yucatan safe for travel

Is Yucatan Safe? – The Complete Guide for 2024

Published by Cordelia on 27/10/2023 27/10/2023

If you are considering or planning a trip to Yucatan , chances are you’re already pondering the question, “is Yucatan safe?” You might have even been asked this by others, showing a sweet but unnecessary concern for your safety.

We don’t blame you for asking: Mexico gets a bad rap internationally and popular Netflix series highlighting drug cartels and organised crime don’t help the country’s image anymore than does the western media’s tendency to exaggerate.

However, it’s important to remember that Mexico is a very large country and yes, there are some places that you should avoid but there are also many that are perfectly safe and well worth your time for a trip. There is no safer place in Mexico or the United States than the state of Yucatan. 

I could end the article here. There are no caveats to this statement.  And yet I know you have questions so I will endeavour to address them all below.

Why am I qualified to answer the question, “Is Yucatan Safe?”

As a Yucatán resident about to celebrate six years in the region, my love affair with Yucatan started long ago. My first visit was back in early 2006 when my Mexican fiancé and I were looking for a good location to get married. My Mexican mother-in-law-to-be suggested Merida. She had spent her honeymoon here forty years earlier and had fond memories, saying that the Meridanos were the nicest of all the Mexicans and that Yucatan was the safest region in Mexico. I agree, I live here, I travel around the region and most importantly, I’m bringing up my kids here.

In this complete guide to whether Yucatan is safe we will consider:

✅ Official statistics and statements about Yucatán’s safety

✅ Eating and drinking safely in Yucatán

✅ Safety while travelling around Yucatán and on the roads in Yucatán

✅ Attitudes towards sexuality, sex and gender in Yucatán

✅ Drug use in Yucatán

✅ Environmental safety issues in Yucatán

✅ Safety in the main towns of Mérida, Valladolid and Progreso

There are affiliate links in this article. If you click and make a purchase I could make a small sum at zero cost to you. Thank you!

Yucatan State vs Yucatan Peninsula, What’s the Difference?

The Yucatan Peninsula is the piece of land that juts out and separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean. It is made up of three Mexican states: Quintana Roo , Campeche , and Yucatan . Historically, most tourists have headed to Quintana Roo, flying into Cancun and visiting places like Playa del Carmen, Isla Holbox , Isla Mujeres, and Tulum . 

In recent years, the State of Yucatan has caught the attention of travellers’ and tourists alike. With its vibrant capital city, Merida , gorgeous colonial towns such as Valladolid , and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the State of Yucatan has it all:

➡️ Beautiful beaches and great watersports

➡️ Archaeological sites and ancient ruins like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza

➡️ Stunning nature reserves and cenotes

➡️ Pueblos magicos and quaint fishing villages

➡️ A Yucatan road trip is an incredible opportunity to see the beauty of the region

⭐️ Yucatán is a great, and safe, option for a family spring break Mexico trip .

⭐️ Check our ready made Yucatan Itineraries ⭐️

🚗 1 week in Yucatan

🚗 10 days in Yucatan

🚗 Off-the-beaten-track in Yucatan

🚗 2 weeks exploring Yucatán

⭐️ Is Mérida worth visiting? – check the answer to this question now!

⭐️ Read up on the Maya Train Route to see if it’s something you could enjoy

All this plus a vibrant traditional culture with its own music, dance, art and cuisine contribute to making Yucatán one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. 

For the purpose of this post, when I write Yucatan, therefore, I am referring to the State of Yucatan, not the Peninsula.  The Peninsula as a whole is safe .

That said, in the last few years, the State of Quintana Roo has seen a rise in cartel and criminal activity. Tourists are not targets of gang activity but there is always a small risk of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

The US State Department recommends people exercise increased caution when travelling to Quintana Roo. It’s important to put some context to that statement by the State Department, because in July 2023, they also recommend exercising increased caution when travelling to Spain , Italy and Sweden. 

Remember: There is no such thing as a risk-free life. It’s a good idea to get travel insurance prior to any trip, to Mexico and beyond. We recommend SafetyWing as it offers fairly comprehensive coverage so you need not worry if you fall because or regardless of the tequila. 

Is Yucatan Really Safe?

Yes. The US Department of State, which issues travel advisories, recommends travellers to the Yucatan exercise normal precautions. It doesn’t get much safer than that.  

📌 Being a stickler for supporting evidence, when considering the question, “is Yucatan safe?”, I decided to review statistics compiled by the Mexican Justice System and The National Institute of Statistics and Geography known as INEGI. I knew the numbers would be low but in some cases, they are so low they barely register. The main categories are Homicide, Kidnapping, Extortion, Car Robbery with Violence and Car Robbery without Violence. The annualised rates were all below two per annum with a population of over 2.3 million. Violent crime is extremely rare, particularly against tourists.

📌 The State of Yucatan takes its reputation as the safest state in Mexico very seriously and works very hard to keep it that way. There are police checks along the road as you enter the state and there are police checks as you enter the city of Merida.

