Things to do & places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.

Yucatan Peninsula #1 destination in Mexico 2023. The average rating score is 4.57 based on 283.5k traveler reviews, of 99 attractions. Timezone: America/Merida, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 18:32.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 USA Transfers (22.2k reviews)
- Great Service!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours

We booked USA transfers for our departure from our hotel to Cancun Airport. The price was very reasonable, the booking process was easy to manage and the app was easy to use. Juan our driver arrived promptly (prior to pick up time) and even stopped for us at a 7 Eleven to pick up candies and cash. Juan told us about all the great things to do for when we next visit Mexico. Would 100% recommend USA transfers - don't get ripped off at the airport on arrivals, booked a return trip. See more..
5.0 Happy Shuttle Cancun (11.2k reviews)
- Experience
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

Get a stress-free start to your idyllic holiday with this private airport shuttle. Happy Shuttle Cancun offers modern air-conditioned vehicles for a comfy ride and bilingual drivers for easy communication. Stops include anywhere within Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya or Tulum. For a luxe experience, upgrade to the VIP option which includes a savvy ride on the Ford Expedition SUV. Besides efficient to-and-fro airport transfers, you can also book exclusive Cancun and Riviera Maya guided tours. These intimate tours take you to the Mayan ruins, famous cenotes and popular Mexican Caribbean attractions within your preferred duration. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Zona Arqueologica Uxmal (4.240 reviews)
- Uxmal is well worth the visit and get a tour guide.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

An ancient Mayan building thought to be a school and named by a Spanish historian who thought it looked like a European monastery. See more..
5.0 Templo de Kukulkán (4.200 reviews)
- Does not disappoint!
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This impressive pyramid dominates Chichén Itzá's landscape, standing an imposing 24 meters high. See more..
5.0 Lake Bacalar (2.702 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

When we arrived the water was dark and ugly we where very sad about it and said ... we drive 3 hours for this!!!! Then we asked and we where told that because of hurricane Isaias it left it dark muddy and you need to take a boat to see it clear and blue, we payed 57 dollars for 4 of us our driver was super nice and drove us a little further in a will leave in photos also taco loco was a great restaurant to eat it’s on the main highway going back to playa Del Carmen.. I hope this helps we went to this amazing paradise on Tuesday sept 15 2020 See more..
5.0 STP Caribe (2.240 reviews)
- Transportation from Cancun airport to Tulum
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

STP Caribe is a family owned enterprise with 27 years experience, affiliated to Go Airport Shuttle which provides airport shuttle services worldwide. We offer transportation Airport-Hotel and back to Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum, Holbox, Chetumal, Merida, Chichen Itza in two different services: The Basic Economic Line with Vans up to 11 passengers The Black Luxury Service with SUVS, Stretch limos, and MB V250. We hope to see you soon on board with us and... It´s a pleasure to serve you! See more..
5.0 Kalido Travel (2.183 reviews)
- Best Transfers I've Ever Had
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

Our team Kalidotravel.com are located here in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and we offer private AIRPORT TRANSFERS plus amazing TOURS that are either shared or private tours at amazing rates... If you maybe interested in checking out what we offer you can visit our website... See more..
5.0 Bamboo Hair and Spa (1.950 reviews)
- Amazing
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

Enjoy the best spa services for an affordable price. With our 3 different locations we are always close to you. See more..
5.0 Maya Chan Beach (1.835 reviews)
- FOOD, DRINKS, SUN - Family :)
Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs

Private beach resort for cruise ship passengers. See more..
5.0 Top Cancun Shuttles (1.759 reviews)
- Top Cancun shuttles are the best
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Top Cancun Shuttles is a company with over 10 years experience. Our highly qualified personnel offer a reliable personalized transportation service. Allow us to offer you a high quality and excellent service in the destination. See more..
5.0 Cenotes Sac Actun (1.724 reviews)
- Great Family Fun
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

Underground water paradise in the Riviera Maya, this visit will certainly be a unique experience like no other, mystical and extreme, you can snorkel or dive in the cavern full of formations. See more..
5.0 Santa Rosa Wall (1.321 reviews)
- GREAT DIVE SITE
Reefs • Geologic Formations

Underwater wall with spectacular coral reefs. See more..
5.0 Casa de los Venados (1.117 reviews)
- A magical place filled with beauty and meaning
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Art Museums

Today I visited this beautiful house in Valladolid. It has been one of the highlights of my visit to Mexico this time around. The house/gallery is filled with beautiful, mostly contemporary Mexican art, in a magical setting. The generous owners, an American couple, who have clearly a passion for Mexico, allow visitors to explore their house and collection. The guide who showed us the house today, December 28th at 13:00, was clearly proud of his job and took time to explain and ensure that we enjoy the visit. A 100 Mexican pesos donation is encouraged that is used for community support. See more..
5.0 Zona Arquelogica Edzna (886 reviews)
- A gem of a site off the beaten tourist path
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

