Book an amazing sunrise paddleboard tour here

For a similarly relaxed experience, you can book a boat tour on the lake. There are many companies all around the lagoon offering 2-hour tours in a lancha (small boat) or ponton (pontoon). However, you can also hop on a sailboat or small catamaran for 3-4 hours. ( Book your tour here )

How to Get to Bacalar

If you’re renting a car in Mexico, make your way further south to Bacalar. From Tulum, it’s about a 3-hour drive through beautiful jungle roads. 

You also have the option to travel on the ADO bus that departs directly from Tulum. Though time-consuming (5+ hours), the buses are comfortable, safe, and easy to use. The bus drop-off in Bacalar is about 15 minutes from the town’s center. 

Book your bus tickets to Bacalar in advance

Where to Stay in Bacalar

The best place to stay in Bacalar is in the heart of town, where you find most hotels, restaurants, and the Bacalar park. From here, it’s only a short walk to the stunning lagoon. You can also book a boutique hotel or guesthouse directly on the lagoon, with private piers and stunning water views.

Hotels in Bacalar 😴

Day 8-9: Valladolid : A Yucatan Itinerary Must

On day 8 of your Yucatan travel itinerary, head to the beautiful Valladolid, which is full of color, culture, and history. When you arrive in the afternoon, explore the city’s rainbow-colored alleys and indulge in some delicious Yucateco dishes for dinner.

Read: Best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico

The next day, wander around the charming pastel streets, and explore the majestic San Servacio Cathedral, while you hunt for a yummy breakfast spot. From the restaurant patio, you can easily take in all the surrounding colonial architecture and lively marketplaces. Afterward, use the warm afternoon to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of nearby cenotes. ( Join this cenotes tour )  

Tip: Valladolid has a lovely cenote (Cenote Zaci) right in the center, only a short walk from the main square. This is a popular spot to visit but a must-see if you’re in the city!

How to Get to Valladolid

The colorful city of Valladolid lies about 4 hours away from Bacalar , meaning it’ll take a good chunk of your day to get there. You also have the option of the ADO bus to Valladolid. Note: There’s not always a direct bus route from Bacalar to Valladolid, so browse your options on the ADO site in advance.

Where to Stay in Valladolid

From colorful hostels to beautiful boutique hotels , there’s accommodation for every type of traveler in Valladolid. Most lie close to the center, making it easier to explore all the sites. What’s more, many include a delicious Mexican breakfast, too!

Hotels in Valladolid 😴

Day 10: Chichen Itzá

Close to Valladolid lies Mexico’s most famous Mayan site: Chichen Itzá. Perched between the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s impossible to visit the nearby city and not take a morning to visit this stunning complex. 

Made up of multiple Mayan ruins, Chichen Itzá is one of the largest Mayan cities to have ever existed and the most visited ancient site in Mexico . Rent a car or motorbike, or join a tour to Chichen Itza to visit the iconic historical remains, wandering between massive step pyramids and stone pillars. 

How to Get to Chichen Itzá

Chichen Itzá is about a 45-minute drive from Valladolid. Once you’ve arrived, most people spend about 2-3 hours walking around the large archeological site, either self-guided or on a guided walking tour.

Afterward, hop back in your vehicle and use the afternoon to explore some of the other beautiful sites in the area: the quaint town of Uayma, the Ek Balam ruins, or the Insta-famous Cenote Suytun.

Day 11-12: Isla Holbox

On the last leg of your two-week Yucatan itinerary, explore the sleepy beach town of Holbox. Here, soft sandy beaches and calm waters make the perfect location to soak up some last sun before returning home from Cancun. 

Read:  Top Things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico .

Relax on the island, lounging in a hammock with a delicious cocktail in hand, and listen to the sound of the waves. Days are slow here, but you can easily fill it up with some more excitement by going kayaking in the mangroves or cruising down the coast to Punta Mosquito . As you travel, take in the colorful murals spread across the little beach town, swim in the Caribbean Sea, and spot flamingos on the horizon. 

Tip: Isla Holbox sees some of the most vibrant bioluminescence at night! It’s worth booking a tour to walk or glide through the glowing waters to witness this incredible phenomenon.

How to Get to Holbox

From Valladolid, it’s about a 2-hour drive to get to Chiquilá, the port town where you can hop on a ferry towards Isla Holbox . Two ferry companies operate between the island and Chiquilá, leaving every 30 minutes all day long. The journey across only takes 15 minutes, and a roundtrip to Holbox costs about 400 MXN (23.30 USD). 

Book your ferry tickets in advance online

If you’re driving, you can park your car in Chiquilá, which costs about 200 MXN (11.61 USD) per 24 hours. Tip: Though it’s usually not a problem, it’s recommended to remove all your belongings from the car (learn more about travel safety ).

Where to Stay in Holbox

The peaceful atmosphere of Isla Holbox and its beachy location offer some incredible stays, from luxe eco-lodges to chill hostels with hammocks on the sand. The best area is right in the center near the ‘Holbox’ letters, close to all the things to do and many restaurants.

Hotels in Isla Holbox 😴

Alternative Option: Visit the City of Merida

If Valladolid has got you excited about colorful alleys, colonial architecture, and vibrant local music (and you want to see more), opt to visit Merida instead of Holbox. This city, known as the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, is rich with lively markets, Mayan heritage, and colonial streets. 

Dive into the delicious cuisine on lively patios while music plays and people dance in the background. Blending ancient history, rhythm, and modern energy, Merida is a must-see for those craving more local culture.

From Valladolid, it’s a 2-hour drive to Merida. Rent a car and drive yourself or book your bus tickets online .

Day 13: Return to Cancun

On your last full day in Mexico, grab a delicious coffee on Isla Holbox in the morning and ferry back to the mainland after. Once you get to Chiquilá, pick up your car from where you parked it and drive back to Cancun.

Tip: Take this day to relax before flying out the next day, stroll through Mercado 28, and shop for some last souvenirs.

How to Visit the Yucatan in 2 Weeks

Your 2-week Yucatan itinerary starts and ends in Cancun or Tulum, both of which have airports. 

Getting Around the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

For the ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a car in Mexico to complete your Yucatan itinerary in 2 weeks. This also gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore every destination you’d like. Besides, it’s often much faster and cheaper than taxiing or taking a tour .

Alternatively, you can book a taxi or private transfer or hop on the bus to get around. Though traveling by bus takes a bit longer than by car, the ADO bus network in the Yucatan Peninsula is very good, affordable, and comfortable.

Book your bus tickets online in advance

Our Favorite Accommodations for a 2-Week Yucatan Itinerary

Depending on your budget, there are many options for accommodation in the Yucatan, Mexico. For example, exclusive hotels , seaside resorts, lively hostels , or downtown apartments . Here are our favorites:

• Cancun:   Adhara Hacienda , Suites Malecon Cancun , Kin Ha Villas & Suites
• Tulum: Kai Tulum , Casa Ganesh Tulum , Meteora Tulum
• Bacalar: Hotel Sun Ha , Hotel CasaBakal , Hotel & Suite Oasis
• Valladolid:   Casa Tia Micha , Casa San Juan , Hostal Casa Xtakay
• Holbox: Dream Beachfront Hotel , Villas Margaritas , Casa Sofia

Is the Yucatan in Mexico Safe?

The Yucatan Peninsula is generally considered safe for travelers, with popular areas heavily patrolled by police to maintain security. However, like any other travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Luckily, due to its popularity, you’re rarely ever completely alone. You can also get a Mexico SIM card for added security and convenience.

Read more about how to travel safe

What to Know Before Your Yucatan Itinerary

Before you make your way through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and explore its stunning jungles, towns, and coastline, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind. That way, you can confidently travel while respecting its unique cultural and natural landscapes.

• Learn a few words in Spanish. Despite its growing popularity, some people in Mexico don’t speak English. However, local Yucatecans are known for their warmth and hospitality, especially towards visitors who show interest in their culture.
• Get a Telcel SIM card. Getting a local SIM is great for staying connected during your Yucatan itinerary of 2 weeks. The best mobile data company is Telcel; for only 200 MXN (~12 USD), you have 30 days of unlimited data for social media and 5GB for all other browsings. The card itself costs only 80 MXN (or you can buy an e-sim in advance ).
• Tipping is very common in Mexico. Sometimes, it’s already included in the bill, so make sure to check this before paying!
• Drinking alcohol on the street is illegal . Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and bars with beautiful patios to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on. 

• Bring a reef-safe sunscreen and non-toxic bug spray . Many areas in the Yucatan Peninsula are protected zones (cenotes, Sian Ka’an). To preserve this beautiful nature, they ask you not to wear any sunscreen, but sometimes a reef-safe option is allowed.
• Watch out for topes if you rent a vehicle. These inconspicuous ‘speed bumps’ are often found in and around towns and don’t always have a sign indicating them. They’re pretty high and can really pop out of nowhere – so keep an eye out!
• Don’t forget to try the different ‘antojitos’. These small dishes (mostly tacos and other small plates) are a must-try when traveling through the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Best Time to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula sees a warm tropical climate year-round, though the dry season offers more comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. This period is the best time to visit Mexico ’s Yucatan Peninsula and runs from the end of November to May (also the peak tourism season). 

The rainy season (May – October) sees more rainfall and has a higher chance of hurricanes, though travel is still possible with some planning. Keep in mind that some destinations, like Isla Holbox, are better to visit during the dry season to avoid mud and flooded streets.

How Much Do 2 Weeks in the Yucatan Cost?

Planning a 2-week Yucatan itinerary is guaranteed to be an adventure full of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture. Over the years, this particular area of Mexico has become incredibly popular, with many travelers seeking the Peninsula’s Caribbean atmosphere. However, costs can fluctuate depending on your travel plans and the season you visit. Here’s a quick overview of the average costs:

Costs of Traveling in Yucatan

Travel on a budget in Yucatan, from $480 − $560 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1050 − $2510 USD, and high-end from $2460 − $3650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $40 − $225 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $20 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $80 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $50 USD
• Activities: $15 − $60 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $10 − $30 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: Access to ATMs and the ability to use credit cards can vary, especially in more remote areas. Because of this, it’s good to carry enough cash with you on your Yucatan travel itinerary. Note that it’s best to withdraw in Mexican Pesos, though, in more tourist areas, US dollars might be accepted. Just make sure to double-check the exchange rate provided.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Yucatan via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

9 best things to do in valladolid, mexico, 10 best things to do in bacalar (mexico’s blue lagoon).

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Magical Yucatan Road Trip: Your 10-Day Itinerary for 2024

Embarking on a Yucatan road trip is a highlight of any trip to Mexico. In fact, for many people, seeing the sunbleached Mayan ruins and the quaint traditional villages nestled in the heart of the Yucatan is the entire reason that they decide to visit Mexico in the first place. 

This guide showcases a 10-day Yucatan road trip itinerary. It has been written by someone who actually lives in the Yucatan (me) and who has traveled to corners of the state that most people have never even heard of! 

10-14 days is a perfect amount of time for an initial trip to the Yucatan. However, if your schedule allows it, you could easily spend several months here, using the cultural capital of Merida as a base. After spending weeks in the region, you are still constantly discovering new places. 

Table of Contents

Your 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary 

This 10-day Yucatan road trip itinerary starts in the state’s cultural capital Merida. You can catch a direct international flight to Merida from several cities in the United States and Latin America. Alternatively, you can transfer within Mexico via either Mexico City airport or Guadalajara. Merida Airport (MID) is conveniently located in the heart of the city center, making it easy to get from here to your hotel on arrival. If it is easier for you to fly into Cancun, you can also do this itinerary in reverse, using Cancun as your starting point. 

Yucatan Itinerary Days 1-2: Merida & Surroundings 

Start your Yucatan road trip itinerary by exploring the region’s cultural capital Merida. For the time being, Merida still remains relatively off the main tourist trail of Mexico. Its historic center is arguably the most beautiful colonial settlement in Mexico. It is characterized by quaint, colorful houses that have been painted virtually every color of the rainbow, narrow cobbled streets that open out into grand piazzas, and old colonial mansions. There are plenty of things to do in Merida to keep you occupied for weeks. The city, known locally as ¨the white city¨ was founded by Montejo y León in 1542. Many of the old houses, haciendas, and former mansions in the historic center have been converted into fine-dining restaurants, boutique stores showcasing the works of independent designers and eclectic coffee shops. The likes of Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast have recognized Merida as one of the best cities in the world in 2022! Visit now before the hordes arrive.

Visit the ruins of Dzibilchaltun 

The ancient Mayan city of Dzibilchaltun sits in the northern part of Merida. It is easily accessible via bus or by Uber/Didi cab. The ruins are overlooked from most Yucatan itineraries, yet they are some of the most rewarding in the region. The name Dzibilchaltun means “writing on the flat stones” in Ancient Mayan. This is thought to point to the inscribed tablets that were found scattered around the site. The city dates back to around 200AD and at one point, was home to more than 25,000 people. There are several interesting pyramids and shrines scattered around the complex. Unlike the ruins at Chichen Itza, it is possible to climb and explore all of the structures at Dzibilchaltun. The most fascinating structure is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, believed to be dedicated to Yum Kax, the Mayan God of corn. The temple takes its name from seven crudely made clay dolls that were found inside. 

Admission to Dzibilchaltun is 282 pesos ($14) per person. You should also visit the on-site museum which provides more information and context. 

Explore the historic center of Merida 

Part of the fun of visiting Merida is simply found in taking the time to get lost in the various city streets and districts. Start by walking the Paseo Montejo – the main promenade that runs all the way from the center of town to the periferico in the north. In particular, you should look out for the giant Monument de la Patria. This towering monument depicting an indigenous Mayan man was created by Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo in 1956. At its rear, are 300 intricately carved smaller sculptures that depict historical events in Mexico through the centuries. On Sunday mornings, the Paseo Montejo is closed off to traffic so that pedestrians can walk or cycle along its length. This is a pleasant thing to do if your trip falls on a weekend. From the Paseo Montejo, continue onwards to the old squares of Merida. Admire the San Ildefonso Merida cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. The Iglesia de Santa Lucia is a magnificent church that dates back to 1620 and sits beside the central park of the same name

Meanwhile, the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden is a baroque-style church with indigenous influences that is quite unlike anything you will find elsewhere. When night falls, head to the bustling Parque Aleman in the northeastern part of the city center to hang out with locals and indulge in street food eats such as elotes, marquesitas, and esquites. 

Enjoy a beach day at Progreso or Yucalpeten  

The little beach town of Progreso is situated 30km away from Merida and is easily accessible via bus or Uber. It borders the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and boasts soft, powdery white sand that extends as far as the eye can see. Progreso may not exude the same desert island paradise feel that the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean do. But it provides some great respite from the heat and humidity of the Yucatan if you are looking for a day by the sea. Lay your towel down on the sand, or rent a sunbed and an umbrella from one of the local beach bars for a couple of pesos. Here, vendors walk up and down the beach selling fresh coconut and chicharron. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and stores for when you start to get hungry. El Cordobes (C. 80 38, Centro, 97320 Progreso) is a great place to stop for a traditional Mexican breakfast. Meanwhile, Crabster Progreso (C. 19 148a, Boulevard Turístico Malecón) serves fresh seafood prepared with only the latest catches. 

Progreso can get very crowded on Sundays when everyone is off work. Visit during the week for a quieter experience. Alternatively, you can head to Pig beach in Yucalpeten. The beach takes its name from 7 adorable little Vietnamese rescue pigs that live here. 

Think of it as being the Mexican version of Exuma in the Bahamas! Since being rescued, the pigs are now cared for by Progreso Ecological Patrol. They have adapted to their surroundings and love to swim in the warm waters of the Mexican Gulf. 

Sample traditional Yucatecan food   

Regional cuisine varies significantly from one part of Mexico to another. Yucatecan food is particularly unique and is likely very different from anything you have eaten before. 

The fascinating thing about this cuisine is how old it is. Many recipes are pre-Colombian and were invented by the Ancient Maya! Today, many of them are created using the same traditional methods that the Ancient Maya used all those centuries ago. You will not have to look far to find Yucatecan food in the Yucatan. However, several Merida restaurants stand out above the rest. For homely Yucatecan dishes in a restaurant predominantly frequented by locals, head to Habaneros (Calle 20-A Num 302 X 5b Y 5c, Xcumpich). For traditional food served in a gorgeous 16th-century hacienda, head to Hacienda Teya (Merida – Peto, Hacienda, 97370 Teya). 

Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida

The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida is without hesitation the best museum in Merida. Visiting the museum helps to give context to the various Mayan ruins that you will see around the Yucatan, and to gain a better understanding of the Mayan civilization. Over 1160 cultural objects are on display here. They range from textiles and traditional Mexican clothing to art pieces and artifacts recovered from ancient cities. 

The museum is not quite on the same scale as the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, but it is equally as worthy of your time. Admission is 150 pesos ($7.50) for foreign tourists, with concessions available for Mexicans and Yucatecans. 

Where to stay in Merida 

If you are only going to be in Merida for a couple of days, it is better to choose a central location when deciding where to stay in Merida . The Zocalo,  the Parque de Santa Lucia, and the Parque de Santa Ana all place you right in the heart of the action. From here, you have a plethora of shopping, dining, and nightlife choices right on your doorstep. If you prefer to be in a more rural setting, there are several Yucatan haciendas near Merida that offer the ultimate luxury stay. However, keep in mind that they are a little further out of the center. Hacienda Santa Cruz and Hacienda San Jose are arguably the two best choices less than 30 minutes away from the historic center. 

Best Hotels in Merida 

Merida offers a plethora of accommodation options for every taste, travel style, and budget. A selection of the best hotels in the city is shortlisted below for your consideration. 

• Casa Del Balam – Gorgeous boutique hotel inside a renovated art deco mansion. Double rooms from just $45 USD per night.
• Hotel Embajadores – Comfortable budget hotel in the city center with a pool and traditional Yucatecan restaurant. Double rooms from $30 a night.
• Diez Diez Collection – Luxury hotel without the luxury price tag.  Stylish contemporary property with plush modern furnishings, unique artwork pieces, and a rooftop pool. Double rooms from $138 a night.
• Rosas Y Xocolat – Exquisite French mansion converted into grand, palatial-style hotel rooms fit for royalty. Rooms with private terraces from $300 a night.
• Hotel Boutique Casa Flor de Mayo – Eccentric, colorful, independently-owned property with just 8 rooms set inside an old colonial house. Rooms from $60 a night. 

Yucatan Itinerary Day 3: Uxmal Ruins 

The Ancient city of Uxmal is widely regarded as being one of the most important Mayan settlements. Its importance is on par with Chichen Itza, Edzna , and the city of Mayapan.  

The city dates back to 700 AD and is said to have been founded by Hun Uitzil Chac Tutul Xiu. However, much of the construction that you see today was built when Uxmal was the Mayan capital between 850-925 AD. It was one of the most important political and administrative hubs and at the height of the Mayan civilization, more than 25,000 people called the city home. Today, the ruins are home to some of the best-preserved Terminal Classic structures in Latin America. Upon entering the site, you are greeted with The Pyramid of the Magician, the most iconic image of the Uxmal ruins. As you continue through, you pass by the equally impressive Governor’s Palace and the Nunnery. Look out for the Pok-a-Tok ballcourt. This ancient Mesoamerican game was played using a hard rubber ball that players had to whack through a stone hoop mounted high on the walls using their hips. 

How to get to Uxmal

Buses from Merida to Uxmal run infrequently from Merida´s ADO central bus station. They depart at 06.00 am, 09.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 15,30 pm respectively. To allow yourself plenty of time, it is best to take the 09.00 am bus. The return journey from Uxmal to Merida departs at 14.30 pm. You only really need 3-4 hours to explore the ruins. However, you could pass the time by treating yourself to some regional food and Mexican drinks at one of the luxury hotel restaurants nearby. Alternatively, you can learn about the history of Mexican chocolate at the Choco-Story museum that sits directly across the road from Uxmal. 

Uxmal Tours

If you have a car, that obviously makes things a lot easier than having to wait around for the bus. You may also want to consider organizing an excursion with a local tour company to take some of the stress out of getting from A to B. A selection of reputable Uxmal tours is detailed below for your consideration. Book your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment!

• From Mérida: Uxmal and Kabah guided tour with lunch
• Uxmal light and sound night experience tour from Merida
• From Merida: Uxmal, Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Cenote with lunch
• Uxmal with private guide and transportation from Merida
• Uxmal: vintage land rover expedition to Uxmal cenotes 

Yucatan Itinerary Day 4: Santa Elena, Kabah, and Labna Ruins 

The Ruta Puuc (Puuc route) is an off-the-beaten-path part of the southwestern Yucatan that is home to several impressive Mayan sites. From Uxmal, you can drive onwards to the ancient cities of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, and the Loltún caves. 

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a cute, quintessentially Yucatecan village that marks the halfway point between Uxmal and Kabah. It boasts a couple of accommodation choices for those wanting to explore the Ruta Puuc but it is far from touristic. There is little to see here, but there is just something charming about the town. Stop by for a cafe de olla in the town square, snap some photos of the quirky sculptures of Mexican singers and dancers, or grab homemade strawberries and cream ice cream at the colorful local Michoacana ice cream store. 

Kabah and Labná

A far cry from the crowded atmosphere of Chichen Itza, you may find that you have the entirety of these lesser-known ruins to yourself! Start with the city of Kabah, an ancient Mayan city that prospered at the same time as Uxmal. The city sees very few visitors which is a shame as it is one of the most impressive ruins in the Yucatan. Upon entering the complex, you are greeted with the grand-tiered building of ¨The Palace¨. However, perhaps most impressive of all is ¨The Temple of the Masks¨ on your right-hand side. A brief ascent up the centuries-old stone steps brings you to this phenomenal temple, dedicated to the Mayan rain god Chaac. Its facade is decorated with more than 250 intricately carved stone masks of the big-nosed God. A small inscribed altar in front of the temple building lies in ruin. As of yet, nobody has managed to decipher what the message carved into the stone means. Exiting the archeological site at Kabah and crossing the road brings you to an old Sacbe road that the Mayans would use to walk from Kabah to Uxmal. Here, in the middle of nowhere and not marked on any map, you will find a grand old ceremonial arch. It is believed that many more ruins remain hidden in the depths of the jungle here, but they have not yet been excavated. From here, continue onwards to the ruins of Labná. 

Labná is best known for its ornate archway that once served as the entrance to two grand courtyards. You will have likely seen this photographed in various Yucatan-related travel literature. Equally interesting are El Mirador, the structure of a pyramid topped with a temple, and El Palacio, another ruin decorated with Chaac masks.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 5: Homun Cenotes

One thing that the Yucatan region of Mexico is best known for is its cenotes. These are freshwater sinkholes that were created when the Chicxulub meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs crashed into the earth some 66 million years ago. You don’t have to venture too far to find Yucatan cenotes. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 of them throughout this peninsula! The word cenote is of Mayan descent. It comes from the word word “Dz’onot” meaning “cavern with water”. The Ancient Mayans used the cenotes for both practical and religious purposes. Some were used to make offerings to the gods, some were used for human sacrifices, and some were simply used as water sources.

Visiting the Cenotes at Homun 

There are several cenotes throughout the Yucatan state that have become famous through social media. Unfortunately, these are crowded, and chaotic, and do not offer a relaxing experience. For the best cenotes in the region, head to the little town of Homun. This area is actually a anillo de los cenotes (ring of cenotes). You will find more than 20 cenotes here! It is easier to drive to Homun but you can also take a bus here from Merida. Once you arrive, you can hire a local guide and a motorbike taxi for around 200 pesos for the day (circa $10 USD). Tell the guide what kind of cenotes you are looking for (i.e. cenotes with platforms that are suitable for non-swimmers, cave cenotes, cenotes without tourists, etc). They will then form an itinerary and take you to 4-5 different spots. Alternatively, just instruct them to take you to their favorite places. Cenote Cholul is usually quite quiet and consists of two different pools. Look out for the Ancient Mayan handprints on your lefthand side after entering!

