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Yucatán Peninsula




Beaches, nightlife, Mayan sites, diving, nature... the Yucatán Peninsula has it all. A vacationer’s paradise, Yucatán has something for everyone. The heart of the Mayan empire, Yucatán was flourishing during the dark ages in Europe. Today, it is a land of beaches and surf, fun and adventure for all tastes and budgets. The Yucatán Peninsula juts out into the Gulf of Mexico on Mexico’s eastern coast. It is comprised of only three states: Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. Each of

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Beaches, nightlife, Mayan sites, diving, nature... the Yucatán Peninsula has it all. A vacationer’s paradise, Yucatán has something for everyone. The heart of the Mayan empire, Yucatán was flourishing during the dark ages in Europe. Today, it is a land of beaches and surf, fun and adventure for all tastes and budgets.

The Yucatán Peninsula juts out into the Gulf of Mexico on Mexico’s eastern coast. It is comprised of only three states: Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. Each of these states has its own history, treasures, and reasons to visit.

Popular with spring breakers as well as families, Cancún, with its perfect year-round climate and white sand beaches has invented itself as one of the premier sun-and-fun destinations in the Caribbean. Located on a bay, Cancún offers numerous water sports including diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, parasailing and more. There are also golf courses and crafts markets. The city is home to some of the most important hotel chains in the world as well as budget accommodation. The Cancún nightlife is legendary: there are bars and clubs all over town and visitors like to party until the sun rises over the ocean. Not far off the coast from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a well-known resort destination.

Mexico’s largest inhabited island is Cozumel. The island, off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is 16 miles wide and 48 miles long. It attracts divers from around the world: there are more than twenty different reef formations off the coast. There is more to Cozumel than diving, however: it boasts a prestigious golf course (designed by the Nicklaus Design group) as well as numerous spas and resorts. In the capital, San Miguel, the traveler will find accommodations from budget to deluxe.

Playa Del Carmen is a less expensive alternative to Cancún and Cozumel. A rapidly growing beach destination, it offers a toned-down version of Cancún. Forty-five minutes away from Playa del Carmen is Xel-Ha park, known as a premier snorkeling spot where underwater rivers reach the ocean.

The main archaeological attraction in the state of Yucatán is Chichén Itzá, the Mayan "city of the water wizards". This great Mayan city peaked between 700 and 1200 A.D. when it was the political, economic and military capital of the region. One highlight is the observatory, which was built to observe Venus, revered by the Maya as Kukulkán, one of their most important deities. Every year on the spring and fall equinoxes, thousands of visitors descend upon Chichén Itzá to watch the illusion created by the setting sun of a giant snake slithering up the temple.

The westernmost state on the Yucatán peninsula, Campeche has a long history. The state itself has beautiful rivers and beaches, and is dotted with traditional haciendas, or Spanish-style country homes. The state is proud of its Maya legacy: the archaeological sites of Edzná, Becán, Xpuhil, and Calakmul are all within range of the capital city, Campeche. Other activities in Campeche include fine beaches, golf, museums, diving/snorkeling and other water sports.

The easternmost state of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, is a lively mix of cultures: Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan all converge in one state, possibly Mexico’s most popular tourist destination. Like the other Yucatán states, Quintana Roo is proud of its ancient Mayan heritage: the archaeological sites of Tulum, Cobá, and Kohunlich are found in this state. Tulum is particularly popular: situated on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean, the site is small compared to Tikal (in Guatemala) or Palenque (in southern Mexico), but it is probably the most breathtaking of all the Mayan sites. The capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal, is a small city that is growing in popularity with visitors.


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Nightlife Hotspots of the Yucatán

Xalaquia Lounge Bar

Xalaquia attracts a young crowd (ages 18 – 25). The music is a fusion of electronic, pop and regaeton, and a sophisticated lighting system sets the mood. The club is hot, crowded, and definitely ...
Bar
Valladolid, Mexico

Santos y Pecadores (Saints and Sinners)

Santos y Pecadores is a big place, where you may find yourself packed onto the dance floor with 500 other gyrating, grinding dancers. The equal of Xalaquia in atmosphere and excitement, visit one ...
Bar
Valladolid, Mexico

Tequila Barrel

One of the best timed happy hours in town - which takes place only out the back and not on the streetside tables - attracts you to this happening place. The fan-filled back room ramps up the tunes ...
Bar
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Pirate Bar

This is a good spot to sit after a day on the beach although there is no sunset over the water because Playa is in the wrong place! Drop in for happy hour on the bench chairs on the beach then return ...
Bar
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Blue Parrot beach bar

This, the hotel claims, is one of the best beach clubs in the world. Not so sure about that, but it is certainly a popular place for people eater to strut their stuff. Music is loud and drinks are ...
Bar
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

El Paraiso Bar

This is a beach-meets-Soho spot. The atmosphere is created through the pastel-colored, faux-leather rectangular and circular beds spread out on the beach in front of a fully-stocked bar. It is a ...
Bar, Beach
Tulum, Mexico

Habana Cafe

If you're craving a taste of Latin life with a touch of Cuban spice, the atmosphere at Habana Café in Tulum Pueblo will satisfy. Habana’s Cuban inspired design is permeated with beats from ...
Bar
Tulum, Mexico

Terrace Bar

Terrace Bar situated on the main street of Tulum is the best place in Tulum for night events. Come and taste the Best Mojito and Piña Colada in ...
Bar
Tulum, Mexico
Things to See and Do in the Yucatán Peninsula

