Swimming in cenotes, scuba diving near Cozumel, and visiting amazing archaeological sites: there is plenty to discover in the Yucatán peninsula.
The Yucatán Peninsula is much more than hanging out at a beach, theme parks and all-inclusive resorts. Yucatán is full of natural beauty, intriguing history, and rich culture. If you want to visit the best region that Mexico has to offer, here are my recommendations for a great trip to the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán.
Cenotes
Cenote: A sink hole that exposes the ground water to the surface. Cenotes can be very large (tens of meters in diameter). They are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.
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Swimming in a cenote has to be at the top of anybody’s list of things to do in Yucatán. There are many cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula for you to choose from. In fact, there are some good cenotes to visit near Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Each one has their own particular charm.
Fun Fact: In pre-Hispanic times, the Maya used them for sacrificial offerings. Today, visitors can either swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the cenotes.
Superb Mayan Archaeological Sites
There’s several archaeological sites within driving distance of one another in the states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. You can easily spend a whole trip exploring the different Mayan ruins in the area.
I highly recommend the site of Uxmal, which has less visitors and is very well preserved. You can read more about Uxmal and other Mayan sites in my top 10 archaeological sites page.
Valladolid & Tizimín
This region has its share of pueblos mágicos. Valladolid is another option for a home base to visit several of the places on this page. This is my personal preference since you get to taste of a small, traditional town with slower pace of life. There is also a cenote within the city, close to downtown.
Tizimín is even smaller than Valladolid. Both are located in the state of Yucatán. The best way to enjoy it is by hanging out at its small plaza (or square).
Scuba Dive in Cozumel
Cozumel is an island off the coast of the state of Quintana Roo. You reach Cozumel by taking a ferry in Playa del Carmen. This island is world known for its reef and marine life.
This is a part of Yucatán that most visitors don’t get to see and one of my personal favorite things to do when I’m in the area. I highly encourage you to get an open water scuba certification so you can experience this underwater world that only few get to enjoy. Reach out to ScubaLuis if you want to dive in the area. He’s a good friend of mine and he treats you like family.
There is a number of dive sites in Cozumel to enjoy, ranging from large reef formations, marine life, and artificially sunken boats to name a few.
If you’re not into scuba diving, you can hang out at many of its beautiful beaches.
Whale Sharks
Near the island of Isla Mujeres, whale sharks make a visit during late summer. These wonderful giants are vegetarian sharks that swim to the surface to enjoy the taste plankton they find in this area.
The whale sharks are protected and visitors are not allowed to touch them. Also, scuba diving is not allowed. If you decide to swim and snorkel with them, please make sure to only work with a reputable operator. You can read more about these beautiful creatures in the CH’OOJ AJAUIL AC home page. This group is devoted to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for an area of marine biodiversity in the north of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Their objective is to obtain the important recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
I was lucky enough to dive with Rafael de la Parra, a whale shark marine biologist who is part of CH’OOJ AJAUIL AC. He understand these animals, and ensures they’re properly protected. He and his wife Beatriz have been like family to me when I visit the area!
Merida
Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatán. It is a colonial city with a very charming downtown, which you can simply stroll an entire afternoon. You can sit and read a book at its main square, or walk around and admire it’s wonderful architecture.
You can visit the Lucas de Galvez mercado or take a horse and carriage ride.
Playa del Carmen & Tulum
Playa del Carmen and Tulum can serve as hubs to visit several of the places on this page. They have beautiful beaches, and even better sun sets. You can go do your souvenir shopping and experience the night life at the 5ta Avenida in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is also the place that you can take the ferry to reach Cozumel island.
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I hope this list gives you some good ideas for you next trip. If you are ready to make this trip your own, click the button below to get a full itinerary and trip details. If you are looking for other destinations check out our list of itineraries.
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Another well done post with some great pictures. I agree Uxmal is probably my most favourite ruins site in the Yucatán peninsula. We have also enjoyed the cenotes and have found some not so well known ones but we have never scuba dived and that would be pretty cool to do. I think one of our favourite towns/cities in that part of Mexico would be Campeche. Our only problem with the Yucatán is that it is far too hot and too many tourists.
I’ve missed including Campeche. It has its charm as well. I love the colors at that wall by the sea at night. I’ll include it. Thank you so much for reading our adventures!
Great photos of the cenotes, especially for people like me who may not be as brave to drive in. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Keep in mind you can snorkel in most of these. It’s not the same view, but it’s still a different experience.
Fantasticas fotos
¡Gracias por visitar nuestro blog!
Amazing! I hope we’ll do it some day!
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you make it happen!
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