Meanwhile, Cenote Hool Kosom is one of the more photogenic cenotes. It is set inside a cave and boasts a white limestone roof with a small circular opening where the sunlight can pour in. After a day of cenote-hopping, enjoy lunch in Homun. The little town is charming. In particular, look out for the Parroquia San Buenaventura convent in the central square. This is a gorgeous Franciscan convent that dates back to the 16th century. 

If you enjoy driving, you can also venture onwards to some other little Yucatan villages and towns nearby. For instance, Cuzamá town offers lots of great grill house restaurants, while Hocaba also has a very charming church (Iglesia Principal San Francisco de Asis). 

Yucatan Road Trip Day 6: Motul and Izamal

Day 6 of this Yucatan road trip itinerary brings more off-the-beaten-path treasures as well as cultural highlights. Start by heading to the city of Motul, made famous by the invention of a popular local egg dish known as ¨huevos motulenos¨.

Motul isn’t a pretty town by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you seek out Mexican culture and gastronomy, it is one of the best cities in the Yucatan. 

Breakfast in Motul 

Huevos motulenos is a Yucatecan breakfast dish that you will find all over the Yucatan peninsula. It consists of tortillas topped with frijoles (black beans), fried eggs, ham peas, a tomato-based sauce, and plantains. Even though the dish is widely available, as far as Yucatecans are concerned, there is only one place to be eating it: in Motul. For the best of the best, head to Doña Evelia Huevos Motuleños restaurant in the Mercado Municipal 20 de Noviembre in Motul. You may have to wait 25-30 minutes to be served but rest assured, it is worth the wait. Wash it all down with a cafe de olla or a Mexican Chiapas coffee. As you dine, street performers play everything from Mexican banda music to classical Cuban songs. Look around and you will find that there is not another tourist in sight. Motul is perhaps the Yucatan´s best-kept secret. When you are sufficiently stuffed, the marketplace itself is worth a browse. Locals will tell you that they are unhappy with the ramshackle way that their Mercado looks due to a lack of funding and renovation from the government. However, the market, with its stalls selling everything from Yucatan honey to fresh Mexican fruits and veggies, possesses an authentic charm that simply isn’t found in more touristic markets. 

Chenche de las Torres

Chenche de las Torres is an unusual residential property that is well worth the quick detour to get to when traveling between Valladolid and Izamal. The hacienda, designed like a medieval European castle, was built during the henequen boom in the 18th century. Its owners, Don Alvaro Peón de Regil and Doña Joaquina Peón Castellanos, Counts of Miraflores owned several grand properties around the Yucatan. Their coat of arms can still be seen on the side of the house.

Today, Chenche de las Torres is a private residence. It was recently listed for sale for 1.9 million US dollars.

Within the grounds, there is a small chapel that Mexican families often rent for celebrations and events such as Quinceaneras. For 100 pesos (circa $5), you can tour the grounds and gardens of the property. It is a little slice of Europe in the middle of the Yucatan jungle.

Izamal, the Yellow City

The little town of Izamal, known as the Yucatan´s ¨Yellow City¨ is one of four Pueblo Magicos in the Yucatan state. Pueblo Magicos are towns and villages that have been recognized by the Mexican tourism board for their particularly interesting history, culture, or local gastronomy. 

Every building, church, and house in Izamal is painted in the same uniform shade of bright yellow. There are several different theories as to why this might be, with the most likely being that the town was decorated that way in honor of the Mayan Sun God Kinich Ahau.

Spend a few hours exploring Izamal and stop for lunch at restaurant Kinich (Calle 27.299y 28y 30, Centro). Here, you can indulge in exquisite regional fare beneath charming palapa huts. Nearby, you can climb the Kinich Kakmo pyramid dedicated to Kinich Ahau. Today, it is only one of a handful of pyramids in the Yucatan that survived the Spanish colonization. When sunset rolls around, head to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua to watch the sun dip behind the clouds. This is one of the oldest convents in all of Latin America and the largest of its kind in North America. 

Construction finished in 1561 and the site is still in operation today. If you walk past the garden at the rear, you may even see nuns sitting outside eating their lunch!

Yucatan Road Trip Day 7: Valladolid

After a leisurely breakfast in Izamal, set out on the journey to Valladolid. Valladolid, like Izamal, is also a Yucatan Pueblo Magico. 

The city dates back to 1543 and was developed by the descendants of Spanish Conquistadors. It was originally built close to a lagoon but then relocated inland, to its current location on the site of a Maya town. 

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. 

A day is ample time to explore. Start by meandering through the little streets that veer off from the central square (Zocalo) and the Church of San Servacio. Be sure to stop by the colorful Convent San Bernardino too. 

It is one of the oldest convents in the Yucatan. You can opt to spend your day exploring the town and browsing its streets and markets, or you may want to spend a portion of your day swimming in a nearby cenote. There are a number of cenotes near Valladolid. The famous Cenote Suytan, Hacienda Cenote Oxmán, and Cenote Saamal are all worth considering. 

Yucatan Road Trip Day 8: Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Saving the best til (near) last, day 8 of this Yucatan road trip is dedicated to exploring the phenomenal ruins of Chichen Itza, and the nearby site of Ek Balam. Chichen Itza is one of the ¨new¨ seven wonders of the world and needs no introduction. The ancient city was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988. It is believed to have been founded around 400 AD and during its heyday, it was home to more than 35,000 people.

Chichen Itza

Arriving early to Chichen Itza is imperative. The site opens its doors at 8 am and you should aim to be there by 7.30 if you want to see the ruins without the crowds. By 9.30, a ton of tour buses have already started rolling in and the crowds take away from the magic somewhat. If you don’t fancy waking up early to drive or get the bus from Valladolid, you can consider spending the night in one of the hotels near the entrance. Opting to hire a tour guide can help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the site and the various structures scattered around it. However, information plaques and audio tours are also available if you prefer to explore independently. The Temple of Kukulkan is the most famous structure and it is the first thing that you see as soon as you enter the complex. Look out for a platform to its left known as a Tzompantli.  

This stone platform, with sculls carved into the stone, is where the Maya would display the severed heads of their enemies to scare off other tribes. Equally impressive is the nearby Temple of the Warriors, the Iglesia, and the Sacred Cenote where men and children would be thrown to their deaths as sacrifices to appease the gods. The Chichen Itza site is larger than people realize. You should dedicate 3-4 hours to exploring it. 

Recommended Chichen Itza tours

Prefer to explore Chichen Itza with a guide and not have to worry about the logistics of getting there? A selection of reputable Chichen Itza tours has been shortlisted below for your consideration.

• Chichen Itza skip-the-line entrance ticket
• Private tour of Chichen Itza with private transport
• From Merida: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote, and cooking class
• From Merida: Chichen Itza & Cenote Tsukan guided tour
• Chichen Itza with a private guide and transportation from Merida
• Chichen Itza and outdoor sports in Cenote spring from Merida

Grab lunch in Piste 

If you want to grab some lunch before continuing to Ek Balam, you can stop at a restaurant in nearby Piste. This town is a little touristy, sure, but there is no such thing as bad Yucatecan food. Some of the markets and stores here are great for picking up trinkets and Mexican souvenirs such as ceremonial masks and handicrafts.  

Ek Balam, meaning ¨Black Jaguar¨ in Mayan is an ancient city that is only just starting to fall on people´s Yucatan travel radars. It makes a nice travel pairing with Chichen Itza, in part because there is only a distance of 67km (1 hour and 10 minutes) between the two sites. The city thrived between 770 and 840 AD. During this time, it was a major political hub for the region.

Fascinatingly, the ruins were not rediscovered until as recently as the 1980s! After they were abandoned, like many other Mayan cities, they were reclaimed by the jungle.

The most notable sights in Ek Balam today are the incredibly well-preserved stucco tomb of Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok and El Torre. El Torre is a 95-foot pyramid that you can climb.

From the top, you have unparalleled views over the jungle canopy. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Chichen Itza and Coba from up here!

Yucatan Itinerary Days 9 & 10: Kikil and El Cuyo

There is no better way to round off your Yucatan itinerary than with a few days spent relaxing in a tranquil beach town. Stopping at Kikil, start making your way toward the beach town of El Cuyo. 

Kikil and Cenote Kikil

The little village of Kikil is not a tourist destination. There is just something about it. The center boasts the ruins of an old convent, a tiny colorful church, and a smattering of street food stalls. Peculiarly, there is a local man that stands in the square with a saddled bull and lets people climb on top of it and take photos for a few pesos. Alarmingly, it’s mostly people with toddlers balancing their kids on the bull and laughing about it. It is an interesting spectacle to watch!  A lot of the people own ranches and live off the land, so you will find street stalls selling birria (goat stew from Jalisco ). This isn’t really common in the Yucatan but it is worth a try.

Although the dish is traditionally prepared with goat, in Kikil, it is prepared with beef. The meat is marinated with a selection of herbs, spices, and chilis. Then, it is served topped with onions and a pinch of lime.

After exploring the village, you may want to stop by the cenote. It is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and is arguably one of the most beautiful ones in the state. You will often find that there is nobody else here, perhaps bar the occasional iguana or motmot in the trees. 

While tourists flock to the coastal areas of Quintana Roo and elsewhere in Mexico (e.g. Puerto Vallarta , Cancun, and Tulum), those in the know know that El Cuyo is a more peaceful alternative. This little beach town is little more than a stretch of coastline with a small handful of hotels and restaurants around it. There are seldom (if ever) more than a handful of people on the beach here, largely because El Cuyo is so remote and not all that easy to get to. Days in El Cuyo are about lazing on tropical beaches, swimming and snorkeling in translucent waters, and spending your nights drinking pina coladas beneath the starry night sky.

Catching every sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is a must. The wind conditions here are perfect for kitesurfing, and there is an ever-expanding community of kitesurfers that call the village home if that is something that you are interested to try your hand at.

Depart from Cancun/Merida

Depending on your schedule, depart from El Cuyo on day 10 or day 11 of your Yucatan road trip. You may choose to catch your onward flight from Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Merida International (MID).

It is a 163km (2.5 hour) drive from El Cuyo to Cancun. Traveling from El Cuyo to Merida takes 3.5 hours (261.7km).

Getting around the Yucatan

The easiest way to get around the Yucatan is to rent a car. Public transport in Mexico leaves a lot to be desired. Reaching some villages and ruins is near impossible if you do not have access to your own vehicle. Bus schedules here are limited, even to some of the country’s most famous attractions! If you do not feel confident driving alone and don’t want to rely on buses, you can also consider hiring local drivers or participating in local excursions. However, the price of doing so quickly adds up.

Renting a car in the Yucatan 

Renting a car in the Yucatan is not as daunting as it may sound. Mexico, in general, is a lot safer than people realize, and the Yucatan is one of the safest parts of the country .

You can opt to pick your rental car up from Merida or Cancun, or from the airport in either city. Do keep in mind, however, that one-way rentals are often substantially more expensive than renting a car and returning it to the same place you collected it from.

Many reputable international rental firms operate in the Yucatan, including Avis, Budget, and Europcar. Expect to pay around $30 a day for a car rental, including full-coverage insurance. Discover Cars is a great platform for comparing and contrasting quotes from different rental companies so that you can secure the best deal.

Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary FAQs 

Do you still have any burning questions or concerns about planning a Yucatan road trip itinerary? Hopefully, you will find the answers that you are looking for below! 

How many days do you need in the Yucatan peninsula?

10-14 days is a good amount of time for a first trip to the Yucatan. If you are short on time, you can cram some of the region’s highlights into 7 days. 

Is it safe to road trip in Yucatan?

The Yucatan peninsula is very safe and it is absolutely safe to travel around here independently. This applies even if you are a solo female traveler!

The Yucatan capital of Merida is not only the safest city in all of Mexico, but it is widely regarded as being one of the safest cities in the Americas, period! Leave your reservations at home and forget everything that you have heard about Mexico being a dangerous or lawless place when you come to the Yucatan. 

Is it easy to drive in Yucatan?

It is very easy to drive in the Yucatan peninsula. The roads here are in excellent condition and are well maintained. Driving in Mexico means driving on the right-hand side of the road , much like in the United States and most of the world. Roads are well signposted so it is easy to get to where you are going. 

As a rule of thumb, it is generally a good idea to avoid driving in the Yucatan at night. This is not because the area is dangerous, but because most roads are not well-lit. So, it makes it harder to see hazards such as stray dogs and wild animals that may wander onto the roads. 

How do I plan a trip to the Yucatan?

It is easy to plan a trip to the Yucatan. First, start researching the best places in the Yucatan that interest you the most. That may be secluded Yucatan beaches , caves, jungle treks, Mayan ruins , or quaint Pueblo Magicos . Then, take a look at a map of the area and start forming a route of how to get from A to B. Public transport runs between most major cities and tourist attractions, although the schedules are infrequent. Sites such as Bus Bud, Ado, and Rome2Rio are good for checking transport options. 

Final thoughts on taking a Yucatan road trip

What are your thoughts on this Yucatan road trip itinerary? Have you traveled to the Yucatan before? I have been living in Merida for a year now. 

If this is going to be your first trip to Mexico, you may also enjoy reading this post on Mexico travel tips to know before you travel. Have a wonderful time! Safe travels! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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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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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tulum Ruins

Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s sublime. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise…

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

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Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon. Nature surrounds you, inside and out:…

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

While floating down a canal that Mayans dug by hand centuries ago, you see tall grasses on either side and colorful birds flying overhead. You hear the…

Campeche State

Edzná’s massive complexes, that once covered more than 17 sq km, were built by a highly stratified society that flourished from about 600 BC to the 15th…

Chichén Itzá

Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland

Chichén Itzá, meaning 'mouth of the well of the Itzáes' in Mayan, is a stunning ruin well worth visiting for its spectacular, iconic structures and…

Quite unlike any other Maya city you'll visit in Yucatán, Calakmul was ‘discovered’ in 1931 by American botanist Cyrus Lundell, and is located deep in the…

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Yucatán Peninsula and beyond

THE PERFECT YUCATAN ITINERARY FOR ROAD TRIPS OR BACKPACKING

15 Jun 2023   ||    MEXICO

The Yucatan Peninsula – accurately depicted as a beach lined, jungle shrouded paradise. With distinctive cuisine, numerous Mayan ruins, comfortable accommodation, vibrant colonial cities with affordable prices, this Yucatan itinerary is ideal for an exciting road trip or backpacking adventure. Include the well maintained, drivable roads, it becomes a contender for one of the best road trips in Mexico!

This Yucatan itinerary is perfect for first time backpackers and solo travellers, or seasoned adventurers who want to see the less touristy regions on the peninsula. After spending two months slowly travelling across this sensational section of Mexico, we’ve picked out the prettiest, most genuine destinations, while avoiding the conventional, overcrowded, mass-tourism hubs.

Our route includes suggestions for lodging, activities, add-ons if you have extra days, driving information and more. We hope this helps you plan your perfect trip!

IN THIS GUIDE //

A YUCATAN ITINERARY

Where is the yucatan peninsula, why visit the yucatan, is the yucatan safe.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CANCUN

GETTING AROUND THE YUCATAN

– CANCUN CAR RENTAL

– BUSES IN THE YUCATAN

THE YUCATAN ITINERARY

– CAncun

– bacalar

– Calakmul

– Campeche City

– Merida

– Vallodolid

– beach options

Final Thoughts

The Yucatan Peninsula is in far south eastern Mexico, bordering Guatemala and Belize. 

If you hear people refer to the Yucatan, it is not always in reference to the peninsula! Yucatan is also an individual state in Mexico, within the Yucatan Peninsula. The states of Quintana Roo and Campeche make up the total of the Mexican Peninsula. Geographically, the entire peninsula includes parts of Chiapas, northern Guatemala and Belize too, but our Yucatan itinerary refers to a trip through the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan.

Anytime we refer to ‘the Yucatan’ here in this itinerary, it’s referring to these three Mexican states. 

The Yucatan Peninsula has attained legendary status as a vacation paradise of pristine white sand beaches, perfectly azure waters and plentiful sunshine. I’m guessing this draws in most of the crowds!

It is also a great introduction to Mexico – distinct in culture, gastronomy and terrain to the rest of the country but with familiar characteristics that makes it feel quintessentially Mexican. 

Additionally, the tourist and backpacking infrastructure in the Yucatan is simply top notch. The quality roads, numerous bus connections, abundant hotels and hostels, plus almost endless activities to suit all interests makes it a fantastic option for a Mexico vacation. It is also very child-friendly!

It is also a great longer-term travelling destination. Although this Yucatan itinerary is designed to suit a vacation length of two weeks to a month, an extended road trip or backpacking Yucatan adventure is also possible following essentially this same route.

Yes, the Yucatan is safe to travel. As with most tourist destinations, petty crime happens, but is rare. It’s almost completely avoidable by taking the usual precautions, such as not getting too drunk or walking around in the dark alone late at night. 

The region has recently been in the headlines due to several isolated incidents relating to drug cartels. These offences never intentionally target tourists, and you are extremely unlikely to ever have any contact with organised crime.

Mexico gets a bad reputation due to these drug rings, however in reality, the crime you are most likely to have happen to you is someone pickpockets your phone (happened to me on the Mexico City subway). Violent crime is extremely rare.

Having said that, this itinerary avoids the tourist hubs of Tulum, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. These are hotspots for tourist-related petty crime (unsurprising since they are big party centres and drunk, careless people equate to opportunistic crime). If you decide to avoid these towns, the chances of you even just being a victim of theft is extremely minimal.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CANCUN?

The month you land in Cancun can dictate the type of activities you do on your trip. Having said that, we have spent time in this area of Mexico during both the wet and dry seasons and can confirm – it is a great holiday or backpacking destination at any time of year! 

The peak season in the Yucatan runs from December through April. This is when the weather is best, however, as expected, the crowds also roll in too during this time of year. Christmas and New Year, in particular, are very busy and expensive.

Shoulder seasons can be excellent, both for prices and crowds. Consider visiting in November or May, when the full monsoon season has only just begun or is easing off. The weather can still be great!

The rainy season in the Yucatan runs from May/June to October and the weather can be unpredictable during this period. Prospects of heavy rain are higher and there is a risk of hurricanes . We spent two months in the Yucatan during July and August and really enjoyed it; the weather was not an issue. It is also really green and pretty! We did get caught in a hurricane in Belize from not paying attention to the forecasts, so would recommend staying up to date, just in case. There is also a sargassum (seaweed) issue on (mostly) the Riviera Maya beaches during this time of year (see further down for more information).

In terms of temperatures , the Yucatan is hot and humid all year around, with March to August being the warmest on average. 

Avoid Easter like the plague; in Mexico this holiday is huge, so prices and crowds shoot way up.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR MAYAN RUIN    |    WHY ARE VW BEETLES EVERYWHERE IN MEXICO?

GETTING AROUND ON THIS YUCATAN ITINERARY

We have hopped across the Yucatan on tourist class buses, in rental cars and on little collectivos (minivans that leave when full). All these methods of transport were great, however for a shorter trip with strict time constraints we would recommend a rental car. This option adds additional flexibility and saves lots of time if your Yucatan itinerary is pressed for time.

CANCUN CAR RENTAL

We always rented our vehicles from Playa Del Carmen, along the Riviera Maya south of Cancun. However, as almost all international flights arrive in Cancun, we would recommend getting a car rental from there.

There are all the normal international rental options in airport arrivals, you can’t miss them! Our best experiences were with National, who we got through Discover Cars .

CAR HIRE FOR THIS YUCATAN ITINERARY

We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in Mexico, with Discover Cars . They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.

If you book through the link below, we make a small profit, at zero cost to you, which helps us write these posts with no advertising! We only endorse products and companies we *actually* use regularly. For more information, read our position on affiliates .

TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR  CHECK CAR RENTAL  

Buses in the yucatan

Tourist buses in the Yucatan are predominantly run by ADO, a company which covers most routes from Cancun all the way across to Mexico City. The standards are high, the buses are safe and we fully recommend this option if you do not have the choice of renting a car. 

ADO have a website and an app, where booking early often gets you discounts (they’re a bit pricey so worth doing!). Both the website and app can be translated into English. Your ticket is saved to your phone, so you don’t need to print anything. The app can crash occasionally, so be patient.

All the main stops on this Yucatan itinerary are reachable with ADO buses. For smaller destinations, collectivos or a rental car will be your best bet – we’ve noted any locations where you might have difficulty.

WHY THIS YUCATAN ITINERARY DOES NOT INCLUDE MUCH IN THE RIVIERA MAYA

Quintana Roo has the highest number of tourists out of the Yucatan States. These vacationers tend to clump into densely packed zones around Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the chaos that is Tulum.

Tulum, in particular, is an environmental disaster, where no number of additional visitors is practical, especially during peak season. For that reason, we leave these destinations off our itinerary. It would be easy enough to incorporate them into your Yucatan tour, if you choose to. However, we hope you will avoid them and visit some less well-known but far more welcoming, value-centric and environmentally ethical locations.

We’ve written a little about some problems the Riviera Maya faces if you’re interested to know more.

Honestly, those towns all kind of suck, anyway.

THE ULTIMATE YUCATAN ITINERARY

This route can be done in either direction, there is no difference. We have incorporated lots of little extras in case you have more time, or just like to jam-pack your itinerary! 

We’ve mentioned any noteworthy accommodations, fees for attractions and other helpful recommendations.

CANCUN (1 NIGHT)

Cancun is not really a focal point on this Yucatan itinerary. It’s a mega-hub for all-inclusive resorts, cruise ships and international arrivals. However, we quite enjoy spending a night in Cancun Centro when we pass through. 

Parque de las Palapas is the central square with a small stage, lots of cheap food stalls, music, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s not uncommon to see little children playing and families celebrating. Cancun Centro is a far cry from the hotel zone which is basically segregated from the residents of the area. 

This area is our go-to for a cheap evening out before we head onto our next destination. There are many excellent value hotels around the perimeter of the square and the ADO bus station only a few minutes away on foot.

Our lodging recommendation – The Queztal

CANCUN OPTIONS

It is possible to skip this night in Cancun entirely if your flight arrival is in the morning. Grab your ADO bus immediately at the airport to your onward location. 

From the airport, there is the option of travelling directly to Cancun Centro, Playa Del Carmen or Tulum. If you have a different bus destination (such as Bacalar below), grab a bus to Cancun Centro and connect from there. The ADO buses leave regularly from outside airport arrivals.

There is no need to secure a ticket in advance for the airport bus. Use the ADO app or website to check the routes.

PUNTA ALLEN - OPTIONAL DETOUR

Punta Allen is an extraordinary hidden gem in the Sian Ka’an Bioreserve. Located along three hours of bumpy, jungle-clad roads south of Tulum, you’ll need to prep for some careful driving for this one! It is possible to get to Punta Allen by collectivos and/or boat from Tulum if you are unable to rent a vehicle. Check with your accommodation in advance if this is an option you’d like to pursue. Another option is paying for a taxi, but this will be pricey! 

Reviews of the road to Punta Allen may make you fearful, but it is fine. Take it slow, you don’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle.

At the end of the miniscule peninsula, you will find one of the most remote areas along the Maya Riviera coastline. With only a handful of lodging and dining options, it attracts just a trickle of tourists. If you are looking for a laidback, complete-opposite-of-Tulum beach-vibe, this is the place for you.

Punta Allen has boat tours available for snorkelling, dolphin spotting and viewing the many birds of the Yucatan! All just off the quietest, most peaceful slither of jungle and beach.

