Yucatan Peninsula

Travel Guide

Half Moon Bay showing tropical scenes, a coastal town and a beach
Las Perlas Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Dzibilchaltun Ruins featuring heritage architecture
Teatro Peon Contreras showing interior views and heritage elements
Langosta Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as an individual femail

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 featuring heritage architecture and night scenes

Mérida Centro

5/5(1 area review)

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
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Downtown Cancun

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
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Playacar

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Playacar. Make a stop by Playa del Carmen Main Beach or Playacar Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Playacar
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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

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
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Luis Donaldo Colosio

While visiting Luis Donaldo Colosio, you might make a stop by sights like Punta Esmeralda Beach and Mamitas Beach.

Luis Donaldo Colosio
Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas - Adults Only- All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas - Adults Only- All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 8.5, Manzana 50, Lote 4, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
The price is P16,110 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P16,110
P19,737 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,605 reviews)
"This is a beautiful and well-maintained resort. The staff were outstanding, professional and friendly. We greatly enjoyed our stay and plan to return."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas - Adults Only- All Inclusive
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan Km.16.5 Lotes 56-A-I, y 56-A-2 Segunda Etapa Turistica, Cancun, QROO
The price is P17,527 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P17,527
P17,527 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Cancun. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,371 reviews)
"Amazing resort will definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is P11,248 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P11,248
P13,770 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,648 reviews)
"Grounds were beautiful with lush green vegetation, animals roaming (monkeys, deer, birds, lizards), ruins, large pools, small beach. Dinning options were good at a la carte restaurants. We made reservations as soon as we arrived and were able to dine at Hacienda, Steak house, Los Olivos and Oriental ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
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.
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,834 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only

El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only

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! (487 reviews)
"This resort was so amazing. Everyone is so nice and attentive to all your needs! We will definitely be going back!!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Km. 1.5 Carretera a Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,125 reviews)
"We stayed at All Ritmo from July 15 through July 23. We had an amazing experience. I asked for an upgrade when we checked in and was given one for a small increase in price. Our room was on the 4th floor overlooking the beautiful clear blue waters. The room was enormous, with a beautiful balcony, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
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.

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