Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Las Perlas Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
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

Escenica Tower featuring a luxury hotel or resort, a beach and general coastal views

Zona Hotelera

4/5(130 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by La Isla Shopping Mall or Delfines Beach while you're exploring the area.

Zona Hotelera
Hotel Zone which includes a pool and a luxury hotel or resort as well as a small group of people

Punta Cancun

While visiting Punta Cancun, you might make a stop by sights like Forum Beach and Chac Mool Beach.

Punta Cancun
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Playa Mujeres

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Playa Mujeres. Make a stop by Playa Mujeres Golf Club or Mujeres Beach while you're exploring the area.

Playa Mujeres
Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
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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
Tulum Mayan Ruins showing a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Travellers to Zona Hotelera praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins.

Zona Hotelera
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp3.674.056 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
Rp3.674.056
per night
21 Apr - 22 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 pool and the bar in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,149 reviews)
"This was our 3rd time at this resort. We love coming here."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
4.5 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
The price is Rp6.336.248 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
Rp6.336.248
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (732 reviews)
"Nice hotel and staff. Very expensive cab ride from airport ($140 one-way for a 20 minute ride). Not much to do within walking distance of hotel; however, there is a nice Mayan Museum just behind the hotel property."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan km 12, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,567 reviews)
"Great place to relax. Can’t wait to go back."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - 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.
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
3.5 out of 5
Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Xcaret Eco Theme Park ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
".. most of the staff were very pleasant and easy to deal with. .. the location was very close to the beach and the neighborhood not threading and welcoming. .. a blessed place to visit playa del Carmen from."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
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 beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.6/10 (1,222 reviews)
"The food was good but the hours are so limited, and snacks so poor just hamburgers and hot dogs."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
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 WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,301 reviews)
"Nice and quiet with a great beach. No problem getting loungers by the pool or palapa at the beach."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
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