Best Places To Visit & Things To Do On The Yucatán Peninsula

Caribbean beach paradise in Holbox, Mexico

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One of our favorite vacation destinations is the Yucatán Peninsula.

Mexico’s most famous vacation region has tons of amazing things to do and see. The peninsula’s white-sand beaches and crystal clear water are just pure paradise.

We keep coming back over and over because there is always something else to explore on the Yucatan Peninsula. Be it another secret beach, lagoon, or ancient Mayan archeological site, a cenote, or colonial town, the list is very long.

In this Yucatán Beach Destinations & Islands Guide, we want to share the beauty of this Mexican vacation paradise with you and show you our best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Best Places To Visit On The Yucatán Peninsula

Yucatán Travel Guide

HOW TO GET TO THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA

There are two main airports at the Yucatán Peninsula. Mérida International Airport and Cancún International Airport.

CUN airport is by far the most frequented, but Mérida is also an option, especially when you are looking to explore that part of the peninsula. Note, Cancún and Mérida are over three hours apart.

Sometimes you can find cheaper flight deals to Mérida instead of Cancún. We have flown in and out of both airports and it just depends on your itinerary.

Travel Insurance For Mexico

HOW TO GET AROUND THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA

Getting around the Yucatán Peninsula is fairly easy. Your mode of transportation depends on your type of trip and itinerary.

When you stay around one area a taxi will be sufficient. If you are planning to visit many different places around the Yucatán Peninsula renting a car gives you the most flexibility and options. Both Cancún and Mérida have many rental car options.

Another way to get around is by taking the ADO bus. The bus network is very good and there are many bus stations around the peninsula connecting all the major hubs with each other. The ADO bus option is also very inexpensive and great if you are on a budget.

Best Places To Visit On The Yucatan Peninsula

Cancún

Yucatan’s No 1 Vacation Destination

Cancún is the main vacation destination of the Yucatán Peninsula and an experience in itself. From jaw-dropping turquoise water in Cancun, luxury beach resorts to a buzzing nightlife and adventure tours, Cancún has many different experiences to offer.

Check out our post 20 Best Things To Do In Cancun, Mexico. We talk about the best places to visit in Cancun and ideas for day trips from Cancun to explore the Riviera Maya.

Sun bathing at the white sand beach in Cancun with turquoise water — White sand beach and turquoise water in Cancún

The Yucatán Peninsula has many unique and amazing beaches. However, Cancún has the best beaches when it comes to the most turquoise water. The water is just so blue, it’s incredible. You have to see it for yourself!

We wrote a post about our favorite beaches with the bluest water in Cancun.

Yucatán Peninsula Beach Destinations

Tulum

The Boho Beach Town In The Yucatan Peninsula

Combining Mayan ruins, ancient pyramids, cenotes, and white sand beaches with eco-chic hotels and top-notch restaurants, Tulum is the boho travel destination of the Yucatán Peninsula.

In our Tulum Travel Guide, we give some helpful insights and inspiration for the perfect beach vacation in Tulum.

Tulum ruins archeological zone at Playita Tortuga Tulum — Tulum ruins archeological zone and beach at the Riviera Maya

Check out our Tulum Beach Guide to find the best public beaches in Tulum and popular beach clubs.

Akumal Bay

The Best Place To Swim With Turtles In The Yucatan Peninsula

Sea turtles of Akumal, Mexico — Akumal, the best place to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula for swimming with turtles

Akumal is a little beach town along the Riviera Maya. The bay of Akumal is one of the best snorkeling spots between Cancun and Tulum and is known for its many sea turtles.

Learn more about the destination in our post swimming with turtles in Akumal.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere

Picture Perfect Paradise In The Yucatan Peninsula

Dolphin encounter in the Sian Ka'a nature reserve — Boat tour to Sian Ka’an biosphere in the South of Tulum

Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve South of Tulum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The reserve is home to many different species and archaeological sites from the Mayas and a coral reef. The Sian Kaan biosphere spans over land and the Caribbean Sea and is an absolute paradise!

You can get to Sian Ka’an via guided tours. Check out Sian Ka’an Jeep Safari Tour – Off-Road Tour Into Paradise for our experience of visiting the nature reserve.

Bacalar Lagoon

Yucatan’s Lagoon Of 7 Colors

Lazy river at Los Rapidos in Bacalar, Mexico — Los Rapidos at Bacalar Lagoon

The Bacalar Lagoon is a 42 km long lagoon South of the Yucatán Peninsula with jaw-dropping clear blue water. Bacalar is called the lagoon of the seven colors, because of its many shades of blue.

