I have a sentimental attachment to Mexico, because in my opinion it’s one of these places on Earth, which offer you a whole range of experiences and emotions. Everybody will find there something for himself or herself, regardless of preferred type and style of traveling. Yucatan Peninsula, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, is a very important place on the touristic map of Central America. It’s full of wonders of nature, beautiful beaches, pre-Columbian ancient Mayan ruins and antique colonial cities. It’s also a place, in which you can commune with modern Mexican culture, relax and spend time actively. Diving in cenotes, expedition through Rio Secreto and other parks, cruise on Rio Lagartos, Los Coloradas Pink Lake, Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors, colonial stroll in Mérida, Night Market in Valladolid, Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Cobá, boho style chill out in Tulum, parachute jumps in Playa del Carmen and partying in Cancún are only few examples of attractions offered by this area but in fact the possibilities to explore the Yucatan Peninsula seem unlimited!
The Yucatan Peninsula - a gem of Central America
Yucatan is a peninsula in Central America, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It encompasses such countries like: Mexico, Belize and Guatemala but its biggest part belongs to Mexico and in this country you can find most of the tourist attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its geological structure and the lie of the land are heavily impacted by karst phenomena in limestone, creating underground forms, called cenote, which are typical specifically for the Yucatan Peninsula. This part of Mesoamerica is covered with tropical forests, resulting in equatorial climate, while beautiful beaches stretch along the coast. Cultures of Mayans and Olmecs influenced the Yucatan area heavily, leaving lots of precious monuments and relics. Modern Yucatan Peninsula is a heritage of colonial era, which also left a lot of cultural mementos.
Cenotes, lakes, lagoons and rivers - wonders of the Yucatan nature
1. Diving in cenotes
For those who love to spend free time actively but also would like to see the most beautiful places in the whole Yucatan, the main goal of the trip should definitely be the cenotes. These karst phenomena were formed in limestone of Yucatan and they are interconnected in whole tunnels and caves systems, creating underground lakes and rivers, full of beautiful rock formations like stalagmites and stalactites. Diving in cenotes is an experience, which remains in your memory for really long. Among all the cenotes in Yucatan, in which you can dive, you should consider: Gran Cenote – one of the biggest cenote in Mexico, Angelita – karst sinkhole in the middle of a jungle, Dos Ojos – Two Eyes – a place, in which you can also snorkel, Ponderosa – El Eden – filled with green algae, Kuklan with illusion of light at the entrance to the cave, Chak-Mool in which you can see the roots of the trees, Aktun-Ha – the Carwash – with algae and freshwater fish – in which you can both dive and snorkel. Read also: The best cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
2. Expedition in Río Secreto and other parks
Río Secreto is a nature reserve situated next to Playa del Carmen, composed by, among others, brushes of rainforest and beautiful cenotes, full of stalactites and stalagmites. You can meet there bats, spiders and other animals typical of a cave. The cenote park of Río Secreto is comprised of, among others, Dos Ojos or Ox Bel Ha and many others. In Río Secreto you can ride a bike, so you can both experience the nature and spend your time actively. Expedition in Río Secreto and other parks of Yucatan, like Yax-Muul or Cenote Maya Parque is an incredible and memorable experience. My wild expedition through Río Secreto was, in my opinion, one of my best days in Mexico!
3. Cruise on Río Lagartos
Río Lagartos is a name of both city and lake or lagoon, which can be misguiding, because in Spanish it means a river of alligators.This is tricky, because it’s not a river but a… lagoon and inhabited not by alligators but by… crocodiles. The Río Lagartos Lagoonis a part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In this inshore area you can see various landscapes and meet different ecosystems: mangroves, small bays, inshore lagoons, short broadleaf forests, dunes, meadows and reed. Cruise on Río Lagartos lets you also look closely at flora and fauna unique for this ecosystem. Except for already mentioned crocodiles, people love to watch multiple bird species: flamingos, snowy egrets, great blue herons, pelicans, white storks, ibises, Muscovy ducks, peregrine falcons and many, many others. This area is a very important breeding ground for many birds. Attention: be sure to take appropriate lenses, because birds are a very difficult object to take a proper picture and it’s hard to get close to them. On the other hand, taking pictures of birds is always fascinating! :)
4. Los Coloradas Pink Lake
Breathtaking Los Coloradas Pink Lake is a part of Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Las Coloradas, called also Las Colorades Lagoon, is situated near a small fishing village called the same – Las Colorades. The main source of income of the locals is salt, mined at the bottom of the lake, so while driving there you’ll go past huge heaps of this material. Water in Las Colorades Lagoon is colored with natural dye, which is produced by red plankton and tiny artemia crustaceans. As the water is being vaporized in order to make salt, these organisms swarm in huge herds, attracting flocks of flamingos. Interestingly, this area has been known of its salt production since ancient Mayans. But getting ahead of my own story – this intense pink color you can usually see in pictures online is not as intense live. It depends on the season, weather and even at what time you visit Las Coloradas. In my pictures this color is really strong, almost luminous and I took them in full sun, at high noon and under cloudless sky. Photographically speaking, these were awful conditions to take a picture but I had no chance to plan to visit it in another time, as Las Coloradas was only one point of many others during my motorcycle trip around the Yucatan Peninsula. Before you go there, you should definitely read my post about it: Pink Lake in Mexico: Yay or Nay?
5. Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors
Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors, called also Bacalar Lagoon, is one of the most picturesque lakes in Mexican Yucatan. The biggest attraction of this lake is its turquoise water, entangled with typical blue and many other colors. In order to watch this wonder of nature up close, you can go on a catamaran cruise, rent a motorboat or a canoe. The colorful Lake Bacalar is surrounded by reed brushes and it’s 40 km long and 4 km wide, so its surface equals 42 square kilometers. It’s situated right next to Bacalar city. The area around the lake is a great place to stay longer and chill out surrounded by nature, because it’s a uniquely calm and peaceful place, far from the more touristic places, like Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Colonial architecture and modern culture of the Yucatan Peninsula
6. Colonial stroll in Mérida
A picturesque historical center, the city of Mérida, is a jewel in the crown of colonial architecture in Yucatan. This old city is situated in the northern part of the peninsula and it’s the capital city of the Yucatan state, as well as the seat of Roman Catholic archdiocese and it’s populated by almost million people. Mérida was built on ruins of Mayan city, T’Hó and in large measure stones of pre-Columbian constructions were used to erect this city. The colonial architecture of the capital city of Yucatan enchants with beauty and I definitely recommend you to dedicate a whole day just for a colonial stroll in Mérida. Monuments you should definitely visit while loitering around streets of Mérida are definitely: the oldest in the whole Mexico, Renaissance Catedral de San Ildefonso, town hall built in 17th century, Casa de Montejo – the conquistador’s palace, so the home of the founder of the city, Hermitage of Saint Isabel, being a part of a Jesuit convent, church of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, so the first Jesuit church in Yucatan and antique buildings of Historical Market Square and Center. It’s a photographical paradise for all those, who love colorful cities, for which time seems to have stopped.
7. Night Market in Valladolid
Colorful Valladolid in Yucatan in Mexico is a charming colonial city, built on ruins of Mayan city Zaci. Stones taken from Mayan buildings were used as the building material for a new city, which history began in 1545. The most important monuments there are cathedral of San Servacio, monastery and church of San Bernardino de Siena and Town Square, where night market takes place. The Night Market in Valladolid is the biggest attraction of this picturesque city. You can buy there traditional local goods, which make excellent souvenirs. Mexican Valladolid is famous of incredible quality of its hammocks, as well as of its folk art and traditional Mayan clothing. During the Night Market in the town square of Valladolid you can also taste local delicacies: Longaniza de Valladolid sausages and escabeche chicken. Near the town square you can also find Zaci cenote. Valladolid is one of my favorite cities in this part of peninsula. I loved sitting at the town square in the night, listening to live music, observing the locals doing their everyday stuff.
8. The yellow city of Izamal
Izamal (Mayans called it Zamna, meaning “dew of the sky”) is another city you should not miss while being in Yucatan. It’s also referred to as “the city of three cultures”, because it combines the best features of three magnificent eras: Mayan era, colonial era and modern era. It’s situated about 66 km east of Mérida and about 60 km northwest of Chichen Itza, so it’s worth to plan all these places one after another. The “city of hills” is built on 12 hills and the municipality encompasses also an archeological excavation site, including five big Mayan pyramids. Today you can admire this place from atop of the only tourist available pyramid.
In 1993 Izamal was visited by Pope John Paul II, who assured that Catholic Church supported modern Mayans. Since that time most of the houses and buildings, which grace the historical center of the city, have been painted white and yellow – the colors of the Vatican City. That’s where the name La Ciudad Amarilla comes from – The Yellow City. This place, just like Merida, is best to sightsee on foot, when you can absorb its unique vibe.
