The Yucatán Peninsula’s unique appeal lies in its rich blend of Maya culture, colonial history, and spectacular natural beauty. On this small peninsula you will find more to do and see than you can possibly manage during one visit so we’ve collated a list of the 25 best places to visit in the Yucatan to help you narrow down your plans. Some of our suggestions are pretty famous while others will take you away from touristy areas to experience quieter, less well known parts of the peninsula.

Known as ‘the Yucatán’, the peninsula is actually made up of 3 separate states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. This article offers suggestions across all 3 of these states.

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On the Yucatán Peninsula:

⭐️ There are hundreds of documented ancient ruins and eighteen national archaeological zones, which all have their own unique and intriguing histories.

💦 The region’s natural wonders include cenotes, biosphere reserves, and incredible beaches. Quintana Roo is a particular tourism hotspot due to its wide white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean water, but those looking for quieter, natural and pristine beaches can head to the coast of the state of Yucatán, along the Gulf of Mexico. 

🌴 The Yucatan Peninsula is a favourite place of mine for pampering and relaxation. It has some stunning hacienda spas where you can enjoy the gardens of the meticulously restored historic mansions while treating yourself to an indulgent day of self-care.

🏙 The region has a long culture and history that blends both Mayan and European influences. Visit major cities like Mérida, (also known as the White City), and Valladolid in Yucatán state and Campeche City in Campeche for their vibrant local culture, colourful local markets, colonial architecture, and excellent museums. There are 14 peublos magicos across the Yucatán Peninsula, offering a smaller, slower experience of Yucatán life.

🌮 Don’t miss out on trying the fabulous Yucatecan cuisine. From cochinita pibil for lunch to huevos Motoleños for breakfast and marquesitas for evening snacks, you’ll eat extremely well while on vacation.
 

Yucatán truly has something for everyone.

25 best places to visit in the Yucatan

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Archaeological sites

We’ve already seen that there are numerous Maya archaeological sites across the Yucatán peninsula. Some, of course, are more famous and more visited than others. The following are the 6 most visited archaeological sites in the Yucatán.

1️⃣ Chichén Itzá

The famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichén Itzá is renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins and the significant role they played in the Maya history of Yucatán. The site’s most iconic and main pyramid is Kukulkan, or El Castillo.

⏱ Visit early to avoid the crowds

🏨 Stay in a nearby hotel to ensure getting there as early as possible.

🧭 Chichén Itzá is located in Yucatán, in the centre of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is easily visitable from Mérida, Valladolid, and even Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum as a day trip.

🎆 If you can, make time to see the evening video mapping at Chichén Itzá.

👣 Check out your numerous tour options here

💦 Choose a cenote to visit after exploring Chichén Itzá.

2️⃣ Uxmal 

The ancient Maya site of Uxmal has fewer crowds than Chichén Itzá and is worth visiting just to see its unique Pyramid of the Magician (although we definitely recommend exploring fully).

⏱ As with all the more popular sites, visiting early, before the crowds arrive, will give you a more enjoyable experience.  

🏨 There are great hotels nearby, which will allow you to beat the crowds and even explore the less well known but still magnificent other Ruta Puuc ruins and the Choco-Story Museum across the road.

🎆 Uxmal also offers a wonderful video mapping evening experience.

👣 Check out Uxmal tour options here

🧭 Uxmal is located in the south of Yucatán state, about 62 km from Mérida. It is most easily visited from Mérida or Campeche.

 

3️⃣ Ek Balam

If you’re looking for a more intimate and peaceful experience, visiting a smaller archaeological site like Ek Balam may be your best option. This Maya city had a great deal of religious and political importance for the Maya people. The site is distinguished by the Acropolis, one of the largest Maya structures in Mesoamerica, and the beautifully preserved stucco facades.

⏱It’s less vital to get to Ek Balam early as fewer people visit this gorgeous site.

👣 Check out Ek Balam tour options

💦 Choose a cenote to visit to cool down after your Ek Balam adventure

🧭 Ek Balam is located in the north central region of Yucatán state, about 172 km from Mérida and around 30 minutes north of Valladolid. It is most easily visited from Valladolid but is also possible as a day trip from the Riviera Maya or Mérida.

