Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Half Moon Bay featuring a beach, a coastal town and tropical scenes
Las Perlas Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Dzibilchaltun Ruins featuring heritage architecture
Teatro Peon Contreras showing heritage elements and interior views
Playa Langosta which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as an individual female
Scenic sandy beaches and cenote water holes frame the pre-Columbian Mayan cities and colonial city centers of this diverse region.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a large strip of land that juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Comprising three Mexican states and skirting the borders of Belize and Guatemala, this diverse area is packed with stunning resort towns, breathtaking natural wonders and historic Mayan ruins. Visit the Yucatán Peninsula to learn about fascinating indigenous people between trips to the cenotes and beaches.

Cancun is an iconic destination in Quintana Roo whose Zona Hotelera is packed with deluxe hotels and spas. Drive along the central Boulevard Kukulcán and stop at upscale malls, such as the Kukulcán Plaza and La Isla shopping malls. Bring your family to relax on the white sandy strands of Playa Linda, Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool.

Explore the history of the region’s indigenous people at El Rey Archaeological Zone. A little inland, find the fascinating ruins of Chichén Itzá, a pre-Columbian city. Study the various preserved sculptures and the majestic main temple.

Back on the coast, enjoy the stylish hotels and picturesque beaches of Playa del Carmen. Dive into the region’s myriad cenotes, which are otherworldly water holes in caves.

Head south along the coast for Tulum, a fortified Mayan town and vacation resort. Study the stucco reliefs in the Temple of the Frescoes and gaze up at the cliff-top Castillo.

Farther west is the city of Mérida, which fuses Mayan traditions with Spanish colonial architecture. Its Centro district has a range of museums on the region’s art, history and culture. Edging the state’s southern border is Campeche, whose namesake city is known for its remarkable colonial baroque layout.

The cape is made up of the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán, in the northeastern corner of Mexico. Fly to the airports of Cancún, Cozumel or Mérida and travel around via tour buses and public colectivos. While in this part of the country, consider visiting Belize or Guatemala as well.

Where to stay in Yucatan Peninsula

Default Image

Downtown Cancun

4/5(26 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
Default Image

Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
Merida Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Mérida Centro

4/5(32 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Paseo de Montejo and Plaza Grande while you're in town.

Mérida Centro
Tulum featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
Default Image

La Isla

If you're spending some time in La Isla, La Isla Shopping Mall and Isla Dorada are top sights worth seeing.

La Isla
Default Image

Luis Donaldo Colosio

4/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Luis Donaldo Colosio, Punta Esmeralda Beach and Mamitas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Luis Donaldo Colosio
Temptation Cancun Resort All Inclusive - Adults Only
Temptation Cancun Resort All Inclusive - Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
Cancun, QROO
The price is ₹29,872 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
₹29,872
₹36,488 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,573 reviews)
"Such a great time, it’s definitely a party resort so if you’re looking for calm quiet it’s probably not the place for you. Everyone was super friendly and the staff was great. Will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Temptation Cancun Resort All Inclusive - Adults Only
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is ₹19,631 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
₹19,631
₹23,994 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,992 reviews)
"Great time was had by all us. Nothing bad to say"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Moon Palace Cancun - All Inclusive
Moon Palace Cancun - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cancun-Chetumal Km. 340, Cancun, QROO
The price is ₹37,215 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
₹37,215
₹45,368 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,593 reviews)
"24/7 coffee place , beach was just ok lots weed. Rest was good"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Moon Palace Cancun - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
3.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 8.5, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,595 reviews)
"We enjoyed the beautiful plants and green trees"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Km. 1.5 Carretera a Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,009 reviews)
"Old property, but keep clean always, friendly and helpful staff makes our vacation happy! I would say, bathroom improvement (shower water pressure, water drain) makes better feedback."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
Casa Turquesa - Near Luxury Avenue Shopping Mall
Casa Turquesa - Near Luxury Avenue Shopping Mall
4 out of 5
Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,040 reviews)
"Everything was really good the people the service the room"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Casa Turquesa - Near Luxury Avenue Shopping Mall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Yucatan Peninsula