Bursting with color, culture, and variety, the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya bring together the best that Mexico has to offer: welcoming waters and white-sand beaches, colonial towns, jungle-shrouded cenotes, and UNESCO-listed archaeological sites. The region's best known—and most visited—Maya ruin is Chichen Itza, which features a massive step-pyramid known as El Castillo (The Castle), along with numerous, well-preserved carvings. Consider opting for a VIP-access tour to avoid the equally famous lines. Most international visitors fly into Cancun, famous for its luxury resorts and laid-back party vibes, or Merida, the region's largest city and cultural capital. In addition to nightlife, Cancun offers easy access to the entire Caribbean coast. Isla Mujeres is an ideal jumping-off point for snorkeling tours and at the right time of year, you can see whale sharks feeding nearby. The Maya ruins of Tulum are well worth a visit, as are Coba and Ek Balak. Check out Xel-ha or Xplor Adventure Park for high-energy, outdoor activities, such as ziplining over the rain forest canopy and cave rafting. The beach is never far away, and on the coral reefs around Cozumel and Isla Contoy, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities abound. Farther inland, Merida and colonial Valladolid offer myriad historical sites, pleasant streets lined with gardens and bright pastel buildings, artisans' shops, and a thriving restaurant scene. Be sure to sample some authentic Yucatecan dishes, like the distinctive black mole that takes hours to prepare, and tacos made with slow-roasted Yucatan turkey.
The Riviera Maya follows the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and it’s known for all-inclusive resorts, gorgeous beaches, adventure parks, and its nearby coral reefs. There’s plenty of history here, too, from the temples and pyramids of Tulum Archeological Site to cenotes that were sacred to the ancient Maya.
...MoreCancun is where beachfront hotels meet city nightlife—it’s an easy-to-reach getaway whose airport has direct flights to many cities worldwide. The Riviera Maya that extends south from Cancun is more laid-back, less about partying than adventure parks, all-inclusive resorts, snorkeling and scuba diving, and exploring nearby ruins and jungle.
...MoreMild, dry weather makes the season from December through April the best time to visit the Riviera Maya. Spring and fall can be a bit rainier, with the hottest days arriving in May. Still, the Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, with beachgoers hitting the shore in every month.
...MoreYes, you can visit Chichen Itza from Cancun, but it makes for a long day. The archeological site is located 122 miles (197 kilometers) west of Cancun, a drive that takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. Tours of Chichen Itza from Cancun generally leave early in the morning and include other sightseeing stops en route.
...MoreChichen Itza and Tulum are both ancient Maya sites, but the similarities stop there. The UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza has a towering pyramid, ball court, and other major buildings pointing to the city’s importance. While beachside Tulum is much smaller, its compact temples have the turquoise-blue ocean for a scenic backdrop.
...MoreYes, it’s worth seeing Chichen Itza. The UNESCO-listed archeological site is among the most impressive remnants of the ancient Maya world, with a massive pyramid, observatory, ball court, and other structures. It’s popular and can be crowded, but it’s famous for a reason: Chichen Itza is remarkably well-preserved and very impressive.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 117 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 5,342 |
Number of Reviews | 171,996 |
Currency | MXN |
EN
