A local's guide to Yucatán

A guide to Yucatán

Main Airports

Manuel Crescencio Rejón Airport (MID) from Mérida

Cancun International Airport (CUN) from Cancún

Getting Around - Recommended Transportation

There are quite a few ways to get from the airport to your destination. 

If arriving in Cancun, buying an ADO bus ticket is the best way to move into Yucatan without renting a car. You'll find plenty of counters when at the airport. These buses will take you to your destination in the cities of Mérida or Valladolid.

If arriving in Mérida, there are more options to pick from if you are staying in the city. Know that only airport-licensed taxis are allowed to pick up directly from the airport. If you wish to use an online platform lift service, you must walk for 10 minutes from the airport area. Additionally, there is the Va-Y-Ven Bus service for 45 pesos, which you can buy from the ADO stand inside and use for transport to other locations. If you are staying at any other location, the best and fastest way to arrive would be to arrange private transportation. 

From there, tours are an option to see the many places in this guide. You won't have to worry about transportation to the place you wish to visit, and sometimes, it will include things like food, entrance fees, or guides. However, keep in mind this is the most expensive option. 

I strongly recommend renting a car when visiting Yucatan, even more so if you want to explore the locations in this guide, as they are outside Mérida. A car provides better freedom to spend time in various places as you please, and it often can be cheaper than seeing the State with a tour, mainly if more than two people are part of the trip. You can obtain a rental for good prices at various places. 

Gas stations are widely spaced across the state, making it simple to pump gas. In addition, you can always find someone to do the pumping for you. You must specify the type of gas and the amount of money you want to add. Cash is a safer option for paying, although most stations in the city of Mérida take both cards and cash.

Weather

The climate in Yucatán can be difficult to put up with, especially if you are not used to experiencing strong heat. It can be hot and humid year-round, proving a challenge even for locals. At its highest, it reaches temperatures of around 42º C or 107º F. It never really gets cold, at most a little windy towards the end of the year, with the lowest temperatures at around 16 ºC or 60 ºF. 

It is notably warm around May, June, and July. This time also happens to be the beginning of the rainy season, which runs along the Hurricane season into November. However, it is becoming more common for rain to strike at any given month of the year.   

What to wear

I would always recommend wearing light and comfortable clothing when visiting, something that can help you withstand the heat but also block sunlight shining directly at you in the best way possible. Any kind of hat is of great use, for that matter. Sunblock is a great help, whenever possible (Check the guidelines for visiting a cenote). I usually wear a light long-sleeve and shorts when visiting most of these attractions, as I have relatively sensitive skin. 

Regarding footwear, unless going to the beach, I advise against using shoes that might be taken off easily, like flip-flops. Other types of shoes are needed for exploring the rest of the State. Sandals are fine as long as they don't come off quickly.

Tipping

Most restaurants and bars expect a 10% to 15% tip on the bill. Depending on the service provided, a tip of between 100 and 250 pesos is recommended for drivers and guides. You can always add more if you think the attention given is worth it. It is important to remember that tipping is not mandatory, so it is not a problem if you have no money to give, but know that for many cases it is expected and commonplace in Mexico. 

Safety

Merida and the state of Yucatan are often considered the safest in the whole country of Mexico. Having lived here, I have never experienced a situation that made me feel unsafe. However, as with any other place, you must be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure safety. You can walk in any tourist area anytime, and you should encounter no problems.  

Tours you might take

Although an expensive option, tours might be a great alternative if what you want is just to sit back and enjoy all Yucatán has to offer without having to worry. Always ask your hotel if any tour choices are available; sometimes, they can offer you a better bargain or a discount.

Beaches & Manglars

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Parador Turístico Celestún

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This is my favorite place to watch flamingos, the high season for it being from November to March. There are different boat tours at different price points according to the duration. The start point for the boat tours is next to the entrance bridge to the town of Celestún. They all include looking for the pink birds and visiting the local "Ojo de Agua" for a quick dip in the water. It is a really enjoyable experience, at least it has always been for me, as I love feeling the sea breeze. A must for birdwatchers, you can observe flamingos, herons, other birds, and crocodiles. You also get to know the mangroves of Yucatan. Wear a swimsuit, sunblock or other protection from the sun, bring some money and you are ready for a great experience.