If you are interested in exploring the diversity of Mayan archeological sites, look into making it to the two great Mayan archeological sites in Campeche: Calakmul and Edzná, the latter a short drive away (55 kilometers) from Campeche city. Go early in the morning to avoid the oppressive midday sun, which may hinder your enjoyment and willingness to climb to the various platforms that have been unearthed in the site. The Pyramid of Five Floors and the ball court are wonderful highlights. The city was occupied for a long period, which is demonstrated in the existence of two perfectly identifiable "city center platforms", the smaller one predating the impressive, majestic newer one with the Pyramid of the Five Floors at its center. Don't forget to bring water. This was our second visit and, again, the site was almost deserted (we went early on a week day). See more..
5.0 Calakmul Archaeological Zone (766 reviews)
- Loved it
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Ancient Mayan city historians now believe to have been bigger than Chichén Itzá. See more..
5.0 Mystika Immersive (736 reviews)
- Manifest greatness after leaving here
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Mystika is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, designed to take the viewer on a journey of connection with Mayan cosmology, the most impressive natural sanctuaries in Mexico and the spiritual power of horses: totems of healing, wisdom and evolution. See more..
5.0 Cenote Santa Cruz (713 reviews)
- Wonderful Experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves

Friends, if you are calling us and we don't answer your calls it is because we don't have good reception. We work only with previous reservations that can be made on our website or direct to our E-mail. We will answer you as soon as possible, we apologize for the inconvenience. Eco-friendly tours. Our excursions are groupal, private and personalized. “We invite you to live an awesome and fun adventure, enjoying the wonders that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, its heavenly beaches, Cenotes, Natural Reserves and archaeological sites. We are focused on sustainable, educational and recreational tourism in order to get the maximum and closest experience with the local communities, getting to know the flora, fauna and regional culture.” See more..
5.0 Puerto Maya Cancun (653 reviews)
- Jungle Tour Amazing Day
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

We start Mayan ritual where you will have a real approach to mayan culture. Get ready to navigate along the Nichupté Lagoon through a speedboat until we reach a one of the most beautiful reefs in the world, Nizuc Reef, in which we will dive into snorkel. The complete activity lasts approximately 3 hours. Dare to Experience the Best! See more..
5.0 Parque Natural Ria Lagartos (596 reviews)
- Day Tour from Valladolid
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We visited Rio Lagartos as a day trip from Valladolid. It cost us 2000 mexican peso per person but included stops at Las Colorados (Which I personally didn’t rate) and a beach on the way back. I think a day tour is the best way to visit this area as the public transport connections are a little bit tedious. Our tour included a 2 hour boat ride to see the rich offerings in the Reserva de la Biosfera Ria Lagartos. We did this in August and can confirm there is still a healthy population of pink flamingoes present. We also enjoyed viewing various bird life. The boat tours also offer the opportunity for a ‘Mayan mudbath’. This is essentially an activity in which one is able to cover their body in mud. The boat will stop at a white mud type beach initially and then at another some 30 minutes later to allow you to wash it off. Wasn’t for me but my wife enjoyed it. Overall we enjoyed our visit here and would recommend this activity to others, particularly due to its uniqueness. See more..
4.5 Xcaret (45.6k reviews) from $180.00
- Wonderful, full day learning about and experiencing Mexican culture and the area’s aquatic critters.
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

With 50 natural and cultural attractions, Xcaret is a sprawling water and theme park. Float lazily along three underground rivers, visit the stingray sanctuary or hop on a speedboat. Adults can sign up for a wine pairing session at the wine cellar or indulge in a 7-course dinner and show extravaganza at the Gran Tlachco Theater. If you’re planning to spend the whole day there, wear comfortable shoes and bring (or rent) a stroller for the little ones. You can choose admission tickets that include a buffet meal from a restaurant of your choice. Enjoy a discount if you buy your tickets in advance. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Tulum Archaeological Site (30.1k reviews) from $19.99
- Classic Tulum Bike Tour
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins

Tulum (Spanish pronunciation: [tu'lum], Yucatec: Tulu'um) is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city serving as a major port for Coba.[1] The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned.[citation needed] One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.[1] See more..
4.5 Chichen Itza (26.0k reviews) from $63.00
- Go early to beat the crowds (and heat!)
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most important cultural landmarks, famous for its treasure trove of pre-Columbian architecture and artifacts. Dating back nearly 1,500 years, the archaeological city was built with the iconic pyramid of Kukulcán at its center, the greatest symbol of Mayan society and an important astronomical and mathematical achievement. Book a day tour from the cities of Cancun or Mérida to be guided through the site while learning about the magnificence of Mayan culture. Alternatively, you can catch an early morning colectivo (minibus) from the town of Valladolid to self-tour and beat the heat and for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Coco Bongo Cancun (19.1k reviews) from $96.00
- Coco Bongo Cancun.
Saturday: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs • Dance Clubs & Discos

Coco Bongo is one of Cancun’s best nightlife spots which will wow you with its unique line-up of shows and entertainment. Catch spartans performing stunts during ‘300’, sing along to classic hits during ‘The Beatles’, or marvel at a light show during ‘Queen’—complete with confetti and balloons falling from the ceiling. It’s Las Vegas meets Cirque Du Soleil at its very best, but with an open bar. Coco Bongo Cancun is conveniently located in the heart of Hotel Zone. Regular tickets are for standing only; for a seat, snag a Gold Member Pass or Front Row Pass. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Akumal Beach (13.6k reviews)
- Highlight of our Yucatan Vacation
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Beaches

White sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear, turquoise waters are the trademarks of this Yucatan beach. Here, you can go snorkeling with sea turtles, eagle rays, and colorful fish, relax along the shore or swim in the calm waters. Before you leave, hunt for handicrafts and souvenirs at the little shops around the town. To enjoy Akumal to the fullest, we recommend staying at a seaside resort in the area. However, if you’re staying in Cancun, you can book a guided day trip to Tulum and stop at Akumal along the way. There’s an entrance fee for this beach. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel (8.504 reviews)
- Awesome!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Beach & Pool Clubs

Mr Sanchos Beach Club is a popular beach complex a 15-minute drive away from the cruise port in Cozumel. Here, you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, plus access to the pool bar, kayaks, hammocks, lockers, and cabanas with an all-inclusive package. For the adventurous, have fun at the Aquatic Park, take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour, and even go horseback riding or ride an ATV through the jungle. If you’re visiting with a special someone, the Romantic Day Beach Pass for two includes a private cabana, all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu, and a couples’ massage. The beach club is a popular cruise ship excursion—to secure your spot, it’s best to book ahead. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Cenote Ik kil (6.218 reviews)
- Amazing cenote and it worth staying in the hotel
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Geologic Formations

The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. There is a carved stairway down to a swimming platform. The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 50 metres (164 ft) deep.There are vines which reach from the opening all the way down to the water along with small waterfalls. There are black catfish which swim in the cenote. The cenote is part of a larger complex of a restaurant, store, changing rooms, and cottages for rent. There is also a Mayan ruin on the site. Red Bull Diving Competition Ik Kil was a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010, 2011 and 2014 See more..
4.5 Mandala Cancun (4.312 reviews)
- Clubbing
Saturday: 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs

Mandala distinguishes itself within the rest of Cancun’s nightclubs because of its oriental style, its open facade and the great atmosphere you can enjoy night after night. Screens all over the place, colorful stage and a dance floor always full of partyholics, are elements that make Mandala Nightclub an experience you should not miss. At this nightclub, the night passes away while you listen, dance and sing along to the music you like and share shots with both friends and strangers. Mandala is the perfect place where party lovers can discover the best of Cancun’s nightlife. Open daily, Mandala Cancun knows how to take the party to next level with its daring and super fun theme parties: MONDAY - At Mandala the week starts with a fun and colorful Carnival party. Don't miss the wet t-shirt contest! THURSDAY - The weekend starts at Mandala with a Spring Break style party: GONE WILD! SATURDAY - The favorite day of the week is perfecto to live the Mandala Moments! See more..
4.5 Ek Balam (4.089 reviews)
- Worth it for the Climb & the Cenote
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Recently excavated and restored Mayan ruins. See more..
4.5 Paseo de Montejo (3.484 reviews)
- Walking down the Mérida Champs Élysee
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy. See more..
4.5 Cenote Chaak Tun (3.439 reviews)
- You should definitely visit this if you’re in Playa de Carmen
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, you definitely should visit the Cenote Chaka Tun. It’s a quarter with the taxi (about 15 dollars). We were guided by Oto in a small group. He told us a lot about the Cenote and it’s stalactites and stalagmites, but also about the trees, fruits, animals. He was really friendly, relaxed and funny. The tour takes about 1,5/2 hours. The price is ok (40 USD per person). There is also someone taking pictures. They are really beautiful, but a bit overpriced if you ask me (20 USD for one photo or 60 USD for all 30 pictures). Definitely worth it, and a thanks to Oto for sharing his knowledge in a kind way! See more..