We spent six months travelling in Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula was where we kept returning. Not just once, not just to the headline sites, but again and again — to the markets of Merida at 5:30 am, to the extraordinary silence of Uxmal in the early morning before the day-trippers arrived, to the flamingo lagoon at Celestun in the golden afternoon light, to the Sopa de Lima at Restaurant Zamna in Izamal that we still talk about.
The Yucatan Peninsula is not simply the beach resorts of Cancun and Tulum — though those are here too. It is one of the most diverse, most historically rich and most consistently surprising regions we have visited in 70 countries across six continents. Ancient Mayan cities were already a thousand years old when the Spanish arrived. A coastline of two completely different seas — the Caribbean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Colonial cities painted in colours that seem too vivid to be real. Thousands of cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water — are hidden under the jungle floor. And a food culture in the Yucatan state that is so distinct from the rest of Mexico that Yucatecans will tell you, politely but firmly, that they are cooking something different entirely.
This guide is built on six months of personal experience. Every destination we cover is one we personally visited — every hotel recommendation is one we stayed in, every restaurant is one we ate at. When we recommend destinations we have not visited ourselves, we make that clear. We travelled entirely by ADO and local buses — which we recommend without hesitation as the best way to experience the Yucatan Peninsula at a pace that lets you actually absorb what you are seeing.
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A Note on the New Tren Maya
Since our visit, Mexico has completed the Tren Maya — a 1,554km railway loop around most of the Yucatan Peninsula. By 2026, the train connects the main loop from Cancun through Tulum, Bacalar, Campeche, Merida, Valladolid and back to Cancun — air-conditioned and punctual by Mexican transport standards, passing through jungle and coastline not visible from the highway. For those who want an alternative to the bus, the Tren Maya is now a genuinely useful option for the main coastal and inland route. The train does not go to Celestun, Uxmal or the Puuc route — a bus or car remains necessary for these.
Before You Start — How We Travelled the Yucatan
We travelled the entire Yucatan Peninsula by ADO bus — Mexico’s national first-class bus network — and local colectivos (shared minibuses). ADO buses are comfortable, punctual and inexpensive — the Cancun to Merida route runs approximately MXN 300 (USD $17) for a 4-hour journey. We would choose the same mode of transport without hesitation. The buses are air-conditioned, the luggage goes underneath, and the journey times across the peninsula are entirely manageable. Colectivos fill the gaps — Playa del Carmen to Tulum by colectivo takes 45 minutes at approximately MXN 50 (USD $3).
All our accommodation was booked as private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms throughout. The Yucatan Peninsula has outstanding accommodation at every price point — from beautifully restored colonial guesthouses in Merida for USD $35 per night to the extraordinary Nizuc Resort and Spa in Cancun for a special occasion splurge.
Book accommodation here in the Yucatan Peninsula
Where is the Yucatan Peninsula?
The Peninsula de Yucatan covers 197,600 square kilometres of southeastern Mexico. It is made up of three states — Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan — and sits between the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, with a coastline of 1,100km.
Mexico has 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and five of them are on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Yucatan Peninsula Map
The 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Yucatan Peninsula
Chichen Itza — the pre-Hispanic Mayan city and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. See our dedicated article.
Uxmal — a pre-Hispanic Mayan city 62km south of Merida. In our view, the most architecturally refined of all the Mayan sites we visited — and one of the most underrated experiences in Mexico. Read our article here
Campeche — the historic fortified walled city on the Gulf of Mexico coast, painted in vivid colonial colours. One of the most beautiful and most underrated cities in Mexico.
Calakmul — the ancient Mayan city and the protected tropical forests of Calakmul in the Campeche jungle. We did not visit Calakmul personally — it requires a significant detour into the jungle — but it is considered one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Mexico and ranks high on our list for a return visit.
Sian Ka’an — a biosphere reserve near Tulum, home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. Boat tours operate from Tulum.
The Pueblo Magico Towns of Mexico – Yucatán points of interest
The Pueblo Magico Towns of the Yucatan Peninsula
There are 111 designated Pueblo Magico towns in Mexico, and six are on the Yucatan Peninsula — towns recognised for their legends, history, important events and sense of magic. We visited four of them personally.
Izamal — for its three cultures: pre-Columbian, colonial and modern. The Golden City. One of our favourite towns in all of Mexico — see our full section below.
Valladolid — a beautifully preserved colonial city with a unique, rich culture, outstanding cenotes nearby and the best base for visiting Chichen Itza. See our full section below.
Isla Mujeres — for its dazzling beaches and relaxed way of life, a short ferry from Cancun.
Tulum — for its Mayan ruins on the cliff above the Caribbean Sea. See our full section below.