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Isla Columpios

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This one is a rather new attraction in the town of Chuburna. It is fun, especially for groups. You arrive at the town's small port for a small boat to take you to two different islands between the mangroves. Depending on the tide and the time of the day, the islands will be covered or not by water. Either way, the place is great for activities such as kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the swings and hammocks. The second island you visit includes a private table for your party, for which I recommend taking some snacks and drinks to make the stay more enjoyable. Regardless, you can buy certain foods and drinks on both islands. The duration of the experience is up to you for a maximum of 4 to 5 hours; you pay the boat driver for each person in your party, and making a reservation is recommended. Take cash to pay both for the tour and anything extra you might want to buy on the small islands. It is located about one hour away from Merida's city center. Prepare as you normally would for a beach day, in regard to your clothes.

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Playa de Progreso

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Progreso is the largest coastal town in Yucatan. It is the place locals visit for a beach day; as such, it can get crowded during the weekends, especially during the months of July and August. While the beach might not be prettiest, there are plenty of activities and things to do. There are lots of restaurants and vendors along the boardwalk, a view of the longest pier in the world, and, of course, spaces to relax in the sand and swim in the sea.

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Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve

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Rio Lagartos is one of the two main places to observe Yucatan flamingos. A small fishing town located in a nature reserve in the northeastern part of the state, you can find plenty of options to visit the beautiful natural scenery. You do so in simple fishing boats, which you can hire directly or through a tour agency. The visit to the site normally includes looking for flamingos and other birds and a quick dip in the local waterhole in between the mangroves.

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Las Coloradas Parque Turistico

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Las Coloradas are a group of salt-producing pools that acquire different colors, famous for when they are pink. The location is far from Merida but is worth a visit if you are in the eastern part of Yucatan. It operates both as a tourist park and an active salt-producing plant, everything being privately owned. You can visit in three different ways: on foot, by bus or by bicycle. They each have a cost ranging from 270 to 670 pesos. The place is mainly for taking pictures and admiring the impressive colors as you cannot swim in the pools; however, there is a beach close enough to visit when you are done. If you decide to go, remember that the pools do not always have the pink colors for which they are famous.

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Eat

Los Pampanos

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This is my favorite seafood restaurant in the state. It greatly represents Yucatan's seafood cuisine, with ceviches, cocktails, and specialties. The vibe is casual and relaxed, with half the restaurant being a palapa right on the sand. You can easily grab some food and enjoy the beach. Do not miss the fried octopus ceviche, the seafood stuffed fish filet, the blue crab cocktails, and, when in season, the stone crab. Prices for most things are between 150 and 250 pesos.

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Remos Restaurant

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If you don't mind not being right on the beach and are looking for a casual place to eat in Progreso, Remos it is. The restaurant is located at the town entrance, next to the rowing track, and offers good food at good prices. The price range is between 150 and 250 per dish. Some specialty recommendations are trying out the squid in its ink or in cream, the whole fried fish, the conch, or the escabeche octopus. Regardless, they have all the classics like a variety of ceviches.

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Crabster Seafood & Grill

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Crabster is an upscale version of a restaurant on the Progreso Boardwalk compared to others. As such, prices are slightly higher, but the quality of the food and service make up for it. The offer of food is also different. They have a mixture of more international and Mexican dishes along with the Yucatecan classics and their own creations. Try out the aguachile verde, the poc chuc octopus, or the seafood soup. If in a group, you can order the Tikin Xic fish, a really traditional way of preparing a whole fish with an annatto seed and orange marinade that might be harder to find in other places.

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Sleep

Xixim Mundo Imperial

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Xixim has recently been renovated and reopened. The new experience intends to keep the comfortable, luxurious feel while also allowing for a deeper connection with nature as a new focus of the hotel is reinforcing its whole ecotourism and sustainability character. The facilities have many small corners where you can find yourself relaxing. Be at the beach, the pool, or between nature. All the rooms are spacious and have a private terrace and air conditioning to help you beat the heat. The renovation also included growing the offer of wellness experiences and bringing them to the center of a stay at the hotel. They are designed to facilitate self-knowledge and personal exploration through myriad activities.