Our accommodation recommendation: Cielo y Selva

Bacalar (2-4 NIGHTs)

The Bacalar lagoon is a can’t-miss destination. The ‘lagoon of seven colours’ is known for dazzling azure-blue shades of water. This little Pueblo Magico is mostly sleepy and quiet, but with enough food, activity and lodging options to keep you comfortable and entertained for several days. It’s lovely to have such little traffic around!

The most popular activity here is to (obviously) get out on the lake. Whether it’s kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or taking a regular boat, you need to spend time on the lagoon. There are a lot of companies that can provide these services – secure through your accommodation or use Viator .

RESTAURANTS IN BACALAR

We had some particularly memorable food in Bacalar and (surprisingly) some of the cheapest wine we found in Mexico over six months. There are a lot of decent vegetarian options too.

♦ Mango y Chile – a  dedicated vegan restaurant with great views, WiFi and vibes, we fully recommend. 

♦  Mi Burrito Bacalar – w e also loved the vegetarian options plus the staff were lovely. 

♦  Pizzeria Bertilla – the pizza here was a standout meal (not that cheap though).

♦   Buena Carne Bacalar – our very inexpensive wine was from here (we didn’t eat though). 

♦  Restaurante Sazon a la Mexicana Bacalar – a  charming, good value, traditional restaurant

WORD OF WARNING - Los Rapidos Bacalar

One of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places is just south of the lagoon, called Los Rapidos Laguna de Bacalar. Contrary to the positive online reviews, we do not recommend visiting this place. There are many stromatolites in the region which are continually being damaged by irresponsible and inexperienced kayakers and the ecosystems in this region are being degraded by visitors’ sunscreen. The staff don’t exactly care about the rules either – we saw some pretty terrible things. Also, it’s loud, busy and not exactly chill!

GETTING FROM CANCUN TO BACALAR

From Cancun Centro to the bus station in Bacalar, the direct ADO bus takes 5 hours and 40 minutes. There are 15 or more departures throughout the day. The AU (Autobuses Unidos) services are slightly cheaper but normally don’t have a toilet onboard (still run by ADO and depart from the same place).  

Alternatively, you can drive which takes around four hours on very straightforward roads.

CALAKMUL (1-2 NIGHTS)

Calakmul is the biggest and best Mayan ruin in the entire of central America, behind only Guatemala’s Tikal in our opinion. 

The small town of Xpujil, in Campeche State, is the most logical place to stay for your visit to Calakmul. It is a simple 90-minute drive from Bacalar, through continually thicker and thicker jungle (but great quality roads). 

To reach the ruins of Calakmul from Xpujil, is an easy two-hour drive, ever deeper into the overgrown and wild jungle. It’s just 30 kilometres from the border with Guatemala when the entrance to the ruins comes into view. 

The entire region is contained within a biosphere reserve, so your chances of seeing all sorts of wildlife is exceptionally high, far better than at other Mayan ruins (or anywhere across the Yucatan Peninsula in fact). We even saw a jaguar!

There are more logistical details for visiting this epic Mayan ruin in our separate post about visiting Calakmul .

You may need to stay two nights if you are travelling by bus. There are daily but infrequent ADO buses and lots of collectivos that run this route. However, with a car, there are more opportunities to set off early and be more flexible.

CAMPECHE CITY (2-3 Nights)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Campeche City, also known as San Francisco de Campeche, is an overlooked gem on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Few international visitors come here, which is a huge shame for them!

The impeccably preserved, baroque colonial city situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico still has original Spanish built walls, intended to safeguard from pirates. Inside, the fortified urban centre is exquisitely beautiful, with quiet, colourful streets and a beautiful zocalo which has light shows and entertainment in the evenings. The purpose-built pedestrian walkways along the seafront (the Malecon) are excellent for a long evening wander while watching the sunset.

A major highlight of the region are the Mayan ruins of Edzna. Around 45 minutes away by bus or car from Campeche City, these almost unknown ruins are an unforgettable experience. We’ve written a detailed guide to visiting Edzna if you’re interested.

ARRIVING IN CAMPECHE CITY BY BUS

Unlike all the other cities and towns you may visit across this Yucatan itinerary, the bus station in Campeche City is a reasonable distance from the historic city centre. It’s not super far, maybe a 35-40 minute walk, but Campeche gets hot so you may not fancy this in the middle of the day with baggage! It’s also probably not the best plan to walk this route alone late at night with all your stuff (it’s pretty safe, i’m just being cautious).

Taxis don’t really hang around the bus station as much as in other cities, which is a refreshing change to not be hassled. This does mean that you will occasionally have to wait a short while for a taxi to show up. You can walk out to the road and flag one down too. The cost should be about 30-40 pesos.

Small minibuses also run the route to centro, however i’m not sure if there is any schedule! These cost less than 10 pesos.

Accommodation in COLONIAL CITIES

Imagine you are planning your Yucatan itinerary, pouring over images of beautiful Mexican streets, full of classic colonial architecture. You develop a romantic notion of staying in one of those colourful buildings with exquisite courtyards, the ones you see in photographs and on hotel websites. However, this is not always the reality!

In many colonial cities in Mexico, you must pay a significant premium to get a view or much daylight in your hotel room. Most accommodation is in old buildings with internal courtyards – so you often get a slightly damp room with little/no sunshine or privacy, surrounding a small open-air centre. If you are lucky, maybe a room overlooking an often-busy road. The internet is frequently appalling in these buildings, plus the pictures on hotel portals we found to be hugely misleading too.

In San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, we viewed 24 rooms across 12 hotels before we found one with natural light, a window and no damp that was mildly quiet. The internet did not stretch to the room though – you can’t win everything!

Rooms with elegant, historic architecture in central locations also come at a price. Many of them are claustrophobic, damp and dark. However, we are always on a budget, so if you are happy to part with more cash than us, you can get some fabulous rooms! Try to get ones with a balcony if you can – it guarantees a certain amount of daylight. The other option is to look for purpose-built, modern hotels, but they tend to be further away from the city centres and not local owned, which we do not recommend. Try to keep your money local whenever possible!

MERIDA (3-5 NIGHTS)

Merida is the capital of Yucatan State and the largest city on the Peninsula. Despite its size, this colourful colonial city exudes charm and feels quietly modest and unpretentious. It is also a major hub for cuisine, drinks and culture; there’s museums, exciting foodie markets and distinctive shopping. The city even shuts down the prettiest roads on Sundays just for cyclists.

As a city with over a million people, Merida also has lots of amenities and services you won’t find elsewhere, like shopping malls, large cinemas, various big supermarkets and more. This makes it a great place to stock up if you need to buy anything and just chill out for a couple of days.

Outside of the city, there are some of the prettiest cenotes in the Yucatan, tranquil beach towns, flamingos and the incredibly ornate Mayan ruins of Uxmal. 

Along with Calakmul, Uxmal is our top recommendation for Mayan ruins in the Yucatan region. We’ve written a full guide to the Uxmal ruins if you are considering a visit. 

The beach towns around Merida range from the popular port city of Progreso, to the tiny fishing villages of Sisal and Celestun. With beautiful sandy beaches, friendly restaurants and only a fraction of the tourism that the Riviera Maya receives, they’re all a great addition to your Yucatan itinerary.

We’ve written in detail about activities in and around Merida in a separate post.

GETTING FROM CAmpeche TO Merida

To get from Campeche City to Merida, it is a straightforward 2.5-hour journey via either ADO bus or rental vehicle. There are at least 20 daily bus departures, plus the bus station in Merida is right in the centre so it’s even easier to navigate to your next lodging (make sure you get a bus to ADO Centro Historico TAME station in Merida – this is the central one).  

VALLODOLID (2-4 NIGHTS)

Vallodolid is the sweetheart of the Yucatan. A small colonial city surrounding a beautiful central square, most well-known for being the gateway to the World Heritage site of Chichen Itza and some of the more famous cenotes.

This vibrant city isn’t just about World Wonders and Instagrammable cenotes though. It has a character all its own and is surprisingly untouched by tourism considering the proximity to one of our planet’s most celebrated sites. The accommodation is incredibly good value and there’s every type of restaurant and bar you could wish for. 

Ek’ Balam, one of the more exhilarating Mayan ruins, is only a short distance away from Vallodolid. Do not miss this one if you are a ruins enthusiast like us! You can climb all the structures and the views from the top are some of the finest of any site. We thoroughly recommend Ek’ Balam over Chichen Itza – it’s a much more pleasant experience (and slightly cheaper).

Cenotes in the region include the made-popular-by-Instagram Cenote Suytun, Cenote Zaci (currently being renovated though in 2022), Cenote Saamal, Dzitnup and San Lorenzo Oxman. They are all pretty touristy compared with most around Merida, so we suggest you focus your cenote days there if you’d like one to yourself!

HOTELS IN VALLODOLID

Our lodging recommendation is Margarett Modern , a surprisingly good-value hotel (at least during covid times anyway). Situated just off the centre square, it provides free water, modern rooms and a small pool, all for half the cost of most other hotels in the area. If you want something a little more upmarket, check out Casa Tia Micha or Le Muuch Hotel Boutique (this one is particularly stunning!). 

There are some super spectacular places to stay further out from the city if you have a car. For a seriously unique hotel, check out the Hotel Zentik Project and Saline Cave.

RIO LAGARTOS - OPTIONAL EXTRA (1-2 NIGHTS)

Rio Lagartos is a tiny fishing village on the northern coast of the Yucatan. It is the premier region to see the best birds of the Yucatan, including thousands of flamingos in the right season. It’s also known for the super-pink Mexico salt lakes at Las Colorados.

We absolutely recommend this optional detour on our Yucatan itinerary; it was another highlight of our trip. I’m not sure what we liked most; wading through questionable mud to find flamingos, spotting crocodiles and huge pelicans, covering ourselves in (apparently) healing mud or visiting the crazy pink salt pools. 

There are a few cute restaurants with excellent, super-fresh seafood, local basketball games in the centre of the village and lovely walks along the promenade. We also saw the prettiest sunrise of our entire trip here.

To reach Rio Lagartos, you can hire a car from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Merida, or catch an ADO bus to Tizimin and grab a quick collectivo from there. It is possible to visit here from Vallodolid after going to Ek’ Balam as they are in the same direction, but it could be a long day!

There is no doubt that the best place to stay is the Hotel Rio Lagartos . It’s pretty nice looking with nice views from the top (we had a wander around). Our choice was the Hotel Tabasco Rio , which was simple, quiet, clean and very cheap for us at the time. The staff even let us know we had left our camera behind, which was hugely appreciated.

The BEST YUCATAN BEACHES (4-5 Nights)

So, by this point on your Yucatan backpacking adventure or road trip, you may fancy a conventional beach getaway. Deciding where the best Yucatan beaches and dive locations are is a contentious issue though. We recommend you visit either Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel depending on what type of vibe is more your cup of tea. We’ve listed some thoughts further down to help you design your Yucatan itinerary. 

After as much beach time as you can fit in, it’s an easy commute to the airport in Cancun (especially from Isla Mujeres). 

You could always include all three of these Yucatan beaches on your itinerary if you have time. Cozumel could be added right at the start of your trip, immediately after landing in Cancun.

As mentioned above, we recommend avoiding the beaches at Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and especially Tulum due to overtourism and environmental concerns (particularly during the high season between December and April). Plus, they are devoid of any character or soul.

ISLA HOLBOX

This beautiful stretch of land is fantastic for anyone backpacking the Yucatan, looking for more chill backpacker vibes with a splash of party. It is further from Cancun, so takes slightly longer to get there (although not difficult at all) and has more rustic accommodation (not particularly cheap though!). Isla Holbox definitely has some of the Yucatan’s best beaches with the least number of tourists.

To reach Isla Holbox, get an ADO bus to Chiquila, the port town where it is easy to catch a short boat across. If you have a car, either return it to Cancun then get the bus, or you can drive to Chiquila where there are private places (often people’s houses!) that you can pay a little park.

ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres is ideal for families, anyone fancying some upmarket lodging or fantastic snorkelling and diving. It is a tiny island situated right next to Cancun (this means it can get busy sometimes with day trippers) so is very easy to access and makes for a quick getaway to catch your flight home.

It’s so easy to reach Isla Mujeres, at only 8 miles away from Cancun, accessed by a 30-minute ferry. They run all day from around 5.30am until mid-evening. The ferry port is called Puerto Juarez, just north of the city, and is less than 10 minutes away by car from Cancun Centro. The public bus R-1 also goes to Puerto Juarez for about 9 Mexican pesos, or you can grab a taxi for 150-200 pesos.

Cozumel, a little further south, is just offshore from Playa Del Carmen and is another solid Yucatan beach alternative. It’s a much larger island, so there is more to see and do, with epic snorkelling right off the beaches. It’s common to get around via golf-buggy, which can be quite expensive. Cruises also stop in Cozumel, so be mindful of the possibility of crowds – this is the worst pick of the three in terms of sustainable, responsible travel.

From Playa Del Carmen, ferries run regularly throughout the day, take about 35-45 minutes and pick you up right in downtown. It’s a super-easy journey.

SARGASSUM in CANCUN AND AROUND

Be cautious when organising a trip to a beach destination on the Maya Riviera. 

During certain months, the beaches get completely covered in a gross, smelly seaweed that really could put a bit of a downer on the beach part of your itinerary. When you see photos of those pristine Tulum beaches, that’s only during certain times of the year! The seaweed problem occurs between April and October, with the worst likely to be during the summer months of May to August. Check online for the current sargassum status .

The beach towns over towards Merida do not suffer from the same sargassum issues, so consider visiting those instead during this part of the year.

FLIGHTS TO THE YUCATAN

We exclusively book our flights through Skyscanner . It’s the cheapest way to book flights from anywhere in the world.

If you book your flights to the Yucatan through our link below, we make a tiny commission that helps to keep this site running, at zero cost to you. Thank you!

FINAL THOUGHTS - Yucatan ITinerary

This Yucatan itinerary provides an extensive, hugely diverse road trip or backpacking experience. It includes Mayan ruins, colonial cities and small fishing communities; unique wildlife, including primates, many birds of the Yucatan and even big cats, in their natural habitats. There are abundant world class, picture-perfect beaches in the Yucatan to suit every taste. Thousands of cenotes dot the terrain, many with zero visitors. It’s a fantastic place!

The recommendations on this itinerary are some of our favourite places. We loved losing the crowds around this stunning part of Mexico. When it comes to road trips in Mexico, this is easily up there with the best!

Leave us a comment if you have any feedback or suggestions! We hope you have the most amazing trip!

2 thoughts on “The Perfect Less-Touristy Yucatan Itinerary”

Hello! We are doing exactly the itinerary as a roadtrip in Yucatan with my family in January next year. Thanks for so much info, it looks great!. I’ve got a question though: Where did you spend the night after Calakmul? Did you go back to Xpujil? Asking because everyone advices us not to drive when its dark, so we won’t make it to Campeche after visiting Calakmul and Xpujil would technically be going backwards… thanks in advance, G

Hi! Lovely to hear from you 🙂

I think we went straight to Campeche and got in as it was getting dark. If you get in before six, it will still be light. Driving is okay in the evening/twilight if you are on main roads or in cities (we did this many times).

If you won’t be out of Calakmul in time, the area around Conhaus/La Selva at the junction to the Calakmul turn-off on the 186 has several decent accommodation options.

I hope you have an incredible trip!

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Hanal Pixán

The meaning in Mayan of the words “Hanal” and “Pixán” are “food” and “soul” respectively, therefore Haná Pixán means “Food for the souls”.

Río Lagartos

Only 12 kilometers separate the port of San Felipe from Río Lagartos, from where you can take a tour that will give you a memorable experience.

Flamingos route

Some of these routes will take you to the reserves or protected areas covered with vegetation, cenotes, salt flats and lagoons right where the flamingos court and nest.

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 by UNESCO and a Wonder of the World since 2007.

The Cuyo is the small port of the municipality of Tizimín within the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

Nowadays, known as "The Capital of the Mayan Orient", Valladolid is one of the two Magical Towns of Yucatán. It is a beautiful destination, since it has kept the architectural beauty of its ancestral colonial buildings.

Unique experiences

No. 300 Practice Sailing at Telchac Port

Discover the incredible beaches of Riviera Yucatán and learn to navigate at the same time. The Yucatecan coast is one of the best...

No. 221 Beer Spa at Uxmal

Close to the Archaeological Zone of Uxmal, you can enjoy this unique experience in the entire state, a beer spa!

No. 120 Kaan Ac Hacienda

Kaan Ac Hacienda, built in the 16th century, is located in the Magic Town of Valladolid. It has a unique architecture in the region...

No. 015 Snorkeling in Sisal

Discover Sisal’s nature, a small and picturesque port, learn about the history of the first port in Yucatán.

No. 351 Skate Park in Progreso

Nothing better than enjoying the sea breeze while practicing an outdoors sport, skating and its urban movement lovers will...

No. 365 Alacranes Reef Experience

Alacranes Reef National Park is a set of small islands of coral origin, located 80.7 miles to the north of Progreso Port in Yucatán.

No. 280 Tekax Chapel look-out

Tekax’s historic downtown is undoubtedly a must visit for all those who seek to learn more about the cultural richness of the region.

No. 178 Experience at Silcer Boardwalk

A day pass in one of the most beautiful beaches in Yucatán, in Silcer boardwalk at Progreso, in an assigned sunbed...

No. 094 Scuba diving in Sisal

A new experience available in the Magic Town of Sisal, scuba diving in the sea, available only during certain seasons of the year, with...

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Valladolid, best destination to visit.

Yucatan, State of Peace

Merida, Best Small City in the World

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Until the 1960s, when proper road and rail links were finally completed, the Yucatán Peninsula – the states of Campeche , Yucatán and Quintana Roo – had more contact with Europe, Cuba and the US than with central Mexico. Today, the region remains distinct, with traditional Maya life alongside massive tourist attractions such as the great ruins of Chichén Itzá and the super-resort of Cancún . Once the province of Maya rebels and palm-plantation owners, the Caribbean coast is now the so-called Riviera Maya, which includes the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum . But away from these big centres, especially in the south, where settlements are sparsely scattered in dense forest, there’s still a distinct pioneering feel.

Brief history

Fiestas in the yucatán, chicxulub and cenotes, río bec sites.

In northern Yucatán state, the landscape is relatively spare: shallow, rocky earth gives rise to stunted trees, and underground springs known as cenotes are the only source of water. Campeche state, by contrast, boasts a huge area of tropical forest, the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. The entire coastline is great for spotting wildlife – notably turtles at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Quintana Roo and flocks of flamingos at Celestún and Río Lagartos in Yucatán. Along the Caribbean coast, magnificent offshore coral growth forms part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

There’s really only one main route around the Yucatán Peninsula; the variation comes in where you break the journey or make side trips. Whether you come from Palenque or along the coast from Villahermosa, you’ll find yourself on Hwy-180, which heads up to Campeche , then veers away from the Gulf Coast towards Mérida and east to Valladolid and the Caribbean coast. Near Mérida are both the excellent craft town of Izamal and the Ruta Puuc, which includes major Maya sites such as Uxmal and Chichén Itzá , as well as a trove of smaller, less-visited ruins. Past these, you can push on to the Caribbean beaches.

The stretch of coast between Cancún and Tulum , known as the Riviera Maya, and including Playa del Carmen and Isla Cozumel, is one of Mexico’s most heavily touristed areas. South of Tulum , the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, encompassing mangroves thick with birdlife and coral reefs offshore, briefly slows the march of progress. The coast south of the biosphere – dubbed the Costa Maya – is on its own development trajectory, but it’s still your best bet for hammock camping. The vast, beautiful Laguna de Bacalar is a crystal-clear lake that’s rich in wildlife and an affordable alternative to the beaches. Chetumal , the state capital and a duty-free border town, is chiefly important as a gateway to and from Belize.

The road across the south of the peninsula is much less travelled. It passes through jungle territory dotted with ruins, collectively known as the Río Bec sites. The star is the enormous site of Calakmul, deep in the forest reserve near the Guatemalan border. From the top of its main pyramid, the tallest in the Maya world, the forest stretches to the horizon like a green sea.

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The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

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Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

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Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

The Yucatán Peninsula is the longest continuously settled part of Mexico, with evidence of Maya inhabitants as early as 2500 BC. The Maya were at their cultural peak during the Classic period (300–900 AD), during which time they used solar, lunar and astral cycles to develop their complex and highly accurate calendar; they also had an elaborate mathematical and hieroglyphic system. Five hundred years before the Renaissance, moreover, the Maya had developed a sophisticated perspective in art. In the early ninth century AD, southern lowland cities (Tikal, in Guatemala, and Calakmul, among others) were abandoned, and northern cities such as Chichén Itzá grew. These in turn collapsed around 1200 AD, to be succeeded by Mayapán and a confederacy of other cities that probably included Tulum and Cozumel.

By the time the Spanish arrived, the Maya had splintered into tribalism – although still with cities and long-distance sea trade that awed the conquistadors. The Yucatán Peninsula proved the hardest area of the country to pacify, with the Maya resisting slavery and debt peonage through constant armed rebellion. The latter half of the nineteenth century saw the Caste Wars, when the Maya briefly gained control of the entire peninsula. The guerrilla fighters were eventually pushed back into the wilds of southern Quintana Roo, and held out until the early twentieth century, ending their struggle with conciliation from the Mexican government. It was one of the most successful fights against colonialism in the New World.

Today, the Maya still live in the Yucatán, in many cases remarkably true to their old traditions and lifestyle. The culture and language remain a strong source of pride that sets this area apart from central Mexico.

On February 1, 2015, the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancún , changed time zones, swapping Central Standard Time for Eastern Standard Time. The aim was to boost tourism by creating longer, lighter evenings.

A highlight of village festivals in the area are the massive bullrings, elaborate hand-built structures made entirely of saplings. Expect plenty of fireworks and jaranas, one of the traditional Maya dances. Carnaval, the week before Lent, is colourfully celebrated in Mérida and on Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. For events in smaller villages, ask at the Yucatán state tourism office in Mérida , which maintains a full list, or check the weekly events bulletin at yucatanliving.com , which often mentions nearby fiestas.

• Fiesta de los Tres Reyes (Jan 1–6). In the cattle town of Tizimín (Yucatán); expect steak.
• Día de la Candelaria (Feb 2). Candlemas: candlelight processions at Tecoh and Kantunil (Yucatán). The week prior is a fiesta in Valladolid (Yucatán).
• Equinox (March 21). Huge gathering for the serpent shadow at Chichén Itzá .
• Semana Santa (Holy Week, beginning Palm Sunday, variable March–April). Passion plays in Mérida , Acanceh and Maní (Yucatán).
• Fiestas de Santa Cruz (end of April). Two-week fair in Cozumel’s El Cedral (Quintana Roo), ending on or near May 3.
• Fiesta de la Cruz Parlante (May 12–18). Chancah Veracruz (Quintana Roo), near Felipe Carrillo Puerto, celebrates the Talking Cross of the Caste Wars.
• Feria del Jipi (May 20). In Becal ( Campeche ), celebration of the Panama hat.
• Torneo de Pesca (last weekend in May). Fishing tournament and party in Puerto Morelos.
• Día de la Chispa (June 4). In Valladolid (Yucatán), re-enactment of the battle that sparked the 1910 Revolution.
• Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo (June 26–30). On Cozumel and in Panaba (Yucatán).
• Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (July 15–30). Ciudad del Carmen ( Campeche ) and Motul (Yucatán).
• Chac ceremony (dates variable). In Edzná (Yucatán), to encourage the spring rains.
• Feria (Aug 10–16). Town celebration in Oxcutzcab (Yucatán).
• Feria de San Román (Sept 14–30). Campeche’s city festival.
• Gremios (mid-Sept to mid-Oct). Pilgrimages and processions to Mérida’s main church.
• Equinox (Sept 21). Another serpent spectacle at Chichén Itzá (see March).
• Día de San Miguel (Sept 29). Cozumel’s main town festival.
• El Cristo de Sitilpech (Oct 18–28). The miraculous Black Christ is paraded from Sitilpech (Yucatán) to neighbouring Izamal, where there’s ten days of celebration.
• Feria del Estado de Yucatán (first three weeks of Nov). At fairgrounds south of Mérida.
• Feria de Motul (Nov 4–11). Festival in Motul (Yucatán) with bullfights.
• Día de la Inmaculada Concepcíon (Dec 8). Widely celebrated, especially in Izamal, where crowds gather to sing the entire night before.
• Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Dec 12). Celebrated everywhere; roads are filled in the days prior with church groups running relays.
• Christmas Fiesta (Dec 25–Jan 6). In Temax (Yucatán), featuring the procession of Las Pastorelas, in which images of the Holy Family are carried from house to house.