Chichen Itza trip

This is a must-do if you are in this area and trips are offered not only from Playa but also Ancun and Tulum. Organised tours usually put small groups into minibuses but do not befooled by the ...
Cultural Tour, Ruin, Adventure Tour
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Tulum Ruins

This is one of the prettiest Mayan sites you can visit, neatly cared for with trimmed grass and palms surrounding well-restored ruins. The buildings themselves may not be as impressive as somewhere ...
Ruin, Cultural Tour
Tulum, Mexico

Uxmal

Maya legend tells of a dwarf in the ancient city of Uxmal, who claimed to have magical powers. Uxmal’s ruler, confident that the dwarf was a fraud, made a foolish wager that if the dwarf could ...
Ruin
Merida, Mexico

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

If Cancún is a place for the hedonist with its loud, late-night bars, American fast food, and over-developed coastline, then the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, two hours to the south, is the antidote. It ...
National Park
Tulum, Mexico

Templo de San Bernardino and Ex-Convento de Sisal

Stroll down Valladolid’s loveliest street, the Calzada de los Frailes (Street of the Friars) from the Zocalo to this former Franciscan church and convent, which dominates a wide semi-circular ...
Historical Building
Valladolid, Mexico

Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery

Dolphin Discovery offers educative swim-with-dolphins programs in the sea in Isla Mujeres, Cozumel Island and Puerto Aventuras in the Mayan Riviera. ...
Other Activity
Cancún, Mexico

Snorkel Cozumel - close reefs

Making a trip out to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is worthwhile to head out to some good snorkeling sites, although it can cost a bit when you add on the ferry ride so make the most of it and stay ...
Boating, Diving
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Snorkel Cozumel - far reefs

There are several stalls at the ferry dock who offer this trip, which usually heads to two sites, but bargain hard and you should be able to get an affordable price or an extra site. It takes around ...
Diving, Boating
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

El Paraiso Bar

This is a beach-meets-Soho spot. The atmosphere is created through the pastel-colored, faux-leather rectangular and circular beds spread out on the beach in front of a fully-stocked bar. It is a ...
Bar, Beach
Tulum, Mexico

Museo de San Roque

Constructed in 1575, the Ex-convento de San Roque houses a fine collection of Mayan antiquities and exhibits the customs, commerce and daily life of the Maya. Of particular interest are relics from ...
Museum
Valladolid, Mexico

Labna Ruins

After visiting some of the Yucatán’s larger and more famous ruins, Labná, which means old or abandoned house in Maya, is a refreshing, off the beaten path experience. Although much smaller in ...
Ruin
Mexico
The Nicest Places to Rest Your Head in the Yucatán Peninsula

Hotel Meson del Marques

The grande dame of Valladolid, El Meson occupies a 16th century building on the main square, the zocalo, with most of its 90 prettily decorated rooms in a modern addition. A stone-paved entry leads ...
Hotel
Valladolid, Mexico

Hostal del Fraile

Opened in 2009, Hostal del Fraile is a clean, well-maintained hostel located halfway between the zocalo and the Ex-Convento de San Bernardino. Beds with fresh sheets in two rooms with lockers cost $9 ...
Hostel
Valladolid, Mexico

Hotel Zaci

Don’t let the weathered front of Hotel Zaci deceive you; inside is a modern hotel, and its 60 rooms are favorites with travelers seeking a central location and a great value. Located just a half ...
Hotel
Valladolid, Mexico

Hotel Maria de la Luz

The hotel’s location can’t be beat: it faces the Main Plaza and its street-side lobby and restaurant are the perfect place to people-watch. Hidden behind the colonial arched front, the 68 rooms ...
Hotel
Valladolid, Mexico

Casa Quetzal

Casa Quetzal calls itself “an oasis of calmness” and truer words were never spoken. Facing the historic Ex-Convento de San Bernardino, this B&B and its 7 rooms provide guests an escape from ...
Hotel
Valladolid, Mexico

Tropical Casa Blanca

Inspired by the unique geography and culture of the Mexican Caribbean, Hotel Tropical Casa Blanca embraces the simplicity of the beach life and shares this lifestyle with each of its guests. The ...
Hotel
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Kin Ha (Pueblo)

If there is no space on the beach then this place is a good spot to stay in the town. It’s clean and well decorated rooms come with private bathroom and all surround a foliage-filled courtyard with ...
Hotel
Tulum, Mexico

Cabanas La Luna

La Luna is a unique, very romantic and secluded Paradise, perfect for families, couples and special family occasions, like weddings! Accommodations include 5 beachfront cabanas and a general ...
Hotel
Tulum, Mexico

Youth Hostel Playa

This is a popular spot for the Playa del Carmen backpacker set. Most of the time it has a party atmosphere. Dorm rooms are large and busy, but comfortable and clean. If you are looking for a quiet ...
Hostel
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Camping-Cabanas La Ruina

Think rustic and then some. This place is reasonably priced but it is basic. Wooden cabins offer simple and reasonably clean accommodation but the unhelpful owners often let the place down and there ...
Hostel
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Eco Paraiso

Eco Paraiso Hotel Celestún, Yucatan, Mexico Located at one of the most fascinating Mexican biological reserves, nestled on a 3 mile virgin beach, Hotel Eco Paraiso offers spacious attractively ...
All-inclusive Resort Lodge
Mexico
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