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TecnoHotel Beach

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TechnoHotel Beach has a very familiar feel for me. Its location among the unending row of houses locals use to vacation during summer makes it distinctive. It is as if you were coming to spend time at your Yucatan beach house. The hotel is laid back and simple but comfortable enough. It is not luxurious, but you still have a pool, a bar, and a beach area. You can opt to rent a kayak or enjoy their spa. The rooms are a good size, with internet and air conditioning, for a reasonable price. If what you want is to enjoy the beach as a local, this is my best guess as to how to do that.

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Ruta Puuc

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Archaeological Site of Uxmal

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Uxmal is one of the two greatest Mayan city ruins in the state. Located between one hour and one hour and a half from Merida, there are many who prefer visiting this wonderful city over making a longer trip to Chichen Itza. The archaeological site is located at the center of the Puuc region (mayan for "hill" or "chain of low mountains"). Uxmal and the other sites in the region are the pinnacles of late Maya art and architecture in their design, layout, and ornamentation, with the adequately named Puuc style describing those characteristics. Because of its importance, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uxmal was founded c. A.D. 700 and had some 25,000 inhabitants. Toward the 10th century A.D., it was mainly abandoned by its inhabitants. Some of the most important buildings they left behind are the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, and the House of the Tortoises. You can get an impressive elevated view of the city from these last two. The price for visiting is 240 pesos for Mexican nationals and 531 pesos for people of other nationalities. You can hire a guide at the entrance. You will need at least 2 hours to visit the whole complex or see most of it. I'll recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the heat of later hours. I cannot recommend Uxmal enough if you are looking for a calm visit while enjoying your surroundings, ruins, and nature.

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Calcehtok Grottoes

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TEMPORARILY CLOSED. This is the most adventurous place you'll see in this guide. The caverns at Calcehtok are for those who don't mind getting dirty and enjoy outdoor activities. You arrive at the place and hire a guide for between 200 and 300 pesos per person. Most only speak Spanish, as the site is not visited, so have that in mind. Next, depending on the level selected, you will be given a headlamp and start entering the cave system. The route through the caves includes walking, crawling into tight spaces, and slight climbs while the guide explains the nature and the history surrounding you. You will admire the beauty of the location. Consider that there is no light but the ones you are provided down in the cave, that you must have a certain fitness level to complete the tour, and that you will get dirty as you crawl through the cave. Otherwise, it is a fun activity, especially in groups. It remains temporarily closed as floods from 2020 blocked specific paths and ways.

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Archeological Site of Kabah

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Kabah is the second-largest ruin complex in the Puuc region. The site is crossed by a highway, with places to visit on both sides. Most of what is now visible was built between the 7th century and 11th centuries in the Puuc style. Along Uxmal, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous structure at Kabah is the "Palace of the Masks," decorated with hundreds of masks of the long-nosed rain god Chaac; it is also known as the Codz Poop. A 20-minute drive from Uxmal, you'll find some services and guides at the site entrance. The entrance fee is 75 pesos. You will need between one hour and an hour and a half to visit the site.

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Archaeological Site of Sayil

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Deeper in the Puuc region is Sayil. An archeological site surrounded by nature, you will be in contact with the region's environment like in no other ruins. Another Puuc-style ruined city, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was mainly populated between the years 800 a 1000 A.D. until it entered into decline. The remains of the Palace of Sayil constitute its most important building. Located at its center, you will find winding paths leading you to other buildings in the middle of the natural scenery. It is only 10 minutes away from Kabah and 30 from Uxmal. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. You will find restrooms and other services at the entrance.

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Archaeological Site of Xlapak

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Xlapak is the smallest of the Puuc region archeological sites. It still includes a condensed version of the features of other Puuc-style remains, arches, Chaac masks, and highly decorated Mayan friezes. I will say the site is the least interesting among the ones in the nearby zone. However, if you only want a quick visit to other ruins to complete the day and enjoy doing that in nature while having a site all to yourself most of the time, this might be for you. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. You won't find much at the entrance but the ticket booth and the parking space.

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Archaeological Site of Labna

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Labna is the furthest from the region's sites. It is mainly famous and recognizable for its decorated gateway arch, three meters wide by six meters high, one of the main representative buildings of the Puuc style. The site was populated since 200 BC and reached its peak between the years 800 and 1000 A.D. The city extended over 2.2 km2 and housed just over 3,000 inhabitants. In it you can also admire the monuments called El Palacio and El Mirador, which is a temple at the top of a pyramid. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. Just like Sayil and Xlapak, it is not as visited as other sites, so there is a good chance you'll be one of the only visitors, if not the only. There are few services at the entrance. It is located 35 minutes away from Uxmal.

