You Won’t Believe These 11 Stunning Spots in Yucatan Are Even Real
The Yucatan Peninsula is in southeastern Mexico, half along the Caribbean Sea and half bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
It sits on some of the most beautiful real estate in the country, which is why this list is so long. There are so many best places in Yucatan that you must know about.
In this article, you’ll find a list of the must-see cities, nature, archeological sites, and more in Yucatan, Mexico.
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1. Tulum
Tulum, Mexico is a tropical paradise, known for its soft, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and bohemian vibe.
Nicknamed “the Bali of Mexico,” Tulum is a great place to visit for a beach escape, especially for U.S. travelers, as it’s so much closer than Bali, Indonesia.
🗿 Tulum Mayan Ruins
Tulum also has some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, located right on the beach.
The Tulum Ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea, and after visiting, you can walk down to the beach beneath and jump right in.
This 13th-century Mexican archeological site sits on a cliff overlooking one of the best beaches in Tulum, Playita Tortuga, also known as Tulum Ruins Beach.
At only $80 pesos ($4USD) to enter, a visit to the Tulum Ruins is one of the most inexpensive and best things to do in Tulum on a budget.
💧 Tulum cenotes (Jungle pools)
Besides its famous beaches, the gorgeous Tulum cenotes are among the best things to see in Tulum on your trip.
Cenotes are natural waterholes in the jungle, located either above ground or in underground caves. Each is unique.
Considered among the best cenotes in Tulum, you’ll want to spend some time swimming at some of these: Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Suytun.
If this will be your first cenote visit, check out this Cenote FAQ to ensure you’re practicing sustainable tourism in Mexico.
📸 Tulum INSTAGRAM spots
After a day out, check out these Instagram-worthy Tulum places:
- At Azulik Tulum, spoil yourself with a spa treatment.
- Check out the famous Ven a la Luz sculpture at Raw Love Cafe.
- Relax while sipping sunset cocktails at the best beach clubs in Tulum, Casa Malca and Coco Tulum.
2. Merida
The capital of Yucatan State, Merida, Mexico, has stayed under the travel radar for many years.
This is quickly changing, as it’s one of the few colonial hotels that offer a taste of Mexico’s rich history and authentic culture without being too touristy.
Mexico’s 13th largest city boasts many cultural landmarks, world-class museums, colonial architecture, nearby Mexico Mayan ruins, free walking tours and much more.
📸 Merida Things to Do
For visitors, there is no end to the amazing cultural activities and things to do in Merida, Yucatan.
In Merida, you’ll find local artisan shops selling everything from Mayan hammocks to huipil (tunics) and guayabera shirts, and street vendors making marquesitas (crepes).
There’s also local mercados (markets) where you can hear live music and try traditional Yucatan foods, like cochinita pibil.
While traveling to Merida, don’t miss the must-see places: Paseo de Montejo, and also the Catedral de Merida (Merida Cathedral) and Museo Casa Montejo Museum.
The last two are both located in Plaza Grande. This is the Main Plaza in downtown Merida, Mexico, and a Mexican culture hub.
3. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a picturesque beach location in the Riviera Maya, an alternative to the busier tourist hub of Cancun.
While Cancun is an easy day trip, just an hour away, Playa del Carmen teems with life as a popular Yucatan, Mexico destination.
From its humble beginnings as a small fishing town to a top Mexican beach destination, Playa del Carmen and its bustling Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) attract visitors from around the world.
This main street is the centre of Playa del Carmen activity, and features spectacular shopping, restaurants, cafes, and great bars.
🚙💨 Best Playa del Carmen day trips
Head to the end of 5th Avenue to the Muelle Playa Del Carmen (dock), and book your ticket for the fast ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
You’re also near Tulum, Chichén Itzá pyramids, and numerous cenotes near Playa.
4. Cancun
One of the most recognized places in Mexico, is the coastal city of Cancun, Mexico.
For many, it is the entry point to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is well known for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, year-round warm weather, and bustling nightlife.
These things make Cancun one of the top tourist destinations in the world and one of Mexico’s major cities.
However, there’s more to Cancun than beautiful beaches and partying—like all the nearby Yucatan nature and biodiversity that is often underrated and under-visited.
Between the Cancun Underwater Museum and the seven lagoons at Laguna Nichupte — ideal for kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing — there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Cancun.
Just south of Cancun, don’t miss the laid back beach town of Puerto Morelos.
If you’re not planning to stay at an all inclusive resort and want to experience the off the beaten path side of this Mexico travel destination, opt for one of these affordable Cancun Airbnbs.
5. Isla Mujeres
When looking for the best places to visit in Yucatan, Mexico, you can’t miss out on Isla Mujeres — one of the best resort towns in Mexico. While its name translates to Island of Women, men can visit Isla Mujeres too!
Isla Mujeres is one of the best beach towns in Mexico and one of the 135 or so Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns).
It is considered “magical” because of its unique folkloric ties to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, medicine, and happiness, and its immense tropical beauty.
Known for its world-class beaches and welcoming tourist scene, Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit. If you visit from May to September, you can swim with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres.
It makes the perfect getaway spot from Cancun’s more popular and crowded beaches. In fact, Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular and best Cancun day trips.
6. Valladolid
Valladolid, Mexico is bursting at the seams with charm!
One of the best small towns in Yucatán state, Valladolid, can be easily visited on a day trip from Cancun, Tulum, or Merida.
However, it is recommended that you spend the night in one of the best hotels in Valladolid to soak up all this town has to offer.
In the centre of town, La Calzada de los Frailes, is known for its bunting-filled beauty and quality souvenir boutiques. This street and Calle 50 are two of Valladolid’s prettiest streets and popular destinations.
Follow La Calzada de los Frailes to the end and to see the next must-visit attraction, El Convento de San Bernandino.
From the 16th century onwards, European missionaries and Spanish conquistadors used this fort-like convent to spread Catholicism to the native Mexican Yucatan people.
Another place you don’t want to miss is Cenote Zaci. This semi-covered cenote is located right in the middle of downtown, and one of the best cenotes in Valladolid.
It is 300 feet deep (100 m), so you can dive in, and there’s also a restaurant just above it serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine.
7. Izamal “The Yellow City”
Located in the heart of Yucatan State, Izamal is a small colonial town and pueblo magico (Mexico magic town), known as the “Yellow City.”
Due to its location, Izamal is the perfect place for a day trip from Merida or Valladolid.
What makes Izamal, Mexico, special is that all of its buildings are the same shade of yellow. It is one of just a few monochromatic cities on Earth, along with Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” in Morocco.
Walking around those picturesque streets will make you feel like you’ve taken a journey back in time.
One of the most famous buildings in Izamal is the Convent of San Antonio de Padua. There, you’ll find a church, a monastery, and a huge courtyard surrounded by arches and columns.
There’s no clear answer to why Izamal, Mexico, is painted yellow.
Some say it’s because the Mayans worshiped their sun god there; some say it was painted yellow like the Vatican flag in honor of Pope John Paul II’s visit to the city in 1993; others say it’s due to locals’ affection for corn.
One thing, however, is certain—no visit to the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, is complete without seeing the Izamal pueblo magico and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid (Izamal Mayan Ruins).
8. Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar Lagoon, located in Bacalar’s pueblo magico (magic town), has long been a favorite spot for escaping the crowded Yucatan beaches by in-the-know Mexico travelers and those who like venturing off the beaten path.
Laguna Bacalar hotels and resorts located along the shore entice guests to relax with over-the-water hammocks and swings.
Day passes can be purchased for non-guests or are available to those who order food and drinks at lakeside restaurants.
The lake is nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors, as the waters vary in shades of blue.
The best way to explore this large lagoon is on a boat tour, which will take you to the Bacalar cenotes, stromatolite rock formations, and best snorkeling spots.
Enjoy a mud facial, using the rejuvenating white sand at the bottom of Bacalar Lagoon — a popular activity in the Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel).
As Bacalar is located only about 45-minutes from the Belize border, many visitors go to Central America from Bacalar. Visitors to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye in Belize can also include a Bacalar day trip with their Belize itinerary.
9. Holbox Island
The picture-perfect Mexican Caribbean island of Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh), has the kind of chill, bohemian feel you won’t find in the more popular Mexico beach destinations.
The town’s roads are “paved” in beach sand, and can only be explored by bicycle or golf cart; one of the charming quirks of Isla Holbox.
There are no chain hotels in Holbox or chain restaurants; only local businesses. Treat yourself to Margaritas and a Holbox lobster pizza with a clean conscience!
Better yet, the perfect Holbox Island beaches are fringed with palm trees and there’s little trash or pollution to speak of.
⛵️ Best Things to do in Isla Holbox
It is beautiful both during the day and at night. Head to Punta Cocos beach for sunset, and then stick around to see the bioluminescence light up the water and sand.
There’s so many things to do in Holbox — kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks in Holbox (seasonal from June 1-September 15), and cycling around the island by bike.
On foot, stroll Downtown Holbox to see its colorful street art murals.
Isla Holbox, Mexico, is a colorful, beautiful town teeming with authentic Mexican culture, beautiful nature, and fresh, delicious local Mexican cuisine.
10. Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Once upon a time, Hacienda Yaxcopoil (pronounced yash-coh-poh-eel) was one of the most important and best Yucatan haciendas.
In its prime, the hacienda, whose name means “the place of the green alamo trees” in Mayan, covered 22,000 acres, or 34 square miles.
It operated first as a cattle ranch, and later as a henequen plantation, only stopping production in 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert wiped out the entire henequen crop.
Henequen, a plant fiber used to make rope twine, was once the most important cash crop in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The hacienda is open to visitors today, but unlike many estates in the area, it hasn’t been restored. This means you can step back in time and imagine what it must have looked like in its heyday.
Visitors can tour the Casa Principal (Main house) and Casa de Maquina (Machine House).
11. Las Coloradas (Pink Lakes)
The vibrant and unusually colored pink waters of Las Coloradas have grown in popularity over the years, thanks to social media, and have since drawn admirers from all across the globe.
Nowadays, many say their trip to the Yucatan Peninsula isn’t complete without seeing the pink lakes of Mexico.
The pink lakes in Las Coloradas get their signature shade from the water reflecting off red and pink colored marine life such as plankton, brine shrimp and algae.
These organisms all thrive in highly concentrated saltwater, which the nearby salt production factory produces.
Although visitors can no longer swim in the pink lakes, they can still get up close to the colorful waters by hiring a local tour guide in Rio Lagartos, the town closest to Las Coloradas.
Those headed to the prismatic destination should be warned that there’s not much protection from the elements around Las Coloradas.
When heading there, double-check the weather and wear a hat and eco-friendly sunscreen!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Yucatan, Mexico
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. The entire area is considered safe for travel and road trips.
In fact, since it covers about 1,000 miles, a Yucatan road trip is one of the best ways to see all the on—and off-the-beaten-path places in one trip.
Whether you’re road-tripping in Yucatan or heading to a beachfront resort to kick back with a margarita, this part of Mexico has something for everyone.
Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:
Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.
Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.
- The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
- Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
- 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
- Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
- Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
- The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
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