Discover the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula
As one of the most visited areas in Mexico, which spans three states — Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche — there’s so much to see in Yucatan Mexico.
The Yucatan Peninsula is in southeastern Mexico, half along the Caribbean Sea and half bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
It sits on some of the most beautiful real estate in the country, which is why this list is so long. There are so many best places in Yucatan that you must know about.
So, how do you pick the ca n’t-miss places to see in the Yucatan!? You turn to the experts, of course!
In this article, you’ll find a list of the must-see cities, nature, archeological sites, and more in Yucatan, Mexico.
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1. Merida
The capital of Yucatan State, Merida, Mexico, has stayed under the travel radar for many years.
This is quickly changing — as it’s one of the few colonial that offer a taste of Mexico’s rich history and authentic culture, without being too touristy.
Mexico’s 13th largest city boasts many cultural landmarks, world-class museums, colonial architecture, nearby Mexico Mayan ruins, free walking tours and much more.
📸 Merida Things to Do
For those who visit, there’s no end to the amazing cultural activities and things to do in Merida Yucatan.
In Merida, you’ll find local artisan shops selling everything from Mayan hammocks to huipil (tunics) and guayabera shirts, and street vendors making marquesitas (crepes).
There’s also local mercados (markets) where you can hear live music and try traditional Yucatan foods, like cochinita pibil.
While traveling to Merida, don’t miss the must see places: Paseo de Montejo, and also the Catedral de Merida (Merida Cathedral) and Museo Casa Montejo Museum.
The last two are both located in Plaza Grande. This is the Main Plaza in downtown Merida, Mexico, and a Mexican culture hub in the city.
Located near downtown, head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum), with the largest collection of Mayan artifacts in any Merida museum.
If you have more time and a rental car, visit the Mayan ruins on a day trip from Merida to Mayapan, Dzibilchaltun and Uxmal.
For more info, head to Merida Yucatan Mexico: A Locals’ Guide to Things to Do, Hotels & More.
2. Playa del Carmen
An alternative to the busier tourist hub of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a picturesque beach location in the Riviera Maya.
While Cancun is an easy day trip at just an hour away, Playa del Carmen teems with life of its own as a popular Yucatan in Mexico destination.
From its humble beginnings as a small fishing town, to a top Mexico beach destination, visitors flock to Playa del Carmen and its bustling Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).
This main street is the centre of Playa del Carmen activity, and features spectacular shopping, restaurants, cafes, and great bars.
🚙💨 Best Playa del Carmen day trips
Head to the end of 5th Avenue to the Muelle Playa Del Carmen (dock), and book your ticket for the fast ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
You’re also not far from Tulum, Chichén Itzá pyramids, and numerous cenotes near Playa.
Want to treat yourself to a beachfront Playa del Carmen resort?
Acanto has beautiful, secure apartments with private rooftop villas looking out over the Caribbean Sea. There are also many amazing Playa del Carmen all inclusive resorts.
For a fun night out, book a reservation at Alux Restaurant, a Playa del Carmen restaurant located inside an actual cave.
From there, end the night at Coco Bongo, a Cirque du Soleil meets Moulin Rouge meets nightclub experience.
3. Cancun
One of the most recognized places in Mexico, is the coastal city of Cancun, Mexico.
It is the entry point to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for many, and is well known for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, year-round warm weather, and bustling nightlife.
All these things make Cancun one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and one of Mexico’s major cities.
However, there’s more to Cancun than just beautiful beaches and partying — like all the nearby Yucatan nature and biodiversity that is often underrated, and also, under-visited.
Between the Cancun Underwater Museum and the seven lagoons at Laguna Nichupte — ideal for kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing — there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Cancun.
Just south of Cancun, don’t miss the laid back beach town of Puerto Morelos.
If you’re not planning to stay at an all inclusive resort and want to experience the off the beaten path side of this Mexico travel destination, opt for one of theseaffordable Cancun Airbnbs.
4. Isla Mujeres
When looking for the best places to visit in Yucatan Mexico, you can’t miss out on Isla Mujeres — one of the best resort towns in Mexico. While its name translates to Island of Women, men can visit Isla Mujeres too!
Isla Mujeres is one of the best beach towns in Mexico, and one of the 135 or so Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns).
It is considered “magical” for both for its unique folkloric ties to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, medicine and happiness, and for its immense tropical beauty.