Bacalar — for its extraordinary Lagoon of Seven Colours. We did not visit Bacalar personally, but every traveller we met who had been there told us it was one of the highlights of their entire Mexico trip. It is on our list for a return visit without question.
Part One: The State of Quintana Roo
The state of Quintana Roo covers the eastern Caribbean coast of the peninsula — from Cancun in the north through the Riviera Maya, Tulum and Playa del Carmen south to the border with Belize. It is the most visited part of the Yucatan Peninsula and home to the famous beach resort corridor.
Cancun
Cancun is Mexico’s second busiest airport and the main international gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula. It is also a major resort destination in its own right — the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) stretches along a thin barrier island with Caribbean beaches on one side and Nichupte Lagoon on the other.
What to do in Cancun:
The Maya Museum Cancun — also known as the Museo Maya de Cancun — on Boulevard Kukulcan Km 16.5 contains collections of ancient Mayan artefacts alongside the Mayan site of San Miguelito.
Open 09:00 to 17:30. Entrance fee MXN 85.
Book your skip-the-line tickets here
The El Rey Archaeological Site is one of the most important Mayan sites along the Cancun strip, dating to 250 AD, with a pyramid-shaped structure and 46 other buildings.
You will also encounter iguanas in their natural habitat throughout the site.
Location: Zona Hotelera. Opening hours: 08:00–17:00. Entrance fee: MXN 85.
The El Meco Archaeological Site features ancient Mayan ruins, including a pyramid, with iguanas basking on the stones throughout.
Location: Carretera Puerto Juaréz. Opening hours: 08:00–16:30. Entrance fee: MXN 75.
The Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) is located around Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc — an underwater museum with over 500 life-sized sculptures 8 metres deep in the ocean. Visit by glass-bottom boat, scuba diving or snorkelling.
Downtown Cancun: The main park and large plaza at Parque Las Palapas is worth an evening — street food, live music, and a genuinely local atmosphere completely removed from the Hotel Zone. Market 28 is the local Mexican marketplace for handicrafts and souvenirs at significantly better prices than the Hotel Zone shops.
Xoximilco: A modern replica of UNESCO Xochimilco in Mexico City, five minutes from Cancun International Airport, where you board colourful barges and party through the night, sailing down canals through the Mayan Jungle. Open bar and over 20 traditional dishes included. Book tickets in advance.
Where we stayed: For a luxury stay in the Zona Hotelera, we recommend the Nizuc Resort and Spa — a genuinely extraordinary property at the southern end of the Hotel Zone where the strip opens into more private beach frontage. Our one night was not enough to do justice to the six restaurants and the spa. It is the only hotel on the strip that faces east — meaning you can enjoy a cocktail watching the sunrise over the Caribbean and a different cocktail watching the sunset over the lagoon in the evening. A very special property for a special occasion.
We have written a full guide on where to stay in Cancun, covering the Hotel Zone and downtown options at every price point.
Things to do in the Mayan Riviera
The Riviera Maya stretches 75 miles of Caribbean coast from Puerto Morelos south to Carrillo Puerto, with the towns of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum and Akumal scattered along the coastline. It is one of the best-known resort corridors in the Americas.
Cenotes of the Riviera Maya
There are thousands of cenotes in and around the Yucatan, and some of the finest are in the Riviera Maya. Cenote entrance fees range from USD $5–8 for local community-run sites to USD $10–15 for developed cenotes with facilities like the Grand Cenote and Cenote Suytun. The Grand Cenote near Tulum — a limestone cavern open to the sky with crystal-clear water — is the finest we visited and worth every peso.
Xel-ha Park — a natural aquatic theme park where “the water is born” in Mayan. Snorkel with the fish and wander jungle paths. All-day pass includes access to the lazy river, children’s playground, mangrove forest and more.
Xcaret Park — an eco-archaeological park with jungle trails, Jaguar Island, Butterfly Pavilion, underground rivers and a night show that is one of the most spectacular cultural events on the Riviera Maya. Full-day admission with Night Show and Lunch is the recommended option.
Rio Secreto — an underground river system of caves featuring stalactites and stalagmites, suitable for non-swimmers and swimmers alike.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve — the UNESCO-listed biosphere near Tulum, home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. Three-hour boat tours operate into the reserve from Tulum.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the largest town on the Riviera Maya and a genuine city in its own right — with Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a pedestrianised shopping, restaurant and bar street running parallel to the beach for kilometres. It is a convenient base for day trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza and the cenotes.
What to do: Xplor Park offers zip-lining, underground rafting and amphibious vehicle rides — one of the most activity-dense parks on the Riviera Maya. Book here
Cenote Chaak Tun offers the opportunity to swim underground in a naturally formed cavern — genuinely extraordinary and far less crowded than the Grand Cenote near Tulum.
