Yucatan Peninsula Bucket List: Top Things to do in the southern Region of Mexico

Planning a trip to southern Mexico? You’re in for something special. I am fortunate enough to call this region of Mexico home, and I have decided to write this blog to share with you all about it. The Yucatan Peninsula is way more than just Cancun and spring break parties.

Think crystal-clear cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle, chill beach towns with zero crowds, and food that’ll ruin you for life (in the best way), caves, and colorful Pueblos Mágicos.

I’ve spent years exploring this part of Mexico—getting lost in backroads, stumbling on unreal swimming spots, and eating my weight in cochinita pibil. So, I figured it was time to consolidate all that local knowledge into one comprehensive, no-nonsense bucket list to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Whether you’re into history, adventure, nature, or just want to kick back on a quiet beach, the Yucatan’s got you covered.

Let’s get to it.

Helpful note: I have organized this list by topics so that you will have the best beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula, the best Mayan ruins, towns, attractions, and best tours, for easy reading. I’ve written detailed guides for most of the places on this list, so be sure to click through the links in the text to read more about the cities or towns that interest you.

But first things first, Where Exactly Is the Yucatan Peninsula?

Good question. Before we get into all the must-see spots, let’s clear up where the Yucatan Peninsula actually is, because sometimes it can get confusing. I know it very well.

The peninsula spans a significant portion of southeastern Mexico, comprising three states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. It’s that stretch of land that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. Picture it like a big green thumb sticking out into turquoise water.

Most travelers visit places like Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, all of which are located on the Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo. However, some of the best experiences can be found inland or in quieter areas, such as Valladolid, Izamal, or Bacalar. Then there’s Campeche—often overlooked but full of jungle ruins and peaceful coastal towns.

Long story short: this region is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture, whether you’re craving beach time, cenote swims, jungle hikes, or street tacos.

Now that we’ve got our bearings, let’s talk beaches—you’re going to want to bring your swimsuit.

Best Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula (a.k.a. Where to Live Your Best Life)

If there’s one thing the Yucatan Peninsula doesn’t mess around with, it’s beaches. This region is stacked with powdery white sand, ridiculously blue water, and beach towns that range from party central to completely off-grid. Here are a few spots you need to check out:

🏖️ Xpu-Ha Beach

Tucked between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xpu-Ha (pronounced shpoo-ha) is one of those low-key beaches you almost want to keep secret. And while it was indeed a secret a few decades ago, when I first arrived in Mexico, unfortunately, it’s no longer so.

Although it’s now full of beach clubs and restaurants, there are areas of this beach that are still wild and deserted, and where you can find peace and quiet.

What I love about this beach is its soft sand, clear water, and laid-back vibe. You can also visit the nearby restaurants and beach clubs for lunch. They make a great ceviche!!

🌊 Playa Gaviota Azul (Cancun)

Cancun’s Hotel Zone has some seriously stunning beaches. And Gaviota Azul is one of the best stretches of beach in Cancun. Why? Because it has it all: white sand, swimmable waters , lots of space and nearby places to eat. You need to enter by the CocoBongo and walk a bit on the left. All that stratch of beach is spectacular for swimming. Be careful though and follow the beach guards recomendations.

🏝️ Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)

This one is essentially a giant natural swimming pool. Shallow, calm, and insanely clear, Playa Norte is made for lazy days floating in the water with a cold drink in hand. Rent a golf cart, cruise the island, then post up here for the afternoon.

And let me tell you a secret, whenever there is sargasso weed on the Mexican Coastline, Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres is usually safe. 🙂

🧘‍♀️ El Cuyo

Way up on the Yucatán coast, El Cuyo is the kind of place where time slows down. No giant resorts, no crowds, just hammocks, kitesurfers, and empty stretches of sand. It’s a favorite among travelers who prefer quiet beach days and fiery sunsets.

🏝️Progreso Beach

This is Mérida’s go-to beach town and a great day trip if you’re staying in the city. Progreso has a long, breezy stretch of sand, a chill boardwalk (called the malecón), and way fewer tourists than the Caribbean side.

It’s not flashy, but the seafood’s fresh, and the Gulf waters are perfect for a lazy swim. Although you not always find the captivating colours of the Caribbeans Sea, there are days in which the water is even more transparent and clear. Worth checking it out.

Cenotes: Nature’s Swimming Pools (But Cooler)

One of the most magical things about the Yucatan Peninsula? The cenotes. These natural sinkholes, formed when limestone caves collapse, are scattered throughout the region and filled with fresh, crystal-clear water. The ancient Maya considered them sacred, and once you swim in one, not only because they were considered the getaway to the “other world” but also because they were their unique source of water for their people.

