Yucatan Peninsula Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

🇲🇽 Explore Yucatan Peninsula 🇲🇽

🌞Our 10-day adventure exploring the Yucatan Peninsula was an absolute dream come true! 🚗Renting a car allowed us the freedom to uncover the hidden gems of this incredible region. 1️⃣🏖️ Cancun:Our first stop was the vibrant city of Cancun, known for its stunning beaches. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the bustling nightlife before embarking on our Yucatan adventure. 2️⃣🏖️Playa del Carmen: Next up was Playa del Carmen, where the lively Fifth Avenue and beautiful beaches kept us entertained. We couldn't resist snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of this coastal gem. 3️⃣🏰Tulum: Tulum's ancient ruins perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea were simply awe-inspiring. We spent hours exploring and taking in the breathtaking views. 4️⃣⛲Valladolid: charmed us with its colonial architecture and rich history. The cenotes were a refreshing highlight, and we learned about the culture of this charming town. 5️⃣📍Chichén Itzá:Our visit to the iconic Chichén Itzá was a history lover's dream. The intricate Mayan architecture and the El Castillo pyramid were truly remarkable. 6️⃣🟡Izamal: The "Yellow City" greeted us with its colorful buildings and charming streets. We explored the pyramid and felt the rich Mayan heritage all around. 7️⃣🔖Merida:Merida's vibrant culture and delicious cuisine won us over. We tried traditional Yucatecan dishes. 8️⃣Uman:Uman allowed us to experience the tranquility of small-town Mexico. It was a welcome break from the bustling cities and a chance to connect with the locals. 9️⃣🦩Celestun🦩: Celestun's serene beaches were the perfect backdrop for spotting flamingos and crocodiles. Our boat tour through the Celestun Biosphere Reserve was a wildlife lover's paradise. 🔟🐸Progreso: This coastal town offered relaxation and seaside dining. We enjoyed fresh seafood and the laid-back atmosphere. 1️⃣1️⃣Tizimin: Tizimin provided insight into rural Yucatan life. We explored local markets and admired the traditional way of living. 1️⃣2️⃣Rio Lagartos: was a true natural wonder. Our boat tour allowed us to see the vibrant pink hues of the salt flats and encounter crocodiles and various bird species. Our 10-day Yucatan Peninsula adventure was a perfect blend of history, nature, culture, and relaxation. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, charming towns to wildlife encounters, each city had something unique to offer. #beachlife

No matter how many times you go to Mexico. It never ceases to amaze me how different each visit can be. When in doubt Mexico is the place to be to forget all worries!! goodbye 2019! #merrychristmas #merrychristmas

🇲🇽 Explore Yucatan Peninsula 🇲🇽

🌞Our 10-day adventure exploring the Yucatan Peninsula was an absolute dream come true! 🚗Renting a car allowed us the freedom to uncover the hidden gems of this incredible region. 1️⃣🏖️ Cancun:Our first stop was the vibrant city of Cancun, known for its stunning beaches. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the bustling nightlife before embarking on our Yucatan adventure. 2️⃣🏖️Playa del Carmen: Next up was Playa del Carmen, where the lively Fifth Avenue and beautiful beaches kept us entertained. We couldn't resist snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of this coastal gem. 3️⃣🏰Tulum: Tulum's ancient ruins perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea were simply awe-inspiring. We spent hours exploring and taking in the breathtaking views. 4️⃣⛲Valladolid: charmed us with its colonial architecture and rich history. The cenotes were a refreshing highlight, and we learned about the culture of this charming town. 5️⃣📍Chichén Itzá:Our visit to the iconic Chichén Itzá was a history lover's dream. The intricate Mayan architecture and the El Castillo pyramid were truly remarkable. 6️⃣🟡Izamal: The "Yellow City" greeted us with its colorful buildings and charming streets. We explored the pyramid and felt the rich Mayan heritage all around. 7️⃣🔖Merida:Merida's vibrant culture and delicious cuisine won us over. We tried traditional Yucatecan dishes. 8️⃣Uman:Uman allowed us to experience the tranquility of small-town Mexico. It was a welcome break from the bustling cities and a chance to connect with the locals. 9️⃣🦩Celestun🦩: Celestun's serene beaches were the perfect backdrop for spotting flamingos and crocodiles. Our boat tour through the Celestun Biosphere Reserve was a wildlife lover's paradise. 🔟🐸Progreso: This coastal town offered relaxation and seaside dining. We enjoyed fresh seafood and the laid-back atmosphere. 1️⃣1️⃣Tizimin: Tizimin provided insight into rural Yucatan life. We explored local markets and admired the traditional way of living. 1️⃣2️⃣Rio Lagartos: was a true natural wonder. Our boat tour allowed us to see the vibrant pink hues of the salt flats and encounter crocodiles and various bird species. Our 10-day Yucatan Peninsula adventure was a perfect blend of history, nature, culture, and relaxation. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, charming towns to wildlife encounters, each city had something unique to offer. #beachlife

