Cancun is a renowned destination with a variety of attractions for travelers to experience. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the turquoise waters or visit Downtown Cancun for local cuisine and shopping.
Explore the historic city of Merida, called the "White City" for its buildings' white limestone façades. Visit the Plaza Grande, the grand central square of the city that houses the cathedral, the government palace, and the Casa Montejo. After that, take a refreshing dip in the Cenote Zaci, a popular swimming hole.
Chichen Itza is one of the most popular destinations in Yucatan. The ruins of an ancient Mayan city include a massive pyramid-like structure known as El Castillo, which dominates the 6.5 square kilometers of land. Here you can witness cultural richness and learn more about the Mayan civilization.
Nicknamed the "Yellow City," Izamal is known for its yellow buildings and colonial history. Visit the Monastery of San Antonio de Padua, built in the mid-1500s, and try the famous "Izamal-style" chicken as you explore the charming town.
Take a break from the historic sites with a beach day in Progreso, a beautiful port town in Yucatan. Here you can enjoy swimming, relaxing, and strolling down the charming boardwalk. You can also find some delicious seafood in local restaurants.
Head out of Progreso to Celestun and witness the serene beauty of the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Here you can see flamingos, sea turtles, and other wildlife on boat tours through the reserve. You can also visit the local fishing village and indulge in a fresh seafood feast.
Known for its beautiful location overlooking the Caribbean, Tulum is home to ancient ruins and stunning beaches. You can explore the famous Mayan ruins, relax on the beach or go for a swim before sunrise for a magical experience.
Visit Xcaret Park, a multipurpose natural park that highlights Mexico's cultural heritage and biodiversity. The park features a variety of attractions, including underground rivers, wildlife encounters, and performances.
Akumal is a small town known for its beautiful white-sand beaches rated as one of the best spots for snorkeling. Home to endangered green sea turtles, you can swim with these gentle creatures while enjoying a day of relaxation on the beach.
End your trip with a visit to the beautiful coastal town of Playa del Carmen. Relax on the beach, stroll through the charming shopping district of Quinta Avenida or visit neighboring Cozumel Island for a day trip.
The best way to get around Yucatan is by renting a car, it's a good idea to rent an SUV or all-terrain vehicle as some cities have unpaved roads. The cost for renting a car is $30-$60 per day, and gas is on average $0.81 (MXN 16) per liter. Alternatively, there will be plenty of taxi's and bus systems within each city but will be less flexible than have a rented vehicle.
If you have more than ten days, adding a day trip to Cozumel Island is a good idea. There you are able to snorkel, scuba dive, swim with dolphins and just relax on the beautiful beaches. For travelers with shorter stays, a good idea is to skip Celestun and head straight to Tulum.
Cancun International Airport is the most popular airport to land in. The airport code is CUN, and it's located 22 km south of Cancun city center.