Reef diving off the Playa del Carmen coast — the Caribbean water clarity and temperature make it one of the most accessible reef diving experiences in Mexico.
Where we stayed: The Reef Coco All Inclusive on the beach, five minutes from Fifth Avenue — large comfortable rooms, four restaurants, beachfront sports bar and a Kids Club that makes it particularly good for families. The all-inclusive package was good value, and the beach location was excellent.
Tulum
Tulum’s number one attraction is the 13th-century walled Mayan ruins on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea — and we would nominate it as the most visually stunning of all the Mayan sites we visited, not for the scale of the ruins themselves but for the extraordinary drama of their location. No other Mayan city was built at the edge of the sea.
Hot tip: Arriving early — before 08:00 — is essential as the site fills dramatically with day-trippers by mid-morning. Bring insect repellent for the mosquitoes – they were the biggest we have ever seen!
One regret we have about our Tulum visit: we did not hire a local guide. The ruins tell a more complex story than they appear to, and a guide would have enriched our understanding significantly. We strongly recommend that you do not make the same mistake. Book your guided tour here
Tulum Ruins practical information:
Entry requires three separate tickets purchased at separate windows — a CONAP bracelet at MXN 125, the Jaguar Park fee at MXN 180, and the INAH federal entry.
The queues at peak times can exceed one hour. Booking a guided tour means your guide has already secured tickets, and you bypass the general admission line. Book here
Opening hours: 08:00–17:00. Carry pesos card payments are not always accepted.
What to do from Tulum:
Cobá Ruins — 43km from Tulum, a large Mayan ruined city in Quintana Roo. The Nohuch Mul pyramid at 42 metres is the tallest Mayan pyramid in the northern Yucatan. Cobá is significantly less crowded than Chichen Itza or Tulum.
Entrance fee: MXN 195.
Location: 45 minutes from Tulum.
The Grand Cenote — the largest cenote in Quintana Roo, a limestone cavern open to the sky with water so clear you may not need a snorkel to see the bottom.
Open 10:00–17:00.
Entrance fee: MXN 500 (approximately USD $28). One of the finest cenote experiences on the entire peninsula.
Sac Actun — an underground cenote and cave system suitable for swimming and snorkelling, near Tulum. Book here
Tulum Beach — long, white sandy beaches stretching in both directions. Some sections belong to Beach Clubs (access via lunch purchase), others are public. The Beach Clubs offer parking and sun loungers included with a meal.
Where we stayed: We stayed at the Punta Piedra Beach Posada — a small hotel directly on Tulum Beach with a private beach, comfortable rooms and several small restaurants outside. Perfect for a relaxed beach stay.
Address: Carretera Tulum Ruinas Boca Paila Km 4.
Where to eat in Tulum: When we visited, we enjoyed Casa Banana at Tulum Boca Paila Km 8.5 and Mateo’s Mexican Grill at Tulum Beach Road Paila Km 5.2 — if you arrive early for a sundowner at Mateo’s the sunset from the top deck is excellent. Bring mosquito repellent in the evening.
Akumal
Akumal is a small beach resort between Tulum and Playa del Carmen with two outstanding natural attractions: swimming and snorkelling with wild sea turtles from Akumal Bay — one of the finest wildlife experiences on the Riviera Maya — and Yal Ku Lagoon, where schools of brightly coloured fish swim in the calm, clear water of a natural inlet.
Also worth knowing: The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary offers guided tours of a jungle sanctuary where rescued monkeys live in semi-wild conditions — educational, entertaining and genuinely moving.
Part Two: The State of Yucatan
The state of Yucatan is, in our view, the most extraordinary part of the entire peninsula — and the most undervisited by travellers who come for the beaches and leave without venturing inland. The state is bordered by Campeche to the southwest, Quintana Roo to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the north. The capital is Merida, one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas.
Merida — Capital of the Yucatan
Merida is where we based ourselves for four nights to explore the state, and it is a city we would return to without hesitation. Sophisticated, walkable, culturally rich, genuinely friendly and significantly more affordable than the coastal resort towns, Merida is the Yucatan’s best-kept secret from the beach crowd.
Read our article on Merida here
What to do in Merida:
Free Walking Tour of the Historic Centre — starts at 09:30 from the Tourism Office on Calle 62 between Calle 61 and 63. Conducted in English and Spanish.
Duration 1.5–2 hours. Free but based on tips. One of the best free walking tours we did in all of Mexico.
Paseo de Montejo — Merida’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, running north along Calle 47 and lined with the magnificent 19th and 20th-century mansions built by the Sisal Barons who made their fortunes in the henequen trade. The original Palacio Canton has been converted into the Museo Regional de Antropología, covering Mayan history.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 08:00–20:00, Sunday 08:00–14:00. Entrance fee: MXN 100.
