4 Things to Do in Yucatán
The Yucatán Peninsula in south-eastern Mexico is a unique place. It comprises three Mexican states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. On the peninsula, you’ll find archaeological sites and historic towns, amongst other things. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to the Yucatán Peninsula and show you all there is to do.
Discover Yucatán’s natural beauty
Celestún
Celestún is a town on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Here you’ll find the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. The reserve covers over 147,000 hectares and is where the flamingos come to spend the winter. In addition, there are around 300 other bird species to be found, as well as reptiles such as crocodiles, snakes and turtles. An ideal way to discover all this flora and fauna is to take a boat trip through the reserve.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve south of Tulum and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Covering 652,000 hectares, the area accounts for around 10 per cent of the state of Quintana Roo. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which forms part of the reserve, is one of the largest coral reefs in the world. This means you’ll find flora and fauna here that are found almost nowhere else on Earth.
Cenotes
A cenote is a kind of natural pool, often part of an underwater cave system. Cenotes can be found all over Yucatán, and this natural phenomenon is truly unique to this region. You can simply visit the cenotes, or you can go swimming, diving and snorkelling there.
Diving and snorkelling
Diving in Mexico is an option for everyone: from beginners to advanced divers. The Yucatán Peninsula in particular is perfect for this. Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Morelos on the Caribbean Sea are real gems. After Brazil and Colombia, Mexico boasts the richest marine life in the world, something you’ll certainly notice when you go diving. Colourful fish of all sizes, corals, rays and turtles are just some of the marine creatures you might encounter.
MUSA in Cancún
Between Cancún and Isla Mujeres lies MUSA, an underwater museum. On the seabed of the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find as many as 500 life-size sculptures designed to protect the endangered coral reefs. It’s a unique experience to view these sculptures whilst diving or snorkelling.
Whale sharks
You can swim with whale sharks from June to September in Yucatán, and from November to April in Baja California. Mexico’s waters are warm and rich in food, making whale sharks feel right at home there. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and can therefore look a bit intimidating, but they are not dangerous. A unique experience!
Immerse yourself in Mayan culture
The peninsula is home to many remnants of Mayan culture. Tulum, Chichén Itzá and Uxmal are archaeological gems.
Tulum
Tulum is situated on Mexico’s east coast and forms part of the so-called Riviera Maya; an area along the Mexican coast featuring beautiful seaside resorts and ancient Mayan ruins. Tulum is situated on cliffs 12 metres high, and the ruins found there are unique. This is because the buildings were constructed along the coast. Many people regard Tulum as one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in the world.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is the most important and best-known Mayan site in Mexico. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988 and is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. One of the most famous structures at Chichén Itzá is the so-called step pyramid ‘El Castillo’. The Mayan city is what is known as an ‘active’ archaeological site, meaning that archaeologists are still making new discoveries there.
Uxmal
Uxmal is situated in the state of Yucatán, south of the city of Mérida. Like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uxmal is home to pyramids, palaces and sculptures from the Maya era, amongst other things. What makes this city unique, however, is the fact that, unlike many other pre-Columbian cities, its layout is based on astrology.
Visit historic towns
As well as nature and history, you can also discover Mexican culture by visiting one of the historic cities on the peninsula.
Mérida
Mérida is the most important colonial city on the Yucatán Peninsula. Every Friday, the ancient Mayan ball game ‘pok-ta-pok’ is re-enacted in Mérida. Around the central square in the heart of the city, you’ll find restaurants, churches, markets and museums. The layout of the city, with its narrow streets and authentic buildings, transports you back through Mexico’s history.
Campeche
Campeche is known as the walled city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The city is also famous for its legends of pirates. You can visit the old forts, as well as the various museums in the city’s historic centre. The city has restaurants where you can enjoy excellent seafood dishes.
Valladolid
Valladolid is the oldest town in Yucatán. It has a central square and is full of colourful colonial houses. Everywhere you look, you’ll find small souvenir shops, restaurants and eateries serving authentic Mexican dishes. Close to the centre is the Zaci cenote, where you can take a refreshing dip.
Fancy a trip of Mexico?
Would you like to go on a self-drive trip of Yucatán and discover more of this beautiful peninsula? Take a look at the itinerary we’ve put together to inspire you, or get in touch with us for a bespoke travel proposal. Send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or call us on +31 73 610 62 04. We’d be happy to help.