Mexico is an amazing yet also very vast country and deciding which region to visit and what to priorities during your trip can be quite challenging. However, if you have a love for nature and wildlife, I could not recommend the Yucatan Peninsula more. It is an absolute must-visit destination that should be on your bucket list. Wondering why? Well, this is the right place to find all the answers you need!

Let’s start with one of the things that truly characterize the Yucatan Peninsula…

1.The Mayan Ruins

The Yucatan Peninsula holds great significance as one of the few places in the world where the ancient Mayans once thrived. As such, it is home to a multitude of impressive Mayan ruins that provide a unique window into the civilization's advanced understanding of astronomy and other fields of study, as well as their daily lives and customs. Some of these archeological sites are among the most famous and impressive in the world and a lot is still unknown about it today. Along with some of the most notable ruins, such as of course Chichen Itza (a place you cannot miss), the Tulum Ruins, Coba, Uzmal, Ek Balam and the ancient pyramids of Izamal, there are numerous smaller Mayan ruins scattered throughout the Yucatan, each with its own unique features and history, but you will probably need months to visit them all! More info on all Mayan Ruins site I have visited while in Mexico in here.

2.The Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to over 6,000 natural cenotes, which are underground sinkholes filled with clear water. I must say, due to the high levels of Sargassum all along the coastline from Cancun to Tulum, we did hang out more in cenotes than at the beach during our stay in Mexico. Cenotes are a unique feature of the region and a great place to cool down considering the high temperatures. Each cenote is different, and you never get tired of visiting a new one. Furthermore, cenotes were considered sacred by the ancient Mayan. They believed that cenotes were gateways to the underworld. Therefore, they were also used by the Mayan for sacrificial offerings, with many artefacts and human remains being found in cenotes throughout the region.

Some cenotes are completely enclosed caves, while others are literally open-air pools. Many are home to unique species of fish and other aquatic life that have adapted to the underground environment, we also found some little freshwater turtles at cenote SAC-AUA close to Valladolid! The water in cenotes is crystal clear and incredibly pure, with visibility up to 100 meters in some cases. Hence, they are also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to their clear waters and unique geological formations. We went scuba diving in cenote Dos Ojos in Tulum, and it truly was an experience we will never forget! Also, they are usually surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, evoking a deep sense of connection with nature (despite the hundreds of other visitors in some of the most popular ones). If you are anything like me and you would like to avoid crowds at all costs, I suggest you visit the cenotes around the area of Valladolid. The cenotes in this area are stunning and there are not as many people as in the Tulum or Chichen Itza area. One more suggestion, if you really want to visit some of the most popular cenotes, make sure you go early in the morning so that you will have enough time to take your photos before the crowds arrive. More info and the cenotes I have visited while in Mexico as well as some if the ones I regret not visiting in here.

3.The Beaches

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its stunning beaches. Along the whole coastline of the state of Quintana Roo you will encounter endless white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and much more. But there is a big downside, the Sargassum. It is a type of seaweed/algae that has become a significant issue in Quintana Roo in recent years. Unfortunately, as a result of climate change and ocean currents, huge amounts of Sargassum have washed up on the beaches of Quintana Roo, causing problems for both tourists and locals. It can produce a strong odor as it decomposes, and when it accumulates on the shore, it can make it difficult or unpleasant to swim in the ocean. The worst areas of Sargassum were the beaches around Playa del Carmen and Tulum in our case but it might change depending on which time of the year you want to visit. Apparently, the best months to avoid Sargassum are from October to December. We visited in February which should have been an ‘ok’ month with small amounts of it, but this was not the case this year unfortunately. Therefore, make sure to check the Sargassum situation before you travel.

4. The Wildlife

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species. Explore the region by visiting some of the many national parks. You won’t regret it! However, make sure to bring a reliable insect repellent considering you will be spending your time in the jungle, lagoons and areas heavily populated with mosquitos. Highly recommended is the Sian Ka’an Reserve south of Tulum. While visiting the Sian Ka’an reserve we saw a crocodile (Mr Coco as we called him!) and lots of wildlife. The road to get there is a little bumpy but totally worth it! Entry to the reserve is 150 Pesos per person and it begins right at the end of the Tulum beach road.

And last but not least…

5.The amazing culture and villages

The Yucatan Peninsula has a vibrant culture that was influenced by its Mayan and Spanish heritage. Visiting at least one of the traditional villages is a must! The atmosphere in Valladolid and Izamal were just so much more magical and truer to the way I pictured Mexico. I guess this is the reason why they called them ‘Pueblos Magicos’ or magical villages. Of course, local cuisine is part of the culture of every country, so make sure you do try as many different tacos, burritos, enchiladas, guacamole, tortillas and lots of other traditional dishes as much as you can while in Mexico!

I hope this post gives you a basic idea of what the Yucatan Peninsula is all about. However, there is so much more to talk about so subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this page and you won’t miss any updates. More blog posts and a full two-week itinerary for the Yucatan Peninsula here!