The best way to get there is from Tulum via car or ADO bus. From Tulum, it takes about 3 hours to Bacalar.

Playa del Carmen

The Best Shopping In The Yucatan Peninsula

Playa del Carmen has a really nice and long shopping street – La Quinta Avenida. We will find lots of shops and restaurants only a block away from the beach. It’s a nice change of scenery.

From here you can also take the ferry to the nearby island of Cozumel. And while waiting for the ferry you might see the famous Voladors go for a flight.

The Best Rooftop Pools In The Yucatan Peninsula

Over the years Playa del Carmen has become the vacation destination in Yucatan known for its rooftop pools. From up there you will have an amazing view of the city and ocean if you are lucky. All of that while floating in an infinity pool over the roofs of Playa del Carmen.

We wrote a post about some of the best vacation rentals and hotels with rooftops pools in Playa del Carmen. Check it out, they are amazing!

Yucatán Peninsula Islands

Isla Mujeres

The Most Popular Island Of The Yucatan Peninsula

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island right off the coast of Cancun. The island is known for snorkeling and its white sand beach and crystal clear water on the North shore.

There are no cars on Isla Mujeres. You can rent golf cars, scooters, or bikes to explore the island. It’s super fun!

Check out our post about Isla Mujeres here.

Cozumel Island

The Yucatan Peninsula’s Best Diving & Snorkeling Spots

Cozumel is an island off of Playa del Carmen and is known for scuba diving, snorkeling, and adventure parks.

On Cozumel Island, you can also rent old Volkswagen beetle convertibles and explore the island. It’s super fun!

Isla Holbox

Yucatan’s Up-And-Coming Island

Hammocks in the ocean at Holbox beach — Isla Holbox is a tranquil island to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula

Isla Holbox is a little rural island off the coast of Quintana Roo. In recent years Isla Holbox has become more and more popular and is a great alternative to boho beach town Tulum.

Check out our Isla Holbox Travel Guide for more info and inspiration.

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure Parks

Xel Ha, Xcaret, Xplor, Xavage and Selvatica Park

Snorkling at the Riviera Maya in Mexico — Snorkling at the Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán Peninsula has many amazing adventure parks. You should at least visit one of them if you have the chance.

Mayan Ruins & Pyramids On The Yucatan Peninsula

Chichen Itza

The Most Popular Mayan Ruins In Yucatan

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to many Mayan archeological sites. The ancient Mayan pyramids and ruins of Chichen Itza are the most famous and a must-visit when vacationing in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Muyil Archaeological Zone

Mayan Ruins Near Tulum

Mayan archaeological site Muyil Ruins Tulum — Muyil Ruins near Tulum

The Muyil Archaeological Zone near Tulum is one of the lesser-known Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, but absolutely worth a visit when you are in Tulum.

There are also two lagoons nearby where you can float along a lazy river in between them called the Mayan Canals River Float.

Ek Balam Archaeological Site

A Yucatan Peninsula Pyramid That You Can Climb Up

On top of the pyramid at Ek Balam Ruins Mexico — View from the Acropolis at Ek Balam Ruins

Ek Balam is one of the last Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula that you can still climb up.

The Ek Balam Archaeological Site is located near Valladolid and has a cenote close by.

Coba Pyramid & Ruins

Popular Mayan Pyramid & Cenote Near Tulum

Xaibé lookout pyramid at Coba in Mexico — Coba – Mayan Ruins at the Yucatan Peninsula

One used to be able to climb the Coba Pyramid, but unfortunately, the pyramid is currently closed for climbing.

However, the Coba Ruins surrounded by the lush Mexican jungle are still absolutely worth a visit and very popular among tourists visiting Tulum.

Maya ruins archeological site at Cancun hotel zone — Ancient Mayan ruins around the Yucatán Peninsula

Overview of the best pyramids and temples around the Yucatán Peninsula:

Mayan Ruins Yucatan Peninsula

Ek Balam
(near Valladolid)

Cobá
(between Tulum and Valladolid)

Becán
(South in the state of Campeche)

Uxmal
(an hour South of Mérida)

Calakmul
(in the South near Guatemala)

Mayapan
(near Mérida)

Muyil
(near Tulum)

Tulum Archaeological Zone
(at Tulum Beach)

…and more

Cenotes Of The Yucatan Peninsula

Cylinder cenote aka semi-open cenote at Hacienda Oxman near Valladolid — Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman in Valladolid, Mexico

Cenotes In The Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatán peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose the underlying groundwater. The water is usually crystal clear and cool which makes them so incredible.