Some 65 million years ago the Chicxulub asteroid struck the Yucatán Peninsula – near the town of the same name – an event that is considered to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The strike also caused large sections of the region’s limestone bedrock to collapse, in turn forming thousands of cenotes (sinkholes).

The region’s network of cenotes – which are generally filled with fresh water – was crucial for the Maya civilization that dominated the Yucatán Peninsula before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. These flooded subterranean chambers were vital sources of potable water in an area short on rivers and lakes, and towns, villages and ceremonial sites often sprung up around them. They were also considered sacred gateways to the Maya underworld, known as Xibalba (“the place of fear”). At Cenote Sagrado at Chichén Itzá (see p.752), for example, the Maya threw statues, pottery, incense, textiles, jade, gold and human sacrifices into the water as offerings to the gods of the underworld. The few human sacrifices who survived the ordeal, incidentally, were considered to have spoken with the gods, and have developed prophetic powers.

Today the region’s cenotes – some of them have been turned into theme parks, others remain blissfully undeveloped – are perhaps the most memorable places for a swim, snorkel or dive in the Yucatán. Two of the most spectacular are Cenote X’Keken and Cenote Samula, just outside the city of Valladolid .

West of Chetumal, along the border with Guatemala, lie the little-visited but dramatic Río Bec sites, many tucked in dense jungle that harbours diverse birds and beasts, especially in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, around the ruins of the same name. The area was once heavily populated by lowland Maya, and linked with the site of Tikal in Guatemala. The largest ruins here, with their long, low buildings, dramatic towers (really elongated, stylized pyramids) and intricate carvings, are easily as impressive as Chichén Itzá, heightened by the jungle setting. The area is accessible either from Campeche or from Chetumal, and you’ll need to have a car or hire a taxi to see many of these sites – but this means you’ll see few other tourists.

The largest town in the area is Francisco Escárcega (usually just called Escárcega), far to the west in Campeche state. It’s a major bus hub, but somewhat dusty and unwelcoming, so most visitors to the sites use the much smaller village of Xpujil, on the border of Campeche and Quintana Roo, as a base for visiting the area. It’s a one-street town straddling Hwy-186, with basic hotels and restaurants, as well as taxi drivers prepared to shuttle visitors around. If you’re in your own car, note that there’s a gas station just east of town.

The ruined Maya city of Calakmul is one of the best places for contemplating the culture’s architectural legacy. The complex is only partially restored and a long drive south of Hwy-186, but its location in the heart of the jungle and its sheer size are awe-inspiring. Probably the biggest archeological area in Mesoamerica, Calakmul has nearly seven thousand buildings in the central area alone and more steles and pyramids than any other site; the great pyramid here is the largest Maya construction in existence, with a base covering almost five acres.

The view of the rainforest from the top is stunning, and on a clear day you can even glimpse the tip of the Danta pyramid at El Mirador in Guatemala. Arrive early (the gate to the biosphere on Hwy-186 opens at 7am) to look for wildlife such as wild turkeys, peccaries, toucans and jaguars. Even if you don’t spot anything, you’ll likely hear booming howler monkeys and raucous frogs. Plan to spend about four hours exploring the site – longer if you’re a Maya-phile. Bring snacks and water, as there’s no vending at the ruins.

During the Classic period, the city had a population of about two hundred thousand and was the regional capital. A sacbé (Maya road) running between Calakmul and El Mirador (another leads on to Tikal) confirms that these cities were in regular communication. Calakmul reached its zenith between 500 and 850 AD but, along with most other cities in the area, it was abandoned by about 900 AD. Excavations begun in the 1980s have so far uncovered only a fraction of the buildings, the rest being earthen mounds. Some of Calakmul’s treasures are on display in the archeological museum at Campeche, including two hauntingly beautiful jade masks. Another mask was found in a tomb in the main pyramid in 1998.

Discover more places in Mexico

• Cancún and around
• Chichén Itzá
• Costa Maya and Bacalar
• Playa del Carmen and around
• Tulum and around
• Valladolid and around

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updated 26.04.2021

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Jutting from the eastern edge of Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula is a popular tourism gateway to Mexico. This region has an extensive tourism infrastructure, all spiraling outward from Cancún. Although Cancún has sticky connotations as a party destination for spring breakers—and it has an overpriced, glitzy hotel zone—the city is merely the starting point to one of my favorite regions in Mexico.

The Yucatán Peninsula is safe from the cartel violence associated with other Mexican States, and it’s home to some of the country’s richest history and most gorgeous landscapes (cenotes, anyone?!). The area houses arguably the best preserved Maya ruins, internationally acclaimed dive and snorkeling sites, gorgeous Spanish colonial cities dripping in history, locally run cooperativos offering responsible tourism projects, and densely inhabited animal biosphere reserves.

The Yucatán Peninsula is, in a word, wonderful. I’ve traveled this area several times, most recently with my two young nephews (10 and 11) for a month-long road trip around the Yucatán Peninsula . This is an overview of our route—combined with my knowledge from previous trips—and all the nitty-gritty details of things to do, places to stop, what to eat, and more.

Although you might change-up the activities if you’re a couple or solo traveler, the route is solid and would make a wonderful two- to three-week trip. Read on for the city guides and personal recommendations for this fascinating region of Mexico.

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to Mexico’s Yucatan

Maya history is a major draw for tourism. Stunning architecture and reliefs carved into the stone temples bring to life a fascinating, violent, and advanced ancient culture that managed to develop the only known pre-Columbian writing system in the Americas.

Much of the land in the Yucatán Peninsula was once the Maya lowlands. The Maya empire dates back as far as 2400 BC and spanned throughout present-day Guatemala, Honduras, and Southern Mexico.

Throughout the large sweep of land lies a vast network of massive temples and ancient cities; only a small part of the these ruins have been excavated, many still lie under the tangle of forest. 

Several famous Maya archaeological sites are within the Yucatán, Riviera Maya, and Chiapas regions, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Maya history is a major draw for tourism, with the stunning architecture of the temples and reliefs carved into the stone bringing to life a fascinating, violent, and advanced ancient culture that managed to develop the only known pre-Columbian writing system in the Americas.

Present day, the Yucatán’s unique limestone base gives the area one of its most famous draws: the beautiful sinkholes and underwater rivers. The Maya used these sinkholes, known as cenotes , for sacrificial offerings, but today they dot the entire region and offer travelers the chance to cool off in the crystal-blue waters. Because of this region’s limestone base, rivers are mostly underground and they connect a large network of caves and swimming spots.

The History Channel has a fuller history of the Yucatán detailed here , and more about the Maya civilization here .

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Fast Facts About Yucatan, Mexico Travel

Mexican peso (MXN) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Primary Airports in the Yucatan

• Cancún (CUN)
• Cozumel (CZM)
• Mérida (MID)

How’s the internet in the Yucatan?

WiFi is rampant all over the Yucatan peninsula. It’s available at most guesthouses and cafes.

Can you drink the water in the Yucatan?

No, it’s not safe to drink the water. Drink bottled, use a reusable water bottle to refill at guesthouses, or use a SteriPen .

Mexico Visas for Americans

Visas for Americans—and most travelers—is pretty easy. Americans get a quick stamp in their passport valid for six months. Other nationalities can check the visa requirements here .

Food Considerations

Food standards are high in this area as tourism is the primary income for many. The water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to come by. Street food can be scarce in touristy areas, but is tasty and delicious. If you decide to stick to budget and street food options, follow these food safety principles .

Local SIM Cards

Securing a local SIM card is a cinch and highly recommended for GPS and navigating. Telcel is likely your best option. If you have a U.S. T-Mobile account, it will do the trick too. Full SIM guide here —note that you will likely need to show your passport.

Accommodation

This is a cinch. I used a Lonely Planet guide when my nephews and I were in a pinch. While the links in city guides below go to a my preferred hotel booking site , many are also found on  VRBO , if you are member. It has a very established presence in this region of Mexico and is an easy way to book nice spots in a good area of town, while getting out of the hotel scene. I don’t use this as often when I am solo, so it was neat to have a reason to pick some great local apartments for my nephews and me.

For backpackers, the main hotel booking sites now usually list hostels, too (with no booking fees), or use Hostelworld ; in high season the bigger towns book up fast. Families should consider Booking.com .

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

Festivals of Note

• Semana Santa (Easter)
• Cinco de Mayo (May)
• Day of the Dead (November)
• Festival of San Cristóbal (December)

How to Travel Around the Yucatan

The major roads are well-maintained and connect most any place you’ll need to go. In the center of the Yucatán, some of the cenotes are a bit further off the path and visiting them means winding through tiny towns and backroads. Otherwise, large and well-paved highways connect the major cities.

The Ado bus network is extensive and ideal for those on a budget. These buses are large, comfortable, and affordable. You can check routes and prices through Bookaway to figure out bus versus shuttle pricing.

Rental cars are easy to come by, though expensive to rent—they tack on huge fees and taxes to the offered price. Here is the lowdown on everything you need to know about renting a car in Mexico —I used RentalCars.com for my car and got about the best deal you can in Mexico.

Is the Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest areas of Mexico, though that doesn’t mean its unequivocally safe. In general, the Yucatan is safe to travel—that’s why I chose to travel there with my two young nephews. 

Though large swaths of Mexico suffer from cartel violence and safety concerns, the Yucatán has a thriving tourism industry and it works hard to preserve it. There are cartels in the Yucatan, and they have impacted tourism at times— several times, in fact —but in general the major physical safety concerns you find elsewhere in Mexico are dramatically lower here.

And note that the small bribes of the sort that works elsewhere in Mexico are iffier here. Best to just drive the speed limit and follow the laws.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Mexico

Fiction and Nonfiction Books About Mexico

• The People’s Guide to Mexico : Even veteran Mexico travelers will enjoy this book. It’s like a guidebook, but even more. It’s hands-down the best guidebook you should use to understand the various regions, the cultural quirks, and all the reasons Mexico is a fantastic place to travel and live. It comes highly recommended by me, and by heaps of Amazon reviewers too.
• Sliced Iguana: Travels in Mexico : On my list for a while now and recommended by readers as an easy read that gives a light touch to all the history and culture she talks about while retelling her journey.
• Time Among the Maya : This is an in-depth longread about Maya culture, history backstory of the entire region. It’s likely something you want to read before leaving as it’s not a travel guide.
• The Maya Sites – Hidden Treasures of the  Rainforest : This book is the perfect road-trip companion for anyone exploring the Yucatan, but also Maya sites in Campeche, Chiapas, and into Guatemala. It’s not a straight-up travel guide, but rather a companion you can use for a history and overview of the temples as you explore, as well as personal recommendations from the author of his favorite parts of each Maya site.

Best Podcasts and Online Reads About Mexico

• Mexico: History and Resistance : A solid podcast that makes listening to the country’s history easy. Download this and prep for your Mexico trip by taking a trip through time.
• Mexico with kids : Good niche read with a lot of facts and information you might be wondering about family specific travel.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads  and you can read all  my Mexico travel stories .

Recommended Guidebook

We used the Lonely Planet entire time and it was fun to let the kids read aloud the history of each section as we drove. Having a paper guidebook also allowed them to browse through and pick activities in the area. I recommend carrying a Lonely Planet for specific recs and routes and timetables.

Best Things to Do in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

As noted, I took a road trip of the Yucatan Peninsula with my two nephews, and it was an epic adventure filled with all of the best activities that the Yucatan offers. I have also traveled the entire region solo as a backpacker on a budget , and it’s just a lot of fun no matter how you go about it.

The city guides below combine my advice across several trips—I’ve spent a lot of time exploring all of the best things to do, so it’s broken down by activities in each city/region. I also highlight those places where I stayed with my nephews, meaning they are family-friendly options!

My Favorite Travel Experiences in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

• Wandering the charming cobblestone streets of Izamal.
• Feeding turtles at the Isla Mujeres turtle farm.
• Ziplining through Xplor Park in the Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen.
• Galloping down an old railroad track to the gorgeous cenotes in Cuzamá.
• Wandering the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam.

Things to Do in Cancun

Located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, most trips will start in Cancun since it’s home to the main international airport in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is also the easiest place to rent a car (I found a great deal for our road trip via RentalCars.com ), or arrange buses to explore the region.

That being said, unless you’re into the party scene, you will likely just want to get in and out of Cancun. There are far better cities and towns to do most anything that Cancun has to offer. Let’s assume you have to stay a few days in Cancun, however. Here’s what to do in the city, as well as how to use Cancun’s amenities to prepare for your Yucatan road trip.

Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of Playa Delfines.

Cancun is best known for its gorgeous beaches. Start your beach experience at Playa Delfines, one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the area. It offers pristine waters and stunning views. Bask in the sun, take a refreshing dip, or simply relax with a book while enjoying the gentle breeze.

This is a good family-friendly beach if you have time to pass in the city. We spent an afternoon splashing in the waves here. The beach was clean, clear, and relatively shallow. It features good ood parking, and the kids enjoyed it. Note, however, that the waves are too strong for very tiny kids to safely play in the water.

If you want a livelier atmosphere, Playa Tortugas or Playa Chac Mool both have vibrant beach scenes. There you’ll find beach clubs, water sports activities, and beachside restaurants and bars.

Spend a night out on the town.

Alongside its beaches, Cancun is probably most well known for its thriving nightlife scene. There is no shortage of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues across the city. If this is your cup of tea, head to the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find a variety of lively nightclubs that host world-class DJs and offer a vibrant party atmosphere.

Alternatively, explore the downtown area to discover more intimate bars and lounges, where you can savor handcrafted cocktails and enjoy live music performances. Obviously this side of Cancun is not as kid-friendly. You can still enjoy the city at night as a family, but it’s more centered around good food.

Eat the streets in the Parque de las Palapas.

To make the most of your evening at Parque de las Palapas, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and embrace the vibrant ambiance that fills the park. My nephews just loved spending our evenings in this parque, which was just a three minute walk from our hostel.

As the sun sets, the park transforms into a bustling hub of activity. This was the first place that I sampled enticing street foods during my first visit to Mexico more than 15 years ago, and it’s where I always head each time I find myself in Cancun. This plaza features numerous stalls and vendors where you can indulge in mouthwatering tacos al pastor, crispy marquesitas, and flavorful esquites, while enjoying the live music.

Local cultural performances often take place here too, featuring traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes. It’s fun to find a comfortable spot to people-watch, observing the diverse crowd of locals and tourists who gather for leisurely walks and conversations.

Shop and eat at Mercado 28.

If you’re hungry for local food and a neat experience in Mexico, head to Mercado 28 (Market 28). Located in downtown Cancun, this bustling market is renowned for its diverse food stalls offering a wide variety of traditional Mexican street food. Mercado 28 is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike gather to savor authentic flavors and experience the lively atmosphere. You’ll find an array of street food vendors serving up delicious dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, tamales, elotes (grilled corn on the cob), tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and much more.

Stroll through the market’s maze-like corridors, where the aromas of sizzling meats, spices, and freshly baked goods fill the air. From the traditional to the adventurous, you’ll discover an abundance of food options to satisfy everyone in your group. Don’t forget to try local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), ceviche, and empanadas.

Mercado 28 also offers a great opportunity to interact with the friendly vendors who are passionate about their culinary creations. They are often happy to share their recommendations and provide insights into the flavors and ingredients of their dishes. And if you need to do some souvenir shopping, it’s also a great place to shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Mexican products.

Stock up at Walmart.

Not gonna lie, we stayed in Cancun so briefly. We used it as a base to stock up for our trip with a case of water, snacks, snorkel gear, hats, and then we hit the road out-of-town. If you’re planning to road trip the Yucatan, then stopping at Walmart is a no-brainer since you can fill the car with snacks, water, and anything else you need to make the road trip fun and easy!

Sleep somewhere central.

• Airport adjacent Airbnb : We stayed at this fantastic rental the night before our flight and it perfectly served our needs. It’s best if you have a car as it’s outside the city. The amenities make it amazing for families with kids. Since Airbnbs book up fast, consider using a VRBO as well.
• Hostel Ka’beh : Has a nice vibe, though a definite party backpacker atmosphere. I’ve stayed here several times over the years for a cheap bed and good company. It wasn’t great for families though. Cancun International Suites is a good midrange option located near the city centre. If you’re looking for a high-end hotel near the beach try Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites .

Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a great stop for singles, couples, or families. The island has beautiful beaches and a Turtle Farm doing amazing conservation work. If you’ve already rented a car, leave it at the docks in a secure garage (was a cinch to find) and take the ferry over. Book your ferry tickets online ahead of time. You can rent a golf cart on the island to easily get around.

Learn about the conservation work at the Turtle Farm (Tortugranja).

One of the clear highlights of our entire trip, my nephews raved about the Turtle Farm for weeks—it was one of their favorite things that we did while traveling the Yucatan. There are little turtles they can often touch, pools of turtles in varying stages, and a good message about conservation.

You can get a taxi out to it, or rent a golf cart or scooter for the day. They breed and release thousands of sea turtles, was great as a family, kids loved feeding turtles and seeing all the different colors and types.

Drive the island in a rented a golf cart.

Drive around the island for a day or two and explore some of the points on the opposite end of the island. Makes for a full day adventure if you bring swimming gear and plan to explore and have lunch at the expat/local spot in the center of the island.

Frolic in the waters of Playa Norte.

Playa Norte features incredible clear and shallow waters. This beach was a hit with my nephews and it’s the best beach for kids we saw on our entire Yucatan road trip . If you took my recommendation in Cancun then you should have your own pool noodles to float in the wide, shallow waters. Bring drinks and sand buckets for the kids and you’ll never want to leave.

Catch a good night’s sleep.

• Budget : Poc-na hostel : What a gorgeous spot and so much space. We didn’t stay here but our apartment was next door and I’d stay here if I was solo.
• Midrange : Apartamentos Trinchan : Include small kitchen and suites big enough for four people. Very comfortable and convenient spot on the island with a fantastic coffee shop next door. We called and booked our apartment.

Eat something tasty.

There is no shortage of tasty food on the island—these are the places that got our repeat business.

• Manana : Delicious guacamole and incredible fresh juices.
• WikiTravel : Lists out the best restaurants on the island.

Things to Do Around the Riviera Maya (Tulum, Cozumel, & More)

Though this stretch of beaches in the Yucatán is best known for huge, sprawling resorts, it’s popular for a reason—the beaches are gorgeous and there is a strong tourism infrastructure.

I recommend a few days here to visit some of the hotspots like swimming with turtles and amazing snorkeling. If you’re visiting for the party scene, Playa del Carmen has leapt onto that scene in recent years.

Head to a Yucatan-style theme park for the day.

The theme parks near Playa del Carmen are a perfect kid activity (or fun with a group of backpackers!). What makes them unique is how they incorporate many of the high points of the Yucatan Peninsula. Don’t expect roller coasters and a canned experience you could have anywhere—instead you’ll have a adventure-filled day of cenotes and jungle ziplining.

My nephews and I visited Xplor (review here)  and loved it. If we ever go back we’ll surely try out Xcaret or Xel Ha next time. All three parks have offer their own take and their own pace of experiencing the culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Dive off the coast of Cozumel.

Ferry over to Cozumel and dive at the best dive spots in the country. This island is the mecca for cruise ships, but for good reason. The snorkeling and diving is fantastic. My nephew still, years later, raves about the sheer number of fish he spotted on a random reef we stopped at just off of the coast.

Eat all the things on a food tour.

Consider a food tour of Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. Cozumel Chef has rave reviews for cooking classes and food tours in the area and would make a great outing.

Snorkel with turtles at Akumal.

On the way to Tulum, if you start early you can hit up this small beach community (about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen). This used to be a fun, off-the-beaten-path activity that was low stress on you, the traveler, and on the turtles.

Now, organized tours arrive by 10am, and it’s a bit tougher to justify doing this as a responsible traveler. That said, if you decide to do it, arrive well before then to slip into the water and swim with the sea turtles .

Enjoy the seaside Maya ruins at Tulum.

Miles of white sandy beaches near Tulum make this a popular backpacking stop. We just came for the ruins, and they are very pretty and sunny—bring a hat! My nephews and I stayed for one night but decided we had enjoyed the gentler waters of Isla Mujeres better, so we moved inland.

Stop at the Coba ruins. 

If you have active kids this might be a better stop as you move inland as it’s impressive, less touristy, and you can bike to the ruins and then climb them for sweeping views of the jungly region.

Sleep somewhere nice.

• Playa del Carmen : We just loved Vainilla Bed and Breakfast . It’s in a non-touristy area with food and shops walkable, and a longer walk to the beach is possible. We had a rental car so it was nice to have a spot away from the hustle. Highly recommended, the woman who runs it is delightful and the homemade jams at breakfast were delicious.
• Tulum : We spent our time in Tulum at Hotel & Cabanas Zazil Kin and it was affordable and directly on the beach. You’ll have to splurge for A/C, but it’s an easy walk to the ruins and makes for a nice spot with kids. My nephews played in the sand right outside our bungalow door.

Things to Do in Valladolid

You’ll want to spend at least two nights here as there are several nearby cultural activities, and the town itself is beautiful. There is an old, historic charm to Valladolid and it’s very photogenic. There are also great places to eat and try a variety of Mexican foods.

Spend the day at Chichen Itza.

The major site for most travelers. It’s a large complex with a variety of Maya ruins. Make sure you either have a guide or eavesdrop on a guide at the ball court, as the explanation of the acoustics there is fascinating. This is a thorough online guide to the temples you can explore.

Soak in history at Ek ‘Balam.

Our favorite of the ruins in the area. Although Chichen Itza is the clear draw, Ek ‘Balam is far less touristy and you can climb to the top of the pyramid and see far over the jungle canopy. The site also has some gorgeous restored carvings that give a glimpse of what it might have been like at the height of the Maya empire.

Take a dip at Cenote Dzitnup. 

There are two cenotes in the Chichen Itza complex. Both are beautiful and a great way to cool off for the afternoon.

Admire the Catedral de San Gervasio.

Gorgeous cathedral on the main square that makes a nice backdrop to evenings spent in the plaza central.

Eat the street food.

In the main square of Valladolid, kitty-corner from the cathedral, is a cafeteria type area with tiny restaurants offering niche Mexican eats. We used this for both breakfast and dinner several times.

• Budget : La Candelaria Hostel comes highly recommended for backpackers. They don’t accept children so it’s not ideal for families.
• Vacation Rentals : Though we used a hotel because it had a pool and that was imperative for the kids, I’d easily pick a VRBO on a future trip.
• Midrange : La Aurora Hotel Colonial is a good midrange option.
• Splurge : If you’re looking for something more high-end try Hotel Posada San Juan .

Things to Do in Izamal

All of us agree, there’s something special about Izamal. If we had only used our guidebook, we might have skipped this tiny, sleepy, yellow Mexican town. But I turned to my friend  Wandering Earl for travel planning advice —he lived in the region for years—and he said this was a must-do.

Though we thought to spend just two days here, our hotel was great and the town was easy so we instead spent four days doing little more than playing with new Dutch friends and eating street eats in the central plaza. Plus it’s on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico, so you know it’s going to be interesting.

Hike to the top of Kinich Kakmo Pyramid.