The Merida Cathedral — the oldest cathedral on the American continent, built between 1561 and 1598 over the Mayan city of T’ho using stones from local Mayan temples. It sits opposite the Main Square at Calle 60 and is free to enter.
Around the Main Plaza (Zócalo), you will find:
The Palacio de Gobierno, built in 1892, houses the extraordinary murals of Yucatecan artist Fernando Castro Pacheco depicting the history of the Mayan people.
Open Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00, Sunday 09:00–17:00. Free entrance.
Book a walking tour of Merida here
The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Ateneo de Yucatan (MACAY) — contemporary art with free entrance, open Wednesday–Monday 10:00–18:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00)
The Palacio Montejo — built by the Montejo family, now a bank, but the interior and courtyard remain open to visitors, showing how life once was in colonial Merida.
The Ayuntamiento (City Hall) — the building dates to the mid-19th century, and the balcony offers excellent views over the park below.
Pok Ta Pok — every Friday evening in front of the Cathedral, the ancient Mayan ball game Pok Ta Pok is played. Starts at 20:00. Arrive early for a good position. Free.
A Yucatecan Serenade — every Thursday evening at Santa Lucia Park on Calle 60 and 55, an open-air concert takes place from 21:00. Running every week since 1965. Free.
The Grand Museum of the Mayan World is an extensive world-class museum on the outskirts of Merida with exhibits covering the entire span of Mayan history.
Entrance fee: MXN 150 (approximately USD $8.50 / AUD $13).
Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday 08:00–17:00.
Merida Zoo — we were driving along Avenida Itzaes and were genuinely shocked when a giraffe appeared on our left. The zoo is set in a beautiful park with a small lake.
Tuesday–Sunday 08:00–17:00. Free.
Horse and Carriage Ride (Calesa) — rides depart from Calle 61 in front of the Cathedral. Best timed for an evening or Sunday when traffic around the historic centre is lighter.
Merida Cooking Class — an excellent half-day experience taking you to the local market before cooking a traditional Yucatecan menu in a local home. One of the best ways to understand the distinctive Yucatan food culture. Book here
Merida Street Food Walking Tour — a guided tour of the main market, a seafood restaurant and a sorbet and gelato store covering the key dishes of the Yucatan in a few hours. Book here
Where we stayed: The Wyndham Hotel in Merida — well located for visiting the major sites of the state, with a swimming pool that was genuinely welcome after long days of sightseeing at Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Celestun. We have written a full review of the Wyndham Hotel Merida on the blog.
Where to eat in Merida:
For a local breakfast experience, we can strongly recommend Mercado Santa Ana at Calle 55 entre 60 y 62. Open from 05:30 to 13:00. Arrive early for the freshest produce and the fullest choice.
La Chaya Maya — a family restaurant on the same street serving local Yucatan specialities throughout the day. One of the best introductions to Yucatecan cuisine in the city.
Chichen Itza — One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico and one of the most extraordinary places we have been in 70 countries. We have written a complete dedicated guide covering everything — the temples, the ball court, the guide’s knowledge that transformed our understanding of the site, the night light show, how to get there from Merida, Cancun or Valladolid, and every practical detail you need.
Read our complete Chichen Itza guide here.
In brief: arrive at opening (08:00), hire a local guide, and bring water and a hat.
The total 2026 entrance fee for foreign adults is MXN 697 (approximately USD $40 / AUD $62), paid at two separate ticket windows. The Kukulkan Nights light show runs separately in the evenings and costs MXN 755 per person.
Hot tip: Do not visit on Sunday — it is the busiest day of the week.
Uxmal — Our Favourite Mayan Site
Uxmal is 62km south of Merida and is, in our personal view, the most architecturally refined and the most rewarding Mayan site we visited on the entire peninsula. It consistently receives fewer visitors than Chichen Itza, which means you can stand in front of the Pyramid of the Magician in relative quiet and appreciate what you are looking at without the pressure of a crowd moving you on.
The Pyramid of the Magician — named for the Mayan legend that it was built by a magical dwarf in a single night — stands 35 metres high and is extraordinary for its unusual oval base and steeply raked sides. The Nunnery Quadrangle adjacent to it is the finest example of the Puuc architectural style on the peninsula, its facades covered in elaborate stone mosaics of geometric patterns, serpents and masks of the rain god Chaac. The Governor’s Palace — stretching 100 metres and considered by many archaeologists to be the masterpiece of all Mayan architecture — sits on an enormous artificial platform with views across the surrounding jungle that have not changed in a thousand years.
We strongly recommend hiring a local guide at Uxmal — the site is less well-signed than Chichen Itza and the architectural details reward explanation. A guide transforms the visit from a walk through impressive ruins into an understanding of one of the greatest civilisations in the ancient world.
