Things to do in Yucatán

In this guide, you'll find all the information you need to plan a vacation trip to this amazing region.

Why travel to Yucatán?

When you think about heading to Yucatán, you picture checking out its ancient ruins, wandering around Mérida, and maybe even taking a refreshing dip in one of its cenotes. But there's so much more to Yucatán than just that. It's the heartland of the Maya, where history meets breathtaking natural beauty, making it a place that's as real as it is magical, bursting with vivid colors.
This place is packed with cool stuff to do, from exploring ancient sites to chilling on beaches, getting lost in mangroves, and diving into enchanting cenotes. and in this section, you'll find more details about each of them.

Read more

Things to do and see in Yucatán

Traveling to Yucatán offers a rich blend of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, ancient Mayan ruins, and unique natural wonders like cenotes and lush jungles.

How to get to Yucatán

  • Flights to Yucatán
  • Take a bus
  • Drive yourself
  • Guided tours
  • Taxis and ride-Sharing
  • Biking and walking

The easiest way to get to Yucatán is by plane. Fortunately, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport handles national and  international flights - from many states from the USA for example.

Read more

ADO buses offer reliable and affordable intercity transportation between major cities and towns. Local colectivos (shared vans) are another budget-friendly option for short distances.

Read more

Renting a car provides flexibility and allows you to explore remote areas at your own pace. Major cities like Mérida have well-developed road networks.

Read more

Joining guided tours is convenient for visiting popular attractions and includes transportation, guides, and sometimes meals.

Read more

Taxis are readily available in urban areas, while ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in some cities.

Read more

Exploring on foot or by bicycle is a great way to experience smaller towns and natural areas, especially in places like Valladolid.

Read more
Explore the benefits of visiting Mexico all year round
Mexico in -
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
DEC

Start the year off by exploring the ancient Mayan ruins without the sweltering heat. January offers pleasant weather for visiting sites like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.

Read more

Dive into the vibrant cultural scene of Mérida during the Mérida Carnaval, one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in Mexico, featuring parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes.

Read more

Experience the spring equinox at Chichén Itzá , where you can witness the fascinating phenomenon of the serpent-shaped shadow that appears on the steps of the El Castillo pyramid during sunset.

Read more

Enjoy the beautiful weather and blooming nature by exploring the natural wonders of Yucatán, including the stunning cenotes and biosphere reserves like Celestún and Ría Lagartos.

Read more

Immerse yourself in the local culture during the annual Feria de las Flores in Valladolid, where you can enjoy floral displays, traditional dances, live music, and delicious Yucatecan cuisine.

Read more

Beat the crowds and take advantage of lower prices during the shoulder season. June still offers warm weather ideal for beach activities and exploring archaeological sites.

Read more

July is an excellent time to visit Yucatán for its vibrant cultural festivals and events. In addition to enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, you can also immerse yourself in the local culture by attending the Festival Internacional de la Cultura Maya (International Festival of Maya Culture) held in Mérida.

Read more

Experience the unique tradition of the Hanal Pixán (Day of the Dead) celebrations in August, where you can witness colorful altars, traditional rituals, and culinary delights honoring deceased loved ones.

Read more

Discover the culinary delights of Yucatán during the Festival de la Cultura del Mayab in Mérida, celebrating the region's rich gastronomic heritage with food tastings, cooking workshops, and cultural events.

Read more

Explore the ancient Maya city of Ek Balam and its impressive Acropolis, surrounded by lush jungle foliage and offering stunning views from the top of the pyramid.

Read more

Witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of pink flamingos gathering at the Celestún Biosphere Reserve as they migrate south for the winter.

Read more

Celebrate the holiday season in Yucatán with festive decorations, traditional Posadas, and delicious holiday treats like pan de cazón and buñuelos, all amidst the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the region.

Read more
More of Mexico in -

What's the best time to visit Yucatán

In Yucatán, there's always something exciting happening each month of the year.

Read more
Our local guides take on the best time a year to visit Mexico

Safety information when visiting Yucatán

Before going on vacation to Mexico, most of the tourists ask the same question:  Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The answer is yes, you can visit most of the states without a problem, and Yucatán is no exception. This region thrives on tourism, so the locals will want you to have the best experience possible. But like any other place, there are some precautions you should take.

01. Stay Informed
02. Secure your belongings
03. Stay hydrated
04. Avoid drinking tap water
05. Watch Your Step

Where to Stay in Yucatán

Staying in Mérida, which is at the center of the Yucatán, is the general rule. From there, you can drive to various traveler sites and plan day tours or full-day adventures to explore the surrounding Mayan ruins, cenotes, and charming colonial towns.

Depending on the number of days you want to spend in Yucatán, our travel experts will tell you the best places to stay. Let us be your DMC in Mexico!

Yucatán Itineraries
examples

Here, we will show a list of itineraries in Yucatán created by Rutopía travel agents:

View All Itineraries

FAQs & things to know about Yucatán

The Yucatán is known for its ancient Mayan ruins such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, stunning cenotes, vibrant colonial cities like Mérida, rich cultural heritage, beautiful Caribbean beaches, and diverse wildlife in its jungles and biosphere reserves.

01. How do you pronounce Yucatán?
02. What should I pack for Yucatán?
03. How many days should I stay in Yucatán?
04. What is Yucatán Known for?
05. Is Yucatán safe for tourists?