🇲🇽Tulum - must see🇲🇽 Yucatan Peninsula

🌟🌟 Two days trip to Tulum, just a short 45-minute car ride from Playa del Carmen, was a mesmerizing adventure! Tulum effortlessly blended history and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience. 1️⃣Tulum Ruins🏯🏰: We started our day by exploring the Tulum Ruins, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The ancient Mayan architecture and the stunning backdrop of the ocean left us in awe. It was a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the lives of the Mayan people who once inhabited this coastal wonder. 2️⃣Tulum Beaches🏖️🏖️:After our historical journey, we made our way to the pristine Tulum beaches. The powdery white sands and clear waters were postcard-perfect. Relaxing under the swaying palm trees, we took in the beauty of this coastal paradise. Swimming in the gentle waves was a refreshing way to soak up the sun. Tulum has several beautiful beaches surrounding the Ruins, each with its unique charm. Here are some of the notable ones: 🏖️🩴Tulum Beach (Playa Tulum) 🏖️🩴Paradise Beach (Playa Paraíso) 🏖️🩴Las Palmas Beach 🏖️🩴Santa Fe Beach (Playa Santa Fe) 🏖️🩴Zazil Kin Beach 3️⃣Rio Secreto Cenote🔝:The highlight of our day was the visit to Rio Secreto Cenote. This underground river system was like stepping into another world. The stalactites and stalagmites formations were otherworldly, and wading through the crystal-clear waters was an adventure we'll never forget. It was a surreal and magical experience deep beneath the Earth's surface. 🌟🌟Tulum's combination of history, natural beauty, and adventure made it a day trip to remember. It was a delightful escape from Playa del Carmen, and we left Tulum with hearts full of wonder and a camera full of breathtaking memories. #beachlife #instatravel #Mexico #yucatan #exploring #travel #summervacation #mustvisit #tripcom

🇲🇽 Explore Yucatan Peninsula 🇲🇽

🌞Our 10-day adventure exploring the Yucatan Peninsula was an absolute dream come true! 🚗Renting a car allowed us the freedom to uncover the hidden gems of this incredible region. 1️⃣🏖️ Cancun:Our first stop was the vibrant city of Cancun, known for its stunning beaches. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the bustling nightlife before embarking on our Yucatan adventure. 2️⃣🏖️Playa del Carmen: Next up was Playa del Carmen, where the lively Fifth Avenue and beautiful beaches kept us entertained. We couldn't resist snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of this coastal gem. 3️⃣🏰Tulum: Tulum's ancient ruins perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea were simply awe-inspiring. We spent hours exploring and taking in the breathtaking views. 4️⃣⛲Valladolid: charmed us with its colonial architecture and rich history. The cenotes were a refreshing highlight, and we learned about the culture of this charming town. 5️⃣📍Chichén Itzá:Our visit to the iconic Chichén Itzá was a history lover's dream. The intricate Mayan architecture and the El Castillo pyramid were truly remarkable. 6️⃣🟡Izamal: The "Yellow City" greeted us with its colorful buildings and charming streets. We explored the pyramid and felt the rich Mayan heritage all around. 7️⃣🔖Merida:Merida's vibrant culture and delicious cuisine won us over. We tried traditional Yucatecan dishes. 8️⃣Uman:Uman allowed us to experience the tranquility of small-town Mexico. It was a welcome break from the bustling cities and a chance to connect with the locals. 9️⃣🦩Celestun🦩: Celestun's serene beaches were the perfect backdrop for spotting flamingos and crocodiles. Our boat tour through the Celestun Biosphere Reserve was a wildlife lover's paradise. 🔟🐸Progreso: This coastal town offered relaxation and seaside dining. We enjoyed fresh seafood and the laid-back atmosphere. 1️⃣1️⃣Tizimin: Tizimin provided insight into rural Yucatan life. We explored local markets and admired the traditional way of living. 1️⃣2️⃣Rio Lagartos: was a true natural wonder. Our boat tour allowed us to see the vibrant pink hues of the salt flats and encounter crocodiles and various bird species. Our 10-day Yucatan Peninsula adventure was a perfect blend of history, nature, culture, and relaxation. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, charming towns to wildlife encounters, each city had something unique to offer. #beachlife

Tulum

A great experience, although there was a long wait to get in, but they are making many improvements. Hopefully, this will resolve the situation. In my opinion, the main problem was that everyone with a ticket was in a very long line, and those without tickets passed us to go to the front to buy them, and then joined the line in front of us. There are a few things to consider, but it depends on whether you hired a tour previously because there are parking fees, entrance fees, and tour guides (optional). I strongly recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and an umbrella for those who burn easily. The archaeological site was a small fortified Maya village - and the government is putting more effort into rescuing and preserving the site, which is good news! - The buildings have withstood the test of time well and provide a good perspective on how organized the Mayans were long ago! Expect a long walk with little shade, so bring a hat and apply sunscreen liberally. The surrounding vegetation is typical low trees and marshland, so expect mosquitoes if you visit during the rainy season.

Tulum

#thingstodo This was my second visit to the ruins of Tulum. Despite the cloud coverage, it did not ruin the scenery of one of the most beautiful locations of Mayan ruins. The beach was closed, but that was not an issue. The worst part of the experience was the amount of people visiting and having to wait in line for over an hour, but I'm guessing it was because of the time of year we visited. The entrance location changed as well from a multi-lane entry point to a single lane entry Fantastic ruins with some super handy information boards. Confusing entrance with a separate guide system trying to hawk you a boat tour as well as the ruins and beach access. Per usual, you have to pay both federal fees and national reserve fees which again, aren't bought at the same time (daft) and one needs to be in cash Tulum had lots of people, but you could still see everything without waiting. The views of the ocean are amazing. There are a zillion photo ops. Definitely worth going. In addition to the ticket price we were charged a national park fee.