The Yucatán Peninsula, referring to a region that encompasses three states, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche, is one of the most fascinating regions of Mesoamerica. This was the territory of the post-classic Maya civilization, it preserves an extraordinary cultural legacy. Its unique geography is shaped by limestone plains and thousands of cenotes (natural sinkholes).
The name 'Yucatán' comes with a curious tale: when the Spanish first arrived and asked the Maya the name of the land, the locals supposedly replied, 'Ma’anaatik ka t’ann', meaning 'I don’t understand you.' The Spaniards mistook this for the region’s name. Today, Yucatán is a blend of indigenous traditions and colonial heritage, celebrated especially through its cuisine - think cochinita pibil (a dish Tom cooked this when he proposed), Tikin Xic, panuchos, sopa de lima, chaya, etc etc
STRONGLY ADVICE NOT TO COME TO THIS AREA OF MEXICO IN SPRING BREAK, YOU WILL GET ALL THE AMERICAN SPRING BREAKERS.
Yucatán
Yucatán
Places to Visit
Mérida
The capital city of Yucatán state, Mérida, is known for its colourful streets, tropical climate, and Caribbean vibe. Generally hot and humid, it’s best visited during the winter months. Named one of the safest cities in Mexico, Mérida is a great place to stay for 3–4 days and use as a base for day trips. Don’t miss the historic Cathedral of San Ildefonso and the bustling Lucas de Gálvez Market for local food..
Uxmal
Just a 1 .5 hours south of Merida, this is a great day trip plan. Uxmal, to my mind, is way more special and magical than Chichen-Izta. It’s a massive complex that attracts way less tourism. Strong recommend.
To pair this day trip with cenotes such as Cenote X’batun or Cenote San Antonio Mulix.
Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché
Another stop that can be added into your Uxmal day trip, Hacienda Mucuyché. The ruins of a once working hacienda, if you choose to visit, you will be able to visit the remains of the hacienda building, see some demonstrations of how they make rope form Maguey fibre, swim in the 2 cenotes they have and there is also a restaurant on site.
Celestún
About a 1–2 hour drive west of Mérida, Celestún is a off-the-beaten-path fishing village. It sits on a small peninsula where mangroves teeming meet white sandy beaches. I highly recommend taking a boat tour through the mangroves, watch the flamingos and crocodiles, followed by a lunch at one of the low-key restaurants on the beach - enjoy!
Bacalar
Near the Belize boarder, the closest airport is Chetumal (don’t stay there). Bacalar is a complex of the most beautiful lagoons. I was last there perhaps 10 years ago if not more. I can only imagine its changed a bit since then but used to be the sleepiest villages around the lagoon, good food, amazing swims. Great please to spend a few days relaxing!
Rivera Maya
The strip of the big dog cities: Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum, Playa del Carmen…
This coastal line has been developed in the last 30 years at a grotesque rate with a focus around tourism. The beaches are some of the most beautiful ones I have seen in the world, there are some top quality restaurants scattered around, however it has become quite expensive and over run by tourism.
Coba
Near Tulum, this complex has to be one of the largest and most impressive I have visited, so vast in scale that you even need to get a guide that takes you around on a cargo bike. Up until a few years ago you were able to walk to the top of the main pyramid, but due to preservation efforts, this is no longer possible. This is a true jungle experience - ‘Jungle of Stone’ by William Carlsen is a great book pairing for this kind of trip!
Laguna de Kaan Luum
Beautiful Laguna about 40 minutes south of Tulum, a beautiful setting to swim in. You need to pay to enter (as in most of the places in the areas) but definitely a worth while spot!
Tren Maya
Here’s an overview of the new train system in the area, along with a basic map of its routes and stops. Palenque serves as the final stop, and from there you can travel northwards to Bacalar, the Riviera Maya, Tulum, etc.