Outside the gates: The Choco Museum at Antigua Carretera Campeche Km 78 is not a conventional museum — you wander through grounds where a local Mayan ceremony takes place, visit an animal refuge centre and explore six exhibition halls covering the history of chocolate from the Mayans to today. You can taste traditional hot chocolate and purchase gifts. Entrance fee: Adults MXN 210.
Opening hours: 09:00–20:00 (spring/summer); 09:00–19:00 (autumn/winter).
Book a tour here with a cenote visit included
Uxmal practical information:
Admission to Uxmal costs MXN 531 (approximately USD $31 / AUD $48).
Open daily 08:00–17:00. The colectivo from Merida to Uxmal costs approximately MXN 85 (USD $5) each way.
A guided day tour from Merida combining Uxmal, the Hacienda Yaxcopoil and a cenote swim with lunch is an excellent full-day option. Book here
Read our complete Uxmal guide here.
Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Celestun is located in the northwestern part of the Yucatan Peninsula — a 146,000-acre biosphere reserve on the Gulf of Mexico coast that is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the entire peninsula.
The flamingos: Celestun is famous for its pink flamingos, which flock here during the winter months between November and March for courting — arriving in their thousands to feed in the shallow brackish waters of the estuary. Watching them take flight in a great pink cloud over the turquoise water is genuinely breathtaking. During the summer months, they move to Rio Lagartos for nesting.
When you arrive at Celestun, launches are available at the waterfront to take you on a two-hour boat ride through the flamingo feeding grounds and the mangroves. Negotiate the price directly with the boat owner — the cost is approximately USD $180 for the whole boat, divided among passengers, and is negotiable.
A guided tour from Merida, including hotel pickup, drop-off and the boat tour, is also available and removes the negotiation stress. Book here
Our tip: We visited Celestun as a day trip from Merida and would recommend the same. The drive through the Yucatan countryside is beautiful, and the return to Merida for dinner is straightforward. Allow a full day.
Read our article on our visit to Celestun to see the pink flamingos here
Izamal — The Golden City
Izamal is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magico towns, located 68km from Merida, and it is one of the most visually distinctive and most genuinely surprising towns we visited in all of Mexico. Almost every building in the historic centre is painted the same vivid egg-yolk yellow, creating an effect that is simultaneously unusual and beautiful. The reason for the yellow has a story behind it — read our full Izamal article to find out why.
What to do in Izamal:
Kinich Kakmo Pyramid — one of the largest Mayan platforms in the Yucatan, rising in the centre of the town with views over the surrounding rooflines. Climb it.
Izamal Convent — San Antonio de Padua — the largest atrium in the Americas after the Vatican, built directly over an ancient Mayan pyramid in 1553. The yellow-painted facade is one of the most photographed in Mexico, and the interior — still an active Franciscan convent — is extraordinary in its scale.
Horse-drawn carriage ride — the narrow cobblestoned streets of Izamal are perfectly suited to a calesa ride. Take your time and explore the back streets.
Museo de Artesanias — the handicraft museum showcasing the traditional crafts of the Yucatan state.
Two-hour walking tour of Izamal — we recommend this tour as the most efficient way to understand Izamal’s three-culture history (pre-Columbian, colonial and modern) in a short visit.
A practical note: From the 1st to the 8th of December each year, a major religious pilgrimage takes place in Izamal. All accommodation is booked out well in advance, and some pilgrims sleep in the park and in the corridors of the City Hall and Convent. If you are visiting near these dates, check carefully before booking accommodation.
Where to eat in Izamal: Our visit included lunch at Restaurant Zamna, which we can enthusiastically recommend. The Sopa de Lima — a Yucatecan chicken soup with lime, tortilla strips and fresh herbs — is one of the finest bowls of food we ate in six months of travelling in Mexico. Order it.
Read our complete Izamal guide here.
Valladolid — The Best Base for Chichén Itzá
Valladolid is a beautifully preserved colonial city 45km from Chichen Itza in the heart of the Yucatan state — and in our view the best base for visiting the ruins, significantly preferable to commuting from Merida or Cancun.
The historic centre is genuinely lovely — a cathedral and zócalo of the Spanish colonial style, narrow streets of coloured buildings, excellent and affordable restaurants, and the remarkable Cenote Zaci right in the centre of town (a cenote you can swim in without leaving the city). The convent of San Bernardino de Siena, founded in 1552, is the oldest Franciscan building on the peninsula.
Valladolid is also within easy reach of Cenote Suytun — one of the most beautiful cenotes on the peninsula, an underground cavern with a stone platform extending to the centre surrounded by turquoise water with light streaming from a hole in the ceiling above — and Ek Balam (see below).
