For The Love Of Yucatan Mexico
If you love kicking back under a thatched palapa, sipping an icy beer and filling your face with plate after plate of fresh ceviche, these resort destinations may be for you.
But the Yucatan offers much more than pristine beaches and luxury all-inclusive hotels.
Take a day trip to explore lesser-known Mayan ruins such as Dzibilchaltun, Sayil and Kabah. Or explore the ancient city of Merida.
1. Cancun
Whether you’re looking to unwind on a gorgeous beach or get active, this popular destination has you covered. Created in the 1970’s, Cancun was built with luxury travel in mind – and it shows. You can find a ton of incredible hotels here. Plus amazing water sports and natural adventures that include snorkeling in one of the world’s largest coral reefs, jungle tours, or even diving into a cenote.
Cancun is also home to some amazing Mayan ruins like the temple pyramids of Chichen Itza and the inspiring cliffside views of Tulum. Additionally, you can see them all on an organized tour or excursion from the city.
Despite the tourist Disneyland that is the Hotel Zone, Cancun has its own little slice of Mexican culture in Downtown. Here you can find delicious street food, small shops, and green parks to enjoy. You can also take a guided walking tour and explore the best urban art or head to the stadium for a night of Mexican Wrestling.
2. Tulum
The beach town of Tulum is an alluring destination for travelers seeking out new adventures. Additionally, home buyers who want a vacation home can find amazing real estate in Tulum Mexico. Get out of your comfort zone and take a cooking class, explore the extensive exercise and meditation options or try your hand at scuba diving.
If food is what brings you to Tulum, you’ll love the variety of dining experiences available. From simple taco stands to high-end fine dining. There is also a wide range of spiritual experiences to choose from including sound healing workshops, exercise classes and a nightly sunset candlelight ritual.
Luxury hotels in Tulum range from thatched palapa-style properties with minimalist interiors to modern boutique properties like Nest. This adults-only hotel has a romantic feel with thatched rooftop bars, intimate beach lounges and plush linens contrasted against sleek furnishings.
The best time to visit Tulum is in the spring between March and May or the fall between October and mid-December. These months are well outside of hurricane season and tend to see fewer crowds.
3. Uxmal
One of the best vacation destinations in Yucatan Mexico is Uxmal, which boasts many impressive structures. This includes the awe-inspiring Pyramid of the Magician. The archeological site is surrounded by lush vegetation, and it offers visitors a chance to learn about the Mayan culture.
A popular activity is to take a guided tour of the ruins and visit the Choco-Story Museum. Guests can also try their hand at a chocolate-making workshop. Uxmal is also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to many species of birds.
Another must-see is Bacalar, a quiet town that has become famous for its stunning Seven Colors Lagoon. The lagoon’s water changes colors as the sun hits it, and it’s a must-see for any nature lover.
Another good choice is Valladolid, which offers cheap accommodation and is close to the Chichen Itza ruins. It’s a good idea to rent a car and drive to the ruins. You can also book a bus tour from Cancun. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many luxury hotels in the city.
4. Mahahual
The Yucatan Peninsula has something for everyone, from sophisticated resorts to rustic inns, ancient Maya culture, exquisite beaches and exhilarating adventures. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head to Mahahual! This small pueblo remains a hidden gem that’s free from overdevelopment and offers a relaxed, tropical vacation experience.
Mahahual is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can explore the coral reef right off the beach, or book a tour to Banco Chinchorro to see marine wildlife including sea turtles, manta rays, and all kinds of fish!
For a more cultural experience, visit Ek Balam, the Mayan ruin site that means Black Jaguar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is less busy than Chichen Itza and boasts incredible temples, including the massive El Torre tower that reaches 100 feet!
5. Ek Balam
There are a ton of amazing things to do on your Yucatan Mexico getaway. One of the most popular is to visit Ek Balam, a town that offers impressive Mayan ruins and beautiful natural surroundings. The ruins are located near several cenotes. These are natural swimming holes formed by underground rivers and caves. A swim in a cenote is the perfect way to cool off after touring the ruins.
The ruins at Ek Balam, which mean Black Jaguar in Mayan, are an off-the-beaten-track destination that is not as crowded as other ruins in the area. With 45 structures to explore, including a stunning pyramid and one of the largest Acropolis structures in Mesoamerica. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the region.
You can explore the ruins on this full-day tour from Cancun or this tour that departs from Playa del Carmen. The tours include round-trip A/C transportation, a bilingual certified guide, and all the necessary gear to enjoy this incredible experience. You’ll also have the chance to swim in the awe-inspiring Cenote X’Canche.
