In a nutshell
- The Yucatán Peninsula is one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico. With its mix of beaches, lush jungle, ancient Mayan temples and colorful colonial towns, it’s easy to see why.
- Among the top Yucatán Peninsula attractions are the world wonder Chichén Itzá, the stunning Caribbean beaches and the magical cenotes.
- In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula – from impressive Mayan ruins to natural highlights and charming cities.
Top 10 Attractions on the Yucatán on a Map
The Yucatán is a peninsula mostly in Mexico, but it also stretches into parts of Belize and Guatemala. In this article, we focus only on the Mexican side.
Three Mexican states make up the Yucatán Peninsula: Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán.
To give you an overview, we’ve put together a map of Yucatán showing our top sights and must-see spots.
The Most Impressive Mayan Ruins on the Yucatán
The Yucatán is full of cultural treasures and natural highlights. One of the biggest draws are the countless Mayan temples spread across the peninsula. They definitely belong on any list of things to do in the Yucatán.
There are so many ruins that it’s impossible to see them all in one trip. That’s why we’ve picked out our top 3 Mayan sites – the ones we think are the most beautiful and unforgettable.
Read all our tips for the most stunning Mayan ruins in Mexico
Chichén Itzá
What you should know: Chichén Itzá is the most iconic Mayan ruin and one of the best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula. Once the Mayan capital, it’s now the top highlight in the region, one of the most famous sights in the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – along with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Colosseum in Rome. Tickets for Chichén Itzá can be bought directly at the entrance.
What to see at Chichén Itzá? The most famous landmark is the Kukulcán pyramid. But the site is huge and full of other temples, platforms and ruins waiting to be explored. The best way to experience it all is with a guide.
Our tour tip: Guided tour of Chichén Itzá (entrance fee not included)
Where to stay: The closest bigger town is Valladolid, and our favorite hotel there is Casa Tia Micha. If you’d rather stay right by the ruins, check out La Casa de las Lunas in Pisté.
Tulum Mayan Ruins
What you should know: The Tulum ruins might not be as massive as other Mayan sites on the Yucatán, but their setting by the Caribbean Sea makes them unforgettable. Tickets are available at the entrance, and we recommend booking a guide for the full experience.
Our tour tip: Guided tour of the Tulum ruins
Where to stay: The ruins are close to Tulum town and the Zona Hotelera, so it’s easy to get there from anywhere. Our favorite place to stay is Casa Almendro.
Uxmal
What you should know: Uxmal is our insider tip when it comes to Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula. The temples here are just as impressive as Chichén Itzá, but with far fewer crowds. If you’re looking for authentic things to do in the Yucatán, Uxmal should be high on your list.
Our tour tip: Guided tour to Uxmal from Mérida
Where to stay: Uxmal lies south of Mérida, making the city the perfect base. Our favorite hotel there is Kuka y Naranjo.
The Most Beautiful Natural Highlights on the Yucatán
Besides its Mayan ruins, the Yucatán is famous for its stunning beaches. But there’s so much more to discover. From turquoise lagoons to cenotes and nature reserves, these are the natural Yucatán Peninsula attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Caribbean Beaches
What you should know: It’s impossible to pick just one beach as the best on the Yucatán. There are simply too many dreamlike spots. Here are our favorite beach towns and stretches of sand on the peninsula.
The most beautiful beach resorts on the Yucatán
The most beautiful beaches on the Yucatán
- Playa Paraíso, Tulum
- Playa Holbox, Holbox
- Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
- Playa Akumal, Akumal
- Playa Playacar, Playa del Carmen
- Playa Delfines, Cancún
Cenotes
What you should know: Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. There are thousands of them across the Yucatán, making them some of the most unique things to do in the Yucatán. They’re perfect for swimming, diving or just snapping a few amazing photos.
Our top 3 cenotes on the Yucatán: Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Ik-Kil, Cenote Xkeken.
Where to stay: The best bases for exploring cenotes are Valladolid and Tulum.
Laguna Bacalar
What you should know: The water of Laguna de Bacalar shines in every shade of turquoise, just like the Caribbean Sea. But here it’s calmer, less crowded and completely wave-free. An absolute dream for relaxing and swimming.
Our tour tip: Boat tour on Laguna de Bacalar
Where to stay: The best choice is to stay right by the lagoon. Our recommendation: Khaban Bacalar Hotel Boutique.
Sian Ka'an Bioreserve
What you should know: The Sian Ka’an Bioreserve is the place to experience the Yucatán jungle up close. You’ll find exotic animals, mangroves, lagoons and untouched beaches. Boat tours are especially popular, taking you across the lagoons where you might even spot crocodiles.
Our tour tip: Guided tour of Sian Ka’an with boat trip and lunch
Where to stay: The reserve is just south of Tulum. Our tip: Radhoo Tulum.
The Most Beautiful Towns on the Yucatán
It’s the mix of ancient ruins, natural wonders and charming towns that makes the peninsula one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Exploring the cities is a must if you’re wondering what to do on the Yucatán beyond beaches and temples.
Mérida
What you should know: Mérida is the largest city on the Yucatán Peninsula and is also called the “White City.” Many of its colonial houses are painted in bright colors, giving it a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Mérida is also known as one of the sunniest and safest cities in Mexico.
Top sights in Mérida: The Mérida Cathedral, the Pasaje de la Revolución art passage and the elegant Paseo de Montejo boulevard.
Where to stay: Kuka y Naranjo
Valladolid
What you should know: Valladolid is a charming colonial town right in the heart of the Yucatán. It’s the ideal starting point for exploring Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and several nearby cenotes. The colorful streets make it one of the best places to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Top highlights in Valladolid: Cenote Zaci, the cathedral and the picturesque Calzada de los Frailes.
Where to stay: Casa Tia Micha
Campeche
What you should know: Campeche is our insider tip and, in our opinion, the most beautiful city on the Yucatán. The colorful facades of the old town give it a special charm, and its location by the sea means you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the Malecón promenade. If you’re looking for things to do in the Yucatán beyond beaches, Campeche is a must.
Top sights in Campeche: Plaza de la Independencia, the cobblestone streets of the old town and the seaside Malecón.
Where to stay: Hotel Casa Piedad
Practical Tips for Yucatán
To wrap things up, here are a few practical tips to help you plan your road trip on the Yucatán.
Also read our travel tips for Mexico
#1 Is Yucatán safe?
The Yucatán is considered one of the safest regions in Mexico. As long as you follow a few common-sense rules, you’ll have no trouble enjoying your trip. We go into more detail in a separate article.
#2 Getting to Yucatán
Cancún International Airport is the main gateway to the peninsula and one of the largest airports in Mexico. There are plenty of direct flights to Cancún from Europe, including from Germany. We usually book through Skyscanner.
#3 Getting around Yucatán
The best way to explore is on a road trip with a rental car. It gives you the freedom to see all the Yucatán Peninsula attractions at your own pace.
Book a rental car for the Yucatán
There’s also a reliable bus network. The company ADO connects most major towns and tourist spots on the peninsula.
#4 Best time to travel
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. That said, the climate is warm year-round, and even in the rainy season showers usually don’t last long. So really, you can travel to the Yucatán at any time of year.
#5 Where to stay
Need some inspiration for nice hotels on the Yucatán. Also read our hotel articles: