Are you thinking about going somewhere sunny and warm? You can never go wrong with a visit to Mexico where the food, people, and attractions are always at their peak. Through the years, Mexico has earned a reputation for being an excellent beach destination for people looking to soak up the sun while sipping Margaritas.
However, Mexico offers more than just beachside huts. The Yucatan Peninsula is a prime example of Mexico’s diversity, offering visitors a different side to Mexico. If this trip’s goal is to immerse yourself in culture and new experiences – skip the beach sites and check out what the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer!
Popular Sites in the Yucatan Peninsula
The truth is that the Yucatan Peninsula is a combination of diverse cities, each one offering sights, sounds, and food remarkable of the Maya culture. It would be completely unfair if you single out just one city because each one is unique in itself.
Of course, time constraints could mean you won’t be able to visit them all. Just to give you an idea about what to look forward to, we’ll talk about the various cities found in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Merida – this is the primary city of the region and is the cultural center of the Yucatan Peninsula. Various Maya archeological sites are located close to the area via Ruta Puuc. Completing this tour takes you to seven different archeological sites that include Uxmal and the Lol-Tun caves. Being smack in the middle of everything, Merida is also home to numerous activities like art markets, cultural events, ball games, and numerous dining options featuring local cuisines.
Celestun – if you’re more of a forest sprite, then you’ll love Celestun! This particular portion of the Yucatan Peninsula features excellent wildlife that can be toured from the comfort of a boat. The natural scenery lets you enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet as you float through the Celestun River. For added relaxation, you can also try the famous mud bath and get your skin nice, nourished, and plump. If you visit during springtime, you can also enjoy the amazing flock of flamingos just holding a reunion before flying off to breed.
Isla Holbox – for the water sprites out there, Isla Holbox is a good place to visit. It was first reported as Mexico’s best kept secret – but obviously not so much anymore. This amazing island is everything you’d want from a beach getaway – complete with palms, hammocks, and sand. Getting around the area itself can be done through motorbike or golf-cart rentals. There are also nearby islands that you can explore by renting smaller boats. From here, you can choose to bird-watch via Isla Parajos, check out the flamingos, or just take a tour of the Yum Balam Ecological Preserve.
Cozumel – a great place for those who want to get up and close with water, Conzumel offers amenities for those who want to take up snorkeling. The waters are calm and beautiful but filled with a wide array of fish to keep you entertained. On land, there are major establishments where you can sit, relax, and dine. Cruises are also available or you can choose to rent a car and visit Punta Sur Ecological Reserve.
Of course, those are just some of the places you can look forward to at the Yucatan Peninsula. Any city you decide to visit will be an excellent choice – offering you a variety of food, activities, and culture.
Getting Around
Both Merida and Cancun have international airports, so getting into the area from your home country should be easy. Once in the city however, you have several options for getting around.
Buses are the major form of transport in the area, allowing you to visit several destinations in a matter of hours. You can also use a shared shuttle service for comfort without spending too much in the process. Car rentals are also possible if you’re looking to visit several areas at your own pace. If you choose this method, make sure to get your car from a reputable provider.
Being the most populated city in the Yucatan Peninsula, you can also use Uber within Merida. A local ride-share app may also be downloaded. Use it to get around the area.
Best Things to Do
Archeological Tour – this is really the primary reason for your Yucatan Peninsula visit. Visiting these archeological sites gives you a deep understanding about the culture and appreciate how far they’ve progressed hundreds of years ago.
Mule Cart Ride – the mule cart is definitely a novel way of travelling, but you’ll double love the tour itself! This ride takes you through the Cenotes Cuzama that features fresh-water sinkholes dripped with limestones – often viewed as sacred by the Maya. Some even consider these sinkholes as pathways to a different world.
Check out Chichen Itza which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful piece of Mayan architecture is visited by more than one million tourists per year, covering around 5 square kilometers of space. The stone building is surrounded by a thick forest, giving you a clear impression of what it was like to live here hundreds of years ago.
Swimming Activities. Your options really depend on what city you’re visiting. You can snorkel with turtles or join whale sharks as they enjoy the saltwater. You can also try swimming in cenotes, giving you an ethereal water experience.
Sample Local Cuisines. Of course, don’t forget to check out the different food offered by local restaurants. Maya culture has a rich history of good food, using excellent flavors and spices that you’ve probably never heard of. No matter where you go, make sure to sample Cochinita Pibil, Papadzules, Queso Relleno, and more.
Final Word
The Yucatan Peninsula has a much laid back feel to it. Time seems slower here, allowing you to really enjoy your vacation days. Budget-wise, a 40USD budget per day should be enough if you’re a backpacker. If you want the full experience however, budgeting around 70USD per day will give you a much more enriching experience.
D E S T I N A T I O N
Mexico - Yucatan
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