Yucatan Peninsula

Travel Guide
Half Moon Bay showing tropical scenes, a beach and a coastal town
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

Merida Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

Mérida Centro

4.5/5(172 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Plaza Grande or Mérida Cathedral.

Mérida Centro
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar

4.5/5(96 area reviews)

An upscale resort area with secluded beaches and villas by the sea, Playacar boasts a golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and is just a short drive from downtown Playa del Carmen.

Playacar
Mexico and Central America which includes music, nightlife and night scenes

Downtown Cancun

4/5(170 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
La Isla shopping mall! Has some great attractions with a wide range of places to eat!

La Isla

If you're spending some time in La Isla, La Isla Shopping Mall and Isla Dorada are top sights worth seeing.

La Isla
Tulum showing heritage elements and heritage architecture

Tulum City Center

4/5(107 area reviews)

Historic sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider a stop by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Tulum City Center
Default Image

Avenida Tulum

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Avenida Tulum. A stop by Royal Yak Casino and Sports Book or Ceviche Square might round out your trip.

Avenida Tulum
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
The price is CA $758 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $758
CA $923 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,225 reviews)
"very nice place will come back next year for sure!"

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Blvd Kukulkan, Km 5.5 Lote 6-C, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,241 reviews)
"Everything was good only one thing I didn’t liked about was that toilettes weren’t provided in the all inclusive package. Had to buy them on higher price at the property"

Reviewed on Nov. 4, 2024

Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
4 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulkan, Km. 11.5, Cancun, QROO
The price is CA $386 per night from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19
CA $386
CA $386 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Book a stay at this beach property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,736 reviews)
"I have stayed at over dozen all inclusive resorts in my life. Mostly, I was overwhelmed by how friendly the staff are at this resort . So humble, happy and helpful! I read a ton of reviews before deciding to book. Here's my honest opinion.... The FOOD was so good, maybe other people just make bad ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 5, 2024

Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
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.
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
5 out of 5
Km 45 Carretera Cancun, Tulum Kantenah, Maroma, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (204 reviews)
"Excellent for our 21 day holiday. Loved it all"

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More 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 a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,473 reviews)
"Older Mexican resort that is clean, convenient with great location. Staff is great. Poolsnd beach are great. We go here every year."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
4 out of 5
1st Avenue Bis, Between 12th and 14th North Street, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,485 reviews)
Excellent staff
"Staff was friendly and helpful. The room was nice and we enjoyed having breakfast brought to us and eating out on the patio"

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

Playa Palms Beach Hotel
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