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Loltún Grottoes

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TEMPORARILY CLOSED. The Loltun Grottoes are the largest open-to-the-public caves in Yucatan. The main cave is about two kilometers in length. The name is Mayan for "Flower Stone". The cave contains paintings attributed to the Mayan civilization from the Late Preclassic Era. It is also the location of the earliest human occupation in the Yucatán Peninsula, from at least 10,000 years ago. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. Your visit to the site is through a guided tour, hearing stories about the cave's history, legends, and nature. It is not physically demanding, the route is walked, and besides some slippery places, there are only a few specific places where it might be a little more complicated to walk through. Apart from the natural openings providing sunlight, the route is artificially illuminated at several points. This allows visitors to admire different geological formations inside. It remains temporarily closed as floods from extraordinary rains in 2020 blocked specific paths and ways.

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Archaeological Site of Mayapan

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Mayapan is the most recent archeological site on the guide. It was the political and cultural capital of the Maya in the Yucatán Peninsula during the Late Post-Classic period from the 1220s until the 1440s. The city ruins are tightly packed inside a stone perimeter wall. It has over 4000 structures. In a relatively small space, temples, halls, oratories, shrines, sanctuaries, altars, and platforms allow you to see different types of buildings without the need to travel or even walk much. Sometimes, Mayapan is even considered to be a small version of Chichen Itza. I believe it to be a great place to visit as you can see many buildings, it is not packed with people, and you can even climb some buildings, something not as common anymore in other archeological zones. It is located under an hour away from Merida. The entrance fee is 70 pesos. You can find parking and restrooms at the entry gate.

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El Príncipe Tutul Xiu

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El Príncipe Tutul Xiu is located in the small town of Mani, a place full of history and a "Pueblo Magico". In the Mesoamerican postclassic period, it was the capital of the Mayan dynasty of the Tutul Xiúes, from where the restaurant gets its name. Mani is also famous as the location of the burning of codices and symbols of the Mayan gods by the first bishop of Yucatán, Diego de Landa, in the year 1562. The restaurant offers regional Yucatecan cuisine. It is one of the most traditional restaurants in the state. I grew up going whenever I visited the Puuc region. Standouts from the menu are the relleno negro, relleno blanco, and, most famously, their poc chuc. The dishes' price is between 80 and 150 pesos. Mani is their original location, but you can also find them in nearby towns such as Ticul and Oxkutzcab.

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Sleep

Hacienda Temozon, an IHG Hotel

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What I like about Hacienda Temozon is that it transports you back in history; all its facilities have a colonial flair that results in charming decoration and ambiance. Despite that, I also appreciate that the rooms have all modern conveniences simultaneously. The traditional tiling on the floors also gives me good memories of visiting another hacienda during my childhood. Another advantage is that the bathrooms are also pretty big and comfortable. The gardens, outside architecture, and swimming pool provide an elevated experience as they are among the most beautiful in Yucatecan haciendas. Relaxing in their pool is an excellent way to spend some time after a visit to nearby attractions. Their spa and restaurant are other great amenities, good places to enjoy a relaxing treatment or a meal with local and international ingredients. The hotel is located in a historic hacienda. The first settlement is from the year 1655, although it began to take its present appearance later on in the XIX century. The hacienda belonged to the governor of the state during the final years of that century. It was renovated in 1995.

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Destino Mío by AKEN Soul

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Destino Mío is a recently opened hotel and experience destination. They offer suites and glamping as options for a stay. The place is designed to work as a retreat site, with various experiences to make the stay more enjoyable. Their on-site restaurant combines local flavors and ingredients with international dishes while maintaining Yucatecan favorites. The facilities include the use of a private cenote, a watch tower, and a pool. Additionally, you visit their extensive property in an SUV vehicle. Their spa and wellness experience is vast. Massages, baths, rituals, temazcal, and meditations are part of their offer. All intended to generate healing and peace.

