The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a stunning region with lots to offer, including hundreds of underground rivers called cenotes, picture-perfect white-sand beaches, and an endless array of national parks and Mayan ruins. A two-week stint is simply not enough and the options can get quite overwhelming.
Below is a perfect Yucatan Peninsula itinerary that includes the best the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer!
Tulum
Get into the Mayan vibes and head over to the archaeological site of Tulum, a spectacular set of ruins perched right on the edge of one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches.
After some Mayan ruin exploration, grab some refreshing cocktails at the beach or entice your taste buds with authentic Mexican dishes at the many beach-side restaurants.
Merida
Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and the biggest city on the peninsula. It has a charming laid-back atmosphere, colorful Colonial buildings, and a killer gastronomic scene. Yucateca food is highly appreciated and serious foodies should not miss the chance to try its delicacies like Cochinita Pibil, Panuchos, and Sopa de Lima for starters.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an essential site in a Yucatan itinerary. Considered one of the 7 World Wonders, this archeological site is one of the best-preserved set of Mayan ruins, starring the Kukulcan pyramid and temple as the main attraction. Surrounded by a lush jungle, this majestic spot has many smaller temples and structures that can be explored.
On some nights, a spectacular light show enchants visitors from all over the world.
Cenote Hopping
Cenotes are natural underground caves full of water. They’re unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, so visiting at least a few is a must while being in this region. Although some of them are completely underground, there are also some that are visible from the surface.
Ik Kil Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and Cenote Dos Ojos are some of the most popular and accessible ones in the area, but you can actually find hundreds of them scattered all over the peninsula, even inside some restaurants which offer the chance to take a dip in them!
Coba Ruins
The archeological site of Coba is not as famous as Chichen Itzá and Tulum, which makes it a perfect place to explore Mayan ruins without the crowds. Climbing the main pyramids and exploring the rest of the site by bike is a majestic experience
Bacalar Lagoon
Also known as the Seven Color Lagoon, this dreamy site is another essential in any visit to the Yucatan Peninsula. The blue shades of the water are simply stunning, and they can be enjoyed from a daybed or hammock, as well as from paddle boards and kayaks.
Río Secreto
Río Secreto (Secret River) is one of the most overwhelming spots in the Yucatan Peninsula. A sacred Mayan site, this underground river is almost like a crystal underground water museum as it is lined by thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. .
Xcaret
Xcaret is a water park that boasts over fifty natural, folklore, and cultural attractions. It offers visitors the opportunity to swim in underground rivers (cenotes), snorkel in crystalline waters and explore Mayan ruins. Their restaurants offer authentic Mexican cuisine and one of Mexico’s most enthralling night shows.
Holbox Island
Holbox is a phenomenal site for relaxing on stunning beaches or lying in overwater hammocks for days on end, but for those craving adventures, there are lots of activities like swimming with whale sharks (from June to September) or biking to Punta Mosquito, a virgin beach where flamingos can be spotted!