4️⃣ Tulum 

Undoubtedly, one of the most picturesque ancient Maya sites, Tulum overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Its clifftop location offers breathtaking views and the bonus of being able to access the gorgeous beach below the temples. Tulum was a major port city and the site’s highlight is the Temple of the Frescoes, which is adorned with fascinating murals.

⏱ The Tulum ruins are enormously popular so it’s always best to visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

🧭 The popular beach town of Tulum is located in the northeastern region of the state of Quintana Roo, about 120 km from Cancun. If you’re staying on the Caribbean Coast then this is an easy visit.

🏨 Check out Tulum hotel options

5️⃣ Calakmul

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Calakmul, located deep in the jungle of Campeche, is a compelling destination for the adventurous traveller.  Calakmul was an important political and economic hub for the ancient Maya people. Known for its wild, natural setting and well-preserved stelae with hieroglyphic inscriptions, Calakmul is a perfect place for visitors who like to journey off the beaten path and as it is also set in a biosphere reserve, it is a fantastic place for hiking.
 

⏱ If you can, we advise you to take some time in this area and stay in a nearby hotel. Spend a few days exploring the area and the other fabulous ruins.

However, if you only have a day, then:

👣 MexicoCassie recommended tour from Campeche: it’s a long day (15 hrs) but it’s worth it to explore the incredible Calakmul ruins and biosphere as well as the Balamku ruins if you don’t have time to stay nearby → check tour details here

🧭 Calakmul is located in the south of Campeche state, about 300 km from Campeche City. It’s most easily visited from either Campeche or Bacalar but generally people don’t visit in one day without a guided tour.

6️⃣ Edzna 

Edzna archaeological site is not well known to most visitors to the region, which means you may find that you have the site more or less to yourself, which in itself is a special experience.  Edzna thrived as a regional centre during the Classic Period. The most notable feature here is the Five-Story Pyramid, which is approximately 40 metres high and offers wonderful views. The Temple of the Masks is also a sight to behold while exploring here.

🧭 Edzna is about 50 km south-east of Campeche city and is really only an easy trip from Campeche city.

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Cenotes

Cenotes are a natural wonder of the Yucatán Peninsula. There are thought to be over 6000 cenotes on the peninsula so figuring out which ones to visit is not always easy.

💦 Geologically speaking, a cenote is a sink-hole caused by collapsing limestone bedrock, exposing the groundwater below. Cenotes were used by Mayans as sources of fresh water, and as such they would build their cities near them. They considered the cenotes to be both water sources and an entrance to the underworld.

🧭 Cenotes are mainly found clustered around Homun (near Mérida), around Valladolid and along the Caribbean Coast.

1️⃣ Cenote Ik Kil 

^{photo provided by Sophie}

Near Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote offers a refreshing place to cool off after a visit to the archaeological site. The cenote is set in green and lush surroundings and was once used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes. 40 metres deep, Ik Kil is a hugely popular destination for swimming and diving enthusiasts and is one of the busier cenotes, so get there early if you want to escape the crowds.

🧭 Cenote Ik Kil is located very close to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid in Yucatán state. Many day trips to Chichén Itzá stop here.

🏨 It’s possible to stay in cabins on the cenote grounds, this gives exclusive access to the cenote after / before the day trippers arrive.

2️⃣ Cenote Sac Aua 

Cenote Sac Aua is one of my favourite cenotes if you want a peaceful experience as it does not get as busy as some of the better-known cenotes. One of its most stunning features is the island in the middle. You can walk around the island, swim and even kayak around the cenote.

The roots of trees hanging into the cenote from the opening at the top add to the awe-inspiring beauty of this lovely natural sinkhole.
 

🧭 Cenote Sac Aua located is in the pueblo of Dzalbay, about 40 minutes from Valladolid.

3️⃣ Cenote Dos Ojos

(no photo because Cassie didn’t take any good ones)

Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most famous cenote sites on the peninsula. It consists of 2 connected cenotes. It’s popular with divers as well as people who just want to come and experience the joy of swimming in a cenote.