An easy walk in the town and it’s not too strenuous to get to the top and see the town laid out below. If you rent a horse carriage, this is one of the places they visit.

Explore the Izamal Monastery.

The Izamal Monastery (Colonial Franciscan Monastery of San Antonio de Padua) is fascinating, huge, and unique in the world. And, of course, it’s gorgeously yellow.

Wander the charming streets of Izamal.

Really we just walked the town with ice creams in hand and it occupied us for the day. We watched dogs splash in the fountain, we explored hidden nooks-and-crannies, and we generally just enjoyed the slow pace of life in this charming town.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town.

My nephews pushed for a carriage ride. I was skeptical, but it turned out really cute and super fun for the kids. They loved hearing the horse hooves clop-clop-clop through the streets as we jostled along.

Even when we passed by places we had already seen on foot more than once, the horse and carriage made it all more fun as they pointed and laughed.

Eat the street food in the Mercado Municipal.

There aren’t a heap of places to eat in Izamal, but then there are a few street food carts every evening in the town’s central park. The boys lived for the pork sandwiches from the cart right in front of the monastery.

Eat early to ensure you eat at all.

Eat early as the town closes down early and you will be hungry if you wait too late. These are two good spots.

• Kinich El Sabor de Izamal . (Calle 27 #299, between Calles 28 & 30) A good range of Mexican dishes and we all enjoyed what we ordered.
• El Toro Restaurante . (Calle 33, between Calles 30 & 32) Close to the main square and makes a good spot for lunch or dinner.

Sleep somewhere great.

• Budget : We stayed at Hotel Macan Ché and it was thoroughly lovely; they have a very neat cenote-shaped pool where the boys lived for four days. If you’re there in the off-season you could try your luck without a reservation and likely get a slightly better rate.
• Midrange : Hotel San Miguel Arcangel is well located, right on the main square and looking out over the convent. It’s a good, basic but clean option that makes a good spot to explore.

Things to Do in Mérida, Cuzama & Celestún

As you head into this region of the Yucatán Peninsula, the pace tourism drops off a bit. Mérida is known for its language schools, but also for its stunning colonial streets and walkable city center. After leaving Izamal, we stopped at the cenotes of Cuzamá for an afternoon and it was fantastic—then we crashed in Mérida that night.

From Mérida, it’s an easy drive to one of the two biosphere reserves in the region. We opted for Celestún, which is a beach spot for Mexican vacationers more than tourists. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is the real reason to come and one of the best things to do in the region—it’s home to thousands of mating flamingos. Alternatively, you could venture to Rio Lagartos to see the flamingos as well.

Pass an evening in the Plaza de la Independencia in Mérida.

The plaza at night is magical. The historic colonial streets make for pretty explorations, but for traveling with kids this plaza hums with life as the sun sets. My nephews were endlessly entertained with the vendors, the other kids, and the sweet treats.

Check out the Big Museum of the Maya World in Mérida.

This is a good place to tie together many of the themes and history from other parts of the trip. It has a wide range of activities and exhibits.

Take a horse-drawn cart to the three cenotes of Cuzamá.

Use the map at the top of the post to find Chunkanan, which is where the horse-drawn carts leave for the three cenotes . It’s about 10 minutes outside of the town of Cuzamá. Make sure you go all the way to the end of the road to the right  CBO (community-based org).

There is a different group that will try to flag you into their parking lot, but keep going so that you are spending your funds with a responsible local business fairly and ethically supporting the surrounding community.

Visit the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.

Hire a boat from the collective on the beach and speed through the ocean and into the wide river expanses. Wear a bathing suit as you’ll have the chance to take a dip in some clear blue waters.

Hotel Santa Maria in Mérida worked out perfectly. It was very affordable and close to everything. The rooms were basic but clean and had A/C. They also have a pool and free parking. I’d stay here again.

We stayed at Gutierrez Hotel & Restaurant in Celestún. This place is right on the beach and we enjoyed it. The restaurant attached is terrific, and I loved that I could sit in the shade while the boys dug in the dirt. We called and booked via telephone, but they are online.

This site has a long list of other kid-friendly activities in the region.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Yucatan Travel Guide: Stories from the Blog

I have traveled the Yucatan Peninsula many times, sometimes solo, and sometimes with my family. Each story was written live on my travel blog as I backpacked the region. Within these posts you’ll find detailed guides and stories about cultural quirks, fun activities, and things I enjoyed doing in every area of the Yucatan.

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Mexico: Oaxacan Life

A Little Adventure… 3 Weeks with 2 Kids on an Epic Yucatan Road Trip

A Little Photoessay… Snapshots & Stories from Colorful, Colonial Mexico

A Little Recipe… Inspired by Mexico: Lunchtime Bean Quesadilla

A Little Recipe… Inspired by Mexico: Simple Sweet Potato Tacos

A Little Guide … The Art of Travel Relaxation in Five Easy Steps

What is the Cost of Living in a Mexican Beach Town? (2024)

A Little Photoessay… Slice of Life Snapshots of Mexico

A Little Recipe… How to Make a Perfect Guacamole with 1 Avocad

A Little Curiosity… An Unexpected Afternoon with a Taco Stand Family

A Little Oasis… Fun and Friends on a Secret Mud Beach in Mexico

A Little Reflection… On Beach Days, Sunshine, and Childhood Reminiscences

A Little Food … The Anatomy (and History) of a Delicious Taco

A Little Musing… On Beach-Vibes in Mexico and How the U.S. Has Lost Its Sense of Community

A Little Musing… On the Art of Cultural Immersion in Travel

A Little Lesson… Eventually, We All Surrender to the Más o Menos

A Little Confusion… The Mexico to Belize Border Crossing at Chetumal

A Little History… Exploring the Chichén Itzá Maya Ruins

A Little Haiku… First Days in Mexico and an Ode to the Cold Shower

The Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

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.

• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Aventuras
• Puerto Morelos
• Riviera Maya

• Hotels & Resorts

Experience Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula... Accommodations, Private transfers, Private experiences

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OTHER DESTINATIONS

• Chichen Itza
• Costa Maya – Chetumal
• Private Rentals
• Private Transfers
• Private Tours
• Global Hotel Reservations

AREA HIGHLIGHTS

• Mayan Ruins
• Whale Sharks
• Yucatan Peninsula

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Travel Resources

Les Paresseux Curieux

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Road trip dans la péninsule du Yucatan : notre guide cenotes, plongée et villes coloniales

Les cenotes, puits mystiques, l’eau turquoise des Caraïbes et les belles villes coloniales bien colorées. Un road trip dans la péninsule du Yucatan, c’est savourer un menu bien copieux ! Attention, on ne parle pas uniquement de l’État, mais plus globalement de la péninsule du Yucatan. Nous incluons donc dans cet itinéraire deux  États du Mexique, le Yucatan et le Quintana Roo. Une mise en bouche mexicaine qui a ajouté quelques épices dans notre vie et qui, on l’espère, suscitera la même curiosité chez vous ! Déjà curieux ?

❓ Pourquoi faire un road trip dans le Yucatan ?

Pour les habitués du blog, vous avez déjà vu cette question sur nos guides du Costa Rica et du Guatemala . En effet, il nous semble important de souligner pour quel type de voyageur est fait cette destination. Ce n’est pas une science exacte, mais ça vous donnera déjà une idée !

• Amateur de plongée sous-marine ? Il y a tant à découvrir sous l’eau douce et salée. Des cenotes du Quintana Roo à la barrière de corail de Cozumel, on vous le dit, c’est le Disneyland de la plongée. Franchement, si on devait retourner dans cette région du Mexique, on le ferait uniquement pour ça ;
• L’aventure, mais pas trop quand même ? Faire un road trip dans la péninsule du Yucatan, ce n’est pas renoncer à son confort. Tout est très bien (trop pour nous peut être) aménagé pour le touriste. Vous n’aurez par exemple aucun mal à communiquer en anglais si l’espagnol vous fait défaut. Attention, du coup, les prix sont aussi adaptés au tourisme. Ainsi, prévoyez un budget conséquent pour les activités (ce qui ne serait pas le cas en voyageant dans un autre état). Et ce, notamment depuis la pandémie COVID, qui a justifié des prix multipliés par 3 dans certains lieux touristiques (cenotes et ruines par exemple).

A notre sens, un road trip dans la péninsule du Yucatan n’est pas une expérience 100% Mexique. Le Quintana Roo est vraiment une région à part. Les aménagements touristiques massifs et la présence de nombreux Occidentaux, rendent l’atmosphère moins  “mexicaine”. Cependant, c’est un bon point de départ et cela n’enlève rien à la beauté des cenotes et des plages (sans sargasses !). Le Yucatan est plus authentique et il sera plus simple de vous plonger dans la belle et riche culture mexicaine.

🚐 Quel itinéraire pour un road trip de 2 semaines dans le Yucatan

Comme d’habitude, chaque étape est détaillée dans un article dédié. On vous met le lien correspondant à l’intérieur de chaque résumé, soyez curieux et cliquez ! ❤️

Où atterrir pour visiter le Yucatan ? Départ de Cancun (1 demi-journée)

Votre avion atterrira sûrement sur le tarmac de l’aéroport de Cancun. Même si il est possible de rallier directement Merida, il semblerait que les vols soient plus chers que ceux qui relient l’Europe à Cancun. Si vous avez un timing serré, on vous conseille de partir directement en direction de votre prochaine destination ! Si vous voulez explorer la ville de Cancun avec nous , c’est possible, les plages y sont très agréables. C’est d’ailleurs à peu près tout ce qu’il y a à faire. Mais du sable, vous allez en voir pendant ce Road Trip dans le Yucatan. Ne vous y attardez donc pas si vous avez seulement 15 jours.

Avec notre hôte!

Coco Bongo dans la zone hoteliere de Cancun

Burger à la Vicenta

Mezcal shot mural drawing

Accès à la plage à Cancun

Une Tortas incroyable

Premier contact avec le paradis à Isla Mujeres (2 jours)

Fuyez l’aéroport pour foncer prendre le ferry pour Isla Mujeres ! Un petit bout de paradis facilement accessible depuis Cancun donc on peut faire le tour en seulement quelques jours. En effet, si les amateurs d’île auront le choix entre Cozumel et Isla Mujeres , nous conseillons à ceux qui n’ont que 15 jours de privilégier la deuxième, plus petite, qui pourra être explorée rapidement.

Cocktail à Isla Mujeres sur la plage

Tour de snorkeling à Isla Mujeres

Petit voilier à Isla

Coucher de soleil sur Isla Mujeres

Deuxième île incontournable d'un road trip au Yucatan : Holbox (2-3 jours)

Vous ne pouvez pas manquer l’île d’Holbox et le banc de sable de la Punta Mosquito , une des plus jolies promenades que nous ayons vu pendant ce voyage dans le Yucatan. La farniente, le repos et les cocktails sur la plage sont les spécialités de l’île. En même temps, ’il n’y a pas grand chose d’autre à faire qu’on se le dise !

Holbox et les requins baleines

Sunset dans les hamacs de Holbox

La Punta Mosquito vue de drone

Une rue de holbox

Graffiti à Holbox

Valladolid : première ville de ce séjour (2-3 jours)

Après Holbox, c’est au tour de Valladolid d’être passé au peigne fin. Un excellent point de chute pour visiter les alentours avec Chichen Itza et des cenotes . Une bien belle ville coloniale, colorée à souhait dont le tour se fait en une journée (baignade en cenote incluse). Consacrez ensuite une journée à votre exploration de la 7ème merveille du monde moderne : Chichen Itza. Saupoudrez le tout de quelques autres cenotes et le tour est joué !

Une porte de Valladolid

L'église de Valladolid

Cathédrale de Valladolid

Détails du sol de Valladolid

La cenote Zaci dans le centre ville de Valladolid

La cité de Chichen Itza

Entrée dans l'église de Valladolid

Merida, la belle capitale du Yucatan (2-3 jours)

Depuis Valladolid, faites un arrêt d’une demi-journée à Izamal, la ville jaune du Yucatan. Ensuite, on vous conseille de rester 3 jours pleins à Merida . Nous avons trouvé qu’il y avait un certain nombre de petites choses à découvrir dans la ville et on regrette par exemple de ne pas avoir pris un peu plus le temps ! Ne manquez pas de faire quelques explorations cenotesques ou de ruines mayas à Uxmal si le cœur vous en dit.

la cité d'Uxmal

Une façade de la ville de Merida

Siège des confidences à Valladolid

La cenote San Antonio

Bacalar, la lagune aux 7 nuances de bleu (2 jours)

Un de nos coups de cœur lors de ce road trip dans la péninsule du Yucatan : la petite ville pirate de Bacalar et sa lagune aux 7 couleurs . Une sortie en voilier, une après-midi dans des petits rapides couleurs turquoises.. Il n’y a pas non plus énormément de choses à faire mais si vous avez envie de vous détendre, vous êtes au bon endroit.

Los rapidos vue en drone

Tour du voilier à Bacalar

Vue en drone de la lagune de Bacalar

coucher de soleil sur un ponton de Bacalar

Tulum, ruines et plage (si il n’y a pas de sargasses) (1,5 jour)

Si vous avez lu notre article sur la Riviera Maya , vous savez que nous n’avons pas accroché avec Tulum. Notre conseil ? Faites vous votre propre avis avec une halte d’un week-end. La recette ? Les ruines mayas de Tulum et de Coba, de la plage (sans sargasse si possible), une pincée de street art et un petit morceau de beach strip. Sur la route pour rejoindre Playa del Carmen, passez par Akumal pour observer les tortues en snorkeling gratuitement (si vous suivez nos conseils).

cenote corazon à Tulum

la cenote azul près de Tulum

Une tortue dans la zone d'Akumal

Néon Tulum sur le strip

Sculpture sur le strip de Tulum

l'architecture de Tulum et le strip

Playa del Carmen : fiesta et plongée (3-4 jours)

Pour conclure en beauté votre séjour, posez vos valises à Playa del Carmen pour une touche de farniente et de… plongée sous-marine ! La ville est en face de la barrière de corail de Cozumel et juste à côté de très beaux cenotes à découvrir en nageant ou en plongeant. Ce serait dommage de ne pas en profiter !

Un requin baleine bien stylé

Plonger avec une tortue verte à Cozume

Plongée dans la cenote Kukulkan

Les impasses de notre road trip au Yucatan

Notre temps dans la région du Yucatan était compté et nous avons donc du faire des choix. Voici une liste succinctes des endroits que nous avions dans la tête : 

• Rio Lagartos et Las Coloradas : les fameuses lacs roses accompagnés de leur fidèle flamants roses. Plutôt loin de Valladolid et impossible d’y accéder sans guide. Ce  post facebook  explique bien la situation et pourquoi on n’a pas pris le temps de le faire . En plus il est interdit d’y faire voler son drone, bien dommage quand même;
• Les ruines de Calakmul et de Coba : on a entendu beaucoup de bien de ces 2 cités mayas. Uxmal et Chichen Itza nous ont suffit du coup nous n’avons pas voulu en faire plus ;
• Toujours plus de cenotes : certaines ont vu leur prix d’entrée doubler voir tripler ! Nous avons du faire des choix et exclure les cenotes Oxman, Calavera, Kantun-Chi, Rio Secreto et bien d’autres !

⏲ Quand aller dans le Yucatan ou le Quintana Roo ?

La meilleure saison pour partir en vacances dans la péninsule du Yucatan est , d’après nous, de décembre à mai . Effectivement, le risque de pluie est proche de 0 ainsi que le risque de faire un bain de sargasses ! 

Néanmoins, si vous planifiez de venir sur une autre période, sachez que la saison des pluies ne vous empêche pas d’en profiter ! La saucée surgit aux alentours de 17-18h. Déso pour les lèves-tard mais il faudra privilégier le matin pour les activités.

🔪 Un road trip au Yucatan : est-ce dangereux ?

Tout d’abord, il faut bien se rendre compte que la péninsule du Yucatan est la région la plus touristique du Mexique. Ainsi, 7 touristes sur 10 concentreront leur activité dans ce secteur. Par conséquent, le circuit est très bien balisé. Pour faire court, nous ne nous sommes JAMAIS sentis en danger ou en insécurité lors de notre séjour dans le Yucatan.

La Belle et le cartel

Avant de se lancer dans l’aventure Tacos Go (Pokemon Go mais en version tacos), il est important de souligner deux éléments qui peuvent venir troubler votre tranquillité :

• qui dit zone touristique dit fêtes et argent. Souvent cela rime avec consommation de drogue et donc une clientèle idéale pour les cartels dans certaines zones. Vous entendrez peut-être parler de coup de feu sur la plage à Tulum par exemple ou de règlement de compte à Playa del Carmen. La presse Mexicaine n’est pas avare en images choquantes et titres évocateurs. Personnellement, nous n’avons vécu ni entendu aucune histoire malheureuse une fois sur place. Des situations faciles à éviter avec un peu de bon sens et si vous ne faites pas n’importe quoi ;
• les forces de police sont corrompues au Mexique . Impossible de généraliser à l’ensemble des effectifs mais c’est un fait qui concerne 9 policiers sur 10 (et ce sont des paroles de mexicains). Ils ne manqueront pas une occasion de soutirer au touriste blanc un petit billet. Ainsi, par temps de COVID, n’oubliez pas de porter votre masque si c’est obligatoire ou de bien respecter les limitations sur la route.

Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir

Le truc avec la police corrompue, c’est qu’on peut venir voir les coups fourrés d’assez loin. Et si vous êtes pris la main dans le sac, il y a toujours une ou deux astuces pour s’en sortir.

Le parcours pour devenir policier au Mexique est beaucoup moins sélectif et pénible qu’en France. Pour faire simple, c’est globalement un poste qui est occupé par des personnes n’ayant ni étude ni carrière. Il signe un papier, on leur donne un uniforme, un beau pick-up et c’est parti.

• Un policier seul, c’est toujours suspect au Mexique. Encore plus si il a les yeux injectés de sang;
• Respecter le code de la route et surtout les limitations de vitesse;
• Se renseigner et appliquer les mesures COVID en vigueur dans la ville. La police n’a rien à voir avec les services de l’immigration. Si on commence à vous mettre la pression sur un document manquant ou comme quoi vous êtes au Mexique illégalement, sachez que la police ne peut pas vous mettre d’amende pour ces motifs. C’est l’immigration qui est en charge de ces sujets.

Nous nous sommes fait arrêter suite à un contact un peu agressif avec un dos d’âne. Voici donc l’astuce de Mimi si le policier vous semble louche (du genre, il écrit un nombre sur un papier blanc sorti de son chapeau ?) : lui dire qu’il faut envoyer l’amende à l’agence de location et que c’est cette dernière qui règlera le PV directement auprès de l’administration. Si jamais, ajoutez qu’elle vous a bien précisé de ne rien payer sur le coup. Le notre, ça l’a découragé !

Ne vous laissez pas démonter par les techniques d’intimidation de la police. Ils chercheront à vous isoler puis à trouver un élément compromettant sur vous ou vos effets personnels. Du temps, ils en ont devant eux quitte à fouiller vos bagages de fond en comble. Parfois, ils tenteront de vous déstabiliser en vous menaçant d’aller au poste, en inventant des faits ou des objets ne vous appartenant pas.

Le pire qui puisse vous arriver est d’aller au poste quelques heures le temps qu’ils se rendent compte que vous ne rentrerez pas dans leur petit jeu.

🚌 Comment se déplacer dans le Yucatán ?

Pour se promener sereinement dans le Yucatan, le moyen de locomotion dépendra de votre budget. On vous détaille ci- dessous les options petite et grande bourse !

Petits budgetitos avec les transports en commun

Pour ceux qui ont une bourse un peu plus serrée, le bus sera la meilleure solution (et en prime, ce ne sera même pas trop la galère !). Deux options s’offrent à vous dans les trajets du quotidien : 

• Pour les longues distances, privilégiez les bus grandes lignes :ADO, OCC, AU. Demandez au terminal les prix et prenez l’alternative la moins chère. Si vous réservez en ligne sur le site web ou l’appli ADO, les billets sont parfois à moitié prix ! Comptez par exemple 15€ pour faire Cancun-Holbox ou 30€ pour aller jusqu’à Merida;
• Courtes distances, place aux transports collectifs dits.. les collectivos ! Ces minibus, vans ou voitures vous permettront de faire des trajets à petits prix. La destination est écrite sur le pare brise. Vous n’avez qu’à lever la main et le collectivo s’arrêtera si il lui reste encore de la place. Posez la question de la destination au chauffeur !

Quand rien de tout ça n’est disponible, malheureusement, il va falloir passer par la case taxi (et croyez-nous, c’est un peu comme tirer une mauvaise carte chance au Monopoly). Demandez bien le prix avant d’embarquer.

Budgetos plus importants avec une location de voiture réussie pour visiter la péninsule du Yucatan

Pour ceux qui ont un peu plus d’argent ou qui voyagent à plusieurs : la voiture est l’option la plus facile pour visiter le Yucatan et le Quintana Roo . En effet, certaines ruines et ou des cenotes ne sont pas accessibles en transports en commun (ou alors c’est vraiment la galère). Ce sera donc plus simple de partir à l’aventure avec votre véhicule !

Quelques tips de curieux

Louer une voiture au Mexique, sounds scary right ? Déjà que louer une voiture tout court, c’est jamais une partie de plaisir, les retours de voyageurs sur des arnaques à tout va nous ont donné quelques sueurs froides. Voici notre retour d’expérience. 

Nous sommes arrivés comme des fleurs à l’agence Europcar à Cancun, évitant celles de l’aéroport (qui sont plus chères). Quelques recherches sur Kayak avant de négocier et nous savions que le prix de la location devait être entre 27 et 35$. Rapidement, nous sommes parvenus à un accord avec le vendeur pour un prix de 32$ par jour . 

Voici les points à retenir pour louer une voiture sereinement à bon prix : 

• éviter l’aéroport;
• réserver si vous venez en pleine saison mais gardez en tête qu’il y a une “taxe mexicaine” qui va s’ajouter au moment du règlement;
• vérifier que votre carte bleue comprend bien une assurance pour le véhicule;
• faire un état des lieux méticuleux (pensez à la roue de secours et au kit de réparation) et insistez pour avoir une copie des documents. Si quelque chose vous semble louche, contestez ! Vous êtes le client après tous et votre sécurité est primordiale;
• sympathiser avec le loueur et avoir son numéro WhatsApp au cas où.

L’état des routes dans le Yucatan et le Quintana Roo

Seul bémol de cette histoire : les routes ou plus précisément.. les dos d’ânes ou TOPE en espagnol ! En effet, si les routes ne sont pas si mal (attention quand même, il y a quelques trous qui surgissent par-ci par-là), ces dernières sont pleines de ralentisseurs qui sont 1. bien costauds et 2. très mal indiqués.

Prenez garde à ne pas rouler trop vite pour ne pas abimer votre voiture ET/OU récolter une petite amende d’un policier qui sera ravi de vous l’écrire sur un bout de papier blanc pour faire son chiffre du jour. Au passage, si vous utilisez la climatisation, il est normal d’avoir du liquide qui coule sous la voiture 😉

💰Quel budget pour un road trip dans le Yucatan et le Quintana Roo ?

La péninsule du yucatan est-elle bon marché .

Sur les 3 mois de notre voyage au Mexique, la péninsule du Yucatan est la région qui a le plus plombé notre budget. Les budgets journaliers ne sont pas identiques par région, qui plus est dans des pays aussi grands que le Mexique. 

Notre conclusion : un budget plus élevé est nécessaire dans ces deux régions que dans le reste du Mexique.