Meet our travel expert guides and agents

Who made this possible

René Rodarte (Garuda)
Garuda
Expert in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Yucatan Peninsula and family tours

Mexican who holds a deep love for travel, values environmental awareness, and seeks to glean knowledge from diverse global cultures. He firmly endorses travel as a means of fostering positive personal growth and development. Recognizing that his homeland ranks among the world's top tourist destinations, he’s dedicated to ensuring that every visitor enjoys the most exceptional experience possible.

Read more
Leo Mallet
Leo
Specialist in the Yucatan Peninsula, Morelia and Chiapas, expert in group trips

French-born living in Mexico who enjoys sharing his passion for this wonderful country with you through its various aspects: its archaeological temples, numerous museums, nature outings by the sea or in the jungle, the diversity of its cuisine, and the richness of the local communities with whom we are fortunate to work.

Read more
Andrea Gramai
Andrea
Riviera Maya expert, couples and family tours

Residing in Cancun, he has had the privilege of embarking on comprehensive tours of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as exploring portions of Chiapas and Mexico City. With over fifteen years of global travel and work experience, his heart was captured by Mexico a few years ago. As a seasoned travel consultant, he excels in crafting custom itineraries for some of the world's most exclusive destinations, with a particular expertise in this fantastic country. Andrea is here to provide his expertise and support for travelers' needs.

Read more
Karen Quintero
Karen
Central Mexico and Oaxaca Coast specialist, focusing on couples

A proud Mexican hailing from the small city of Tlaxcala. Over the past four years, she has been dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes of Mexico and has developed a profound appreciation for the authentic Mexico she has come to adore. It's a Mexico brimming with culture, natural wonders, and warm-hearted people. What sets her apart is her commitment to traveling with a positive impact and forging meaningful connections. Karen is eager to share her wealth of experiences and knowledge to assist you in crafting an authentic journey through Mexico that reflects her passion and values.

Read more
Lauren Nadot
Lauren
Central and South East Mexico expert. Luxury and group trips

French-born living in Mexico, with 12 years of experience in tourism, specializing in crafting off-the-beaten-path adventures in Mexico. With a deep passion for exploration and a profound love for the country. She takes travelers on a journey beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Her unique itineraries unveil the hidden gems of Mexico, showcasing its lesser-known archaeological wonders, secluded natural wonders, and vibrant local cultures.

Read more
Lisa Brissac
Lisa
Specialist in Central Mexico, Oaxaca Coast and Chiapas, ideal for young or older couples, honeymoons and ecotourism

A French-born but Mexican at heart, and she will be your local specialist for your trip. "Mucho gusto!" as they say here! Since living in Mexico, she has had the opportunity to explore magical villages, local customs, sandy beaches, and has fallen in love with its aromas and colors. What a joy to know that you have chosen to discover the diverse ancestral culture of this multifaceted country!

Read more
Daniela Herrera
Daniela
Attends English and Italian-speaking travelers

Daniela has always felt a great fascination for exploring the world since she was a young. She has a strong passion for traveling, and for the past few years, she has been living in Mérida, a city that has allowed her to explore the wonderful Yucatan Peninsula with its natural and cultural marvels. As a travel specialist, Daniela is dedicated to meticulously planning completely personalized travel itineraries, enabling travelers to discover Mexico in an authentic way, ensuring unforgettable experiences.

Read more
Diego Olivares
Diego
Expert in the Yucatan Peninsula and tours for groups of friends

Proudly Mexican and having immersed himself in the heart of Mexico's diverse regions, he curates experiences that allow you to venture off the tourist trail and discover the authentic essence of the country. From exploring ancient ruins tucked away in remote jungles to savoring the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine in local markets, his alternative routes promise a deeper, more meaningful connection to Mexico's beauty and heritage.

Read more
Leslie Mercier
Leslie M
Attends French-speaking travelers

A French-born and an adoptive Mexican. She’ll be glad to introduce you to this fabulous country, Mexico, its beaches, its must-visit archaeological sites, its cuisine, and the various local communities with which she collaborates. Living in Playa del Carmen, she has had the opportunity to travel all around the Yucatan Peninsula and also to visit parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. She enjoys engaging with locals, getting lost in villages, and discovering the best restaurants!

Read more
Pauline Nourtier
Pauline
Expert in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas, luxury ecotourism and group trips

French-born living in Mexico, she’ll help you embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure, uncovering the treasures of Mexico that often go unnoticed by conventional travelers. Get ready to embrace the magic of Mexico in a whole new light, with a passionate travel specialist who knows how to make your journey truly unforgettable.

Read more
Leslie Pérez
Leslie
Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas expert, caters for all types of travellers

She takes great pride in her Mexican heritage and possesses an unbridled passion for travel. With the privilege of having visited 25 different countries, her recent four-year focus has been on uncovering and revealing the concealed gems within her beloved Mexico. Her personal interests are deeply rooted in learning about the ancient history and culture of her homeland, serving as a way to connect with her heritage. Her ideal travel experiences encompass a harmonious blend of outdoor adventures, be it in the mountains or by the beach, coupled with the exploration of cities and towns rich in cultural treasures.

Read more
Join us on this
journey
Plan your trip with us
Brand logo: Orange version
Please, fill the information below
1

* Please note that by providing your email address, you consent to being promptly contacted by a member of our team.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
-->