Top Tips For The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico!
Traveling to Mexico? Don’t miss out on these awesome tips! Here's a list to keep you happily occupied!
Top Travel Tips For The Yucatan, Mexico
The breathtaking Yucatan Peninsula was my introduction to Mexico!
A trip I look back on so very fondly to this day, and I plan to go back next year to continue exploring this amazing country. What makes a trip to the Yucatan so wonderfully interesting in my view and experience. is the fact that it has a bit of everything.
Stunning turquoise waters & white sandy beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, welcoming villages, religion, history, architecture, and lots of outdoor adventures to try on for size.
There's something for everyone here!
Traveling To Mexico For The First Time? Here Are A Few Guidelines To Follow
Make sure you keep the slip of paper you get at passport control which is part of the immigration form until you leave Mexico! You will need to present it on your way out of Mexico.
Drink plenty of water!
Conventional sunscreen is forbidden in many places and water parks along the coast of Mexico. It is considered damaging to water ecology, make sure you have an alternative because you will need it.
Don't laugh but when you use a public bathroom, remember that the letter M doesn't stand for men...It stands for “Mujeres” meaning women in Spanish. Men need to follow the letter C.
While we're talking about the bathrooms, if you don't want a clogged toilet on your hands please do not flush paper down the toilet.
Never drink tap water!
Travel deeper: The magic of Mexico is found beyond the tourist towns and resorts.
Use a local SIM card for your mobile phone.
It is more economical for you to pay using the local currency, and not in American dollars. It might be the easiest route to take however, considering conversion fees it's not the smart way to go.
Make sure you have good travel insurance, especially these days when COVID-19 is still very much a thing. Before you start your trip, you need to make sure you are well prepared for any scenario that might arise.
Things can happen and some things are out of our control however, if we are prepared and properly insured, things will go smoother and less stressful. I recommend World Nomads. The best thing about them aside from their amazing customer service is the coverage they offer!
The Best Things To See And Do In The Yucatan Peninsula
Riviera Maya: The Riviera Maya refers to the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan. It is extremely popular with tourists. Here you’ll find Playa del Carmen and Cancun to name a few. Many choose to start their trip in Cancun and we were no different, it is a gorgeous stretch of beach, after all, fun vibes, people, and dynamic nightlife along the strip. Looking back, I would recommend not staying in Cancun but rather outside. Playa del Carmen is a great location for example.
Staying in this area means it is relatively easy to explore the region.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Tulum: This is a beautiful sight of a Mayan walled city, most famous for the very well preserved Mayan ruins located right there on the beach. A spectacular combination as far as views go! Once you go up and have a look from the top, you’ll see what I mean…Palm trees, Mayan structures and 50 shades of the bluest water you’ll ever see.
It is a small archaeological site and you can wander through and then go down to the beach for some downtime. There are Mayan people who wander around the ruins selling their traditional clothing items and some even pose for photos.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico
Beautiful Tulum, Mexico
Coba: This is an ancient Mayan city is hidden inside the rain forest and it’s where you can find the largest pyramid named Lxmoja. The pyramid is 42 m high and yes, you can climb it using robes alongside the stairs. Rising at the heart of the jungle it is quite a sight! You can hire your own mountain bike or get a bike-rickshaw to get to the pyramid and just ride exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Coba, Mexico
Chimuch: This tiny Mayan village is nearby Coba, the villagers here are still living as they would have in the past, it’s probably one of the few authentic Mayan villages left. There are five big lakes in the area where you can enjoy water activities such as canoeing and swimming in sinkholes.
Pro Tip! You can rappel 15 meters down to swim in Balaam Kin, a beautiful though ice-cold cenote. You can take a guided tour so you can interact with the local people and get to know more about their culture firsthand.
Beach Tip- Akumal: Akumal Beach is one of the prettiest in the region and yes, you guessed it…tropical scenery! If you like snorkeling or diving this spot is a perfect location! The marine life here includes turtles!
The island of Cozumel: This fun island in the Caribbean Sea is popular for diving sites; think coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and so many more colorful fish. Crystle clear warm waters await you, in certain areas you can observe sharks in their natural habitat which is an extraordinary experience! Along the beach, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to explore after working hard on that tan and having a swim.
Explore the Cenotes in Kil & Dos Ojos: Cenotes are water-filled shafts and in some cases caves with inside pools and underwater passageways. Kil and Dos Ojos are the most popular to visit.
Xel-Ha: This is a water park like you’ve never seen before! Located on the Caribbean coast, this natural park is where you can snorkel, swim in lagoons, enjoy Mayan cuisine, and observe marine life. So much FUN!
NOTE: Conventional sunscreen is forbidden here as it is considered damaging to water ecology, make sure you have an alternative because you will need it.
Xel-Ha, Mexico
Uxmal: This ancient Mayan city is most famous for The Pyramid of the Magician also referred to as the Pyramid of the Dwarf.
Pyramid of the Magician, Mexico
Uxmal, Mexico
Uxmal, Mexico
Merida: This city is the capital of Yucatán. An interesting colonial city to uncover, filled with local as well colonial heritage. Colorful buildings, a Cathedral, and a museum showing relics from ancient Mayan temples.
Merida, Mexico
Isla Mujeres: A beautiful island across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from Cancun. This Mexican- Caribbean paradise is just a short boat ride away.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Chichen Itza: Absolutely a MUST-VISIT! This UNESCO world heritage site is a large complex of Mayan ruins; pyramids and the Temple of the Warriors to name two stunning structures that will blow you away. It is unbelievable when you look at such buildings and remember they have been designed and built when there were no tools to assist the Mayan people.
The Mayan people have created such magnificent tall complexes that stand today! How many of our buildings built today using all the latest technology will stand such a test of time?There is so much history in this site going back 1,000 years! This Mayan city thrived from about 600 AD.Until 1221 AD.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Mexico is an exciting vibrant country holding so much color, history, nature, and fun for us visitors to uncover.
Have you been to Mexico yet? What did you think about it? Do tell us in the comment section.
Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social media for the latest travel content ~ @mytrendytrail
Yours,
Diti