Pre-Columbian Mayan culture - the real treasure of Mexico
9. Chichén Itzá and Cobá – Mayan Ruins
The biggest treasure of Yucatan, Mexico and the Central America is the pre-Columbian culture of the Mayans and its numerous cities and ruins that remained till this very day. You should definitely visit two of them – Chichén Itzá and Cobá. Chichén Itzá was founded and expanded by the Mayans between 4th and 6th centuries. Monuments in the southern and western part of the city are connected directly to Mayan culture, while its northern part is comprised mostly of Olmecs cultural heritage. The name Chichén Itzá could be translated as “The Roots of Itzá People” and derived from cenotes, which were considered sacred water bodies and used for sacrifices. The most important monuments of Chichén Itzá are: the biggest in the Mesoamerica, 150 meters long, ullamlitzli pitch, El Castillo Temple – the Castle-Temple, dedicated to Kukulkan, Templo de los Guerreros – the Temple of the Warriors, the Temple of the Jaguar, El Caracol – the Snail – a round tower and Plaza of a Thousands Columns. The archeological excavation site of Chichén Itzá was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site and in 2007 it was announced one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You should remember that modern Chichén Itzá is a touristic madness and you should prepare yourself for it: Chichén Itzá in Mexico and the whole fuzz about it
The Mayan city of Cobá is another archeological excavation site in Yucatan, known of its amazing historical and cultural virtues. Nowadays only a part of the ruins has been uncovered and made available to the public but the majority of it is covered by jungle. The most important monuments of the ancient city of Cobá include: Grupo Cobá, Grupo Macanxoc, Conjunto Pinturas and Grupo Nuhoch Mul – a group of buildings and ruins on a natural hill with the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula – Nuhoch Mul, which is 42 meters tall: Cobá – the tallest Mayan pyramid you can climb and absurd psychology of the crowd
10. Boho style chill out in Tulum with some history in the background
Tulum is a snug, charming city in Mexico, at the shore of the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s known mostly of its 12-meter tall cliffs, among which you can find sheltered sandy beaches and ruins of another Mayan city, spreading on the cliffs’ peaks. The most important Mayan ruins situated in Pueblo Tulum are: El Castillo watchtower and lighthouse, Templo de los Frescos with Olmec murals and Templo del Dios Descendente – the Temple of a Descending God. Moreover, during the last few years this small city gained fame as a perfect place to chill out boho style. Dozens of luxurious, boutique hotels appeared at azure water and among the jungle trees and every hotel has its own, unique vibe and architecture. You can expect to experience the perfect rest in Tulum, you can also go to yoga classes and cozy, small and alternative parties at the beaches. You can read more about this Mexican paradise and one of the brilliant boutique hotels you should try to stay in here: My perfect tropical gateway in Tulum
The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico - active rest and total chill out
11. Skydiving in Playa del Carmen
One of the most popular resorts in Mexico is situated on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula – it’s the Playa del Carmen city. The azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, pure white sand, a while of peace in shadow of wide-stretching palm trees, numerous bars, pubs, restaurants and elegant hotels are only a few of multiple attractions of this vivid place. Playa del Carmen is also a perfect place for those who love extreme sports. Many local companies offer skydiving. It has always been my dream to jump there, because I’ve heard that the views are smashing but even though I tried a few times, I was never lucky enough to have the right weather. But you know, what they say? What goes up must come down and only few months later I was lucky and I did skydiving in Florida: I jumped out of the plane! Skydiving experience on Key West. I suppose that in Yucatan, having the azure Gulf of Mexico below you, it must look at least as incredible.
12. Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal
Is there anyone who never dreamed about swimming among sea turtles? They are probably the most majestic and elegant animals you can watch underwater. Moreover, meeting them is pretty rare, so this experience becomes even more priceless and unique. South of Playa del Carmen, at Akumal beach, you have a chance to snorkel among sea turtles, as this area is home for 3 different species of sea turtles. For many years it was not regulated by any rules but since 2017 you have to wear a lifejacket (you can rent it along with diving equipment there). Moreover lifeguards patrol the area on surfboards. You can also buy an organized trip, including snorkeling with sea turtles, in local tourist agencies.
13. Swimming with whale sharks at Isla Holbox island
If you haven’t had enough of adrenaline, there’s another top experience (lifetime experience, I would say) you can try – swimming with whale sharks. Whale sharks are the biggest sharks in the world. They are usually 10-12 meters long and they weigh 14 tons. Despite overawing size and fierce name, the whale shark is a very gentle fish and is not dangerous to humans. It’s one of three known shark species eating plankton. You can find these giants around Isla Holbox.
14. Diving in Cozumel
Another point related to water. Its various forms – from rivers, censuses, to the Gulf of Mexico is the main attraction in Mexico. When in in Playa del Carmen you can take a quick ferry trip to Cozumel island. This is the spot popular with divers from all around the world (you can also learn to dive from professional instructors). The island itself is famous for its pebbly beaches and dense jungles. It’s great to explore them by car or scooter, stopping by at newly discovered places.
15. Party in Cancún
A resort town, Cancún, situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, at the seashore of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, is a modern tourist city and it’s a very good and rich lodging and gastronomical base, full of beautiful beaches, azure water and many opportunities to kill your time. I would say that it’s the most touristic and loudest place in Yucatan, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, I would definitely turn the other way. Cancún was built in the 60s and 70s as a rival holiday city for Acapulco, situated on the opposite shore of Mexico. Today, Cancún is a luxurious seaside city, visited by tourist from around the world. You will probably stop off in Cancún, because the main airport is also there. Stay for at least one night, so that you could experience this party vibe the city is famous of. Party in Cancún filled with never-ending margaritas and Latino music might be a perfect cherry on top while finishing your journey around the Yucatan Peninsula.
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