Book here for 3 cenotes tour that includes Cenote Suytun
Book here for Ek Balam including 2 cenotes and lunch
Practical: Mid-range hotels in Valladolid cost approximately MXN 1,000–1,500 (USD $55–88) per night in high season
Find your accommodation in Valladolid here
Progreso
Progreso is located on the Gulf of Mexico coast, 35km north of Merida and has become a significant cruise port for the Yucatan Peninsula. The Malecon waterfront is pleasant for an afternoon walk, with street vendors and seafood restaurants overlooking the water.
Our restaurant recommendation: Crabsters — a waterfront restaurant where the seafood is excellent, and the atmosphere is genuinely local. Our tip: if ordering grilled fish off the menu, request the smallest available. Our fish at Crabsters could have comfortably fed four people.
Part Three: The State of Campeche
Campeche is the least visited of the three Yucatan Peninsula states and the one that most rewards those who make the effort. The capital — also called Campeche — is a UNESCO World Heritage walled city of extraordinary colourful colonial buildings, remarkable fortifications and one of the best-preserved historic centres in Mexico. We visited briefly and wish we had stayed longer.
What to do in Campeche City: The city walls and forts — built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate raids — are the defining feature of the historic centre.
The Baluarte de la Soledad houses a small Mayan sculpture museum.
The Puerta de Tierra (Land Gate) offers evening light shows. The Malecon along the waterfront is lovely in the evening.
The Campeche market — Mercado 10 de Mayo — is one of the most authentic and least touristy markets on the peninsula.
Getting to Campeche: ADO buses connect Campeche to Merida (approximately 2 hours, MXN 200–250) and to Mexico City overnight. Book your bus tickets here
Other Mayan Sites Worth Visiting — Not Personally Visited
The following sites are not ones we visited personally — we are including them because they are consistently recommended by other travellers and researchers and deserve a mention in any complete Yucatan Peninsula guide. We recommend doing your own research before visiting.
Ek Balam — 30km north of Valladolid, an extraordinary and significantly less crowded Mayan site where you can still climb the main pyramid. The acropolis tomb entrance — a stucco sculpture of a jaguar mouth with near-perfect preservation — is considered one of the finest pieces of Mayan stucco art in existence.
At Ek Balam, you can climb all the way to the main pyramid’s top and hear only tropical birds with a stunning view of the forest canopy below.
Entrance fee: MXN 709 for adults. Highly recommended.
Coba — 43km from Tulum, one of the few sites where you can still climb the main pyramid. 42 metres high, in a jungle setting, significantly less crowded than Tulum.
Entrance fee: MXN 195.
Calakmul — deep in the Campeche jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most powerful ancient Mayan cities. Requires a significant detour from the main tourist route and a day of travel, but travellers who have made the effort consistently describe it as one of the most rewarding archaeological experiences in Mexico. We plan to visit on our return trip.
Edzna — 60km southeast of Campeche city, an impressive Mayan site with a unique five-storey palace pyramid. Rarely crowded and often combined with a Campeche city visit.
Suggested Itineraries — How Long Do You Need?
One Week: Base yourself in Merida (3 nights) and Tulum (4 nights).
From Merida: day trips to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Izamal.
From Tulum: the ruins, Grand Cenote and Coba. This gives you the three UNESCO Mayan sites we visited and the two most beautiful natural experiences on the Caribbean coast.
Two Weeks: Add Valladolid (2 nights) as your Chichen Itza base before Merida, and add Cancun (2 nights) as your arrival and departure point with a visit to the Riviera Maya en route.
Budget USD $1,800–2,800 per person for two weeks, including accommodation, meals, site entries and transport.
Three Weeks: Add Celestun from Merida, Campeche city (2 nights), Playa del Carmen (3 nights) and the Akumal turtle snorkelling. This covers all three states and gives you the full range of what the Yucatan Peninsula offers.
Six Weeks or More: You will find your own rhythm — as we did. The peninsula rewards slow travel and returns to favourite places. Merida, in particular, is a city you will keep coming back to.
Practical Information
Getting to the Yucatan Peninsula: Cancun International Airport (CUN) is Mexico’s second-busiest airport and serves flights from most major international hubs.
Merida airport (MID) receives domestic connections from Mexico City and other Mexican cities and is the better arrival point for those planning to begin in the Yucatan state.
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Getting Around: ADO buses are comfortable, reliable, air-conditioned and cover all the main routes.
Cancun to Merida costs approximately MXN 300–480 (USD $17–28) for the 4-hour journey. Colectivos fill the gaps between towns for short hops.
The Tren Maya now provides an alternative rail connection around much of the peninsula — check current schedules at trenmaya.fonatur.gob.mx.
