Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Half Moon Bay featuring a beach, tropical scenes and a coastal town
Scenic sandy beaches and cenote water holes frame the pre-Columbian Mayan cities and colonial city centers of this diverse region.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a large strip of land that juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Comprising three Mexican states and skirting the borders of Belize and Guatemala, this diverse area is packed with stunning resort towns, breathtaking natural wonders and historic Mayan ruins. Visit the Yucatán Peninsula to learn about fascinating indigenous people between trips to the cenotes and beaches.

Cancun is an iconic destination in Quintana Roo whose Zona Hotelera is packed with deluxe hotels and spas. Drive along the central Boulevard Kukulcán and stop at upscale malls, such as the Kukulcán Plaza and La Isla shopping malls. Bring your family to relax on the white sandy strands of Playa Linda, Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool.

Explore the history of the region’s indigenous people at El Rey Archaeological Zone. A little inland, find the fascinating ruins of Chichén Itzá, a pre-Columbian city. Study the various preserved sculptures and the majestic main temple.

Back on the coast, enjoy the stylish hotels and picturesque beaches of Playa del Carmen. Dive into the region’s myriad cenotes, which are otherworldly water holes in caves.

Head south along the coast for Tulum, a fortified Mayan town and vacation resort. Study the stucco reliefs in the Temple of the Frescoes and gaze up at the cliff-top Castillo.

Farther west is the city of Mérida, which fuses Mayan traditions with Spanish colonial architecture. Its Centro district has a range of museums on the region’s art, history and culture. Edging the state’s southern border is Campeche, whose namesake city is known for its remarkable colonial baroque layout.

The cape is made up of the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán, in the northeastern corner of Mexico. Fly to the airports of Cancún, Cozumel or Mérida and travel around via tour buses and public colectivos. While in this part of the country, consider visiting Belize or Guatemala as well.

Where to stay in Yucatan Peninsula

Merida Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Mérida Centro

5/5(13 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Plaza Grande and Mérida Cathedral while you're in town.

Mérida Centro
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Playacar

5/5(4 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
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Downtown Cancun

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
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La Isla

If you're spending some time in La Isla, La Isla Shopping Mall and Isla Dorada are top sights worth seeing.

La Isla
Tulum featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
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Luis Donaldo Colosio

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Luis Donaldo Colosio, Punta Esmeralda Beach and Mamitas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Luis Donaldo Colosio
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
The price is NZ$1,112 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$1,112
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,228 reviews)
"Amazing! Definitely going back!"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2024

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Blvd Kukulkan, Km 5.5 Lote 6-C, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,240 reviews)
"Everything was good only one thing I didn’t liked about was that toilettes weren’t provided in the all inclusive package. Had to buy them on higher price at the property"

Reviewed on 4 Nov. 2024

Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
4 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulkan, Km. 11.5, Cancun, QROO
The price is NZ$465 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
NZ$465
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Book a stay at this beach property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,727 reviews)
"The staff is very nice and many choices of restaurant. Food was great. Will stay next time when visit Cancun again."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
5 out of 5
Km 45 Carretera Cancun, Tulum Kantenah, Maroma, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
"Excellent for our 21 day holiday. Loved it all"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
3.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 8.5, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,473 reviews)
"Older Mexican resort that is clean, convenient with great location. Staff is great. Poolsnd beach are great. We go here every year."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
4 out of 5
1st Avenue Bis, Between 12th and 14th North Street, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,472 reviews)
"We will definitely stay here again! All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Thank you so much for making us feel welcome."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Yucatan Peninsula