This cenote is part of the Sac Actun cave system, that was recently declared to be “the world’s longest underground cavern”. It stretches a whopping 350 km.

🧭 15 minutes north of Tulum in Quintana Roo.

4️⃣ Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera (Skull Cenote) is so named because it has 3 circular openings in the cave roof that look like the eyes and mouth of a skull when viewed from above (or indeed, below). Open to both divers and non-divers, this cenote is interesting for its 12 m halocline, or layer where salt water and fresh water meet but don’t touch. (again, no photo because cenote photos are hard to take)

🧭 Located just outside of Tulum.

5️⃣ Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche

For an entirely different kind of cenote experience, check out the famous Hacienda Mucuyche. Here you take an informative tour around the hacienda to learn about its history as a working farm, before a tour guide will escort you through the truly gorgeous cenotes onsite. This is a somewhat more curated experience and often quite busy, but the cenotes are spectacular. There is a pool and restaurant on site for when you’re done exploring.

This is a place I always take guests when they visit. It is necessary to pre-book your tour to this cenote.
 
 🧭 Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche is about 70 km from Mérida. 

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Natural wonders
 

The Yucatán Peninsula is a nature lovers’ delight. While we can’t deny that over-tourism and development can be a problem in some areas of the Peninsula, there are still plenty of protected and magnificent spots that are well worth your time and attention.

1️⃣ Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an

The Yucatán Peninsula has multiple UNESCO sites, and Biosphere Reserve Sian Ka’an is one of these internationally protected areas. This enormous reserve supports tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes, providing a diverse habitat for hundreds of species of birds, animals, and marine animals, many of which are threatened or endangered.

🚣🏾 Boat tours and snorkelling are the best ways to enjoy this extraordinary natural site of 1.3 million acres.
 
🧭 The Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an is located in the south of Quintana Roo, about 200 km south of Cancun, just outside Tulum.

➡️ Find tours to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

2️⃣ Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve

Famous for pink flamingos, this coastal sanctuary is also known for its incredibly rich biodiversity and makes a great day trip for visitors to the region.

🚣🏾‍♂️ If you take a boat tour from the nearby coastal village of Rio Lagartos, you will have the chance to observe an array of wildlife including crocodiles. The natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes of this reserve tick all the boxes for anyone looking for an authentic eco-adventure.

🧭 The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is located on the northern coast of Yucatán state. It’s possible to visit from Mérida, Valladolid or the Rivera Maya for the day.

3️⃣ Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours (Laguna de 7 Colores)

The Bacalar Lagoon gets its name from the gorgeous blue colours of the water – these can change depending on the soil, the water depth, and the angle of the the sun.

This lagoon is home to all kinds of of wildlife and is most often enjoyed while on the water. Sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boards are the best ways to explore this stunning location. Don’t miss the Pirates’ Canal or exploring the cenotes here.

🧭 Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colours is located in the south of Quintana Roo close to the border with Belize. You’re unlikely to visit for a day trip unless you come on an organised tour from one of the cities along the Caribbean coast.

4️⃣ Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

The largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is also known as the Great Maya Reef. It is home to over 500 species of fish, and 60 species of marine coral, along with other marine life such as manatees, sea turtles, whale sharks and even saltwater crocodiles.

🤿 Snorkelling or scuba diving are the best ways to get the most out of this experience. Tours can be arranged from most of the beach towns on the Maya Riviera.

🐢 Turtles can be most easily seen snorkelling from Akumal → Check out this tour option

🐋 The best time to see whale sharks is during the summer months → Check tour options here

🧭 Located off the Caribbean shore of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches south along the coasts of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

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Beaches

The beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula are absolutely fabulous; from the white sand beaches and crystal clear water of the Caribbean coast to the gentle green Gulf waters, there’s truly something for everyone. Let’s take a look now at some of the best beaches in Yucatán. 

‼️ You might wonder at the lack of Cancun / Playa del Carmen / Tulum beaches in this section. While they’re all wonderful, we think these beaches are even more special. They’re also less likely to suffer from over-crowding or sargassum.

