Paradise is waiting for you in Mexico – our top 5 Yucatan destinations will take you to the most stunning beaches, diving, Maya ruins, cenotes & more!
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Top 5 Yucatan Destinations
#1. Cancun
Cancun is the best place to start your Yucatan adventures – sunbathe in the day, party at night or simply relax & indulge yourself!
It’s the most visited destination in Mexico so you’ll find many choices in food, accommodation, tours & activities. Check out Lonely Planet for more inspiration.
Budget travellers should stick to Downtown Cancun & take trips to the many beautiful beaches in Zona Hotelera – Playa Delphine & Playa Chac-Mool are our favorites.
A popular day trip from Cancun is visiting Chichen Itza. Although you can get there on your own, a tour isn’t much more and saves you some of the hassle.
Tour options:
Cancun Budget Travel Guide
To all independent travellers, give Cancun a chance! We share with you the best beaches & more in our Cancun Budget Travel Guide!
Read more#2. Isla Mujeres
Take a ferry across to Isla Mujeres, our favorite of all the Yucatan destinations – it’s got the right balance of holiday vibes & local charm.
There’s plenty to see & do:
- Swim in the turquoise-green waters of Playa Norte
- Hire a gold cart & explore the island
- Swim with whale sharks between May & September
- Dive at MUSA, the world’s first underwater sculpture museum..
Backpackers should look no further than Poc-Na Hostel, set right on the beachfront, with free daily activities & breakfast included.
Tour option: Isla Mujeres & Isla Contoy Tour
#3. Playa Del Carmen
Mingle with the beautiful people in Playa del Carmen, the Riviera of Mexico.
The beaches are the playground of tanned & fit Europeans but average bodies should feel more than welcome & comfortable.
Life in Playa revolves around Avenida Quinta, a long pedestrian-only strip lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants & bar.
It’s also known as Fifth Avenue & while it may not quite be New York City it feels much closer to Miami than anywhere in Mexico.
Tour options:
#4. Cozumel
Dive into Cozumel, a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen.
Its spectacular coral reefs & abundance of marine life make it one of the best diving areas in the world – along with being one of the best Yucatan destinations.
Divers will share the island with cruise ship packages tourists, docking into town for that day to indulge in great Mexican food & drinks from Cozumel‘s 300+ restaurants.
Tour option: Cozumel Snorkel Tour
#5. Tulum
Tulum is one of the most popular Yucatan destinations.
There are 3 main areas in Tulum which are all close to each other but not within walking distance:
- Tulum Village
- Tulum Ruins
- Tulum Beach
Budget travellers should base themselves in Tulum Village. Take a taxi or hitchhike to the cliffside ruins, which gives you access to a stunning section of the beach below.
Finish the day by jumping in to the chilly underground cave pools at the Gran Cenote.
Tour option: Tulum Ruins Guided Tour
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*** The Final Word – The Yucatan is the perfect holiday destination! ***
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Comments
I have been to three of the five on the list, plus La Paz. I love the Yucatan.