You can swim and snorkel in these cenotes and at some, you can even go diving to explore the underwater caves.

We wrote entire cenote guides with maps about the best cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Best Cenotes Near Tulum

Climbing down Cenote Calavera ladder to the Temple of Doom in Tulum — Yucatan Peninsula Cenote Calavera

Best Cenotes Near Valladolid

Rope swing at Hacienda Oxman Cenote In Valladolid — Oxman Cenote in Yucatán

Playa del Carmen Cenotes

Cenote Azul close to Playa del Carmen — Azul Cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula

Cenotes Near Cancun

Cenote Jardin del Eden: Lush open cenote around Playa del Carmen — Yucatan Peninsula cenote

The Best Cenotes Close To Cancun

Check them out to learn all about swimming and snorkeling in the coolest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Popular Cenotes In Yucatan

Cenote Azul
Blue open-air cenote near Playa del Carmen

Cenote Cristalino
Three crystal clear basin cenotes near Playa del Carmen

Cenote Dos Ojos
The “two eyes” cenote in Tulum

Cenote Nicte-Ha
Largely above ground with lots of lily pads

Cenote Calavera
Sinkholes that you can jump into

Gran Cenote
Located between Coba and Tulum

Cenote Zacil Ha
Small cenote just a short drive from Tulum

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
Pit cenote in Valladolid with swing & tree roots

Cenote Angelita
One of the best Tulum cenotes for diving

Cenote Ik Kil
Located at Chichen Itza

Cenote Xkeken
Underground cenote in Valladolid

Cenote Suytun
The Instagram cenote near Valladolid

Colonial Towns Of The Yucatan Peninsula

Valladolid

The Most Popular Colonial Town Of The Yucatán Peninsula

Valladolid and Mérida are two major colonial towns in the Yucatán Peninsula and are known for their colonial-style architecture.

The city of Valladolid is a smaller colonial town. Valladolid has a cenote directly in the town center – Cenote Zaci.

Another famous cenote near Valladolid is Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, which is located just outside of town.

Merida

Colonila Town & Capital Of Yucatán

Whereas Valladolid is a smaller town, Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatán and fairly big.

When in Mérida we recommend staying in the historical center. There are many adobe-style historical houses that were restored and can be rented for a stay.

Over the years, Mérida has also become a popular American expat hub.

We loved the colorful houses, the cantinas with live music, and night markets like Mercado 60 in Mérida.

Izamal

Beautiful Pueblo Mágico In The Yucatan Peninsula

Izamal is a colonial town and Mexican Pueblo Magico. The unique town is famous for its yellow-painted houses and beautiful yellow San Antonio Convent.

Izamal, also called The Yellow City, is a rather less traveled, but even more so beautiful attraction in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Izamal is located between Merida and Valladolid.

Best Places To Stay In The Yucatan Peninsula

Paradise view from bedroom at one of the luxury casitas at Papaya Playa Project in Tulum — Amazing ocean view hotels in the Yucatán Peninsula

Where to stay depends on the locations you want to visit, of course. Here are some hotels/ Airbnbs of the respective areas of the Yucatan Peninsula we liked staying at and can recommend.

Some Of The Best Yucatan Hotels

CANCUN

Krystal Grand Cancún
The best stretch of beach in Cancun with usually very calm water

Dreams Lagoon Cancun
Apartments at a super large man-made lagoon

Where To Stay In Cancun

ISLA MUJERES

Na Balam Beach Hotel & Villas
White sand beach and crystal clear shallow water at Playa Norte

Villa Elena
Apartment with the most amazing ocean view

Where To Stay On Isla Mujeres – Hotels & Airbnbs

TULUM

Azucar Hotel Tulum
Simple, but amazing beach hotel. Check out the Lunamiel cabaña

Papaya Playa Project
Amazing beachfront casitas with pools and famous beach club

Nueva Vida de Ramiro
Affordable and great beachfront hotel

Shambala Petit Tulum
Yoga boutique hotel in Tulum with incredible oceanfront pool

Cacao Tulum
Private plunge pools &the most amazing transparent rooftop pool

Yucatan Travel Guide

Best Places To Visit In The Yucatán Peninsula

We hope you found this Yucatán Travel Guide with our best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula helpful and got some good inspiration for your trip to Mexico.

Check out the links below for more details on the different locations.

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier