From white-sand beaches to spectacular Mayan ruins and crystal-clear cenotes, this guide will tell you all about the best places in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. 

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Yucatán Peninsula

Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico

Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico

Campeche, Mexico

Chichén-Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico

Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico

Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico

Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Your perfect Yucatan itinerary 

Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico comprised of three states: Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche. 

In this guide, you will find my top places for your Yucatan itinerary. I've visited the region mnay times, and love helping fellow travelers plan their itineraries around Mexico! 

Most vtravelers begin their Yucatan Itinerary after landing at Cancun International Airport. Cancun is a perfect starting point for your trip, if you are new to the region, and want to enjoy famous white-sand beaches and explore some cool restaurants. 

If you have limited time, I recommend only a few days in Canun, because there's way to many things to see in the region.

One of the most popular destinations in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is a can't miss spot on your Yucatan itinerary. 

Some of the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum are Cenote Escondido, Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera and Cenote Car Wash. 

I suggest at least 3 days in Tulum, so you can enjoy the beaches, explore the culture and take at least one day trip to popular places like Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Valladolid, or Coba.

Tulum is known for its gorgeous beaches, Mayan rruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and amazing cenotes - sinkholes where you can swim, snorkel and even dive.

A popular pueblo magico, Valladolid is a great day trip to Tulum, and you can get here by taking a bus from Tulum ADO bus station. Valladolid is a colinial town where you can learn the history of Yucatan, swim in cenotes and enjoy local Yucatec cuisine. 

Valladolid is also a popular starting point for visiting Chichen Itza Ruins and the Yellow City Izamal, which is famous for its yellow-colored archtecture.

Merida is a capital of the Yucatan State and the largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula. Merida is famous for its Mayan heritage, cosmopolitan flair and rich cultural heritage.

In Merida, you can visit many museums like El Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya, Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Fernando Garcia Ponce. 

If you are visiting Merida for the first time, make sure to spend at least a few days there, as the city has a lot to offer and is considered a cultural hub of the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Celestun is a small fishing village in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula that's gateway to Celestun Biosphere Reserve where you can spot gorgeous flamingos, herons and pelicans. Many visitors come to Celestun on a day trip from Merida, and you can arrange a tour of this area with one of the tour agencies in the city. 

Uxmal is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Yucatan and a perfect day trip from Merida, if you need a break from big city. It's a wonderful destination that sees fewer tourists and is also convenient stop if you are traveling from Merida to Campeche, a hidden gem of the Yucatan Peninsula. 

- Take a day trip to Sian Ka'an - One of the largest Biosphere Reserves in Mexico where you can spot dolphins, manatees, crocodiles and all kinds of birds. It's also a popular spot for snorkeling thanks to its location near the second largest barrier reef in the world.

- Take a day trip to Coba - Coba ruins are my favorite ruins in Yucatan that are under 1 hour away from Tulum. Unlike Tulum ruins and Chichen Itza, Coba has a nice tranquil feel to it, and have plenty of shade, so you don't have to bake in the sun. 

Holbox is the island off the northern coast of Yucatan Peninsula that's known for its gorgeous sunsets, spectacular beaches and wlidlife. Holbox is easily reached from Valladolid, as you can take public transortation to get to the ferry terminal from where you can catch a boat to the island.

- Visit cenotes - While staying in Tulum, you should visit at least a few cenotes. I recommend renting a car, but you can also take a taxi or ride a bike, espeically if you plan to visit the closest cenotes to Tulum.

Another popular day trip from Valladolid are the Ek Balam ruins which also have a small cenote where you can take a refreshing swim after touring the archaeological area. 

Remember that you need to pay in cash just like for any other ruins in Mexico. 

Campeche is a hidden gem of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a must on your Yucatan itinerary, if you want to discover a cool place before it becomes popular. Campeche offers plenty of histry, some of the most underrated beaches in Yucatan, and none of the crowds of Cancun or Tulum.

It's a perfect place to discover the best of Yucatan without paying high prices and having to deal with the crowds. 

If you are traveling to Tulum, don't forget to visit the best Tulum restaurants where you can try everything from Mexican food to international dishes.

Your perfect Yucatan itinerary

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