Known for its world-class beaches and welcoming tourist scene, Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit. If you visit from May to September, you can swim with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres.
It makes the perfect getaway spot from more popular and crowded beaches Cancun. In fact, Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular and best Cancun day trips.
things to do in isla mujeres, Mexico
Whether coming to Isla Mujeres to get a PADI scuba diving certification and visit the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA Museum), or to photograph the Instafamous colorful homes of Isla Mujeres — there is plenty to do for all types of travelers on this laid-back Mexico island.
For those who just want to relax and drink beers on the beach, head to Isla Brewing Company on the north side of the island.
This is one of the best bars in Isla Mujeres Mexico, and the perfect place to sample Mexican craft beers in the Yucatan.
5. Valladolid
Valladolid, Mexico is bursting at the seams with charm!
One of the best small towns Yucatán state has, Valladolid is easily visited on a day trip from Cancun, Tulum or Merida.
However, an overnight stay in one of the best hotels in Valladolid is recommended to be able to soak up all this town has to offer.
In the centre of town, La Calzada de los Frailes, is known for its bunting-filled beauty and quality souvenir boutiques. This street and Calle 50 are two of the prettiest streets and popular destinations in Valladolid.
Follow La Calzada de los Frailes to the end and to see the next must-visit attraction, El Convento de San Bernandino.
European missionaries and Spanish conquistadors used this fort-like convent to spread Catholicism to the Mexican Yucatan natives from the 16th Century onwards.
Another place you don’t want to miss is Cenote Zaci. This semi-covered cenote is located right in the middle of downtown, and one of the best cenotes in Valladolid.
It is 300-feet-deep (100 m), so you can dive in, and there’s also a restaurant just above it serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine.
7. Izamal “The Yellow City”
Located in the heart of Yucatan State, Izamal is a small colonial town and pueblo magico(Mexico magic town), known as the “Yellow City.”
Due to its location, Izamal makes the perfect place for a day trip from Merida, or even a day trip from Valladolid.
What makes Izamal, Mexico, special is the fact that all of its buildings are the same shade of yellow. It is one of just a few monochromatic cities on Earth, along with Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” in Morocco.
There’s an abundance of charming historical houses with beautiful doorways, courtyards and yellow facades which create a truly unique ambience.
Walking around, those picturesque streets will make you feel like you’ve taken a journey back in time.
One of the most famous buildings in Izamal is the Convent of San Antonio de Padua. There you’ll find a church, monastery and a huge courtyard surrounded by arches and columns.
It’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in the Yucatan, so make sure to bring your camera.
There’s no clear answer to Why is Izamal, Mexico painted yellow?
Some say it’s because the Mayans worshiped their sun god there; some say it was painted yellow like the Vatican flag in honor of Pope John Paul II’s visit to the city in 1993; others say it’s due to locals’ affection for corn.
One thing, however, is certain — No visit to the Yucatán Peninsula Mexico is complete without seeing the Izamal pueblo magico and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid (Izamal Mayan Ruins).
The ruins are just a short distance from the convent and central plaza.
7. Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar Lagoon, located in the pueblo magico (magic town) of Bacalar, has long been a favorite spot for escaping the crowded Yucatan beaches by in-the-know Mexico travelers and those who like venturing off the beaten path.
Laguna Bacalar hotels and resorts located along the shore entice guests to relax with over-the-water hammocks and swings.
For non-guests, day passes can be purchased or are available to those who order food and drinks at lakeside restaurants.
The lake is nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors, as the waters vary in shades of blue throughout.
The best way to explore this large lagoon is on a boat tour, to see the Bacalar cenotes, stromatolite rock formations, and best snorkeling spots.
Enjoy a mud facial, using the rejuvenating white sand at the bottom of Bacalar Lagoon — a popular activity in the Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel).
This channel is one of the stops on most Bacalar boat tours, in addition to the popular Bacalar cenotes like Cenote Esmerelda and Cenote la Bruja.
Even after the sun goes down, you still have tour options. Catch a sunset boat cruise that stops at the Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island), where the birds migrate at the end of the day.
This migration is a truly magical sight, even for those who are not usually bird watchers.
As Bacalar is located only about 45-minutes from the Belize border, many visitors go to Central America from Bacalar. Visitors to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye in Belize can also include a Bacalar day trip with their Belize itinerary.
