The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions. Cancun is a spring-breaker’s dream destination. Tulum is the new hotspot for well-heeled and trendy travelers. The resorts of the Riviera Maya lure luxury travelers to their white sands in droves. And the Mayan ruins are a dose of history and culture unlike any other. So what are definite must-sees when you travel to this rich and storied part of Mexico?
1. The Mayan Ruin Trifecta: Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum
El Castillo at Chichen Itza — Photo Courtesy: Jetsetter Jenn
There are Mayan ruins all over the Yucatan Peninsula, and each have a story worth hearing. The architecture of Chichen Itza will weave tales of Mayan numerology and time measurement. Coba will make you feel like a jungle explorer, discovering vine-covered pyramids for the first time (and you can actually climb one!). And Tulum has the beach resort of Mayan archaeological sites, poised right on the edge of a stunning Caribbean Sea.
2. Rustic and Relaxed Holbox Island
A Whale Shark Feeding — Photo Courtesy JetsetterJenn
Are you craving a break from the crowds and craziness of the major tourist destinations of the Yucatan Peninsula? Then book a bus to Holbox Island — Mexico’s uber-relaxed island destination. It straddles the the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which brings a wild array of birds and sea life. The heroes of this menagerie are the flamingos that bathe along the sand bars, and the whale sharks that frequent the area from June to September. If you’re looking for no paved roads and laid-back beachy lifestyle, look no further than Isla Holbox.
3. The Charming City of Valladolid
The Church at Valladolid, Courtesy Jetsetter Jenn
Valladolid is an often-overlooked gem square in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula. It lacks the beachy lifestyle of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, but it’s rich in history and culture. It’s pastel streets, charming churches, and pretty parks feel like someone dropped a piece of Europe right in the middle of Mexico. It’s location is ideal for exploring the ruins, cenotes, and other cultural sites of the Yucatan Peninsula.
4. The Natural Wonders of the Cenotes
Cenote Samula near Valladolid, Courtesy Jetsetter Jenn
Cenotes are naturally-occurring sinkholes in the limestone crust of the Yucatan Peninsula’s topography. Beneath the rock? Millions of gallons of clean, clear freshwater. In Yucatec Maya, the word cenote means “sacred well,” and they were revered as holy sites to the indigenous culture. Now, many are open for exploration and swimming. Some cenotes are open-air, but many are still fully enclosed in caves, occasionally with just a small skylight where the rock has fallen in. A swim here is unlike anywhere in the world. For more info on the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, click here.
5. The Local Food
Conchinita Pibil, Photo Courtesy Jetsetter Jenn
If you think Mexican food is all burritos and tacos, think again. The Yucatan Peninsula is full of delicious meals without a tortilla in sight. You haven’t lived until you’ve had ceviche mixto, full of fresh seafood, spicy habanero pepper and loads of lime juice. Try sopa de lima, the Yucatan’s version of chicken soup with the addition of a little tangy lime juice to keep things interesting. Or consider conchinita pibil, shredded pork seasoned to perfection with sour orange and achiote spice. You could go weeks without touching a taco and still be a happy eater.
6. The White Sand Beaches
Tulum Beach, Courtesy Jetsetter Jenn
Of course, you can’t visit a classic beach destination without spending a little time catching some rays. And when it comes to beaches, the Yucatan Peninsula has something for everyone. Looking for a little party? Cancun has plenty to offer. Prefer something a little more relaxed? Hop on a ferry over to Isla Mujeres and spend the day lounging with some cervezas on Playa Norte. Looking for that perfect Instagram shot? The beaches in Tulum or Cozumel will serve up photo-worthy views that guarantee hundreds of likes.
7. The Pink Lake at Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas, used under Creative Commons
On the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula is a natural phenomenon that’s stunning in it’s beauty. Surrounding the salt-flats of the small village of Las Coloradas is a large, bright pink lake. The color comes from red algae and plankton that love the warm, salty environment. It’s a sight worth seeing, if you’re willing to make the trek.
8. Snorkeling with the Sea Turtles at Akumal
Akumal Bay is a protected marine area tucked between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. The major draw to this stretch of white sand? Plenty of sea turtles to snorkel with! And even better, you can do it for free if you want. There are tours that run from all major tourist locations, but if you can drive yourself and have snorkel gear, it’s not necessary.
9. The Adventure Parks of Riviera Maya
A traditional dance at Xcaret Park, Courtesy Jetsetter Jenn
If you’re looking for a day of family-friendly fun, Experiencias Xcaret has several theme parks that offer all kinds of adventures. Choose from underground rivers, ziplines, cultural dance exhibitions, waterslides, and more. With over half a dozen parks and tours, you’ll find something that suits everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsual anytime soon, check out my posts about what to see and what to eat on Jetsetter Jenn!