Top Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula
Top Hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
The 10 Best Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan Peninsula
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. La Isla Shopping Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,811 reviews
Reviewed By TingCO - Manila, Philippines
La Isla is the best quality shopping to be found in Cancun. It’s actually several shopping hubs connected to each other across the street from hotel row, making it a wonderful perk for resort clients. It appears to be inspired by Venice, boasting bridges and canals and then sea, even pirate boats. In addition to hosting over a hundred shops to include many specialty stalls, souvenir stores, low to high-end fashion (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Louis Vuitton etc), Haagen-Dazs and many great restaurants, it houses an aquarium amusement park where you can even swim with dolphins. Lots of locals hang here along with the multitude of resort clients. If you want to shop in Cancun, this is the place. Check out Wayang for cool Mexican resort wear.
6. Playa Norte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,031 reviews
Reviewed By DJKJO - Greater London, United Kingdom
A lovely island with the most beautiful beach!! We booked a day trip to Isla Mujeres with Scuba Caribe and it was very enjoyable, once on the boat over we hired a golf cart for 4 hours through S.C for $60 US dollars which is around $1200pesos we found out once on the island their a bit cheaper, so you could shop around as their are a number of companies hiring the said carts. It’s a real fun day on the carts and takes about two to three hours to get around the island if stopping off at the different sites. One cool spot was feeding the turtles in a marina then we drove to the southern most point of the island to see the light house and giant Iguana statue...a lovely spot!! On our return finishing up at Norte Beach a beautiful beach beyond compare!! We eat at the Mayan Beach Club restaurant which is one of the first restaurants at the northern end of the beach, the food was fine and if you choose to eat there you’re allowed to use their beach sun beds free, which we did!! So we recommend you definitely do a day trip to Isla Mujeres and it’s gorgeous Norte Beach!!
7. Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,254 reviews
Sotuta de Peon, Live Hacienda, is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequen zone in the Yucatan state, and gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.
Reviewed By Y5027KTpaulh - Annapolis, United States
We took a tour of the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon on the recommendation of our B and B host, and were pleasantly surprised. The guide, who was equally fluent in French and English, explained the history of the property and off the hennequin trade, which enriched hacienda owners around Merida late in the 19th century. The highlight was a dry interesting tour of the factory whose operations have been revived to demonstrate how hennequin was processed (from yucca plants). Operating and maintaining the original equipment are people from the nearby village. Following a ride on a mule-drawn train on tracks originally used on the plantation, we enjoyed an hour swimming in a delightful underground cenote with clean water and easy accessibility. Lunch was included, efficiently served in a very pleasant pavilion. Of course it was a tourist excursion, but it provided an unexpectedly informative glimpse into how this hacienda operated a hundred years ago.
8. Rio Secreto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,530 reviews
Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacations in Mexico.
Reviewed By Matina28 - Laval, Canada
Secret River My husband and I visited Río Secreto on November 4. For me, enter to those caves was something magical, what a beautiful place, I hope they keep it as it is, a natural jewel. Our guide Joshua was excellent, he gave us a lot of information about the place, besides being patient, kind and attentive to each one of the group. Eduardo (the little one) our photographer is an excellent professional. The photos were beautiful. I liked everything, the rappel, the visit to the river on the Alegria road, and the visit to the dry route. It is a trip to wonderful place. Visiting these caves with stalactites, stalagmites and swimming in that crystal clear water is something we should experience even once in a lifetime. The buffet at the end was very good. I congratulate the staff of Rio Secreto for taking care of this place and for making the visitor aware of how important it is to keep this place in its natural state.
9. Cenotes Dos Ojos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,271 reviews
Reviewed By vinnietrip32
You haven’t discovered the true wonders of Tulum or Playa del Carmen until you explore one of the Cenotes (caves). We explored the “Dos Ojos”, and chose to tour the Los Monos Cenote, discovered less than 12 months ago - an underwater Haven. The water is crystal clear, tranquil beauty, the rock formation is incredible, with all the natural formations of the Stalagmites and Stalactites leaving you breathless - unique experience that you will cherish forever - I promise you that. When you arrive, ask for “Eddy”, one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered, he was absolutely amazing, his passionate for the Cenotes is like no other, he does whatever it takes to make your experience one to remember. He took so many photos for us, swimming through the bends and Stalagmites and Stalactites of the Cenote and for a very small fee, sent us all the photos in high res so we can print them off when we get home.
10. Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,579 reviews
At Mr. Sancho's Beach Club we offer Restaurant-Bar services and 3 pools, two with a swim up bar. The entrance is totally free, no cover nor a minimum consumption is required. As well we offer free Wifi for all our guests,. We have the largest private beach on the island with over 1000 feet of white sand at Cozumel's sea shore, where you can enjoy our Aquatic Park, wave runners, parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling tours, scuba diving, or you could ride a horse or an ATV through the jungle and the beach. At Mr. Sancho's we have two options: our famous All Inclusive Package or our Pay as You Go service. In the All Inclusive Package you can enjoy all you can eat from our menu freshly prepared and cooked especially for you or our extensive buffet; as well as, all the drinks, beers, sodas and cocktails you would like from our open bar. You will also have access to the pool-bar, beach lounge chairs, kayaks, hammocks, lockers and Beach Cabanas (upon availability)**. In our Pay as You Go service you will only pay for what you consume and we offer free entrance to the beach, use of beach lounge chairs for free and free Wifi for our clients. At Mr. Sancho's you will find the best beach, the best facilities, a family atmosphere, friendly and professional treatment from our staff and of course the best food and drinks. You can experience our hospitality Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Local Time. Closed on Sundays. The All Inclusive Package is available from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Local Time. **(This package does not include the Acuatic Park, towels, liquor shots and do not operate on Sundays)
Reviewed By kathyo347 - Hudson, United States
We spent the day at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club last month. It was so much fun. Beautiful pools with swim-up bars and bar stools, a great beach that offered many activities, and a fabulous all-inclusive package that included wonderful drinks and a fabulous menu. Highly recommend!