• Les activités sont nombreuses et variées mais à des prix européens;
• En comparaison avec les autres Etats du Mexique et compte tenu de la fréquentation touristique, le prix des logements et des restaurants est logiquement plus élevé;
• Les transports publics sont bon marché. Louer une voiture peut s’avérer utile si vous êtes plusieurs ;
• Prenez en compte que vous passerez par, je cite les mots du Commandant Cousteau, “Cozumel […] le meilleur spot de plongée au monde”. Si vous prévoyez des sorties plongées en cenotes ou sur la barrière de corail de Cozumel, il faudra ajouter 70$ par immersion. La facture grimpe vite, mais qu’est ce que ça vaut le coup !

Pour vous faciliter la tâche, nous avons fait nos calculs de budget avec et sans la plongée. Comme ça, tout le monde sera content !

Notre budget global pour un road trip au Yucatan pendant 1 mois

Avant notre départ au Mexique, nous avions planifié un budget quotidien unique pour l’ensemble du Mexique de 84$ pour deux personnes. 1 mois après, nous dépassons le budget de 12$ sans inclure les dépenses liées à la plongée. 

“Que 12$, ça va en vrai, le Yucatan ce n’est pas si cher si on ne fait pas de plongée !” 

En fait, si nous avons réussi à conserver un budget quotidien si proche de l’estimation initiale c’est grâce à nos amis Marine et Iskan qui nous ont rejoint pour ce roadtrip dans le Yucatan. Nous avons partagé les frais , amortis la voiture et, surtout, pu tenir un budget logement de 25$ par nuit (nos amis ayant compensé la différence <3). Sans cela, cela aurait été bien difficile de coller avec nos prévisions. Les calculs n’incluent pas le prix des billets d’avion.

Notre budget détaillé pour un road trip au Yucatan pendant 1 mois

Le graphique parle de lui même, la plongée a bien modifié le budget global. Mais nous avions prévu de telles dépenses pendant notre tour du monde. Sans surprise, nous aurions pu voir moins cher en Asie mais pas une si belle barrière de corail ni de cenotes.

Sinon 50% des dépenses sont réparties entre les activités (25€ par personne pour Chichen Itza, ça pique) et les logements. Prenons par exemple Holbox, les activités ne nous ont rien coutées mais le logement a été un peu plus cher. Encore une fois, notre budget de 25€ par nuit a été respecté grâce à Marine et Iskan qui ont compensé la différence.

💳 Faut-il un visa pour entrer au Mexique ?

Avec votre passeport français, vous n’aurez pas besoin de visa pour entrer sur le territoire mexicain. Attention à bien conserver votre formulaire d’entrée sur le territoire . On vous le demandera lors d’un contrôle de la migration et lors de la sortie du pays. 

Vous avez le droit de rester jusqu’à 6 mois consécutifs sur le territoire mexicain.

🦠 Petit point restriction COVID

Le Mexique n’a jamais exigé de tests pour entrer sur son territoire jusqu’à présent (Aout 2021). Nous avons été agréablement surpris de voir que le Mexique et le COVID et bien… ce n’est pas vraiment ce que l’on vous raconte dans les médias français. Les Mexicains n’en n’ont pas rien à faire du COVID. On ira même jusqu’à dire qu’ils étaient bien plus rigoureux dans le port du masque, l’utilisation du gel et le contrôle de la température. Si les restrictions d’ouvertures des commerces, restaurants sont plus souples, dans les villes, le port du masque est quasi automatique même si non obligatoire (en fonction des états) . Par respect des populations locales, nous adoptions la même conduite. 

Certaines banderoles et revendications dans la rue nous ont vraiment marquées. Pour la plupart des Mexicains, c’est “ abrir o morir ” car ils n’ont que très peu d’aides sociales si leur affaire ferme même temporairement.

🏅 Conseils pratiques pour visiter la péninsule du Yucatan au Mexique

Où retirer de l’argent au mexique .

Si vous sortez des sentiers ultra touristiques, vous ne paierez pratiquement jamais pas carte. Et même si vous pouvez, il faudra ajouter en moyenne 5% de la note en commission via le TPE. Demandez directement s’il y a un extra ou payez en effectivo (cash). Le liquide est le plus pratique pour le quotidien. Pensez à ne pas prendre trop avec vous et a étaler les coupures dans différentes cachettes de vos sacs.

Toutes les banques prennent un commission qui va de 30 pesos à 200 pesos lorsque vous faites un retrait (max 5000 pesos par retrait). Voici donc notre sélection de distributeurs spéciale petite commission, du moins avec notre carte bancaire Boursomara VISA ULTIM : 

• Banco Azteca : 30 pesos par retrait. Se trouve à l’intérieur des magasins Electra au fond ;
• BanCoppel : se trouve dans les magasins Coppel. Pas facile à trouver la commission de 18 pesos est la plus faible que l’on ait trouvé;
• City Banamex : 30 pesos par retrait. Beaucoup plus de distributeurs notamment dans les 7/11 (mais ils ne sont pas indiqués sinon ça serait trop facile). On trouve des banques assez facilement en ville.

Comment avoir Internet sur son téléphone pendant un roadtrip dans le Yucatan ?

Rien de plus simple avec Movistar, Telcel ou AT&T ! Nous, nous avons opté par un petit forfait prépayé Movistar à 200 pesos (9€) rechargeable. Il nous tenait environ 2 à 3 semaines pour les données Internet. En bonus, les réseaux sociaux illimités ainsi que SMS et quelques minutes d’appel.

Il a juste fallu se rendre dans un revendeur officiel Movistar pour avoir la carte SIM et quelques explications. Des petites boutiques comme ça, il y en a partout et sont faciles à repérer avec leur grand Kakémono devant. Ensuite, les recharges s’achètent directement dans les tiendas ou abarrotes. Si vous n’en trouvez pas autour de vous, c’est que vous êtes en train de plonger à Cozumel !

La nourriture au Yucatan : à quoi s’attendre ?

Visiter la péninsule du Yucatan, cela passe avant tout par la découverte des spécialités de ces deux régions ! Si votre vocabulaire culinaire s’arrête à “Tacos et Burritos”, vous allez être surpris de voir que c’est bien plus que ça 😉

Préparez bien votre palet car les Mexicains ne sont pas fâchés avec les piments et ce qui pique. D’ailleurs Mimi s’est très vite habitué aux différentes sauces et mangeait comme un Mexicain au bout de 3 mois. Mimi elle, par contre, n’a pas pu dépasser la salsa verde. En général, les choses qui piquent sont servies à côté 🙂

Dans la péninsule du Yucatan, la cuisine est assez européenne. On trouve beaucoup de restaurants qui tentent de reproduire les saveurs de la maison ! Nous, nous recherchions vraiment de nouveaux goûts et de nouvelles recettes dans la cuisine Mexicaine et avons essayé d’éviter le plus possible la cuisine que nous connaissons.

L’accès à l’eau potable et électricité

L’eau n’est pas potable dans la péninsule du Yucatan. En revanche vous n’aurez aucun problème dans ces deux régions pour vous laver les dents avec par exemple.

Il faudra donc acheter l’eau en bouteille dans les supérettes. Vous pouvez aussi prendre des bidons de 5L ou 10L (sans consigne) et 20L (avec consigne car rechargeable).

Aussi, n’oubliez pas votre adaptateur de prise électrique EU vers US.

Quelques spécialités de la péninsule du Yucatan

Comme en France, chaque région du Mexique a ses spécialités et c’est d’autant vrai avec les tacos.

Dans le Yucatan c’est le tacos cochinita pibil qui est la vedette . Le pibil est un mode de cuisson. La viande est d’abord marinée avec des épices et de l’achiote, un fruit dont les graines donnent la couleur orange/rouge au plat. Ensuite enroulé dans des feuilles de bananiers, ça prend la direction du four pour une longue heure de cuisson. On peut aussi trouver du pollo pibil sous la forme d’un plat principal aussi.

Parmi les spécialités Yucatèque on retrouve le Tikin Xic (poisson à la maya), les Papadzules et les Panuchos de Cancun, la soupe au citron vert (sopa de lima), le Poc Chuc (porc braisé) ou les Lomitas (porc) à Valladolid.

Classiques de la gastronomie Mexicaine, resservez vous en chilaques, tamales, enchiladas, tortas, quesadillas, guacamole, mole et nachos. Pour le dessert un peu de gelé ou un pastel de momentos, c’est vous qui choisissez !

4 outils à mettre sur son téléphone lors de son séjour au Mexique

• ADO  : l’application pour réserver ses billets de bus au Mexique. Toutes les compagnies et tout les trajets sont disponibles. Possibilité de réserver et parfois de tomber sur de belles promotions à -60%. Pour nous, c’est un indispensable;
• Cabify  : UBER ne fonctionne pas dans certains endroits du Mexique. Ne vous inquiétez pas, Cabify fait le même travail mais avec une zone plus étendue et les tarifs sont plus intéressants;
•  La  page facebook de surveillance des sargasses du Yucatan  : pour connaître les vagues de sargasse sur la côte. Hyper pratique pour planifier ses virées dans les villes littorales et pouvoir profiter de la plage. En plus ça vous évitera de poster un énième message dans le groupe suivant;
• La page facebook des   français au Mexique  et des  francophones au Mexique  pour rencontrer d’autres personnes sur place, avoir des bons plans ou poser vos questions.  Une jolie communauté !

Les indispensables à mettre dans votre valise pour votre road trip dans le Yucatan

Si les check-lists c’est votre vie, vous allez aimer celle qui suit. Les Paresseux Curieux vous simplifient la vie avec les indispensables à embarquer pour un road trip dans le Yucatan .

• Crème solaire 50, respectueuse de la biodiversité marine. Le soleil du Yucatan ne plaisante pas, surtout près de l’eau ;
• Ta plus belle paire de tongs;
• Masque et tuba pour le snorkeling ;
• T-Shirt UV pour les heures de soleil fort. Vous remarquerez sans doute que même les Mexicains se baignent en t-shirt ;
• Biafine (on sous estime ce petit bijou !) ;
• Des habits légers, qui sèchent vite : on transpire beaucoup ;
• Un imperméable léger (on est jamais trop prudents) ;
• Chaussures de marche qui sèchent rapidement ;
• De l’anti-moustique !

🤓 Notre avis sur la péninsule du Yucatan au Mexique

En toute honnêteté, la péninsule du Yucatan n’est pas l’expérience la plus authentique que nous ayons vécu au Mexique. Par contre, on doit dire que nous avons été surpris par la quantité d’activités disponibles surtout lorsque vous avez accès à une voiture.

Les plages sont magnifiques lorsqu’il n’y a pas de sargasses. L’architecture coloniale et moderne est super intéressante et c’est une excellente initiation à la culture Mexicaine. Les routes sont en assez bonne état et vous n’aurez pas de problème pour trouver de la gastronomie européenne si le pays vous manque.

Si nous devions revenir dans la péninsule du Yucatan cela serait pour la plongée. Vraiment, cette expérience fut incroyable et nous la recommanderions avec grand plaisir.

❤️Epingle notre guide pour un road trip dans le Yucatan

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3 commentaires.

merci beaucoup pour votre article, c’est très intéressant et plein de petits astuces malins 🙂

On prévoit effectivement de faire un voyage au mexique de 3 semaines dont 1 semaines à Yucatan. Avez-vous une idée d’hebergement adéquat qui pourrait accueillir 2 adultes et 2 enfants.

Un belle article qui en aidera beaucoup. Pour la location de voiture au Mexique, j’ai écris un article pour louer le plus sereinement votre véhicule, n’hésitez pas à le lire : https://leptitcurieux.fr/location-voiture-mexique-eviter-les-arnaques/

Merci Bastien d’avoir partagé ton article ! Cela aidera surement nos lecteurs à passer un bon roadtrip dans la péninsule du Yucatan 😎

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10 Days in Yucatan: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

The best itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 days in yucatan.

Are you planning to visit the Yucatan Peninsula in 10 days?

To help you plan your trip, I have created a 10-day itinerary in Yucatan that will let you discover the most amazing places of the peninsula.

With archaeological sites, colonial cities, cenotes and beautiful beaches: I’m sure you will love the program!

From Cancun , you will first leave the coast to visit the famous Mayan city of Chichen Itza and the yellow city of Izamal .

Next, you will visit Merida , where you can visit the Uxmal archaeological site and admire the pink flamingos of Celestun . Then, you will return to the Riviera Maya to relax on the stunning beaches of Tulum , explore the Sian Ka’an reserve and swim with the turtles in Akumal .

You will travel along the coast to Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos , then take the ferry to the island of Cozumel where you will spend the last few days before returning to Cancun for your flight back.

As always, for each stage, I have included my tips and practical information , as well as the best hotels for your budget.

What to do in Yucatan in 10, 11 or 12 days? Where to stay?

Where to stay in Cancun?

Where to stay in izamal.

• Where to stay in Merida?

Where to stay in Tulum?

Where to stay in playa del carmen, where to stay in cozumel, 7) departure from cancun, rent a car in yucatan, public transportation in yucatan, going to yucatán by plane, tourist map: the best places to visit in 10 days in yucatan, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you, 1) cancun (1 day).

Welcome to Cancun!

This Caribbean city has the biggest airport in the region and receives many international flights every day from North America, Europe and other parts of the world, so it will be very easy to find your flight!

As soon as you arrive at the airport, get your rental car .

For your 10 days road trip in Yucatan , I suggest you use the comparison tool of Rentalcars.com . It’s the simplest way to get the best deal!

Click on the button below to compare prices :

If you prefer to do your 10-day vacation in Yucatan without a car you can book here your transfer from the airport to your hotel, with air conditioning and wifi:

Another option that is slower but cheaper, is to take the ADO bus to downtown Cancun and then take the r-1 bus which goes through the hotel zone. Once you have checked in at the hotel, you can:

• Enjoy the sun on Cancun’ s beaches such as Playa Tortugas, Playa Los Delfines, Playa Langosta, Playa Linda, Playa Caracol, Playa Marlin.
• Visit the archaeological site of El Rey , near Playa Delfines
• Discover Isla Blanca , located at the end of Cancun, a great place for kitesurfing… and my favorite beach in Cancun!
• Climb the Scenic Tower for its panoramic view at 110 m high
• Visit Mercado 28 , a great market with restaurants and souvenirs

Check out my guide: The 30 Best Things to Do in Cancun!

If you’re looking for a fun night out in Mexico , you should check out Xoximilco Cancun .

For 3 hours you ride in a colorful trajinera , with Mexican food and open bar (tequila, beer and soft drinks), all accompanied by music, including mariachis! 🥳 Please note that this is a family-friendly party, suitable for ages 5 and up.

Get your tickets for Xoximilco here :

Spend the night in Cancun.

• Mayan Monkey Cancun : great hostel with a festive atmosphere in Cancun’s hotel zone , very close to the beach and bars. Terrace, outdoor pool, bar with happy hour , air conditioning, ping-pong, good wifi. Private rooms and dorms, from only 24$usd!
• Bed and Breakfast Pecari : if you are looking for more comfort, I recommend without hesitation this establishment. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a quiet street near the city center and the ADO bus station, with a relaxation area by the pool, spacious rooms, and a good breakfast, starting at 50$usd per night!
• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: rooms, suites, and villas for 2 to 12 people with direct access to the beach . Outdoor pool, children’s pool, gym, restaurant, beach bar. Breakfast included, starting at 218$usd per night.
• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa : spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Large outdoor pool, gym, spa, fine restaurants, sports bar and many activities. All inclusive, starting at 485 $usd per night

My Advice For more options, you can visit my article about the best hotels and resorts in Cancun and find your perfect hotel. Here is the link: Where to stay in Cancun?  

2) Chichen Itza and Izamal (1 day)

Morning – Today, you will continue your 10-day tour of the Yucatan Peninsula by visiting the famous Mayan city of Chichen Itza , the main tourist attraction of the Yucatan.

This iconic site of the Mayan culture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World .

You will see El Castillo , the main pyramid dedicated to the god Kukulcan , the astronomical observatory El Caracol , the Mesoamerican ballcourt , the Tzompantli dedicated to the worship of the dead, and the Temple of the Warriors with the Thousand Columns.

• If you want to know more about the attractions of Chichen Itza , check out my guide Chichén Itzá : the definitive guide + My tips

It takes about 2 to 3 hours to visit Chichen Itza and I suggest you go there early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds, as it is a very popular site.

You can get your tickets to Chichen Itza with skip the line access here :

How to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun:

• By car : 2 hours and 20 minutes on the 180D. Fee 80 pesos
• By public transportation : 3h by ADO bus, it drops you off at the entrance
• By organized tour : a very good option if you don’t have a car is to take the tour to Chichén Itzá from Cancún with pick up at your hotel – book it here!

Afternoon – Visit the charming town of Izamal , which gets its nickname “yellow city” from the beautiful color of its facades.

Start at the Convent of San Antonio de Padua , which is the symbol of the city. Surrounded by 75 arches, its atrium is the second largest in the world after St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

Walk through Parque Itzamná , the main square, and Parque 5 de Mayo , where you will find a cafeteria and a handicrafts store.

Don’t miss the pyramid of Itzamatul and the Kinich Kakmó pyramid , one of the tallest in the Yucatán, both of which are free to visit!

For lunch, I recommend the Kinich restaurant , which is known as one of the best restaurants for traditional Yucatecan cuisine .

If you have time left, explore the San Ildefonso neighborhood, the very traditional Los Remedios neighborhood, and the El Gallito neighborhood.

My advice At 8 pm there is a video mapping show that presents the history of the city. There are projections in 5 places in Izamal , starting with the Parque de los Cañones .

• I invite you to read: The 11 Best Things To Do in Izamal!

Spend the night in Izamal

How to get to Izamal from Chichen Itza:

• By car : 1 hour on Highway 180D to Kantunil, then Highway 53 to Izamal
• By public transportation : 2h30 taking a bus or colectivo from Pisté to Hoctún, and then another one to Izamal
• Departamentos X’Kanlol : very clean and well located rooms in the center near the bus station, with garden and bicycle rental, from only 25 usd per night!
• Hotel San Miguel Arcangel : the best budget hotel in Izamal , perfectly located in front of Parque 5 de Mayo. I loved its green patio and colonial style decor. Breakfast included, from only 51 usd per night!
• Hotel Boutique Kocai : beautiful Mayan-style ecological cabins located in the center of Izamal with pool, hammocks, garden and restaurant. From 83 usd per night
• Hacienda Sacnite : a hacienda that has preserved its authentic rustic character, but with an intimate, elegant and romantic atmosphere . With large gardens, many plants and palm trees, a beautiful swimming pool, this is one of the most charming hotels in the Yucatan ! From 103 usd per night

3) Merida (2 days)

Day 1 – On the next part of your trip to Yucatan, explore the region of Merida.

In the morning, discover Uxmal, which was an important Mayan city allied to Chichén Itzá.

It is considered an architectural jewel of the Puuc style , which stands out, among other things, for the richness of its carved stone facades.

What to see on your visit to Uxmal:

• The Pyramid of the Magician , the main pyramid of Uxmal
• The Great Pyramid and its Temple of the Guacamayas (Templo de las Guacamayas)
• The Governor’s Palace , a great place to take pictures
• The Mayan ball court
• Other structures such as the Quadrangle of the Birds , the Nunnery Quadrangle , the House of Turtles

To discover everything about Uxmal, here is My Definitive Guide To Uxmal!

Just 20 minutes from Uxmal is Kabah , another Puuc-style site.

It is very off-the-beaten-path and much smaller than Uxmal, but its main building called “Codz Poop” or Palace of the Masks is impressive.

How to get to Uxmal from Merida:

• By car : 1h15 by Federal Highway 261 to Santa Elena. Parking costs 80 pesos. Kabah is a little further along the same road, 20 minutes from Uxmal.
• By bus: 1 departure per day to Uxmal (9h05) from the TAME terminal and return at 15h. The trip lasts 1h30-2h, ticket 84 pesos.
• With a tour: this is your best option to not have to worry about transportation! The tour from Merida includes air-conditioned transportation, guided visit to Uxmal and free time, and visit to Kabah.

Book the tour to Uxmal here:

In the afternoon, head back to Merida , to explore this beautiful capital of the state of Yucatan .

You can walk through its historic center : start with the Plaza Grande with the cathedral, the Casa de Montejo which is the oldest in the city and the Museo Macay, a contemporary art museum. And all for free.😉

Take Calle 64 to see the colorful houses and then walk along Paseo de Montejo , a wide avenue whose construction was inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris.

In the evening, you can enjoy Santa Lucía park , lined with restaurants with terraces and music.

My advice Another interesting activity to get to know the city is to take the tourist bus .

This is what I did during my visit because it was too hot , and I loved it!

It is a 1h30-2h tour, in a small bus called “guagua” that looks like a colorful streetcar. The tour is narrated by a guide, and takes us to see the main monuments and some neighborhoods outside the historic center.

• For more information, check out my guide: Top 20 Things To Do in Merida

Spend the night in Merida

How to get to Merida from Izamal:

• By car: 1h taking the YUC 11 highway and then the Gulf Coastal Highway/ Valladolid – Merida/Mexico 180 W
• By bus : 1h30 with Autocentro Buses

Day 2- Spend the day in Celestun , a beautiful tourist destination in Yucatan known mainly for being the best place to see pink flamingos in Mexico .

First you need to go to the fishing village of Celestun and board a small boat that will take you to the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve . The boat tours depart from the Parador Turistico Celestun (1h30) or from the beach (2h30).

This reserve is home to some 300 species of birds , including a large colony of flamingos, which can be seen mainly from November to April .

Another option is to book a day tour from Merida with pick-up at your hotel , which includes the boat ride to see the pink flamingos, time for a swim in a natural pool, free time in Celestun and lunch on the beach.

You can book the tour here:

• Some more reading: How to see pink flamingos in Celestun?

After visiting the reserve , you can also:

• Walk around the small town of Celestun , see its main square, discover its handicrafts
• Do ecotourism in the Jaltun Park with its hiking trails, botanical garden, kayaking, etc
• See the pink salt pans of Celestun . The extraction of salt in these pools dates back to the time of the ancient Maya. To get there, go to the Ex-Hacienda Real de Salinas
• Relax on the beach of Celestun , with calm waters and far fewer tourists than in the Riviera Maya .

There are also several nice bars and restaurants along Celestun beach for a good time.

Spend the night in Mérida

How to get to Celestún from Mérida:

• By car: 1h15 on Highway 281
• By public transport : 2h30 from Terminal Noreste , bus 70 pesos – departures every hour from 6am. Or by colectivo near the terminal, 40 pesos – less frequent departures
• Take a tour : as I mentioned above, this is the most convenient option as it includes pick up from your hotel in Merida , boat ride through the reserve, free time and lunch on the beach – a really nice and comprehensive excursion!

Where to stay in Merida ?

These are my suggestions for lodging in Mérida :

• Nomadas : the best hostel in Merida with a very nice atmosphere, located in the center of Merida. It has a swimming pool surrounded by hammocks and plants, possibility of classes (yoga, cooking classes, etc.). Starting at only 18$usd per night!
• El Gran Hotel : ideally located in the very center of Merida, right next to the cathedral. It is a very charming hotel, where time seems to have stopped with its colonial look and beautiful woodwork. There’s a restaurant, the rooms are spacious and the wifi works well. Good value for money, starting at only 59$usd per night!
• Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP : this small, luxurious hotel is the ideal place to spend a few romantic days in Merida . Located in the historic center, it is an elegant hacienda-style building, illuminated by candlelight at nightfall. Here you will find a charming swimming pool, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Starting at 165 $usd per night
• Hotel Boutique Mérida Santiago : this is a small, comfortable hotel with a colorful hacienda look, modern and with a traditional Mexican touch. There’s a swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. With excellent homemade breakfasts and spacious rooms, it is the ideal hotel if you are looking for comfort without falling into luxury. Starting at 197 $usd per night

4) Tulum (3 days)

Head back to the Riviera Maya where you will spend a few days in Tulum , a tropical paradise of white sand.

