Yucatan

Yucatán in México is an extraordinary tourist destination. I am often asked if I recommend it and what to visit. So I decided to share a map with the main tourist sites in the area and a route that I followed in 2017.

What to see in Yucatan

I would divide it in 4 main groups:

Archaeological sites
Colonial cities and towns
Cenotes (underground lakes/ ponds)
Natural Reserves

What route to follow?

There are many route options: You can fly to Merida or Cancun. I choose Merida as I was flying from Mexico City and was cheaper and better for the route that I wanted to follow. The best is to rent a car and explore the area at your own pace.

At the time I am writing this, the train has just opened, have a look a the train options.

Here is an extended itinerary, choose what you might want to see

Day 1- Merida

Explore the city, the best in Merida is the food, there are many extraordinary restaurants
Stroll on Paseo Montejo
Walk around the city centre

Day 2- Uxmal and Kabah day trip from Merida

Two magnificent areological cites, worth visiting if you are into this
On the way back you can stop at a cenote, there are a few that you can search on google maps or the map below

Day 3- Celestum day trip from Merida

Is a day trip from Merida where you might be able to spot flamingos
Take a trip on the boats across the mangroves
Finish the day with some seafood by the sea

Day 4- Chichen Itza and Valladolid

Chichen Itza is a must see archaeological site, can take you all day
From there head to Valladolid, where there are several Cenotes, I recommend Xkek and Zaci
Spend the nigh in or around Valladolid

Day 5- Ek Balam day trip from Valladolid

A fantastic areological site, one of my favourites
Visit the Cenote Xcanche or Chichikan

Day 6 option A and more- Coba, Tulum and Cancun (optional day trip Coba from Valladolid)

A beautiful areological site
From here you can continue to Tulum and then head north to Cancun to fly back
You can stay in Tulum and then Playa del Carmen
I wouldn’t go to Cancun

Day 6 option B – Holbox (2 days at least)

Head to Chiquilla, where you take a Ferry to Holbox, The island is a paradise, loved it. Relaxed, small, good food and plenty of activities.
No cars are allowed in the island, you need to leave the car in Chiquilla
After enjoying Holbox, you can drive to Cancun or back to Merida

Day 6 option C- back to Merida stopping at the beach

Head early back to the north of Merida’s coast to Laguna Rosada – pink lagoon where you might see flamingos
From there go to the beach – I recommend Kokomo beach club
Back to Merida in the evening