Here are a few cenotes, but do not stop there and I recommend checking out all our cenote map.

💧 Cenote Azul (Bacalar)

Not to be confused with the one near Playa del Carmen, Bacalar’s version is massive, deep, round, and more dark blue, surrounded by jungle. Great for swimming, jumping off platforms, or just taking in the unreal shades of blue.

I would stay near the cords or use the lifejacket because in such deep cenotes there can be currents. Enjoy but be careful.

❤️ Cenote Corazón

A heart-shaped cenote near Tulum (yep, for real). Surrounded by trees and super peaceful, this one’s perfect for a slow swim or a laid-back afternoon in the sun. There’s also a platform for jumping in if you’re feeling brave. Or just relax and enjoy the peaceful lush environment. For better enjoyment I would recommend visiting early morning, when the water is cleaner and there are less people around.

The opening hour is 9.00 am. but it’s a flexible hour.

🏞️ Homún Cenote Circuit (Near Mérida)

Suppose you’ve got a car (or hire a guide), head to Homún—a little village packed with cenotes. You can do a DIY hop between three or four of them in a day or even more. Some are wide open, others are tucked in caves, and they’re all stunning. Among the Cenotes in Homun, my favorites are: Cenote Santa Barbara, Cenote Tza-Ujun-Kat, and Cenote 3 Oches among others. Read my post linked below for more detailed information.

Pro tip: bring cash, a snorkel mask, and water shoes if you have them. Locals still run a lot of cenotes and don’t take cards, and the rocky bottoms can be slippery.

Ancient Mayan Ruins You Absolutely Need to See

The Yucatan Peninsula is basically one giant outdoor museum, and the ruins here incredible pieces of the Mexican history. I never get tired to go back and explore these spectacular sites, where crumbling and restored ruins reminds us of ancient civilizations that lived on these lands before the Spanish invasion.

Besides learning about the history, I find it fascinating to walk around the towering pyramids in the middle of the jungle, ancient cities still half-swallowed by trees, and sacred temples where you can feel the history.

Here’s a mix of the famous and the underrated—you’ll want to see at least a couple of these. I will talk about each and every one of them in the site. Bear with me.

🏯 Chichén Itzá

Let’s start with the big one. Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and yes, it lives up to the hype. El Castillo (that giant pyramid) is the star of the show, but the site has much more: ball courts, an observatory, and a sacred cenote.

Insider tips: Go early to beat the crowds and heat and hire a local guide to learn about the historic features of this magnificent Mayan settlement, or, if you don’t want to go on your own, purchase a guided tour, which is the easiest worry-free way.

🌳 Ek Balam

Not far from Valladolid, Ek Balam is quieter than Chichén Itzá—and way more interactive. You can still climb the main pyramid, and the views of the jungle from the top are unbeatable. The intricate stucco carvings here are seriously underrated.

🚴‍♂️ Coba

Imagine biking through the jungle and suddenly rolling up to ancient temples—yep, that’s Coba Mayan Site. This massive site is spread out, so consider renting a bike or hopping in a bici-taxi. It used to be one of the only places where you could climb the main pyramid (Nohoch Mul), but access is currently limited but it’s still a great site to explore.

PRO TIP – Coba is a cute village at 1 hour drive from Tulum. I would recommend renting a car and spend a couple of days there, enjoy the nearby cenotes and chill in one of the cute hotels.

🧱 Uxmal & The Ruta Puuc

If you’re into architecture, Uxmal is a dream. The curved lines and detailed stonework of the Pyramid of the Magician are just unreal. The entire Ruta Puuc comprises smaller sites, such as Kabah, Sayil, and Labná, which all feel like hidden treasures in the jungle.

🌿 Chacchoben

This one’s in southern Quintana Roo, near Bacalar, and it’s often overlooked, which is great if you hate crowds. The ruins rise out of lush jungle and have that wild, untouched vibe. Super photogenic, super peaceful. (The Maya Train Gets There)

🐒 Kohunlich

Deep in the jungle near the Belize border, Kohunlich is a bit of a trek—but totally worth it. It’s famous for its Temple of the Masks, featuring massive stone faces that have been chilling there for centuries. Bring bug spray and your sense of adventure.

There’s something surreal about standing on top of an ancient pyramid, looking out over the canopy, and realizing you’re walking through what used to be a full-blown civilization. And the best part? Some of the most incredible spots don’t even make it into guidebooks.

This is by far one of my favorite Mayan sites and I can’t wait to go visit again soon.

