Yucatan Mexico Travel
🗣 Mexico Language
Spanish, though some still speak indigenous languages
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso, though U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted
☀️ Yucatan Peninsula Weather
Hot, humid, rainy summers, and cool, dry, plesant winters
📍Top Destinations
Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Chichen Itza
📍Off the Beaten Path
Holbox Island, Bacalar Lagoon, Valladolid, Campeche City
Yucatan Peninsula Map
Yucatan Peninsula Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula consists of three states in southeast Mexico: Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche states.
Quintana Roo is home to many of the best beaches in Mexico, and some of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico: Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Yucatan and Campeche states are known for colonial cities, like Merida, Valladolid and Campeche City, and Mayan culture and ruins including Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
From world-class beaches, swimmable cenotes, and Mayan ruins, there’s something for everyone planning a Yucatan trip.
Best places in the Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatan Peninsula Blogs
Yucatan Travel FAQ
Is Yucatan safe for travel?
The Yucatan Peninsula is considered quite safe; in fact, this area consistently ranks among the safest parts of Mexico.
Of course, you’ll want to follow the same General Travel Safety Tips you’d follow anywhere else on Earth, but overall, the Yucatan is safe for travel.
Check out these podcast episodes with solo female travelers discussing their positive and safe experiences traveling in Yucatan and Mexico.
Is the Yucatan Peninsula safe for driving?
The Yucatan is one of the safest regions in the country, and one of the most popular places for road trips in Mexico.
If you’re planning to drive in Mexico, consider taking some time to familiarize yourself with Mexico driving laws. Beyond that, plan to sit for an extra 10-15 minutes with the agent at your car rental center, and check out these 12 Tips on How to Drive in Mexico.
🚙💨 Looking to rent a car? Discover Cars works with several agencies at Cancun Airport!
What are the top travel destinations in Yucatan?
The Yucatan Peninsula consists of three states: Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche. Quintana Roo is known for it’s beautiful beaches along the Carribean Sea, while Yucatan and Campeche are known for Mayan culture and ruins like Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Calakmul, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From world-class beaches, swimmable cenotes, and Mayan ruins, there’s something for everyone planning a Yucatan trip.
Check out these articles to about the best places in Yucatan.
• The 25 Must See Yucatan Peninsula Travel Destinations
• Tulum Airbnbs: 11 Best Under $99 Options You Need to Book
• 25 Instagrammable Things to See in Merida Mexico + Free Map
What's the best time to visit Yucatan?
Located in the tropics, the Yucatan Peninsual has pleasant, warm winters — but hot, rainy summers!
Weather-wise, the winter months of November-March are the nicest months in this part of Mexico. December is the busiest month for tourism.
For those who want to party, March-April during Spring Break, are the most lively months in Quintana Roo’s top destinations of Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The summer months are quite hot and humid, and also, Hurricane Season. The season runs June 1-November 30, though hurricanes and heavy rains aren’t usually a problem past mid-October.
🧳 Head to this article to download your FREE Printable packing list for Mexico travel — so you know what to pack for Mexico, and what NOT to take to Mexico.
Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?
U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Mexico!
When you go through Customs/Immigration at the airport, you’ll receive your FMM 180-Day (6 month) Tourist Visa at no charge. Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have give it back to an Immigration officer when you’re leaving the country.
Check out the article 5 Reasons Mexico is One of the Best First Time Solo Travel Destinations for more reasons Mexico is such a great option for U.S. visitors.
Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Yucatan?
As a general rule, you’ll want know at least a few words of Spanish when you travel to Mexico. Download the free Basic Spanish Words & Phrases list below, and save it on your phone as an image, so you’ll have it even if you’re off-WiFi.
As far as the Yucatan goes, if you stick to the more touristic parts, like Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, you should be fine with very basic Spanish. If you want to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in the pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
Mexico Travel Podcast