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Pueblos & Ruins

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Dzibilchaltún

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The closest archeological ruins to the city of Merida are just 30 minutes north. Dzibichaltun is one of the most important and restored sites in the state. The most famous building is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, named because of seven small figures discovered under the ruins of a later temple pyramid. You can observe the sunrise on the equinox through the temple's doorways. It can get very crowded by visitors at this time. The remains also include an open-air cenote and a colonial open chapel. Located next to the highway from Merida to Progreso, a visit can be combined with a day at the beach. At Dzibichaltun, you can find a site museum, guided tours, restrooms, a crafts store, and sales of reproductions, publications, and cultural products. The entrance fee is 269 pesos for foreign citizens and 174 pesos for Mexicans. Cash is recommended.

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Convento de San Antonio

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The Convent of San Antonio de Padua is located in Izamal. It was the fifth convent built in the current state of Yucatán between 1549 and 1561. The Franciscans founded the convent, headed by Fray Diego de Landa, and made it in place of the Pop-hol-Chac pyramid, whose stones were used as material for the new building. The rectangular central atrium has an area of 7,806.43 m², making it the largest closed atrium in America and the second largest in the world after St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The atrium has a total of 75 arches. The convent is the centerpiece of the town of Izamal, recognizable for its buildings painted in yellow. This makes it a popular spot for pictures. The atrium and the main church are open for free to visitors; remember to be respectful when entering the church as the convent still uses it.

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Chichén Itzá

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This is the most famous place in the whole state. The ruins of the city of Chichen Itza are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but the Temple of Kukulcán was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The first settlement, Chichen Itza, was founded in the Mayan Late Classic (c. AD 600–900). It later existed through the Terminal Classic (c. AD 800–900) and into the early part of the Postclassic period (c. AD 900–1200). The buildings at Chichen exhibit a variety of architectural styles. Local ones like the Puuc and Chenes are mixed with styles from the center of Mexico. That is most notable with the Toltec influences caused by the direct migration from these regions of the country. This makes the site unique, as nowhere else is this mixture as well represented. Some of the most famous buildings are the Caracol, a circular stellar observatory, El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulkan), the Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind, the Tzompantli or the Skull Wall, and the Temple of the Warriors within the Group of the Thousand Columns. A visit to Chichen Itza might seem mandatory when in Yucatan, but that is up to you to decide. Next is some important information for taking that decision. The site is packed with visitors almost daily; consider arriving as early as possible to make the most of your day. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to see the site, if not more; doing this under the sun and heat might be too hard if you are not used to it. The ruins are one hour and a half away from Merida. The entrance fee is 182 pesos for Mexicans and 524 pesos for foreign nationals. The entry gate has services, guides for hire, restrooms, and stores. One thing that is different from all other places is that vendors are allowed inside the premises of the ancient city. The reality is that prices are high, especially for tourists, and most souvenirs are not even close to being worth it. Even with that in mind, the monumental feel of the structures inside you can not get anywhere else in Yucatan is why you should visit.

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Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

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The Convent is one of the state's oldest and most important colonial complexes. It is located in the city of Valladolid. The battlements that crown the walls and the extended arches that recall medieval fortresses stand out from its exterior—a notable baroque altarpiece from inside. In the garden, there is a Cenote from which pre-Columbian and colonial pieces have been extracted and are now exhibited in the Convent. The park surrounding the complex is great for spending the afternoon in Valladolid. Plenty of coffee shops are nearby. The Friars' Causeway is also close by, a road that leads from the Convent to the city's central plaza and has many boutiques and restaurants.

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Archaeological Site of Ek Balam

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Ek Balam is a ruined Mayan city 30 minutes north of Valladolid. Its maximum development occurred during the Mayan Late to Terminal Classic (600-850 to 900 AD), as possibly the seat of the kingdom of "Tlalol". The entrance to this site, protected by two walls, begins with a magnificent Mayan arch, continuing with the buildings of the ceremonial center, the oval palace, and a good-sized Mayan ball game. When in Valladolid, is the ideal place to get to know other archeological sites besides Chichen Itza. Its monuments are also impressive, particularly as here is one of the tallest Mayan buildings visitors are allowed to climb up in the state of Yucatan. The entrance fees are 121 pesos for Mexicans and 441 for all other nationalities. You can find various services at the entry gate.