🐾 Calakmul

This is the true jungle adventure. Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve near the Guatemala border (but you can only enter from Mexico), this ancient city is massive and barely touched. You can climb the main pyramids, and the views over the forest go on forever. Getting there is a mission (a long drive through protected jungle), but it’s one of the most rewarding archaeological sites in all of Mexico.

They have now built the Maya Train that takes you there if you don’t want to drive. Once you arrive you can hire a taxi to get to your hotel and then organize a tour from the hotel. You will need one of the other because the entrance of Calakmul is further into the jungle from any hotel.

🏹 Xpuhil

Near Calakmul and often visited on the same trip, Xpuhil is a small but super photogenic site, especially its three-tower pyramid structure, which stands out from anything else in the region. Great for a quick, quiet stop. I stayed in Xpuhil town for a week and explore all of them. There is a local tourist office that will help you with that too.

🏛️ Edzná

Located in Campeche, Edzná is wildly underrated also because it’s far from the usual Yucatan Peninsula Itineraries. I loved it though, and it makes a great day trip from Campeche.

The central plaza and multi-level pyramid are impressive, and you might have the whole place to yourself if you go early. Try and clap your hands while you are in the middle of the main plaza. 🙂

Nature experience in the Yucatan Peninsula that will make you forget about the WIFI

Beyond the ruins and beaches, the Yucatan Peninsula is a natural wonderland. Between the jungle, coastal lagoons, and protected reserves, there’s so much wild beauty here it’s almost unfair. These are the kinds of experiences that stick with you long after the trip’s over.

🦈 Swim With Whale Sharks

Yep, whale sharks. They’re the largest (non-cetacean) fish in the ocean—and they’re totally chill. From June to August, you can snorkel alongside them off the coast between Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, and Cancun. It’s one of those surreal “how is this real life?” moments.

Interesting fact – The name “whale shark” refers to the animal’s large size; However it’s not related to whales, despite its dimensions, and it’s not a mammal, but a fish.

🦩 Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas

The biosphere of Ria Lagartos is one of the most important wetlands in Mexico home to the biggest colony of Pink Flamingos in Mexico. The colorful town of Rio Lagartos is a great base to explore the biosphere and you can find boat tours available every day. The fishermen there make good guides as well and will be very happy to show you their big natural treasure that they are proud to call home.

I always hire my friend Willy to show me around. He’s a local biologist and photographer with a deep love for nature—and this whole region is basically his backyard. His passion, knowledge, and storytelling make him the perfect guide. I love how excited he gets when explaining the beauty of Río Lagartos, from its unique mangrove ecosystem to the salt flats of Las Coloradas.

He’ll take you there too—to those incredibly photogenic pink lakes and beyond. You find William (Willy) details on Facebook where you can make your reservation.

🛶 Muyil Canals

Want to feel like you’re floating through time? The Muyil Canals are a peaceful ride through ancient Mayan waterways in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. You start at a small ruin site and then literally drift through crystal-clear water surrounded by mangroves. No engines. No noise. Just current, water, and silence,

This is one of those places that you can only visit by an organized tour.. Book your tour here

🌿 Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO-listed area of protected jungle, reef, and wetlands. Besides getting there through the Muyil Canals (se above), you can explore it from the Punta Allen side but to get there you will need a robust car, better if a 4×4.

Wildlife sightings can include dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds, all in the wild of course. If you have a good car, I would recommend going there and spend a couple of days in one of the local glamping places. They are rustic but cute.

If you prefer to go on a tour, here is one with the highest rating, that I feel recommending.

🐒 Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

As I mentioned before, Calakmul is one of the most spectacular archeological sites but also a great area to look for wildlife. You might see howler monkeys, toucans, and wild turkeys. And if you’re ridiculously lucky? A jaguar (but no promises).

The guide I met told me that he saw on Jaguar in seven years. And after the Train Construction sites the chance to see them is even lower. But, you never know, right? every time I go I hope to see one.

🐢 Akumal Bay

The Akumal beach itself is just a normal caribbean beach, a bit crowded, even, but the real reason people come is to snorkel with sea turtles. Just walk into the water with a mask and, boom—turtles grazing on the seagrass below. It’s best early in the morning, before it gets crowded or restricted.

You will notice local tour guides forcing you to buy tours. In fact it’s now mandatory to purchase a tour if you want to snorkel in the designated area. But if you stay out of that you can go on your own and still see the turtles. They are not in captivity so they roam around freely.

🐬 Laguna de Términos (Isla Aguada)

Off-the beaten path, in the state of Campeche, you’ll find this massive coastal lagoon system where you can spot dolphins in the wild and stop at sandbanks that pop up in the middle of the water. Peaceful, under-the-radar, and super relaxing.

