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Cancún is the main gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula, the Mexican Caribbean and the Maya world. In this region you can combine beach destinations, colonial cities, archaeological sites, nature reserves, cenotes and some of the most interesting culinary experiences in Mexico.
Depending on the kind of trip you are looking for —more beach, more culture, rest, nature or nightlife— some destinations may suit you better than others. Below, we explain the differences between each place to help you design a route that truly matches your travel style.
If you are looking for a destination that combines sun and beach with restaurants, nightlife and shopping, Cancún is probably the best choice. Hotels usually belong to large hotel chains and large resorts predominate. It also offers the best air connectivity and a wide variety of activities and excursions.
The Riviera Maya is mainly known for large all-inclusive hotels located on the Caribbean Sea. It is ideal for travelers who want to relax for several days, mostly without leaving the hotel, enjoying the beach, pools and resort activities.
Playa del Carmen is one of the most versatile destinations in the region, combining beach, restaurants, nightlife and shopping. It offers a very broad range of lodging, from vacation rental apartments and houses to small boutique hotels and large resorts.
Tulum is a world-famous destination that popularized the “eco-chic” concept, combining organic-style architecture, boutique hotels, beach, gastronomy and nightlife. Its atmosphere is more focused on design and social experiences.
Holbox offers a much more relaxed atmosphere, with sandy streets, small hotels and a slower pace of travel. It is mainly designed for resting and enjoying nature.
El Cuyo is a much quieter beach destination with very little tourist infrastructure. It keeps an authentic, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for travelers who want to get completely away from mass destinations.
Valladolid is a colonial city with a great deal of history and tradition, and it offers a very clear window into Yucatán culture and gastronomy. Nearby, you will find archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and Cobá.
It is also probably the best base for visiting the most spectacular cenotes in the entire peninsula, since cenotes in this region are usually larger and deeper than those on the Caribbean coast. It is also ideal for visiting the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and Las Coloradas.
Mérida is a vibrant city that combines a strong colonial heritage with modern areas and high-level gastronomy. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the Uxmal archaeological site, cenotes, haciendas and traditional towns.
From here, it is also easy to visit the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve and the colonial city of Izamal.
Campeche is a walled colonial city with a quieter, less touristy atmosphere. It combines historic architecture, museums and forts that once protected the city from pirates. It also stands out for its regional cuisine.
It is an excellent base for visiting the Edzná archaeological site.
Bacalar is famous for its spectacular lagoon, known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”. It is ideal for travelers who want to relax, contemplate nature and enjoy turquoise freshwater.
The pace here is much quieter than in other Mexican Caribbean destinations, and much of the experience revolves around the lagoon and water activities.
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