2026 Yucatan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

The moment you step onto the beaches of Yucatán, even the air feels different. The breeze is not scorching, the waves whisper softly yet with weight, and the thin shadows stretch long across the sand. Standing under a thatched palapa, you can almost hear the changing hues of the sea. The green of the water, the golden sand, and the deepening outlines of shadows under the sun—all of these elements slowly compose the rhythm of Mexico. 📍 Yucatán Beachfront

#holidayitinerary Wandering around Mérida feels like slipping into a slow and colorful rhythm. This city has such a chill vibe, pastel colonial buildings, palm-lined streets, and locals who actually smile and say hola. There’s music in the air, especially at night when plazas come alive with live bands and food stalls. The center is super walkable. You’ve got old churches, cool museums, and cozy cafés everywhere. Plaza Grande is a good starting point, and from there it’s all about strolling, snacking, and soaking up the atmosphere. The markets are awesome for trying cochinita pibil or grabbing a fresh juice. It’s a great base for day trips too, cenotes, ruins, and little villages are all nearby. The heat can be intense, so light clothes and water are a must. Mérida isn’t a place you rush through. It invites you to slow down, enjoy the little things, and just vibe with its warm, easy energy. Totally worth a few days if you’re in Yucatán.

#holidayitinerary Wandering around Izamal in Yucatán feels like stepping into a painting, and not just any painting, but one that’s completely dipped in yellow. The whole town is bathed in this golden color, which gives it a warm, glowing vibe all day long. It’s quiet, super walkable, and has that relaxed small-town feel that makes you wanna stay a bit longer. The big highlight is the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, which sits up on a former Maya pyramid. You can walk through its huge courtyard and catch cool views of the town. There are also some actual pyramid ruins like Kinich Kakmó that you can climb for a 360° view, totally worth the mini workout. There are little shops and local food stands around the plaza, and horse drawn carriages if you're feeling extra touristy. Try some handmade tortillas or a cold drink from a local vendor. It’s a great day trip from Mérida and perfect for wandering slow and soaking in the charm.

#holidayitinerary Exploring Valladolid in Yucatán feels like finding a super chill mix of history, color, and small-town vibes. The streets are lined with pastel buildings, old churches, and shady plazas where you can just sit and people watch. Everything’s walkable, which is perfect because this city’s got lots of little details you don’t wanna miss. Start at the main square, where the cathedral is, it’s a great photo spot and there’s usually something going on. Then wander down Calzada de los Frailes, which is basically an Instagram dream with cute shops, art galleries, and cafés. You can also check out Cenote Zací right in town, yep, a cenote in the middle of the city, wild. There are food spots everywhere serving up Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and panuchos, totally worth a try. It’s a peaceful base if you’re visiting Chichén Itzá or nearby cenotes too. No rush needed here, just comfy shoes, a camera, and time to take it all in.

#holidayitinerary Cenote Suytun is one of those spots that looks unreal even when you're standing right in front of it. Tucked away in Yucatán, this cenote gives off total otherworldly vibes. You walk down this stone staircase into a cave, and boom, you're inside this massive underground dome with a single beam of light shining down right onto a little circular platform. It’s like nature set up its own spotlight just for your Instagram moment. The water is super clear and cool, and yeah, you can take a dip if you want. It’s not super deep, so it’s more chill than scary. The whole cave has this echoey, calm energy that makes it feel kinda sacred. Totally peaceful. It gets crowded though, especially with people lining up for that perfect photo, so best to hit it early in the day if you're not into waiting. Even if you’re not a big swimmer, just being there is such a cool, almost spiritual experience.

The Maya Railway is the newest railway that runs through Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula 🇲🇽 If you're a little worried about traveling by bus in Mexico, I recommend traveling by train 🛤️ You can reserve tickets in advance online, so you can travel with peace of mind even during peak seasons 🌼 I traveled by train from Cancun to Valladolid. There are stations in famous places such as Merida. There is a convenience store on the train where you can buy drinks and food. The interior of the train, including the restrooms, was very clean and comfortable. There is a security check at the station, so I was able to board the train with peace of mind. There were also many staff members at the station, which gave me a sense of security. There are seats facing each other, so I thought it was nice that you could choose the perfect seats depending on the number of people. #0yentravel

#getgoing2025 grounds and attention to detail at the resort was incredible. Even more impressive was the staff. Our butlers in villa 70 made everything very easy for us by making dinner reservations, sending us daily "things to do" and were very prompt and friendly with any questions we had. It was also very nice to have access to all the amenities at the sister resorts that are right beside TRS. Would highly recommend this resort for any one looking for a top tier adults only vacation.

#northamericatrip The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is a vibrant region that offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring Mayan ruins, lounging on beautiful beaches, or immersing yourself in local traditions, the Yucatán provides an experience that appeals to all types of travelers. One of the top attractions in the region is the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The pyramid of El Castillo, with its stunning architecture and alignment with the solstices, is an awe-inspiring sight that transports visitors back in time. In addition to Chichen Itza, the Yucatán is home to other remarkable ruins such as Coba and Tulum, which offer a mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. For nature enthusiasts, the Yucatán Peninsula is a paradise. The region boasts beautiful beaches along the Caribbean coast, particularly in places like Playa del Carmen and Isla Holbox. The crystal-clear waters and soft sand make these beaches perfect for relaxation, snorkeling, and swimming in cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with freshwater. The Yucatán is also a food lover’s dream. The cuisine here is a delightful mix of traditional Mayan flavors and Spanish influence. Don’t miss the region’s specialty dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) and the refreshing agua fresca made from local fruits. Finally, the vibrant colonial cities such as Mérida and Valladolid offer charming streets, colorful markets, and a rich cultural atmosphere that showcases the heart of the Yucatán. Overall, the Yucatán Peninsula is a must-visit destination, offering a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you with lasting memories.

#summerdestinations 💞Reasons to Recommend: This summer we visited the Yucatán. First stop was Merída & this was a city with lots of character & very friendly people. We took a day trip to see the ruins and it was gorgeous swimming in the #cenotes! The cenotes are underground pools. It was a very interesting experience literally swimming underground. Also being in the city with the Mayan ruins was a completely different feeling while in #mexico. We also went to #playadelcarmen by local bus (ADO company - highly recommended the bus was comfortable and we were on time, also the waiting area was really nice) for some #resort action at El Beso/Ocean Riviera (Also booked on Trip) with a swim up room highly recommend upgrading your life and having a swim up room a pool right outside of your room is absolutely amazing it made for great wind downs before bed. Definitely try it. Highly recommend stepping outside of the normal Mexico City & Cancun bubble!

Pink Lake is located in Las Coloradas on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, about 270 km from Cancun. This pale pink lagoon is formed by the closure of the bay mouth of the shallow water bay, which can be connected to the sea when the tide is relatively large. The Pink Lake is actually a salt lake. In the days when there is no wind, it can be reflected like a mirror of the sky but a pink scene. The color of the Pink Lake is derived from plankton. The color of the lake is a bit like the feather of a flamingo. The lake is surrounded by a circle of white salt flats. This pink lake has inadvertently attracted the attention of countless visitors with its unique natural beauty. Transportation: 3 hours open time from Cancun to Las Coloradas: all day ticket: 50 pesos