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Eat

Hacienda Teya

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Hacienda Teya was founded in 1683 as an agricultural and livestock ranch. Nowadays, it is perhaps the most famous restaurant in the state. The restaurant is recognized for serving exquisite Yucatecan cuisine, its green areas, and rooms for social events. You can try most of the Yucatecan specialties here. Queso relleno, Longaniza de Valladolid, Lime Soup, and the Papadzules are what I will recommend coming here for. The setting is casual, with plenty of space. Regardless, you can wait some time if you visit at lunch during peak season. Prepare to spend between 250 and 600 pesos per person, depending on your hunger.

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Pueblo Pibil

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While Tixkokob is a little town where not much happens, traveling here to taste what, in my opinion, is the best Yucatecan restaurant makes the trip worth it. Pueblo Pibil takes care of tradition. They prepare their food with local ingredients, cooking it underground for more than 15 hours in a fire lit with chukum and catzín wood, with oak and jabin leaves. More interestingly, you can make a reservation to watch as they pull out the food from the underground oven. The price might be high when compared to other restaurants, 150 to 500 pesos per dish. Regardless, for me, you won't find a better cochinita or relleno negro. If you visit on a Monday, do not miss the frijol con puerco. They also offer a few tasting menus for if you want to try as many of the delicacies of the local cuisine as you can.

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Doña Evelia Huevos Motuleños

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You will find Huevos Motuleños on the breakfast menu wherever you go in Yucatan. The dish consists of fried eggs atop tortillas, with additional black beans, red salsa, and cheese. Often you will find other ingredients such as ham, peas, plantains, and hot sauce. If you wish to experience this breakfast classic at its origins, there is no better place than the town's market from where it gets its name. Doña Evelia has been famously serving the dish for years. In a casual setting, you won't spend more than 120 pesos and you will leave feeling full. Bring cash to pay.

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Kinich

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When visiting Izamal, this is the place you want to go for food. Kinich prepares traditional Yucatecan food while polishing its techniques and presentations. The ambiance is simple yet elegant, white tablecloth under a palapa. I recommend the Venado Almendrado, venison in an almond sauce; the Sikil P'ak, the Venison Dzic, and the Queso Relleno. Otherwise, don't miss their locally inspired mixology, the perfect accompaniment to their food. You will spend between 300 and 800 pesos per person and can pay by card or cash.

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La Tía De Kaua

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The best Poc Chuc in Yucatan. That's it. If visiting Valladolid or staying there, you might want to pay this place a visit. La Tia de Kaua serves Poc Chuc, marinated pork meat in bitter orange, and handmade tortillas to perfection. The place is simple and you sit on plastic chairs under a palapa, but you don't need anything else. Their amazing food for a great price will get to you.

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Sleep

Hotel Kocai Izamal

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Kocai and its rooms are designed to resemble a traditional Mayan village with its houses while maintaining comfort. The hotel is located on the outskirts of the town of Izamal and is a great option if you want to experience life at a Yucatecan Pueblo. The architectural and decorative elements have been carefully selected to offer you an authentic cultural experience. The room is built with a Mayan style palm roof, with a hammock in each one. At the same time, comfort is not compromised as the rooms are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The hotel also offers use of an outdoors pool and a restaurant. Finally, Kocai offers various tours for visiting different sites in the state. Therefore, the hotel can function as base for exploring more of Yucatan.

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Hotel Mesón del Marqués

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The Meson del Marqués Hotel is one of the most traditional hotels in Valladolid. It is located next to the city's main square in an old mansion dating from the 17th century. The design of the hotel mixes colonial flare with modernity. There are plenty of amenities. 2 restaurants, a rooftop bar, 24-hour room service and reception, indoor parking, and wifi internet access. The restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Valladolid, extensive in Mexican and Yucatecan cuisines. If you visit, do not miss their Lomitos. As for location, you won't find a better one in Valladolid. Give this hotel a try, if you want to spend some comfy days in this city.

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Zenti'k Project

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Zenti'k is all about your experience while staying with them. The hotel is a garden surrounded by vegetation and art, with cabins decorated with Mexican motifs. You'll find the lobby, restaurant, and cafe in the biggest ones. A pool with plenty of spaces to rest is next to the cafe. Relaxation and wellness are a big selling point of the stay. It is an adult-only site to maintain that precise atmosphere. They offer yoga sessions, gong baths, and ceremonies along with their plentiful Mayan-inspired spa treatments. The most famous place in the hotel is their artificially heated underground pool cave. The water is at temperatures ranging between 34º to 37º centigrade. It is open 24 hours and is intended to have medicinal properties from the salts in it. I have been in it, and I really think I could spend hours just swimming and relaxing down there.

