Top Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula
Top Hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
10 Things to do Good for Couples in Yucatan Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss
Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula
1. Lago Bacalar (Lake of the Seven Colors)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Large, crystal clear lake fed by underwater cenotes and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
Reviewed By Gena47
Amir Tours did a magnificent job of sharing the magic of the Barcalar Lagoon. The Captain Filipe and Sailer Luna were organized, friendly and competent. The nine of us boarded on time and set out to explore this fresh water lake fed by cenotes. After a safety lecture, we visited the “Pirate Island” where pirates would come in from the Caribbean to plunder. Next we visited three cenotes and learned how they supplied water for the lagoon. We learned how the colors were created depending on the depth of the water and what was on the bottom. We were served a delicious lunch of fresh fruit and bread. And the drinks were not stop! Our last stop was at the bird sanctuary where birds come to rest on the yearly migration paths. The boat was stable and large enough for you to move around. Access into and out of the water was easy and the crew both assisted if needed. Several of us agreed that this was the most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. I would highly recommend you book this tour to have an informative and magical experience.
2. Cenotes Sac Actun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,633 reviews
Underground water paradise in the Riviera Maya, this visit will certainly be a unique experience like no other, mystical and extreme, you can snorkel or dive in the cavern full of formations.
Reviewed By StefR - Brooklyn, United States
After reading about so many cenotes, I was a bit overwhelmed as to which to choose. So we let our tour guide make this recommendation. It just so happened he had worked as a guide at this cenote for several years before becoming a tour guide so we just got lucky. This cenote is amazing! After parking and picking up lifejackets, we headed down the stairs and into the mouth of the cave. Our guide didn't really describe what we were about to do so it was a bit of a surprise to find such a huge cave system before us as we swam around. He knew his way around and we had such a great time seeing this natural wonder. We were there for 2 hours before seeing another soul. We had the whole place to ourselves for almost the entire time. There seemed to be endless tunnels and caves to explore so we were very happy to have a guide as we would have gotten lost very easily. Can't recommend this site enough! Definitely get a guide, bring a waterproof camera (or waterproof case for your phone) and enjoy!
3. Maya Chan Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,739 reviews
Private beach resort for cruise ship passengers.
Reviewed By plantemar
We visited Maya Chan Beach while on a cruise. It was perfect : super friendly staff, very good homemade food, excellent bar service, nice floating chairs and paddle board, nice sandy beach and refreshing pool. We had a beach cabana with chairs, day bed and hammock for ourselves. Could not ask for better because it was THE best. Can’t go wrong with this gem!
4. Lake Bacalar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,594 reviews
Reviewed By 389florka - London, United Kingdom
Pueblo magico - truly is !!! There are different shades of blue from the lightest to dark dark blue . We took a boat with tour guy which cost about 260 peso it took about 2.5 h all around lake with few stops when we could jump in the water and enjoy this beautiful place . Water is sweet which made the experience even better:) , would highly recommend it . We stayed near Playa del Carmen and it took us 3.5 h drive , the best is to early morning so can make most of it . Plenty shops and restaurants around to get some snacks or food.
5. Playa Delfines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,518 reviews
Reviewed By Nest_Of_Snakes - Mexico City, Mexico
If you are tired of the standard beaches along the Hotel Zone, visit Playa Delfines, a beautiful and very large beach with fine sand and slightly intense waves located near El Rey archaeological zone. Here, you can rent chairs and beach umbrellas as well as bring your own drinks and snacks. You will also find bathrooms, showers, "palapas" and parking lot, all these services totally free. Here you will also find a beautiful wooden lookout with the colorful "Cancún" sign that appears on many of the city´s postcards and brochures.
6. Xcaret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,097 reviews
Xcaret (pronounced eesh - carette )is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya, situated only 37 miles from Cancun International. Xcaret," Mexico ’s sacred paradise" was opened in December 1990 as an eco-archeological park where visitors from all over the world can enjoy the splendor of Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Attractions: Underground Rivers, Beach, lagoon & pools, Tropical Jungle Trail, Rotating Scenic Tower.
Reviewed By vnicholls84 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
We got the plus passes and included lunch - the Buffett was excellent! We added on the sea trek (absolutely awesome) and the adrenaline speed boat (also excellent) Stay for the show at the end!!! (We upgraded and got the vip seats with the meal too, also excellent) The rivers were outstanding. The only thing I didn’t like and would stop me returning is the captive dolphins. I don’t like seeing this at all. It’s 2019! People need to stop swimming with them and these parks need to let them go. One of the dolphins dorsal fins was ripped in half from constantly having people holding on to it. For an eco park is was shocked at the use of the animals for entertainment. (The sting rays appeared to have had their tails cut off too) It is a beautiful park, transfers were excellent.
7. Tulum Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,609 reviews
Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: [tu'lum], Yucatec: Tulu'um) is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Coba.[1] The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.[citation needed] One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.[1]
Reviewed By discoveringdest - Montreal, Canada
Oh yeah guys, we were in Tulum last week! We were blessed with a perfect sunny week in Riviera Maya. Our idea was to spend a week relaxing on the beach. Then we saw pictures of Tulum and found out it was 20 minutes away. So... “Why not” ?!? We never know the next time we'll be in Mexico. Tulum for a 1/2 day tour with guide was $69usd per person. Expensive we thought, but we got a nice van, with a good driver and a really knowledgeable guide Jazmin. She studied history in Mexico and was clearly passionate about that. In Tulum are ruins of an ancient Mayan port city just next to wonderful Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Some go to visit the remaining structures and others to enjoy the beach. The tour was 4 hours in total. That includes the drive to Tulum, the guided tour and 1h30 of free time to spend walking around. With this time, we could go around, take pictures, swim and shop around in one of the local shops. We decided to walk around to enjoy the astonishing views of the coastline. We were mesmerized by the turquoise green and blue water and multicolour iguanas that gaze at the sun as though they were kings of the Mayan city! According our guide and in Wikipedia, Tulum is one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites and is really famous touristic point. The important part of Tulum is its history, since the city has access land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub. It was really cool to hear our guide speak about the Mayan history. She described a mystical place on a beautiful sunny day just like the one we were experiencing. We took the tour from the hotel so everything was pre arranged for us. Alternatively, you can always rent a car and drive over. Our Ratings Serge: 5 Eli: 5 Recommend: Absolutely. Tulum is a very unique historical Mayan ruin, feel free to view the grounds or go for a swim. Important Tips: 1. Tulum in a sunny day is really “Hot”, so get your sunblock ready and if possible, an umbrella. 2. Please, “Do NOT forget” an insect repellent because Tulum is a mix of Beach & Jungle, we are the bite marks to prove it. 3. Bring water and if you decide to go swimming, make sure have some protection (sun block and repellent). 4. If you have a professional or semi professional camera (GoPro counts), you will need to pay a extra tax. The tax is calculated per camera.
8. Akumal Beach
9. Yal-ku Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,044 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotanTraveler
Yal-ku lagoon is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet, so the biodiversity in the lagoon is incredible. The water is teeming with fish. You can rent a snorkel or bring your own. The park around the lagoon features interesting art statues. There is a small snack bar, clean restrooms, and lockers.
10. Paseo de Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,418 reviews
This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy.
Reviewed By laBostoniana - Boston, United States
Historic Merida has narrow sidewalks and the main street, Calle 60, is not a pleasant walk because busses and trucks practically brush up against you as they dominate the road and you must walk single file. A bit north of historic district Paseo de Montejo has wide sidewalks, interesting old mansions, and actually allows for pleasant ambling.
