Yucatan Peninsula

Travel Guide
Las Perlas Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes
Scenic sandy beaches and cenote water holes frame the pre-Columbian Mayan cities and colonial city centers of this diverse region.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a large strip of land that juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Comprising three Mexican states and skirting the borders of Belize and Guatemala, this diverse area is packed with stunning resort towns, breathtaking natural wonders and historic Mayan ruins. Visit the Yucatán Peninsula to learn about fascinating indigenous people between trips to the cenotes and beaches.

Cancun is an iconic destination in Quintana Roo whose Zona Hotelera is packed with deluxe hotels and spas. Drive along the central Boulevard Kukulcán and stop at upscale malls, such as the Kukulcán Plaza and La Isla shopping malls. Bring your family to relax on the white sandy strands of Playa Linda, Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool.

Explore the history of the region’s indigenous people at El Rey Archaeological Zone. A little inland, find the fascinating ruins of Chichén Itzá, a pre-Columbian city. Study the various preserved sculptures and the majestic main temple.

Back on the coast, enjoy the stylish hotels and picturesque beaches of Playa del Carmen. Dive into the region’s myriad cenotes, which are otherworldly water holes in caves.

Head south along the coast for Tulum, a fortified Mayan town and vacation resort. Study the stucco reliefs in the Temple of the Frescoes and gaze up at the cliff-top Castillo.

Farther west is the city of Mérida, which fuses Mayan traditions with Spanish colonial architecture. Its Centro district has a range of museums on the region’s art, history and culture. Edging the state’s southern border is Campeche, whose namesake city is known for its remarkable colonial baroque layout.

The cape is made up of the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán, in the northeastern corner of Mexico. Fly to the airports of Cancún, Cozumel or Mérida and travel around via tour buses and public colectivos. While in this part of the country, consider visiting Belize or Guatemala as well.

Where to stay in Yucatan Peninsula

Escenica Tower which includes a beach, a luxury hotel or resort and general coastal views

Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(19,550 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by La Isla Shopping Mall or Delfines Beach while you're exploring the area.

Zona Hotelera
Hotel Zone which includes a pool and a luxury hotel or resort as well as a small group of people

Punta Cancun

If you're spending some time in Punta Cancun, Forum Beach and Chac Mool Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Punta Cancun
Default Image

Playa Mujeres

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Playa Mujeres. Make a stop by Playa Mujeres Golf Club or Mujeres Beach while you're exploring the area.

Playa Mujeres
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(115 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
Mexico and Central America which includes music, nightlife and night scenes

Downtown Cancun

4/5(767 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
Tulum Mayan Ruins which includes a ruin

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tulum Beach and Tulum Mayan Ruins, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tulum.

Zona Hotelera
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is ¥35,063 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥35,063
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,130 reviews)
"Enjoyed how close it was to Xcaret parl"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
4.5 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
The price is ¥58,929 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥58,929
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (728 reviews)
"Samuel and Pedro were excellent at the pool with their service for drinks and any other needs!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Boulevard Kukulcan km 12, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,560 reviews)
"This place was great, clean, trust worthy, friendly & beautiful"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Riu Palace Kukulkan - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
3.5 out of 5
Playa del Carmen
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Xcaret Eco Theme Park ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,025 reviews)
".. most of the staff were very pleasant and easy to deal with. .. the location was very close to the beach and the neighborhood not threading and welcoming. .. a blessed place to visit playa del Carmen from."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Km. 1.5 Carretera a Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.6/10 (1,221 reviews)
"The food was good but the hours are so limited, and snacks so poor just hamburgers and hot dogs."

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2024

All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park - All Inclusive
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
3.5 out of 5
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 8.5, Cancun, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cancun. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,297 reviews)
"Nice and quiet with a great beach. No problem getting loungers by the pool or palapa at the beach."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Yucatan Peninsula