Yucatan Peninsula

Travel Guide

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

Scenic sandy beaches and cenote water holes frame the pre-Columbian Mayan cities and colonial city centres 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 showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Mérida Centro

4/5(32 area reviews)

Mérida Centro is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Plaza Grande and Mérida Cathedral while you're in town.

Mérida Centro
Default Image

Downtown Cancun

4/5(26 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
Default Image

Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Playa del Carmen Main Beach to Playacar Golf Club – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
Default Image

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 featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Tulum City Center

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites and bars are notable features of Tulum City Center. You might consider stopping by Dos Aguas Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Tulum City Center
Default Image

Luis Donaldo Colosio

4/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Luis Donaldo Colosio, Punta Esmeralda Beach and Mamitas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Luis Donaldo Colosio
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 S$455 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
S$455
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,272 reviews)
"It’s a beautiful resort. However no direct beach access but they do shuttle their guest to the beach club. The food isn’t very good at all. Typical resort all inclusive food that look beautiful but not so much on the taste. The Japanese place is the better place."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 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 S$692 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
S$692
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (4,499 reviews)
"Loved all the animals on the property"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Blvd Kukulkan, Km 5.5 Lote 6-C, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,696 reviews)
"I like everything about this resort"

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula - 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! (1,809 reviews)
"I like that bite as a smaller hotel and the property and gardens were lovely. The served a good breakfast buffet and had a beach front restaurant . I didn’t like that I couldn’t book the room of my choice or a beach view room ahead of time , you have to book a certain type of room ( suite, room etc ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (472 reviews)
"Frequent traveler but I loved it here. Food was amazing. Will be returning"

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive
Otonomus Tulum
Otonomus Tulum
4.5 out of 5
Calle 71 sur mz 699 L1 004, Tulum, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tulum. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Amazing stay! Thank you!!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Otonomus Tulum
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.

Popular places to visit