Day 1 – Today , explore the town of Tulum, starting with the archaeological site of Tulum located by the Caribbean Sea.

In 1h-1h30, you can visit the wall, the Castle which is the main structure, the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, and several other structures.

After the visit, go to a cenote to cool off . Cenotes are natural water wells that the Maya considered sacred, and today, many of Yucatán’s cenotes are open to the public for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you are traveling with your family, you can go to the Gran Cenote , the Dos Ojos Cenote, cenote Zacil-Ha .

For a wilder cenote, I suggest Nicte-Ha , Taak Bi Ha , Cristal or Escondido .

• To find the cenote that suits you best, here is my Guide To The Best Cenotes In Tulum !

In the afternoon, stroll along Tulum’s Beach Strip in the tourist area, where there are several nice stores, cafes, bars and restaurants. This is the perfect place fo r lunch .

As this route goes along the coast, you will already be close to the fine sand and you can relax at Playa Paraiso or Playa Las Palmas .

At night, there are several bars in Tulum with a good vibe such as Casa Jaguar , Gitano , Papaya Playa Project , etc.

• For the Best Things To Do in Tulum , don’t miss   My Ultimate Guide To Tulum!

How to get to Tulum from Merida:

• By car: 3h15, on Carretera 180 to Kantunil, then follow 180D to Valladolid and 180a Chemax-Coba. Follow Chemax-Coba and 109 to Tulum.
• By bus : 4h with the ADO bus from the  CAME terminal, I suggest you take the first bus at 6:40 am so you don’t lose too much time in your day! The Mayab bus company also makes the trip, but it is longer (5h-5h30).

Day 2 – The Sian Ka’an reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must-see for a 10-12 day trip to Yucatan as it is a wonderful haven of biodiversity .

Between the sea and the rainforest, you can find more than 300 species of birds, 100 species of animals and 1000 species of plants.

There are two ways to visit Sian Ka’an , depending on your time and interests:

• The day tour to Punta Allen lets you see the beach, saltwater lagoons, watch dolphins and snorkel the coral reefs.

This is truly the destination that offers the most comprehensive tour of Sian Kaan !

The only problem is that you need a 4×4 car to get there (the road is in bad shape) or walk from Tulum .

You can book here the tour to Punta Allen with pick up from your hotel, which also includes lunch:

2. A half day in Muyil lets you see the Sian Ka’an jungle, with its swamps, freshwater lagoons and the Mayan ruins of Muyil.

It is a much shorter visit that I would only suggest if you are tight on time but the advantage is that Muyil is easy to reach (20 min from Tulum) by car or by taking the ADO bus to Chunyaxche.

You can book this tour to Muyil from Tulum , which includes the visit to Sian Ka’an and lunch:

In the surroundings of the Sian Ka’an Reserve you can also visit:

• Boca Paila : a beautiful beach at the entrance of the reserve, between the Caribbean Sea and Muyil Lagoon, towards Punta Allen
• Kaan Luum : a lake located in the middle of the jungle with an 269 ft deep cenote.
• Nopalitos Lagoon

Overnight in Tulum.

Day 3 – In the morning, head to Akumal, the best place to swim with turtles in Quintana Roo!

During the snorkeling, you will see three types of turtles , lots of fish and corals .

Here, the turtles are protected, so you need to take a tour with a guide who will make sure you follow certain rules to avoid stressing them.

You can find an agency on the beach or, if you want a more complete experience , you can take this tour with pick up at your hotel.

It includes snorkeling with the turtles in Akumal Bay, swimming in a cenote and visiting a cave. Book it here:

Besides snorkeling, you can also enjoy the beaches of Akumal , the Half Moon Bay and the Yal-Ku Lagoon .

• To find out all the activities you can do in Akumal, check out my Ultimate Guide To Akumal !

On your way back to Tulum, I recommend stopping at Xcacel and Chemuyil beaches which are only 10 min away from Akumal.

They are two unspoiled beaches with white sand and clear water, very off-the-beaten-path. 😍

• Important: there is nothing on those beaches (no facilities, no restaurant), so bring what you need, like your towel, snacks, enough water and, if possible, an umbrella. And they close at 5h30 pm!

Spend the night in Tulum.

How to get to Akumal from Tulum:

• By car : 25 min on highway 307 towards Cancun
• By public transportation : take a colectivo from the main street of Tulum to Playa del Carmen

• Mayan Monkey Tulum : an excellent value for money . Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.
• Casa Almendro : if you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum . It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!
• Diamante K : is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price , which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.
• Habitas Tulum : this small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum . It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!
• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only : this is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum . It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

5) Playa del Carmen (1-2 days)

It’s time to say goodbye to Tulum , and drive along the coast of the Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen .

Since you have limited time left on your Yucatan roadtrip and there is so much to do in Playa del Carmen , I suggest you pick the option that appeals to you the most:

Option 1 – Discover the underground caves of Rio Secreto (half day)

Rio Secreto is one of my favorite activities in Yucatan .

You get to explore  an underground river located in a nature reserve, which is part of a large 25 miles cave system.

The guided tour involves walking and swimming in crystal clear waters, surrounded by a multitude of stalactites and stalagmites.

And since the tours are only done in small groups , with mandatory reservation , you can really appreciate nature!

Don’t forget your swimsuit.

Book your tickets to Rio Secreto here , which include the guided visit, and lunch with local products:

Estimate about 3h30 for Rio Secreto (visit+lunch) and still, you will have plenty of time to walk around Playa del Carmen .

You can also head to Xpu-Ha beach , one of the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya , and take the opportunity to visit the Cenote Azul right in front of it.

• Rio Secreto is 12 minutes from Playa del Carmen. You have to go to Tulum, by car (Highway 307), ADO bus or colectivo.

Overnight stay in Playa del Carmen

Option 2 – Xcaret Park (1 full day)

Xcaret is definitely one of the best things to do in 10 days in Yucatan ! It is a huge park of 80 hectares with eco-friendly and cultural themes, located between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.

And, because it is surrounded by nature, you can expect to see many animals such as crocodiles, tapirs, flamingos, iguanas and monkeys.

It is advisable to get there early , as there is so much to see and do in Xcaret .

I’ve never managed to do it all in one day , so you’ll have to choose what interests you most:

• The large aquarium with some 5,000 marine organisms, including many corals
• The 1000 year old Mayan ruins of Polé
• The underground rivers Rio Azul, Rio Maya and Rio Manati. It is best to pick only one of them, as you will need between 40 min and 1 h to swim and float (with life jacket!) in each one.
• The jungle trail to discover the sacred trees of the Mayas, and the orchid and bromeliad museum
• The boat ride on the Paradise River
• Enjoy the Xcaret beach , the natural pools and the lagoon
• The children’s playground with water slides, a network of tunnels, suspension bridges, obstacles and a labyrinth
• The panoramic tower offering a 360° view,  262 ft high
• An immersion in Mexican culture with : a colorful Mexican cemetery, a traditional Yucatan hacienda, the Mexican folk art museum, chapels, an ancient Mayan village with pre-Hispanic dances

Finally, don’t miss “Mexico Espectacular” !

It is a 2-hour show with 300 artists presenting the history, culture and traditions of Mexico.

Get your tickets for Xcaret here , which include the Mexico Espectacular show and pick-up:

If you want to visit Xcaret on your own , you can drive for about 15 minutes on highway 307 from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. You can also take the bus from the ADO terminal on Quinta Avenida , or colectivo to Tulum from the corner of  Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 45 norte.

You can also get your tickets to Xcaret with the Mexico Espectacular show, but without transportation :

Spend the night in Playa del Carmen

My advice The best way to enjoy the parks is to stay at the Hotel Xcaret❤️ .

Option 3 – Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos (1 day)

Start your day with a visit to Puerto Morelos .

This charming town is only 400 m away from the second largest barrier reef in the world , which makes it a great destination for diving enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Puerto Morelos is also the gateway to the famous Ruta de los Cenotes , a 35 km road that leads to many cenotes.

• To learn more about the cenotes of Puerto Morelos and other things to do, you can check out my Top 13 Things To See In Puerto Morelos !

If you are looking for some adventure , I recommend you to go to Selvatica Park , which has been awarded as the best adventure park in Latin America and one of the 35 best parks in the world by Travel+Leisure magazine .

It is a 5h activity with pick up from your hotel and lunch , which includes 10 zip lines , swimming in a cenote and access to the Tarzania , a mix of zip line and roller coaster.

• Book your tickets to Selvatica here:

After Puerto Morelos, you can go back to Playa del Carmen to explore the city:

• Enjoy the beaches of Playa del Carmen such as Playa Mamitas, Playacar, Playa Tukan, Playa Paraiso, Playa Paamul
• Go to Punta Esmeralda, with free beach and cenote, very peaceful during the week!
• Walk along Quinta Avenida , the lively main avenue, with restaurants, shops, bars, street entertainment
• Look for the most beautiful street art murals (there are many!)
• Watch the dance of the voladores and the Aztec dance in the Parque de los Fundadores , both free of charge
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

You can also read my articles:

• Playa del Carmen: The 30 Best Things to Do!
• Playa del Carmen: What To Do On a Budget
• Playa del Carmen: The 12 Cenotes You Can’t Miss!

Spend the night in Playa del Carmen.

• To get to Puerto Morelos from Playa del Carmen , it takes 30 minutes by car on Highway 307 towards Cancun; or you can take a bus towards Cancun and get off at Puerto Morelos and then take a cab or another bus to Puerto Morelos beach

• Che Playa Hostel & Bar Adults Only : great hostel to meet other travelers and party , with a rooftop terrace that has a bar and a small pool, with several offered activities . Clean, with good wifi and a great welcome. From only 13 $usd for the dormitory or 37 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Lunata : a charming hotel with hacienda style decoration, which is hidden on Quinta Avenida, very close to the beach . Quiet, with a garden, rooms with balcony, and has very friendly service. From only 82 $usd per night!
• Porto Playa Condo Beach Club : here you will find a spacious apartment ideal for a family , with fully equipped kitchen, living room and terrace. The hotel has a large swimming pool , a gym and a restaurant, starting at 172 $usd per night!
• The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa : located on the beautiful beach of Playacar , just a few minutes from Fifth Avenue . Ideal for a romantic stay , with a beautiful tropical garden, two pools, a gym and a spa. 200 $usd with the “all inclusive” formula.
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Parks All Fun Inclusive: it is definitely the best hotel in Playa del Carmen! Ideal for couples and families with children as this luxury hotel offers an exceptional package including meals and access to its parks (Xcaret, Xplor , Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xel-Ha and Xenote). Starting at 860 $usd per night, all inclusive.

My tip Check out my comprehensive guide to find the perfect hotel or resort for your stay . Here’s the link: Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?  

6) Cozumel (2-3 days)

Welcome to Cozumel , the last stop on your 10-day Yucatan Peninsula road trip .

Many travelers do the round trip in one day from Playa del Carmen, but since it’s one of the largest islands in Mexico and there’s a lot to see, I suggest staying at least 2 or 3 days in Cozumel to explore it well.

Here is my recommended itinerary :

Day 2 – Start by discovering the best spots to dive in Cozumel.

The island is considered one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world !

You can check out, for example: the reefs of Palancar , Columbia, Paraiso, Punta Tunich, Chankanaab , Santa Rosa, the Devil’s Throat (an underwater cave) and the wreck Felipe Xicoténcatl.

And don’t miss El Cielo , which is named after the starfish at the bottom of its clear and shallow waters.

To protect El Cielo and its starfish , the site is only reachable by boat , with an organized tour that lasts 4 hours.

You can book here the tour to El Cielo with pick up at your hotel, which also includes a snorkeling stop at Palancar Reef , beer and margaritas:

Overnight in Cozumel.

How to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen:

You have to take the ferry for 45 min-1h.

• Without car : with Ultramar or Winjet Fast Ferry from Navega Maritime Terminal – Book your ferry tickets here!
• By car : with Transcaribe or Ultramar Carga , from Punta Venado in Calica , 15 min from Playa del Carmen

Day 2 – Enjoy the day in Punta Sur

With its 1000 hectares of white sand beaches, lakes, jungle and palm trees, Punta Sur is the largest ecological reserve in Cozumel .

It has a rich biodiversity , as well as the archaeological site El Caracol and the Celerain lighthouse , which offers a stunning panoramic view, if you climb the 133 steps.

To visit Punta Sur you can take this jeep tour that takes you to the lighthouse, snorkeling, and free time on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel .

It also includes lunch at a beach club and a tequila tasting .

You can book the small group tour here:

Or with private tour here:

Day 3 – Relax on the beach or at Chankanaab Park

Today is the last day of this Yucatan itinerary so I suggest you choose between:

• Exploring Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches such as Passion Island, Chen rio, Playa San Francisco or Playa Encantada
• Going to Sky Reef or Palancar beach clubs
• If you’re traveling to Yucatan with your family , I recommend Chankanaab Park where you can do several activities in one place (beach, snorkeling, games, zip line, etc.)

You can get your tickets to Chankanaab here :

• To learn about all the tourist attractions in Cozumel , you can also consult My Article With The 15 Best Things To Do in Cozumel 😉

Staying in Cozumel is a very good idea if you want to enjoy the island in a privileged way since most visitors come only for the day.

• Hacienda Boutique Mi Casa tu Casa B&B: one hacienda-style house with authentic and colorful Mexican charm, outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Very good traditional breakfast and an excellent welcome from the hosts, from only 82 usd per night!
• Villas El Encanto Cozumel: for more comfort , I suggest this hotel that offers air-conditioned apartments and bungalows with kitchenette and terrace. Nice garden, swimming pool, hammocks and lounge chairs. It offers excellent value for money, at only 115 usd per night.
• Allegro Cozumel All-Inclusive: is an all-inclusive hotel in Cozumel ideal for families . Located on San Francisco beach with many activities available (beach volleyball, yoga, snorkeling, kayaking, etc), a playground and a kids club, 3 swimming pools, one of them with slides. From 205 usd per night all-inclusive.
• Meliá Cozumel All Inclusive : to enjoy the tranquility , this is an all-inclusive hotel with a beautiful private beach , spacious rooms, full spa, two pools, one of them only for adults with bar. I recommend the room with ocean view , from 280 usd euros per night all inclusive!

After discovering best things to do in Yucatan in 10 days , you will have to go back to Cancun to catch your flight.

From Cozumel , take the ferry to Playa del Carmen (1h) and then the highway or the ADO bus (1h) to Cancun airport .

Have a safe journey home! ✈️

Renting a car is for sure the best way to make the most of your 10-day stay in Yucatan!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

My tips for your 10 day road trip in Yucatan :

• In Mexico there are two kinds of roads : toll and free.
• I recommend you to use the toll roads as much as possible because they are better maintained, faster and safer.
• Avoid driving at night . And if you have to drive at night for some reason, always take the toll road .
• To estimate the cost of your trip , use the website Traza Tu Ruta . It’s very handy!
• To pay at the toll booths, I suggest you get the TAG (Pase telepeaje – see points of sale here ) that you can easily recharge through the app ( Android – Iphone ).
• Don’t leave your car unattended (especially at night). It’s better to pay for a parking lot if your hotel doesn’t have a private one.

The good thing about the Yucatan Peninsula is that it’s quite easy to travel by public transportation , with its system of buses and colectivos (8-10 person vans)

My tips to explore Yucatan in 10 days without a car:

• The benefit of the colectivo is that you can stop almost anywhere on the road (by telling the driver in advance where you need to get off)
• The benefit of the bus is that you can easily hop on with your suitcase (or backpack), as there is more room and the schedules are fixed
• The ADO bus company is very reliable with schedules. Check the ADO website to check times and buy your tickets: it’s often cheaper to buy them online than at the terminal.
• Depending on the city, there may be more than one bus terminal . Make sure you know where your bus leaves from!

Cancun airport has many international flights from Europe and North America. The city of Merida also has several domestic flights.

To find a cheap flight ticket to Cancun or a domestic flight you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner: it’s the best way to get the lowest price!

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City , Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche , Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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Visit the coastal state of Yucatán to see its famous Mayan ruins and stretches of coastline. Find beautiful architecture, great entertainment and peaceful nature in the state capital and surrounding towns and villages.

Explore the ruins of ancient Mayan civilization at the famed Chichén Itzá archaeological site, one of the most extensively restored and most visited of all Mayan ruins. Examine the ball court and stone temples as well as the iconic pyramid. Many people stay overnight to see the ruins early in the morning or late at night, avoiding the tourist crowds and extreme heat during the day.

Scattered around the state are several other Mayan archaeological sites including Ek Balam, known for its well-preserved sculptures, and Uxmal, famed for its detailed, ornamental facades. Time your visit to coincide with the impressive sound and light show at Uxmal.

The state capital, Mérida, is a mix of old and new, filled with Mayan and colonial history. Known as the "White City,” due to the amount of white limestone buildings here, the city is comprised of narrow streets and broad plazas. Browse its busy markets and attend one of the events that happen most evenings in the downtown area. During the day, explore the city’s museums and marvel at colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples.

Merida’s residents escape the heat at the port town of Progreso, 20 miles (30 kilometers) north. Stroll along the promenade, which is always bustling with vendors selling crafts and fresh seafood. The emerald waters nearby are clean and good for swimming. En route to Progreso, stop at the ancient Maya site of Dzibilchaltun.

Head west of Mérida to explore the little fishing village of Celestún. From here, it’s just a short journey to the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún, a wildlife sanctuary known for its flamingos and waterfowl.

Access Yucatán via Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Mérida or Cancun International Airport. The state is served by bus routes, some of which are air-conditioned, but for ultimate comfort and ease, rent a car instead. The roads here are well-maintained.

Popular cities in Yucatán

Reasons to visit.

• Paseo de Montejo
• Mérida Cathedral
• Yucatan International Convention Center
• Cenote Suytun
• Cenote Xkeken
• Cenote Zaci
• Pyramid of Kukulkan
• Cenote Ik kil
• Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
• Ek' Balam
• Cenote Xcanche

Cities in Yucatán

Mérida (and vicinity)

Chichen Itza

• Other Cities in Yucatán

All you need to know about Yucatan – Guide

Yucatan Peninsula is known for its long spectacular coastline with white sand, turquoise water and balmy breezes. But there is way more to this part of Mexico. It is one of the most culturally and naturally rich regions in the world. The enchanting culture and traditions of the ancient Mayan civilisation are woven throughout the peninsula. It is home to a vast variety of fauna and flora in natural bioreserves and all around the region. Without forgetting the second biggest coral reef in the world- the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It is also the area with the longest underground river system in the world and countless stunning cenotes to visit. In addition, there are many charming towns to stay at. From Playa del Carmen to Valadolid, or Tulum , it is an ideal place for relaxing and adventurous holidays. With the help of this Yucatan Guide, of course!

Traveling around Yucatan

Popular scams in mexico, food in yucatan.

Most of international flights arrive in Cancun Airport, from where people spread out to different parts of the peninsula. 

There are public transport services from Cancun airport. The Riviera Maya bus leaves for Puerto Morales and Playa Del Carmen hourly between 10.20 am and 7 pm.

Taxies are widely used by tourists- make sure to agree on the price before the trip. You might even make one-day trip deals with the driver. They’ll take you to a location and wait for you there. But that can’t be cheap.

Another popular way of getting around- and the cheapest one, is by colectivos. Those mini buses operate in smaller districts. But there is a down part of traveling with them. The driver departs only when the van is full. So you might end up waiting for a while before leaving to your destination. 

The easier way of getting around this part of Mexico is definitely by renting a car. 

Renting a Car

Car rent in Cancun is really cheap when you first look at the prices. However after a few minutes of research, we discovered many scary reviews of car rental companies. Even for companies that are reliable in Europe and US. As we didn’t want to start out travels stressing over the process of renting a car, we dug deeper and came across a small local dealer Yes Rent A Car .

It seemed a bit more expensive than other companies, but it has no hidden costs. The price you get on the website is the final price you will pay! A deposit of 300 dollars was also taken for our 8 days car rental. It was returned to my card just few days after we completed the rental. From the arrival hall we got picked up by a nice man who took us to their office. We completed some paper work and within 30 min we were on our way. A noticeable fact is also that we had no troubles at all even arriving late, around 10.30 PM. 

Driving in Yucatan

Driving in the peninsula is very easy. The roads are in great conditions and we didn’t encountered any problems at all. On our way from Playa Del Carmen to Valladolid we were stopped at a police control point. The police officers were polite and calm and said they were looking for drugs. As a result, they searched our car. As we had nothing to hide, we were not stressed and a few min after, they wished us a nice holiday and we continued our way.

Gasoline is not expensive in Yucatan. But gas stations are not that easy to find outside of cities. Furthermore, you have to look out for scams at the stations. The only reason we did’t get fooled was because we read about them before hand and we knew what to pay attention for. 

First of all, Mexicans are very warm and friendly people. Don’t be afraid to talk to them or ask for help. They are talkative and appreciate the tourism as they know how valuable it is for their economy. But as in any country there are also people who are dishonest.

There are a few common scams, when locals will try to take advantage of tourists. This Yucatan guide will take you through the most popular one.

Gas stations

The most common place where you might (will) get scammed is in gas stations.

• As soon as you turn off the car, get out and make sure that the pomp you chose was reset and reads zero. Otherwise, they will try to fill your tank on top of the numbers of the previous tanking… You’ll end up paying double. 
• When you pay for gas, prepare your money in the car. Then, hand them the bills one by one , counting the money you are giving them out loud ! If you just hand out the pile they might (will) hide the largest bill and say you did’t give enough. Watch their hands as they might even try to swap the bills and try to convince you you made a mistake. For example switching a 500pesos bill for a 50.
• Make sure you know how much change you are supposed to get as they might try to convince you that you payed the right amount. It is worth having smaller bills and trying to pay the exact amount. 

We must say that thanks to that knowledge, the first time we had to tank in Playa Del Carmen, we avoided 2 of those scams. The double charge on the gas meter: we had to ask for it to be zeroed. And while paying, the attendant tried to hide the 200 pesos bill. But Hamilton was staring at his hands and caught him instantly.

After being told off, the attendant didn’t say any thing and gave back the right change (a bit shaky from being called out ?). Hamilton speaks Spanish, but we’re pretty sure they understood English without any problem.

Other Popular Scams

1. bank and money exchange.

The other place where you should watch out for scams is bank or money exchange. Count the bills one by one in front of the cashier, saying exactly how much you hand them. Afterwards count in front of them the money they gave you, making sure it’s the correct amount. It’s common for the cashier to drop a few bills under the counter after counting it in front of you.

2. Price of souvenirs

You have to be aware that in all the tourists areas like Chichen Itza , the prices of items sold are much higher. You will pay even double for a souvenir comparing to less crowded places.  

3. Akumal Beach paying access

The Akumal Beach scam, which we were victims of. Akumal Beach is a nice beach where you can swim next to wild turtles. But locals will make you pay. For more information, check our article Top things to do in Playa Del Carmen and find out how to swim with turtles at that beach for free. ?

4. Renting a car

Renting a car can also be tricky. Above we covered a safe company to rent a car in Yucatan. If you decide to go with another company, watch out for those few things: 

• The rental company might force you to purchase additional unnecessary insurance coverage.
• They might try to add hidden costs without you realising it. 
• At the end of the rental, they might try to charge you for damages that you didn’t cause, like scratches or bumps. Make sure to check the car before you drive off. Take pictures of the vehicle yourself and notify the rentier of all already existing scratches and damages. And make sure they sign them off.

5. Using your Credit Card

Use your credit card only in secure places like big hotels or restaurants. For anywhere else have cash, to avoid the possibility of duplicating your card. Use only secure ATM for money withdraw and always make sure there isn’t scanning machine installed on top by pulling slightly the outer part. Of course, this is valid in any country of the world but better be extra safe than sorry during your travels.

Also, make sure they are not charging your card in USD or EUR when the price should be in pesos!