The town is nothing special, but the boat tour in the lagoon is interesting. And you can see indeed dolphins in the wild.

Magical Towns & Chill Villages You’ll Want to Move To (Or At Least Stay a While)

While the big cities get the spotlight, it’s the smaller towns in the Yucatan Peninsula that often steal your heart. Whether it’s a Pueblo Mágico or just a sleepy coastal village, these places are full of history, personality, and really good food.

🎨 Valladolid

Colorful, colonial, and walkable—Valladolid is the kind of place where you can wander cobblestone streets, find hidden courtyards, and stumble into a taquería that’ll change your life. It’s close to Chichén Itzá and features some awesome cenotes, such as Suytun (mostly overrated, always crowded, and not a real cenote because the water is not naturally springing from underground) and Zaci (inside the town).

Valladolid makes a perfect base for exploring, but also just a vibe on its own. Make sure you walk along the calazada de Los Frailes, check out the convent, enjoy the cafes and shops and the local folklore in the Plaza at night.

🌞 Izamal (The Yellow City)

Literally everything in the historical center is painted yellow. Izamal is small, super photogenic, and rich in history. You’ll find a giant convent, pyramid ruins right in town, and some of the best cochinita pibil in the region. Great as a day trip or overnight stop if you’re road-tripping.

🐢 Puerto Aventuras

A marina town between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s the place were I would go on vacation if I want to stay away from the crowds of the Riviera Maya, but still have a small corner of the caribbean beach. You will find a paceful gated community of locals and expats that live an happy tranquil life, waterfront restaurants, and a chill residential vibe. If you want Riviera Maya comforts without the chaos, this is the spot for you. I love it.

🧘‍♀️ El Cuyo

El Cuyo is where you go to disappear for a bit. It’s remote, peaceful, and all about kitesurfing, hammocks, and watching the sunset. You won’t find big hotels or fancy beach clubs here—just good vibes, local charm, and manta rays if you’re lucky. If you love kite surfing, that’s your spot! If you need to work remotely I would avoid going to El Cuyo as electricity often goes away and WIFI is scattery. Other than that it’s a beautiful spot to chill and enjoy the quiet life.

🌾 Sisal

On the Gulf Coast just north of Mérida, Sisal is one of Mexico’s newer Pueblos Mágicos. It’s known for long, quiet beaches, pastel houses, and kayaking tours through mangroves. The seafood’s fresh, the town’s tiny, and the pace is slow in the best way. Book a kayaking tour in the “backyard” of Sisal, a mangrove system home to Flamingos and other bird species.

🌊 Bacalar

Bacalar isn’t your average beach town—it’s a lagoon town, and it’s all about the water. In fact it’s better known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, for the endless shades of blue. There’s no ocean here, but trust me, you won’t miss it.

You can kayak, paddleboard, float in natural canals, or just hang out on a pier with a drink in hand. It’s chill, scenic, and somehow still relatively under the radar compared to places like Tulum.

Bonus: it’s also a Pueblo Mágico, which means there’s some history and local charm to go with the views.

🌴 Holbox

Welcome to the land of no cars and no worries. Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is an island off the northern coast where the roads are sand, golf carts are taxis, and the vibe is pure barefoot bliss. The only issue in Holbox right now is that it’s a construction site, and it’s been for a while now as they have been building new hotels and restaurants in the town center and along the coast.

On the bright side, there are still no high rise buildings and huge hotels. Everything is built in the same laid back, cheap-chic style to keep the harmonic and cohesive ambiance of the island.

It’s a great spot to disconnect—whether you’re swimming with whale sharks (in season), watching flamingos, or floating in bioluminescent waters under the stars.

There’s a real boho-meets-backpacker energy here, with plenty of street art, fresh seafood, and beach bars where you’ll lose track of time—in the best way.

Beware of mosquitos, or sandflies, at any time of the year but especially in the summer, when it’s rainy season.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Time, You’ll Want to Stay Longer

Obviously this is only a small part of what the Yucatan Peninsula can offer and if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s this: don’t rush it. You could spend months here and still not see it all—and honestly, that’s part of the magic.

So whether you’re ticking off Mayan ruins, chasing cenotes, or just kicking back in a hammock by the beach, make space in your itinerary to slow down. Talk to locals. Try something that’s not on your list. Take the detour—you never know when you’ll stumble on a hidden lagoon or the best taco of your life.

The Yucatan isn’t just a destination. It’s a whole experience. And once you’ve been, odds are… you’ll be back.