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Cenotes

This part of the list contains 5 good cenotes to visit, be it for the beauty of the cenote itself, the proximity to other attractions, or the entire infrastructure surrounding them. For a more comprehensive list, check out my free cenote-specific guide.  

Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché

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Mucuyche is the most expensive of the cenotes in Yucatan; it also has among the better, if not the best, facilities of all cenotes. Located at a former Hacienda Henequenera, your entrance fee is valid for two cenotes, a hacienda tour, and the surrounding area, including a pool. The first cenote, Cenote Carlota, is semi-open and has depths of up to 7 meters and crystal-clear waters. This cenote was enlarged through a connection to an artificial canal for which the place is famous; take the camera out. You enter the second cenote, Cenote Azul Maya, right as you exit the canal. It is a rather deep cenote, which has the particular detail of having its depths illuminated so you can see the bottom of the cenote. You are provided snorkel equipment to do so. While most cenotes you can expend a couple of hours of time at, you can make a day of a visit to Mucuyche. Other services include lockers, showers and restrooms, a restaurant, and the already mentioned pool, where you can relax after your cenote visit is over. The town of Mucuyche is an hour away from Merida, easily reachable from two different highways. The cost of visiting the cenote is 650 pesos. I advise making a reservation through their official sites.

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Cenotes Santa Bárbara

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Cenotes Santa Barbara is an excellent sample of the cenotes in Yucatan. It is located between Homun and Cuzama, two towns renowned for their cenotes. Here, one payment offers you access to 4 different cenotes, all differing in type. One fun part is that you can decide your transport for the visiting route around the cenotes. You can use a bike or jump on a Truc, a traditional rail cart pulled by a horse. You can spend as much time as you want in each cenote, but keep in mind that the place might be full of people depending on the hour. As the place expanded and its fame grew, it became a really visited place. Know that if you are looking for something off the beaten path, this is not it. One of the main reasons is the price. To get into four cenotes for under 250 is a deal. To have that and lunch for under 400 is just great. Their restaurant with regional cuisine has good quality from my previous visits, so it is a good option for right after when you are tired of swimming for most of the day.

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Cenote Zaci

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Cenote Zací is a semi-open cavern about 45 meters in diameter. The color of the water ranges from blue to slightly greenish. The most outstanding thing about this cenote is that, regardless of its size, it is located right in the city of Valladolid. The cave is impressive, which you can feel as you descend the staircase into the water. It offers broad space for swimming and various jumping points. However, following the rules and not jumping from restricted areas is essential. The place has restrooms, changing rooms, and a restaurant overlooking the cenote. Lifevests are available for rent. The price is accessible at 60 pesos, to be paid in cash. Cenote Zaci is a must to complete a visit to Valladolid, especially if doing so for the first time.

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Cenote Xcanahaltun

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Xcanahaltun is my personal favorite. It is a massive 90 m wide cenote with a dome full of stalagmites and stalactites. At the top is a hole where sunlight passes through, reflecting in the colorful water. To enter the cenote, you will have to walk about 50 meters. You descend through a hole in the ground with spiral-shaped stairs; after that, you go further down other stairs with breathtaking views of the place. Ultimately, you reach a platform through which you enter the water. The location is not among the most visited cenotes, so it won't be crowded when you call. It is about 40 minutes from Valladolid. The entrance fee is 175 pesos. You can also rent a kayak for an additional cost. There is a small restaurant, restrooms, and showers in the place.

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Cenote Yokdzonot

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An open cenote with tree roots hanging from the sides, it does not seem as if this cenote was in the middle of the small town where it is located. You need to go down some wood and stone stairs to get to the water. Additionally, you can rappel to descend or experience their zip line. Yokdzonot is an excellent option to visit a cenote after Chichen Itza, especially if you want to avoid the surely more packed Ik Kil cenote. It has amenities like showers, restrooms, parking, rest spaces, a small regional food restaurant, a swimming pool, and a camping area. The entrance fee is 100 pesos for Mexicans and 150 for foreigners.

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