FEB 22, 2024 /TRAVEL, NORTH AMERICA, MEXICO

DISCOVER THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

Embark on a journey to the Yucatan Peninsula, where the past and present blend seamlessly beneath the Mexican sun. This enchanting region, a canvas of rich histories, natural splendors, and cultural vibrancy, invites the curious traveler to delve into its mysteries. From the majestic ruins of ancient civilizations to the tranquil azure waters of the Caribbean, the Yucatan offers an array of experiences that awaken the senses and captivate the soul. Whether you’re drawn by the call of adventure, the pursuit of relaxation, or the quest for culinary delights, this guide will navigate you through the Peninsula’s most cherished gems. Let’s uncover the allure of Chichen-Itza, the colonial elegance of Valladolid, the mystical allure of Cenote Suytun, the ancient seaside beauty of Tulum, the lively ambiance of Playa del Carmen, and the underwater paradise of Isla Cozumel.

Some general information & tips:

  • The official language in Mexico is Spanish. English is not widely spoken and sometimes you might have a bit of a trouble with communications.
  • The currency is Mexican Peso, 1 US$ is 17 MXP. Most places accept cards however make sure to bring cash with you as some places like street food trucks, small stores, taxis and parking is cash only. Wherever you can pay with card.
  • Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions are generally safe to visit, however it’s wise to practice common safety measures. Keep valuables secure, be cautious at night, and stay informed about your surroundings.
  • Haggling is common in markets. Polite negotiation can result in good deals.
  • Some countries need a visa for Mexico. However, if you have a valid visa for the USA, Canda, UK or the Schengen zone you will most likely not need a visa. However, check this information with your local Mexican embassy.
  • The best way to get around the Yucatan Peninsula is with a car. For getting to the nearby islands the options are ferry or private boat charter.

Getting to Yucatan Peninsula

The easiest way to get to Yucatan Peninsula is flying to Cancun International Airport. Or as of 2024 they opened an airport in Tulum, however as of now only Aero Mexico operates on this airport.

Depending on where you staying during your trip will determine how to get from one place to another. For popular spots such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen you have shuttle buses that are

Depending to what is your final destination you have a few options to get there from Cancun airport

  1. Taxi- this is the most expensive option, prices start from $50 and can up to a couple hundreds.
  2. Rental car- if you are planning to stay in Yucatan area longer and explore the area then your best option would be car rental. Depending which period you visit Mexico will determine the price of the rental. For example, during my stay (NYE period) we paid $850 for 10 days for the cheapest car (it was also manual), this was with insurance. The company we used is called Easy Car (avoid chain rentals like Sixth, Hertz, Avis etc.). All of the rental companies will rip you off that is for sure. Based on online research this company seemed to be ripping off the least, so we went with them.
  3. Public transport- there are shuttles that take you to some of the more popular spots like Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen this is the cheapest option.
  4. If you are staying at some of the islands then you would need to get a ferry or boat charter from the mainland. There are multiple ferry companies operating on different islands so check online.

Best time ti visit:

Yucatan Peninsula has tropical climate making it an ideal year-round destination. However, the dry season from November to April offers pleasant weather. I highly recommend planning your visit during this period to make the most of your trip.

Now let’s get down to what are places worth seeing. These are just a few of the places I managed to visit during my trip. The Yucatan Peninsula is huge and there are dozens of things to see and do (hopefully will visit some more on my next trip).

Chichen-Itza: A Portal to the Ancient Mayan Universe- Amidst the dense jungle lies Chichen-Itza, a testament to the astronomical precision and architectural genius of the Mayan civilization. The site is anchored by the iconic El Castillo, a pyramid that captures the interplay of light and shadow during the equinoxes.

  • Why Visit: To stand where priests and astronomers once mapped the cosmos, offering a rare glimpse into the Mayan psyche.
  • Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM daily, check website for more accurate timings
  • Entrance Fee: Around $25 USD, additionally you can hire a tour guide to give you a tour of the sight it will cost between 50-70$
  • Tips: Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early. Hire a guide to explain to you everything, there is not much explained there so it’s best to have a guide.

Valladolid: The Heartbeat of the Yucatan- a city where time moves at the pace of horse-drawn carriages, enchants visitors with its colonial architecture and hidden cenotes. The Cenote Zaci, a mere stone’s throw from the city center, offers a cool respite from the tropical warmth.

  • Why Visit: For a taste of Yucatecan life, where every corner tells a story and every meal is a celebration.
  • Tips: As dusk falls, the streets come alive. Join the locals in their evening stroll and savor the flavors of Yucatan at a street-side eatery.

Cenote Suytun- Venture into the heart of the earth at Cenote Suytun, where sunlight filters through a natural skylight, illuminating the clear waters below in a celestial beam.

  • Why Visit: For a moment of tranquility in nature’s cathedral, where the play of light and water creates a mystical tableau.
  • Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, with the sun casting its best light around noon.
  • Entrance Fee: $10 USD for an ethereal swim in nature’s embrace.
  • Tips: Time your visit for when the sun is high, and the light beam transforms the cenote into a gateway to another world. I would say this cenote is pretty epic for photos as for swimming I think there are far better cenotes in the area. Something to note the photos from Suytun are heavily edited, the water is not that blue in real life nor are the rocks illuminated like that.

Tulum- perched on the edge of a cliff, offers a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, its ancient ruins a silent testament to a civilization that valued harmony with nature. You can read my detailed Tulum guide here.

  • Why Visit: For the surreal experience of exploring a fortress by the sea, where history and natural beauty converge. Amazing beach bars and world famous parties.
  • Tips: Pack sunscreen and water for your adventure among the ruins, plan a beach day at one of the beach bars and if you have time visit some of the nearby cenotes.

Playa del Carmen- with its bustling Fifth Avenue, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife, is a cosmopolitan oasis on the shores of the Caribbean.

  • Why Visit: For a taste of the good life, where world-class shopping meets beachside relaxation and culinary adventure.
  • Tips: great day trip idea to walk around the town and enjoy some of the nearby beaches. Ferries for certain island depart from here so you can come a few hours earlier than your ferry and enjoy the city.

Isla Cozumel- an island where the coral reefs teem with life, offers a serene escape from the world above, its clear waters a window to an underwater wonderland.

  • Why Visit: For the diver and snorkeler, Cozumel is a pilgrimage site, a place where the beauty of the ocean is unveiled in its full glory.
  • How to get there: There are 2 ferry companies that operate the route Playa del Carmen- Cozumel one is called Ultramar and the other Winjet. Ticket price for one way is around $16. Purchase directly from the ferry operators (offices right next to the ferry terminal) there are a lot of sellers that claim they are the official ones but sell the tickets for $20.
  • Tips: If you go on a day trip book a snorkeling tour with a boat, that is the best way to go snorkeling. We made the mistake of just going to the beach and renting equipment and we didn’t see anything underwater. The best snorkeling spot is El Cielito but it can only be reached via boat.

These are all the places I managed to visit during my trip. As I said at the beginning of this post the Yucatan peninsula has so much to offer. Places that are on my wish list for next time are: Lake Bacalar, Merida, Coba Ruins, Gran Cenote, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka’an. 

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