Visa: Most nationalities, including Australian, US, UK and EU passport holders, can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality before travelling. Check here
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Carry Mexican pesos in cash for Mayan site entry fees, as many sites do not accept cards and may not have change for large bills. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, but at poor exchange rates — use pesos wherever possible.
Language: Spanish throughout. English is widely spoken in the tourist areas and at all major sites. In Merida, Valladolid and Izamal, a few words of Spanish are warmly appreciated.
Safety: We felt safe throughout six months of travelling in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula consistently. Places like the historic centre of Merida, the streets of Izamal and the flamingo lagoons near Celestun are among the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. The usual urban precautions apply — keep bags secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded markets. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the peak tourist season — dry, warm and busy. The flamingos at Celestun and Rio Lagartos are present from November through March.
May to October is hotter and more humid with afternoon rain showers — but significantly less crowded and 30–40% cheaper for accommodation.
Avoid the Caribbean coast during peak sargassum season (April–October in recent years) if pristine beach conditions are a priority.
Voltage: 110V. European visitors require an adapter.
Water: Do not drink tap water anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere.
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What Does It Cost to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula? 2026 Budget Guide
Mayan Site Entrance Fees:
In 2026, entry fees to many Mayan ruins were dramatically increased, with major sites now costing approximately MXN 700 (USD $40 / AUD $62) per person.
Chichen Itza: MXN 697 total (USD $40 / AUD $62) — paid at two separate ticket windows.
Uxmal: MXN 531 (USD $31 / AUD $48).
Tulum: Three separate fees totalling approximately MXN 505 (USD $29 / AUD $45) — a CONAP bracelet at MXN 125, Jaguar Park at MXN 180, and INAH federal ticket at MXN 200.
Coba: MXN 195 (approximately USD $11 / AUD $17).
Ek Balam: MXN 709 (approximately USD $41 / AUD $64).
Cenotes: USD $5–8 for local community-run cenotes; USD $10–15 for developed cenotes like Grand Cenote and Cenote Suytun.
Accommodation:
Interior cities (Merida, Valladolid, Izamal): private rooms USD $30–55 per night.
Caribbean coast (Playa del Carmen, Tulum): private rooms USD $50–90 per night.
Tulum beach zone: among the most expensive on the peninsula, with beach hotels commonly costing USD $200–350 per night.
Food:
Street food and local markets: USD $3–6 per meal. Mid-range restaurants: USD $10–20 per person. Upscale dining in Cancun Hotel Zone or Tulum beach clubs: USD $40–80 per person.
Transport:
ADO intercity buses: USD $8–28 depending on route. Colectivos: USD $2–5 for most local hops.
Overall Budget:
Budget approximately USD $1,800–2,800 per person for two weeks, including accommodation, meals, site entries and transport. Inland cities like Merida and Valladolid deliver the best value — budget rooms, affordable meals and free or low-cost cultural events — while the Caribbean coast commands premium prices for the same basics.
A Final Note on Six Months in the Yucatan
We have been asked many times what surprised us most about the Yucatan Peninsula. The honest answer is the depth of it. Most visitors come for the beaches and the pyramids — both of which are extraordinary. But the thing that stayed with us was the food culture, the colonial cities and the warmth of the Yucatecan people.
Merida at 5:30 am when the market is just waking up. The moment Uxmal appears through the trees, and there is nobody else around. The completely unexpected appearance of a giraffe on the outskirts of Merida Zoo. The Sopa de Lima at Zamna in Izamal. The free Friday night Pok Ta Pok ballgame in front of the Cathedral, with the whole city watching.
These are not things you find on a beach. They are things you find when you venture inland, slow down, take the bus and let the Yucatan Peninsula reveal itself at its own pace.
Go. Take your time. And order the Sopa de Lima.
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I’m keeping this one for our next trip to Mexico. You guys really outdid yourselves in putting this valuable resource together with everything in one place. Well done!
Thanks Penny
We really appreciate your comments. It was our very first Mega Post with more to come.
Thank you, what an amazing post! I love having so much information in one location. We have not been to the Yucatan Peninsula in over 30 years and hope to go back. I am going to share this post on my blog.
http://www.henrysfoxhole.Com
Keep up the great information.
Thank you Vicki. We appreciate your comments and sharing it for us.
Great Resource – Thanks for putting this together!
Thanks Jan! Took a while to put it together but was worth it in the end. We love Mexico and love telling everyone ‘how much we love it’.