1️⃣ El Cuyo

El Cuyo is a small, peaceful fishing village on the north Yucatán coast, where nothing much happens, but the beaches are serene and quite perfect. In fact, this is my favourite beach and, in my opinion, one of the best places to visit in the Yucatan.

🏝 It is a tranquil escape from the busy beach scene of the Riviera Maya with its gentle waves and breathtaking sunsets. It is a great spot for spending a few lazy days basking in the sun and swimming in the warm emerald-green waters.

There are small shops and restaurants where you can get everything you need. El Cuyo is also a hub for kiteboarders.

🧭 El Cuyo is located on the northeastern coast of Yucatán state, close to the border of Quintana Roo and about 270 km from Mérida. 

➡️ Read more about el Cuyo

➡️ Check out hotel options in El Cuyo
 

2️⃣ Mahahual 

Mahahual is an exceptional small town beach destination. With its laid-back Caribbean vibe, this lovely coastal town is a great choice if you are looking for to escape the busy beaches of Cancun. The beaches are pristine, and the water is warm and shallow, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it is also a wonderful spot for diving and other underwater adventures as it is teeming with vibrant marine life. Mahahual’s beachfront promenade, known as the Malecón, is lined with small restaurants serving great seafood, bars, and cute shops.

🧭 Mahahual is located in Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast, about 350 km from Cancun. 

➡️ Check out hotel options in Mahahual

3️⃣ Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is one of the most beautiful islands you will find anywhere in Mexico. Located just off the coast of Cancun it’s only possible to visit this fabulous island as part of a boat trip as visitor numbers are strictly limited every day.

👣 Mexico Cassie recommended tour: Full day tour of Isla Contoy (including lunch), time exploring the island, snorkelling and brief stop at Isla Mujeres. → Read more about this tour

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Colonial Cities

While Cancun may be the most famous of all cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, it isn’t the most cultural of the major cities in this region. For culture and history we need to look inland.

1️⃣ Mérida

The colonial city of Mérida was built over the city of T’ho, which was an important centre of Maya culture. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they destroyed T’ho and built their own city over it. Mérida is the capital of Yucatán and the largest of all cities on the peninsula.

Due to its long history both indigenous and colonial, Mérida is a fascinating city to explore.

Enjoy exploring Mérida’s centro historico:

➡️ On the Plaza Grande, the central square, you’ll find the Catedral de San Ildefonso, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, the Palacio Municipal and Casa Montejo. Many of Mérida’s free events take place here.

➡️ Walk the length of the famous Paseo de Montejo, enjoying Merida’s excellent cafe culture and some of Mérida’s many museums such as the Museo Regional de Antropología, Casas Gemelas & the Quinta Montes Molina.

➡️ Explore Mérida’s markets, artisan stores, plazas, numerous restaurants and more.

🧭 Mérida is located in the north west of Yucatán. It has its own international airport, the Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Crescencio Rejón. It is also well connected to the rest of the peninsula by road and bus and the Maya train also stops just outside Mérida.

2️⃣ Valladolid

The modern city of Valladolid, like Mérida, is also built on top of a significant Maya city: Zací. Valladolid was established as a colonial city by the Spanish colonisers in 1543.

➡️ This history is apparent when you see the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, which stands alongside ancient Mayan structures.

➡️ There are gorgeous museums in Valladolid including Casa de los Venados and the Museo San Roque, a former hospital and church, with exhibits artefacts and historical relics showcasing the history and traditions of the city.

➡️ Valladolid has created a name for itself as a boutique city with many chic hotels, restaurants and artisan stores. It’s also fantastically located in the middle of the peninsula, making it a great option for anyone wanting to explore.

3️⃣ Campeche City

The Maya city of Ah Kim Pech, an important Maya settlement, was renamed San Francisco de Campeche by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. They then went on to develop a major port with forts as protection from marauding pirates.

Campeche City’s historic (and walled) city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a very interesting place to explore with its mixture of colourful colonial buildings, defensive walls and Maya structures.

➡️ In Campeche, enjoy walking around the Museo de San José, the Baluarte de San Francisco and the Puerta de Tierra, visit the excellent museums and take an evening stroll along the Malecon (boardwalk).