English is usually spoken in touristic areas, but it’s worth to know few Spanish words for the more remote places. It actually surprised us that people always answer in Spanish, even if they understand and seems to speak English. We think its great and gives a good opportunity to practice another language. Adding a smile will make you go a long way ?

Yucatan (Mexico) isn’t an expensive destination for the most part. You can find large variety of budget and mid-range accommodations, as well as great restaurant with fair prices. 

All the entrances to cenotes and sites are paying, and the fee varies from about 70 pesos for some cenotes up to 430 pesos for Chichen Itza.  

↬ Read : Chichen Itza- The New World Wonder Guide

The scuba diving prices are pretty much the same as in any other counties- about 120 dollars for 2 tank dives with all the equipment. 

The only area that we found really more expensive was Tulum. It seems like this area adapted New York prices more then Mexicans, with bungalows starting from 150 euro a night, to 15-20 euro drinks at the restaurant and 20-30 euro dishes. 

↬ Note : Tulum is a must-see of Yucatan region, but are you sure to really know what to expect ??

Make sure you have plenty of cash with you, as lots of places don’t accept credit cards. Outside of the big cities its also hard to find ATMs. Even in Tulum Beach (you’ll have to go to Tulum). 

Tipping is common and appreciated and if you find the services excellent, you can leave 10% extra. In Tulum area tipping seemed mandatory and expected at 15% or more, American style.

Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, with a rainy and muggy season from June to October. A relatively cool season from November to February. And finally, a hot season from March to May, when the highest temperatures of the year are reached with peaks of more than 40 °C. We traveled at end of November/beginning of December and the temperatures were perfect. It was around 30 degrees during the day and just a bit lower during the nights. But overall, we endured only two days of rain out of 8 days in total, so it wasn’t too bad. 

This Yucatan Guide wouldn’t be complete without covering the culinary aspect. Mexican food is vibrant, delicious and fresh. It is also colorful with a lot of popularly known products such as tomatoes, limes, coriander, red onion, avocado, and corn. It can be spicy (if you ask for it) with the use of an amazing array of chillies, both fresh and dried . The dishes are absolutely delicious and daily prepared with fresh products thanks to the tropical climate. There’s a common perception that Mexican food is both spicy and heavy but, in fact, true Mexican food has a fresh lightness from its generous use of fresh herbs, vegetables and citrus. The most popular mexican dishes are guacamole, tacos, fajitas, nachos, cevice, chicken/beef/shrimp enchiladas. And it is DELICIOUS.

↬ Read : Our recommended Best Food Spots of Tulum Beach .

Bon appétit, et bon voyage!

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In Yucatan you can combine history, culture, romance, cuisine, beaches and the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of the Mayan people.

From memorable local flavors to internationally recognized must-see sites, the state of Yucatan stands out with a vibrancy of its own. Whether because of the deep crystal blue of a seemingly bottomless cenote, the bold green of the lush jungle that covers Mayan archeological sites, or the striking shade of pink provided by the region’s flamingos, in a colorful area of Mexico worth visiting.

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Yucatán and the South

• 3.1 Natural wonders
• 3.2 Archaeological sites
• 4 Understand
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.4 By train
• 7.3 By combi
• 7.4 By taxi
• 7.5 By train
• 8.1 Itineraries
• 13 Stay safe

The Yucatán Peninsula is a region of southeastern Mexico , consisting of the Mexican states of Yucatán , Campeche , and Quintana Roo . The adjacent states of Tabasco and Chiapas are also considered part of the Yucatan region on Wikivoyage.

The Yucatán was the home of the Maya civilization before it was conquered by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Much of the population is part or all of Maya descent, and in many places the Mayan language is still spoken, usually in addition to Spanish, the main language of business.

Until the mid-20th century, most of the Peninsula's trade with the rest of Mexico was by sea, and the culture, cuisine, and traditions developed different flavors from other parts of Mexico. Starting in the late 20th century the Yucatán has become more integrated into Mexico, especially such areas on the Caribbean coast as Cancún and Chetumal, where many people from other parts of the nation have moved to take advantage of the economic opportunities of development. The Mayan Riviera stretching south from Cancún has seen the most growth related to tourism and the Caribbean coast south of Sian Ka'an is now being referred to as the Costa Maya and is seeing interest from cruise lines as well as beach lovers seeking solitude (which can still be found in southern Quintana Roo, but for how long?).

States [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 19.844814 -90.539649 1 Campeche - moderately sized city with Spanish ruins
• 21.161416 -86.824811 2 Cancún - a city built in the 1970s as a resort; it is a modern tourist resort with pristine Caribbean beaches
• 18.493889 -88.297899 3 Chetumal - capital of Quintana Roo, located on the Caribbean coast, close to the Belizean Border with a nice Mayan Cultural museum
• 20.931389 -89.017778 4 Izamal - small mostly Maya city with large colonial convent and remains of large Maya pyramids
• 18.716683 -87.708393 5 Mahahual - small coastal town and cruise ship destination called the Costa Maya
• 20.97 -89.62 6 Mérida - colonial city, the metropolis of the Yucatán
• 20.628143 -87.0755 7 Playa del Carmen - was a nice fishermen's town, now has lots of resorts
• 21.282778 -89.663611 8 Progreso - port city with beaches and seafood north of Mérida
• 20.689444 -88.201667 9 Valladolid - small colonial city

Other destinations [ edit ]

Natural wonders [ edit ]

• 20.416667 -86.916667 1 Cozumel - an island with beaches and ruins, popular base camp for scuba divers
• 20.631389 -87.073056 2 Mayan Riviera - the stretch of coastline between Cancún and Tulum (which includes Playa del Carmen ), it is a quickly-developing resort area that still maintains a relaxed atmosphere in contrast to the city of Cancún
• Cenotes of the Yucatán - unique underground cave systems with unique snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities (another system of underground caves is at Lol-Tun)
• Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - huge coral reef system along the Mexican caribbean coast, famous scuba diving and snorkling sites
• 19.383333 -87.791667 3 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve - mangrove swamps, salt marshes, islands, cenotes, beaches, and lots of wildlife

Archaeological sites [ edit ]

Extensive Mayan ruins are found throughout the region, some of which are easily accessible by bus or car. Mayan sites include:

• Becan - large ruin in the lower center of the Peninsula, little restored
• Calakmul - large ruin in jungle preserve, off the tourist trail
• Chichen Itza - the largest, most restored, and most visited of Yucatán's Maya ruins
• Coba - large ruin that has undergone little restoration
• Dzibilchaltún - moderately sized ruin with only a few buildings restored, worth a look on the road between Mérida and Progreso
• Edzna - discovered in the 1950s, the well preserved site an hour's drive from Campeche
• Kabah - medium-sized ruin south of Uxmal
• Mayapan - historically important, and related to Chichen Itza culture
• Palenque - dramatic ruins in the southwest of Mexico's Mayan region
• Tulum - the tropical beach backdrop is the main attraction of this picturesque, much-visited small ruin on the shore of the Caribbean Sea
• Uxmal - one of the most beautiful of all Maya ruins, a large, well-preserved site with fine architecture

Understand [ edit ]

The Yucatán has a rich cultural history. Yucatán is famous for ancient Maya ruins such as Chichén Itzá . Contrary to what some people may think, Mayan culture never "disappeared" and is still very much alive, with most of the Yucatán still predominantly being ethnically Maya. Referring to locals as Mexican rather than Maya, may risk offending them. During colonial rule and after independence, the Yucatan remained culturally distinct from the rest of Mexico because of its isolation. With the first railway and highways only linking it with the rest of the country from the mid-20th century. Before that most trade was by sea with Cuba, Spain and the rest of Mexico.

The region has had a turbulent history. The Maya civilization flourished in the Yucatán Peninsula for more than a thousand years before the Yucatán was conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s. After the Spanish conquest, the region had a colonial caste system with Spanish-born Europeans on top of the social ladder, and pure Mayans coming last. Independence was declared in 1821 before joining Mexico in 1823. Independence was declared for the second time in 1841, with the region remaining independent for seven years, and even flirting with annexation by the United States (the bill even cleared the House of Representatives). In 1847, a caste war broke out between the Mayans and European-descended Criollos. After the war, an independent Mayan state controlled a large part of Quintana Roo, roughly stretching from Tulum to the Belize border. This area was reincorporated into Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Yucatan has a distinctive ecosystem as a vast limestone peninsula. Ecologically, it's very different from the rest of tropical Mexico, and more similar to Northern Guatemala and Belize , being all on the same peninsula and in geographical Central America. One of the unique features of the landscape are Cenotes . Cenotes are caves or pools of stagnant water that were formed by erosion of limestone. These can range from tiny water wells to huge natural caves. They were one of the few reliable sources of water for the Maya during their heyday. While their exact role is still open to some debate, objects and remains (both animal and human) found in some of them indicate an important religious role. While some Cenotes are closed due to their religious, cultural, or archaeological significance, there are many that you can swim or dive in, with or without guides.

Near Merida is also the place of the Chicxulub meteor impact, that is (according to whom you ask) partly or entirely to blame for the end of the dinosaur age, 65 million years ago. While hardly anything of it can be seen today, the location of some cenotes (see below) is a good indicator for the size of the crater, as they still form a circle segment that, when followed to the ocean, gives you the full size of the impact crater.

Talk [ edit ]

Spanish is the main language. English will be understood in most tourist locations and resorts. Knowing a few phrases of basic Spanish will help away from the main tourist resorts and can often help you find better deals. Yucatecos are generally tolerant of visitors who do not speak Spanish fluently but appreciate the effort to learn Spanish.

In much of the Yucatán some Maya is spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost everyone will have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish.

Maya place names are usually accented on the last syllable, otherwise generally pronounced the same as in Spanish. The letter "X" in Yucatán is used for the sound in the Maya language that's the same as "Sh" in English. For example, " Uxmal " is pronounced "Oosh-MAL".

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

21.0368 -86.8686 1 Cancún International Airport ( CUN  IATA ); 20.51145 -86.9304 2 Cozumel International Airport ( CZM  IATA ), 20.9339 -89.6631 3 Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (Merida) ( MID  IATA ), and 20.166356 -87.659205 4 Tulum International Airport ( TQO  IATA ) are the most popular entry points to the Yucatan peninsula from all over Mexico. There are direct international flights from Canada, Cuba (handy for unofficial visits to Cuba ), Europe, Central America, the United States and South America into Cancun and only from the United States and Canada to Merida and Cozumel. There are also alternative airports with connections from Mexico which may be closer to your final destination in:

• 16.7429 -93.1702 5 Angel Albino Corzo Airport ( TGZ  IATA ) in Tuxtla Gutierrez is the largest airport in Chiapas state closest to San Cristobal de las Casas, Comitan, Chiapas de Corzo and Cañón Sumidero.
• 19.8144 -90.503 6 Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport ( CPE  IATA ) Smaller airport south of Campeche with domestic flights from Mexico City only.
• 18.5064 -88.3242 7 Chetumal International Airport ( CTM  IATA ) Smaller airport in Chetumal with domestic flights from Mexico City and international connections from Belize City with Tropic Air. It is also another transit point for onward travel to Flores, Guatemala (Tikal) and to Belize from Mexico City as it may be less expensive to fly to Chetumal from Mexico City (or elsewhere in Mexico) and continue by bus or shuttle to Belize City then flying into Belize City from Mexico City.
• 17.9929 -92.8191 8 Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport ( VSA  IATA ) in Villahermosa is the largest airport in the state of Tabasco and the nearest commercial airport to Palenque town and ruins which are 2-3 hr east of Villahermosa in the state of Chiapas.
• 14.7905 -92.3689 9 Tapachula Airport ( TAP  IATA ) Nearest airport to Tapachula, Puerto Chiapas and the Guatemalan frontier towns of Cd Hidalgo/Cd Tecun Uman; and Talisman/El Carmen. It is also another transit point for onward travel to Guatemala from Mexico as it may be less expensive to fly to Tapachula from Mexico City (or elsewhere in Mexico) and continue by bus or shuttle to Guatemala then flying into Guatemala City from Mexico or the U.S.
• 19.435 -99.0833 10 Benito Juarez International Airport ( MEX  IATA ) Not in the Yucatan Peninsula or Chiapas, but it is the hub for most major airlines in Mexico with connections from China, Japan, USA, Canada, Europe and South America from foreign flag carriers. Some of the smaller airports in the region are connected only from Mexico City. Average flight times from Mexico City to most places in the region are 2 hr.

By car [ edit ]

Driving is the least common way to reach the Yucatan Peninsula. From Mexico City , it is over 1,300 kilometers to Merida and the drive takes 18 hours. Federal highway MEX-180 (MEX-180D toll road) is a good highway going the entire distance.

By bus [ edit ]

The following bus company serves the eastern and southeastern regions of the country in different route combinations and into Belize via Chetumal:

• ADO ( Autobuses Del Oriente ), ☏ +52 55 5133-5133 , toll-free: 01 800-009-9090 . They operate the ADO, ADO GL, AU (Autobus Unidos), OCC (Omnibus Cristobal Colon), Platino bus lines and the ClickBus booking site (formerly Boletotal & Ticketbus). They are a major bus company in the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche from Terminal TAPO and Terminal Norte in Mexico City and from multiple cities in the neighboring states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. They also offer regularly scheduled airport buses and shuttles and/or airport taxis on demand in Cancun, Chetumal, Campeche, Merida, Tapachula, Tuxtla Gutierrez and Villahermosa. It is wise to use their app for buying and storing tickets, as you do not have to deal with buying them in person - when buying the ticket online, just show the QR code from the app to the bus driver. ( updated Feb 2022 )

It is possible to take a bus all the way from Mexico City to the Yucatan, however most often this is not or only marginally cheaper than a flight and you'd be in for 20 hours or more of continuous travel.

The following are first class (pullman) buses from Tapachula to Guatemala. Passengers transfer in Guatemala City to continue to other parts of Guatemala and to Honduras and El Salvador. Addresses and phone numbers given are from Guatemala City:

• Linea Dorada , 16 Calle 10-03 Zona 1 , ☏ +502 2415-8900 . Goes west to Tapachula, Huehuetenango and/or Quetzaltenango and north to Flores/Santa Elena from Guatemala City ( updated Jun 2018 )
• Ticabus ( Transportes Internacionales Centroamericanos ), Calzada Aguilar Batres, 22-55 Zona 12 Guatemala , ☏ +502 2473-3737 . International bus company going across the Central American isthmus between Panama City and Tapachula through San José , Managua, San Salvador and Guatemala City.  
• Trans Galgos Inter. , 7a Avenida 19-44 Zona 1 , ☏ +503 2232-3661 , +503 2220-6018 , +503 2230-5058 . departs 13:00 . International services to Tapachula from Guatemala City via Retalhuleau and Coatepeque on one route and twice daily to San Salvador on another. They also operate a third domestic route to Quetzaltenango from Guatemala City. They also book onward travel all the way to the U.S. border through Mexico. US$17 .  

By train [ edit ]

Passengers traveling on the Ferrocarril Interoceanico from Coatzacoalcos . Veracruz or Salina Cruz , Oaxaca can use the FA line to arrive at Palenque , where they can transfer to the Tren Maya for continuing service throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

Get around [ edit ]

The Yucatan is the easiest part of Mexico to drive around in. Aside from Cancun and Merida, there are few real urban areas. Car rentals are easy to arrange in major airports and resort areas, and the only real worry is making sure that you observe local traffic laws (especially speed limits).

Many different class buses are available to/from all the major and many of the minor cities. Mexican first class buses are excellent value and remarkably comfortable - comparable to European train services. Many cheaper services are also available - from second class (little noticeable difference really) to very basic minibus and truck services. Safety seems to decrease with price, however - second class and below may lack seatbelts. Major differences between first and second class is that first class use toll highways where available and make limited or no stops en-route. Second class buses operate on shorter routes along 'libre' highways through every hamlet, village, town and city; with stops anywhere along the road to pick up and drop off people. Beware of the excessive air conditioning that seems to be a feature on most services - the bus may be many degrees colder than the outside air, and being stuck on a twelve hour journey without adequate clothing can make a journey singularly unpleasant. Travelling second class is not recommended for taller people. As second class buses hold more seats than first class ones do, there is almost no leg room. The major first class bus line is Autobuses del Oriente (ADO). Most of the smaller lines (Mayab, for example), are owned by ADO.

By combi [ edit ]

Combis are collective-taxis ( colectivos ) in form of mini vans (Toyota Hiace, Chevy Express, Ford Econoline, Ford Transit, Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter) offer services to many of the small towns & villages from a bigger town or city and between the small towns. Cheaper than a taxi and usually faster than a bus since it makes fewer stops.

By taxi [ edit ]

Available for hire even in small towns. For long distances however, like the caves at Lol-tun, be sure to agree on a price before boarding, or you might get ripped off.

The Mexican government is nearing completion of an enormous high-speed train project called Tren Maya that will operate a 1,525 km loop route through the Yucatan Peninsula, opening up fast, comfortable transportation between Mexico's most popular beach resorts and some of its largest Mayan archaeological sites.

The northern side of the loop runs from Palenque to Cancun . The entire northern leg was open by the end of 2023. The eastern side of the loop runs along the Quintana Roo coast through the Maya Riviera to Chetumal and the Belize border, where it loops westward via the southern leg. The section from Cancun to Playa del Carmen opened at the end of February 2024 and additional stations will open throughout 2024 with all of the eastern and southern stations slated for completion by the end of 2024.

Some of the Mayan sites that will be opened up to visitors include Calakmul and the seldom visited Ruta Rio Bec sites, along with Izamal , Edzna , and Palenque . Increased tour services and bus transportation is planned between Palenque and sites at Yaxchilan and Bonampak . Although some of the sites are already popular among international travelers, the train will also boost attendance at Chichen Itza and Tulum , both of which will have stops on the route. Shuttle service will be available to Coba from the Tulum station.

Major cities on the new train route will include Merida , Chetumal , and Campeche .

Tickets can be purchased at ticket windows in stations or through the Tren Maya website. Ticket prices depend on distance, fare class, and residency. Local residents of the 5 Yucatan Peninsula states pay the lowest fare, Mexican nationals from other states pay a mid-tier fare, Foreign travelers pay the highest fare (roughly double the local price). As of early 2024, foreign visitors can buy tickets in tourist class or premier class . Sample fares are:

• Cancun to Merida - M$735 (Tourist class), M$1173 (Premier class)
• Cancun to Palenque - M$2123 (Tourist class), M$3391 (Premier class)

See [ edit ]

• Equinox : The period when the Earths sun is directly above the equator, about Mar 20 & Sep 23 of each year. Mayans were very dependent on astronomy as reflected in their art and Temples. At Chichen Itza , during sunset on the Equinox, the shadows of the serpent-god Kukulcan, moves down along the pyramid, a very impressive sight! Other structures have Equinox related events that take place on those days also, like Tulum .
• Ecological parks : The Yucatán Peninsula is site of several Ecological Parks, like Xcaret, Xel-Há and Garrafón; aimed for the conservation of the flora and fauna of the region, which serve as well as tourist attractions. At these parks you can know more about the Mexican culture, and also enjoy several activities as swimming with dolphins and snorkeling.

Itineraries [ edit ]

• Cenotes of the Yucatán are complexes of sinkholes and caves in the Karst geological landscape of the Yucatán. Some cenotes contain spectacular cave formations, while others are important archeological sites, and several were considered sacred by the Mayans. A few are open to the public for swimming and diving. The states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo have established a "tourist corridor" called La Ruta de los Cenotes along which many of the most spectacular or famous cenotes are situated.
• Ruta Puuc is an itinerary developed by the Mexican tourism department (SECTUR), which has placed signage along the highways in the Puuc region (Yucatan hill country) to guide travelers to the Mayan archaeological sites that best exemplify Mayan Puuc architecture .
• Ruta Rio Bec is an itinerary developed by the Mexican tourism department (SECTUR) that spotlights Mayan archaelogical sites that exemplify Rio Bec architecture . The route formally runs from Chetumal to Escárcega , but the sites cluster near the town of Xpujil

Do [ edit ]

• Reef diving and snorkeling . The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef , the second largest coral reef system in the world, lies offshore in the Caribbean east of the Yucatán. It extends all the way to the Bay Islands of Honduras .

Eat [ edit ]

Yucatecan food has its own culinary traditions developed from the long mix of native Maya and Spanish traditions. While some dishes can be very spicy, many others are not.

Common meats are turkey, chicken, pork, and deer. Yucatecan venison is quite good and not "gamey" tasting.

Typical dishes include:

• Pibil dishes, most commonly "pollo pibil", the chicken version, slow cooked in a banana leaf, very tender and tasty. "Cochinita pibil," the young pig version, is a Yucatec classic. Both dishes are seasoned with a red-colored, mild spice called achiote. "Pib" is Yucatec-maya for the cooking technique of wrapping in banana leaves and cooking in a pit.
• Poc chuc pork marinaded with salt, onion, lime juice, and spices.
• Huevos Motuleños are eggs on tortillas with black beans and cheese, often with other ingredients such as ham, peas, and tomato sauce. The dish originated in the town of Motul but is served everywhere in the Yucatan.
• Pollo Motuleño , a chicken dish cooked with orange juice, achiote and plantains.
• Sopa de lima , tasty lime based vegetable soup with bits of corn tortilla.
• Panuchos - "sopes" with pork (called cochinita pibil)

Seafood is also very important, especially in Campeche. Pulpo (octopus), cazon (shark), camaron (shrimp) and various other tropical fish are very popular. Lobster is a widely available in the Yucatan. It is normally a spiny lobster, which is a smaller variety than the Maine lobsters preferred in the U.S.

Contrary to the advice of many guides, the food served in all-inclusive resorts may have been prepared in far less safe conditions than that available in local establishments away from the major tourist zones. Poor refrigeration, retaining food beyond safe time limits and poor hygiene have been reported from many resorts - whereas street vendors patronised by locals have little choice but to maintain high standards, as everything is on view and their business is dependent on their reputation, not passing foreign visitors.

A good approach for regular restaurants is to note those with a lot of locals and to patronize them.

Drink [ edit ]

Tap water is not generally advised for drinking in Mexico, particularly for visitors. In many places (particularly backpacker-friendly resorts) water containers can be filled with drinking water for a few pesos - so a reusable container is both an environmentally and financially better option.

The water system in Mérida is unusually good for Mexico; for some visitors it is the only Mexican city where they will drink the tap water. Outside of this city the situation is different. In small towns the local water can be very bad, and bottled water is recommended.

It would be difficult for anyone visiting this area not to sample the Tequila, which should be used in moderation. For those more adventurous souls, Absinthe is legal in Mexico and also, moderation is suggested. Fresh fruit juice is very popular in The Yucatán and freshly squeezed OJ can be found in most markets. Dairy products, including cheese, should be avoided, unless you are positive they have been made with pasteurized milk.

Respect [ edit ]

Away from beaches and tourist hotels going around in a bathing suit or short shorts is considered improper and rude.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Strict drug possession policy exists in Mexico . Be very careful even with "greens". Local police are hopelessly corrupt and love to catch unwary tourists with small quantities of marijuana. Threatening long prison terms, whether this is a likely outcome is a moot point, their main aim seems, unsurprisingly, to exact bribes: in some areas a fairly standard 50% of all the traveller's money.

There have been several cases of young European and U.S. visitors getting shot when they approached local drug dealers to make a purchase. Yucatan is not a dangerous region, but stupid foreigners getting into trouble sometimes make it seem so.

Caution is also advised on long bus journeys, particularly across state lines, as police or military checkpoints exist and passengers may be asked for identification or searched. In general, however, these checks seem to be aimed at locals, particularly in the Zapatista homeland in Chiapas .

Go next [ edit ]

The Yucatán is a good launching point for going to Belize , Cuba and Guatemala .

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