8. Holbox Island
The picture-perfect Mexican Caribbean island of Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh), has the kind of chill, bohemian feel you won’t find in the more popular Mexico beach destinations.
Wondering how to get to Holbox Island? Head to this article to see your Cancun to Holbox Island travel options.
The town’s roads are “paved” in beach sand, and can only be explored by bicycle or golf cart; one of the charming quirks of Isla Holbox.
There are no chain hotels in Holbox or chain restaurants; only local businesses. Treat yourself to Margaritas and a Holbox lobster pizza with a clean conscience!
Better yet, the perfect Holbox Island beaches are fringed with palm trees and there’s little trash or pollution to speak of.
⛵️ Best Things to do in Isla Holbox
Beautiful both during the day and at night, head to Punta Cocos beach for sunset, and then stick around to see the bioluminescence light up the water and sand.
There’s so many things to do in Holbox — kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks in Holbox (seasonal from June 1-September 15), and cycling around the island by bike.
On foot, stroll Downtown Holbox to see its colorful street art murals.
Isla Holbox, Mexico is colorful, beautiful town, teeming with authentic Mexican culture, beautiful nature and fresh, delicious local Mexican cuisine.
Based on that, what’s not to love about this off the beaten path Yucatan beach town — a true hidden gem Mexico has!
9. Celestun
The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan, and one of the best places for birding in Mexico and all North America.
In fact, the Celestun flamingos put this UNESCO World Heritage Center on the map of must seeYucatan travel destinations.
As a natural wetland, Celestun Mexico is a haven for birds, and many migratory species use it as a resting place along their journey.
To see these beautiful birds up close, do a Celestun tour with Guardianes de Los Manglares de Dzinitun.
This group focuses on rebuilding and preserving the mangroves so birds continue to call this area home.
This eco-tour takes visitors by canoe through the mangroves to the open lagoons, where it’s possible to see hundreds (maybe thousands) of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters.
🦩 How many flamingos are in Celestun Mexico?
Some sources say about 35,000 Celestun Yucatan flamingos visit this small fishing village during the height of mating season, November to February.
The best time to see them when you visit Celestun, Mexico is from December to February.
Campeche, Mexico
Campeche is the least-visited state in Yucatan, but for those visiting Celestun, you’re not far from Campeche state.
There’s colorful Campeche City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mayan Ruins, and the beaches of Campeche.
10. El Cuyo
👀 Picture this: Endless white sand beaches, an emerald green sea, dolphins doing flips off in the horizon, and manta rays coming close to the shore… While this does sound like the Mexican Caribbean coast, it’s not.
This is El Cuyo, Mexico — the most up-and-coming beach destination in Mexico, and as some would say, the perfect alternative to the pricey Riviera Maya.
For similar destination recommendations, check out the 10 Best Yucatan Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Located about two hours from Cancún on the Yucatan coast, El Cuyo Mexico was first discovered by kite surfers.
However, beach lovers and peace-seekers soon discovered this laid back town, located far enough from the crowds to disconnect from everything and simply enjoy the beach.
El Cuyo is a small town with mostly boutique hotels; unlike other top Mexico beach destinations, you can stay right on the beach for just a few extra bucks.
As tourism has increased, new hotels, great El Cuyo restaurants like El Chile Gordo, and cute breakfast spots like Naia Cafe, keep popping up.
There is a lot to love about El Cuyo, starting with the colony of wild pink flamingos that welcome you as you enter the village.
There’s also kitesurfing schools, ATV tours to the pink lakes of Las Coloradas Mexico, paddle boarding, kayaking, birdwatching, and yoga classes.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Yucatan Mexico
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular Mexico travel destinations. The entire area is considered safe for travel and road trips.
🚗💨 Renting a car in Mexico? Head here to book your Mexico car rental — having a car is the easiest way to go on Yucatan adventures!
In fact, since it covers about 1,000 miles, a Yucatan road trip is one of the best ways to see all the on- and off-the-beaten path places in one trip.
While visiting Yucatan, don’t be afraid to check out the lesser visited places to see the things few visitors do at all the hidden gems Yucatan Peninsula has.
Even if a road trip isn’t the plan for your next Yucatan trip, you’ll still enjoy all the well known Mayan Ruins, beach towns, and more.
Whether you’re road-tripping in Yucatan or headed to a beachfront resort to kick back with a margarita in hand, this part of Mexico has something for everyone.
Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:
Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.
Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.
Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
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Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
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The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
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