Wow, seriously comprehensive post. I also adore Mexico! I used Valladolid as a base for Chichen Itza, which I really recommend. Merida is fabulous too – so pleased to see it featured here. And your post has reminded me I STILL haven’t made it to Chetumal 🙂 *adds it to the list*
Thanks Julie for your comments. We appreciate it. Glad you love Mexico too!
hey GREAT post..saved to my favorites..would love to know abt isla aguada or ciudad del carmen..thanx so much
Hi Colette
Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately we did not make it to Isla Iguada or Ciudad del Carmen.
Here is the tripadvisor link for Isla Iguada https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1632078-d4036452-Reviews-Isla_Aguada-Campeche_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
and Ciudad del Carmen
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g317140-Activities-Ciudad_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
Lots of information there on where to stay and what to do.
Enjoy.
Thanks for your comments.
I appreciate your blog posts so much. It is not easy to put so many information together. This will act as a great resource for Mexico. I am surely going to bookmark this page. Thanks a lot for the share.
Hi Shreya
Thank you for your comments
Cheers Jane and Duncan
What an awesome post for those visiting this region of Mexico! Isla Mujeres is one of my favorite places. I love that you get around by golf cart and it’s so easy to explore in just a few hours.
Hi Maggie
Mexico is really special, one of our favourite countries.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Wow, this is a very comprehensive list of activities! My husband and I would like to travel more in Mexico. So far we’ve only really experienced the resorts in Playa del Carmen. Obviously there is so much more to see!
Hi Sarah
There is definitely so much more to see. We just love Mexico.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
30 years the Yucatan Peninsula used to be our vacation destination. We used to go almost every year for a while. We loved this part of Mexico that could be reached quite easily from California. At the time Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Merida were a traveler’s dream come true: inexpensive, not crowded at all and very exotic. Unfortunately things went south from there. Mexico became a very desirable travel destinations and as such all the good things we experienced before disappeared. You could not climb the ruins at Chichen Itza, attractions became very crowded, prices went up, and the locals were not as friendly as before. We stopped going after a while, but I can still remember how beautiful the Yucatan Peninsula is.
Hi Anda
Yes I can imagine how the Yucatan was 30 years ago. If you visited now you would certainly see the changes. But as you say it is still a beautiful part of Mexico.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
You know, this almost makes me upset that I missed so much on my trip to the Yucatan Peninsula! I have been twice, yet I’ve only been to Cancun and Isla de Mulheres. There is so much to see there and experience. This is a really helpful post. As a side note, are there any must-try foods in Mexico? We are going to Puerto Vallarta in March and want to know if there are any traditional dishes not to be missed. Thanks!
Hi Cecilia
Glad you enjoyed the post. Puerto Vallarta has some great restaurants and we would recommend trying some of the local dishes in the restaurants on the beach. Any Mexican dish is great. I am a vegetarian and Mexican cuisine is excellent for me. You will enjoy any dish you order.
Cheers Jane
Yucatan is one of my favorite places too. The food there is amazing and so are the numerous heritage sites. I found your post really really comprehensive – covers almost every aspect that you need to take care of when planning to visit Yucatan. Loved it!
Thank you for your comments. Mexico as you can see is one of our favourite countries.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Wow, I’m really feeling inadequate, having never traveled to Mexico before. There’s so much to do! I would definitely love to rent a car and take a huge road trip to all of the UNESCO sites. I had no idea there were so many in Mexico, let alone in the Yucatan Peninsula. I would love to snorkel around the underwater museum. Such a unique experience!
Hi Rachelle
There is so much to do and I still have articles to write on more of the sites. Such a fascinating country. Thanks for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Mexico is in my wishlist, for Chichen Itza and Cancun! Both are poles apart, nevertheless very very fascinating!
5 UNESCO sites is just the thing that makes Yutacan tempting to me..
Thanks for this very detailed itinerary and suggestions on what to eat and where to stay!
Hi Bhushavali
We are a big fan of UNESCO sites as well.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
This is a fantastic comprehensive guide! I love that you also ventured outside the tourist areas and included other points of interest, many that I hadn’t heard of. This post definitely inspires me to make several trips to Mexico.
Thanks Martha for your comments. The Yucatan is such a favourite area of ours in Mexico, so much to see and do.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Yucatan sure sounds like an amazing place. I heard that there are numerous heritag sites and that the food there is pretty good too. However, I heard that it’s become too touristy nowadays- is that true? Anyways, this was such a comprehensive read. Thank you for all these useful information.
Hi Daniel
Unfortunately it is touristy and the busy season is from December through to March to include Easter, but it is such a unique area it is still worth going.
Cheers
Great article – Thanks for share this awesome Information
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Brilliantly concise and impactful! This blogpost packs a punch with its concise yet powerful message. Kudos!
Wonderful & very informative article. I think these tips and advice are much helpful. Great Sharing, Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. All the pictures are gorgeous. Excellent Explanation. Thanks for sharing such a informative and useful travel post
Great information.