🧭 Campeche City is located in the west of Campeche state. The city has an airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Ingeniero Alberto Acuña Ongay, and is well connected by bus, road and newly, by the Maya train.

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Adventure on the peninsula

If you’re looking for adventure on the peninsula there are many to choose from including awesome beach camping spots, birdwatching trails, quad-bike / ATV adventures, kayak tours and more but these are our favourites:

1️⃣ Punta Laguna 

🐒 Visit Punta Laguna for an exhilarating jungle adventure with local guides from the Najil Tucha community. Guides lead their guests through the Yucatán jungle on the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh nature preserve. During the hike, you may get the opportunity to observe the endangered Yucatán Spider Monkey and Yucatán Black Howler Monkey in their natural habitat.

🛶 Kayak on the lake and zipline over the lake for a serious adrenaline rush.

👣 Mexico Cassie recommended tour: Full day tour to Punta Laguna, Coba ruins and cenote swimming (tour originates in Tulum) → read more about this tour

🧭 Punta Laguna is approximately halfway between Playa del Carmen and Valladolid and is generally explored from either one of these two locations.
 

2️⃣ Loltun Caves

The Loltun Caves offer a caving adventure for those interested in learning more about the unique geography and history of the Yucatán Peninsula.

These are the most extensive caves in the region and contain evidence of human use dating back thousands of years. The Loltun caves can be explored on guided tours which venture through chambers filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Maya carvings. A must for serious archaeology & history geeks. 

🧭 The Loltun Caves are in Yucatán state near the border with Campeche.

➕ For people who enjoy caving experiences, Tekax is also a great opportunity for adventure.
 

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Relaxation – hacienda time

And if you’re tired out after all this adventuring, why not head to a hacienda for a bit of pampering and relaxation.
 

1️⃣ Hacienda Xcanatun

Hacienda Xcanatun is a gorgeous, restored 18th-century hacienda mansion, with a spectacular spa, a delicious restaurant serving local Yucatecan cuisine, and an Olympic size swimming pool. It is a luxurious retreat to spend a rejuvenating day. If you are looking for a great place to wind down after exploring the Yucatán Peninsula, you are in for a rare treat.

🏨 You can use Hacienda Xcanatun as a hotel when exploring around Mérida & Progreso or simply book a day pass if you just want a day of pampering.

🧭 Hacienda Xcanatun is located just outside Mérida on the road to Progreso

2️⃣ Hacienda Santa Cruz

Hacienda Santa Cruz is a historic property with beautifully landscaped gardens that offers a unique hydrotherapy spa and other pampering treatments.

Afterwards, you can explore the hacienda by bicycle, relax by the pool, and indulge in a meal in the on-site restaurant that offers both local and international cuisine. This hacienda is a truly lush way to spend a day of luxury and relaxation.

🏨 Hacienda Santa Cruz is also an excellent hotel option as well as a divine place to spend a day relaxing.

🧭 Hacienda Santa Cruz is located just outside the south of Mérida

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Getting around the Yucatán Peninsula

Now you’ve discovered all these fabulous options for things to do on the Yucatán Peninsula, you need to figure out how to get around:

🚗 Having a rental car allows you a great deal of freedom to explore at your own speed, changing plans when you wish, spending as long as you wish at each site. The main roads on the peninsula are generally in an excellent state of repair. The smaller, country roads often have potholes and speed bumps (topes) that catch the uninitiated out so pay attention.

→ Check car rental options & prices now

🚌 Public transport between the bigger cities on the peninsula is run by ADO to strict timetables. Smaller buses (combi vans or colectivos) run between pueblos and smaller towns but leave when they’re full rather than to any timetable.

→ Check bus timetables & prices in Spanish or English

🚂 As of 2024 the Tren Maya is operational, connecting the bigger tourist points (including many in this article).

→ Read more about the Tren Maya

👣 It’s always possible to book day tours, or even longer tours around the peninsula. While tours remove some freedom of choice, they also free you up to simply enjoy yourself and let someone else take charge.

→ I always use Viator, Get Your Guide and Lupita Overland (use the code ‘Mexico_Cassie_7%’ and receive a 7% discount on your Lupita tours) planning my tours on the Yucatán Peninsula.