Top Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula
Top Hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
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What to do and see in Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan Peninsula: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula
1. Dzibanche
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 213 reviews
Ancient Mayan city with impressive pyramids and buildings.
Reviewed By 679randye
I have now been to 10 Mayan ruins!! This one is breathtaking!! Two temples to climb and we could hear the monkeys fighting for territory! Well worth the trip, very few tourists!
2. Templo de Kukulkan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,178 reviews
This impressive pyramid dominates Chichén Itzá's landscape, standing an imposing 24 meters high.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
Well, this is the main attraction of Chichen Itza and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's enlisted in the new seven wonders of the world. It's full name is Temple of Kukulkan - a feather divine beast adorned by Maya which had supernatural powers. On El Castillo, Kukulkan is carved twisted on both sides of the northern stairway. It's so immaculately built that only twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun illuminates its entire length from top to bottom (amazing, see it on Youtube). Besides that there're more interesting facts - the pyramid has 9 levels plus the Temple on top. Each side's staircase has 91 stairs, which multiplied by 4 sides and the Temple on top makes the grand total of 365 (days in year).
3. Ruta Puuc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
The main site, Uxmal, is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Yucatan, though it is worth the effort to hire a guide to see Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna, which are just down the road. You can stay at Uxmal, Ticul, or Santa Elena.
4. Zona Arquelogica Edzna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 855 reviews
Reviewed By fits87 - Miami Beach, United States
Amazing place!! A hidden mayan gem, just make sure to take water and mosquito repellent as there are many. But great place to take pics
5. Mayan Bee Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
The Mayan Bee Sanctuary it´s a place to discover the stingless bee and the Melipona honey. The Mayan Bee Sanctuary, is an interactive place in which you become in an explorer of the history of one of the most nutritional food in the world. Behind The Mayan Bee Santuary there is one of the largest operators of tourism of Mexico, Aviomar Adventours, a company with over 50 years of experience and hig
Reviewed By invitationOvoyage - Milwaukee, United States
Happened to pass this place on the way to the East side of the island. Glad we stopped! Joined a family and listened/saw to some Mayan history and legend as well as learn about the awesome bees that be on the island. Nice little gift shop with bee-themed authentic Mexican pottery and lots of different honey products. Staff and guide very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Tour in Spanish and English. Thumbs up!
6. Zona Arqueologica de Coba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,221 reviews
Coba (pronounced cō-bǝ) is an ancient Maya city on the Yucatán Peninsula, located in what is now northeastern Quintana Roo, Mexico. The site is the nexus of the largest network of stone causeways of the ancient Mayan world, and it contains many engraved and sculpted stelae that document ceremonial life and important events of the Late Classic Period (AD 600-900) of Mesoamerican civilization.[1] The adjacent modern village bearing the same name, reported a population of 1,278 inhabitants in the 2010 Mexican federal census.[2]
Reviewed By Antonio251990
The coolest thing about this site it's the bicycle ride through the jungle it's a most to get on the bikes plus is only 30 pesos to rent it.. the view at the top of the main pyramid its amazing all you can see its miles of pure green in every direction it's kind of hard to climb all the way up but totally worth the effort... if you're staying in the tulum area definitely should go to coba ruins, just try to be there early because gets packed..
7. Plaza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,478 reviews
Also known as Plaza de Armas, this city square contains some of the most historically significant and aesthetically pleasing buildings in Merida.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
In Merida's typical hot weather, it is relaxing to get a shoe shine and watch the crowds. You will have people try to sell you handicrafts, but that could be fun, too. On Sundays, the entire plaza is full of food and drink stalls and vendors of artesanias.
8. Tulum Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,609 reviews
Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: [tu'lum], Yucatec: Tulu'um) is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Coba.[1] The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.[citation needed] One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.[1]
Reviewed By discoveringdest - Montreal, Canada
Oh yeah guys, we were in Tulum last week! We were blessed with a perfect sunny week in Riviera Maya. Our idea was to spend a week relaxing on the beach. Then we saw pictures of Tulum and found out it was 20 minutes away. So... “Why not” ?!? We never know the next time we'll be in Mexico. Tulum for a 1/2 day tour with guide was $69usd per person. Expensive we thought, but we got a nice van, with a good driver and a really knowledgeable guide Jazmin. She studied history in Mexico and was clearly passionate about that. In Tulum are ruins of an ancient Mayan port city just next to wonderful Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Some go to visit the remaining structures and others to enjoy the beach. The tour was 4 hours in total. That includes the drive to Tulum, the guided tour and 1h30 of free time to spend walking around. With this time, we could go around, take pictures, swim and shop around in one of the local shops. We decided to walk around to enjoy the astonishing views of the coastline. We were mesmerized by the turquoise green and blue water and multicolour iguanas that gaze at the sun as though they were kings of the Mayan city! According our guide and in Wikipedia, Tulum is one of the best preserved coastal Maya sites and is really famous touristic point. The important part of Tulum is its history, since the city has access land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub. It was really cool to hear our guide speak about the Mayan history. She described a mystical place on a beautiful sunny day just like the one we were experiencing. We took the tour from the hotel so everything was pre arranged for us. Alternatively, you can always rent a car and drive over. Our Ratings Serge: 5 Eli: 5 Recommend: Absolutely. Tulum is a very unique historical Mayan ruin, feel free to view the grounds or go for a swim. Important Tips: 1. Tulum in a sunny day is really “Hot”, so get your sunblock ready and if possible, an umbrella. 2. Please, “Do NOT forget” an insect repellent because Tulum is a mix of Beach & Jungle, we are the bite marks to prove it. 3. Bring water and if you decide to go swimming, make sure have some protection (sun block and repellent). 4. If you have a professional or semi professional camera (GoPro counts), you will need to pay a extra tax. The tax is calculated per camera.
9. Zona Arqueologica de Kabah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Once a thriving Mayan city, now an impressive ruin.
Reviewed By DollyL_11 - Merida, Mexico
Kabah is a large set of Mayan ruins that are pretty and varied. The site doesn't require walking in the jungle but does require climbing to fully view its features. Lovely views.
10. Paseo de Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,418 reviews
This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy.
Reviewed By laBostoniana - Boston, United States
Historic Merida has narrow sidewalks and the main street, Calle 60, is not a pleasant walk because busses and trucks practically brush up against you as they dominate the road and you must walk single file. A bit north of historic district Paseo de Montejo has wide sidewalks, interesting old mansions, and actually allows for pleasant ambling.