📌 The State is so safe, it has been a significant driver of internal migration in Mexico. Mexicans from other parts of Mexico have been making Merida their home. An interesting aside, when a local Yucatecan refers to extranjeros  –which translates as foreigners– they are not just referring to people from outside of Mexico but use this term for anyone who is not from Yucatan including other Mexicans!

📌 Many foreigners looking to move to Mexico with kids have Yucatán at the top of their lists, it’s so safe.

How Safe Am I in Towns Like Valladolid, Progreso and Mérida?

When you’re enjoying yourself in the big cities of Mérida , Valladolid and Progreso , you don’t have to worry too much about your safety. Use your common sense and follow the basic rules of being in any city:

These cities are safe places but there is simply no such thing as a zero crime rate. People are people wherever you are and there are always people whose behaviours are less than one would hope so do not think we are suggesting there is zero crime in Yucatán, that would be unrealistic and naive.

❌ Don’t flash wads of cash or go out dripping in diamonds

❌ Don’t leave your purse or phone unattended at a restaurant table

❌ Don’t leave visible valuables in an unlocked car (although I’ve done this more than I care to admit without any problems, I count myself lucky)

✔️ Pay attention to where your belongings are all the time, we’re not saying petty crime doesn’t exist

✔️ Do lock your hotel room / Airbnb door properly and if a safe is provided, use it

✔️ When going to the beach, take the minimum with you to avoid leaving valuables unattended when you take a dip in the ocean

✔️ When crossing the road, always look both ways, even when it’s a one-way street and never assume pedestrians have the right of way, even at crossings

✅ It is safe to walk around many areas of Mérida, Progreso and Valladolid at night without worry. As a woman, I regularly walk around my neighbourhood after dark. I exercise the same caution here as I would anywhere else. Ask in your hotel or your Airbnb host about your area to be sure.

❓ Are you wondering whether to visit Mérida or Valladolid on your trip around Yucatán?

Is Mérida, Yucatán’s Capital City Really Safe?

⭐️ In 2019, Ceoworld Magazine, a leading business publication, named Merida, Yucatan’s capital city,  the second safest city in North America, beaten only by Canada’s Quebec City . The magazine reviewed 334 cities worldwide. Merida ranked 21st globally, ranking higher than every major U.S. Destination. 

⭐️ Mérida has since been featured in Conde Nast’s Traveler magazine; The New York Times, the LA Times, and countless other media outlets. They all rate Merida and Yucatán as one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. 

❌ The only two areas local friends have told me to avoid are Kanasin, 5km east of the city and a development called Flamboyanes near Progreso. This latter one is meant to be a no man’s land, despite the name evoking beautiful trees found throughout the region. Some sites tell you to stay away from the south of the city. I am not convinced it merits that reputation.

❓ So why doesn’t Mérida rank on most of the global safety indexes or in lists of the world’s safest cities?

Fair question.

​I also wondered about this. I thought to myself “Ceobusiness World magazine is legit but why isn’t Merida part of The Economist’s recent Safe Cities Index of 2021?” The answer is quite simple. Our beautiful Merida is still too small. Most publications are looking at major cities and Merida with a population of just one million doesn’t register. If Merida did, you can be sure the city would be in poll position.

Eating and Drinking Safely in Yucatán

What about the Water in Yucatán?

❌ Do not drink tap water in Yucatán

✔️ You can brush your teeth and wash fruit/veg with it

✔️ Ice cubes, salads, and drinks made with water are safe as they are made with bottled water

It won’t kill you if you do drink the tap water but it might eventually give you kidney stones due to the high mineral content. Unlike some Mexican states where I will even brush my teeth with bottled water to avoid any unfortunate episodes of Montezuma’s revenge, this is not the case here. 📌 Do: Always buy bottled water to drink. Restaurants will always have agua de la casa. It’s either garafon water (Think large water cooler bottles of purified water) or a water purifying system.  They may not always offer it as they would rather sell bottled water but most will bring it to you if you request it. 📌 You can drink juices, agua frescas and eat ice on the streets and in restaurants because no one drinks the water so everything is made with clean water. Same goes for salads and fruits.

How Do I Know if Food is Safe?

📌 Generally it will be. I’ve never had problems with food in restaurants or on the streets in Yucatán . If you see other eating in a restaurant, assume it’s safe. If you take one look at a place and think, “uhuh, no way, not today”, just move on. But generally, because everyone cooks with the garafon water, food shouldn’t make you sick.

Getting Around Yucatán Safely

There are a number of ways to get around Merida and Yucatan. All of the options are safe and run similar risks as taking transport anywhere else in the world.

Public Transport: Buses and Colectivos

🚌 ADO buses for the cross-peninsula journeys between Mérida and the Caribbean Coast , are fabulous. They offer comfy seats, on-board wifi, seatbelts and an easy app to make your reservations. This a great option if you are travelling between states in the Yucatan Peninsula.

🚌 Buses between cities within Yucatán are less plush than those big coaches that cross state borders but they’re perfectly comfortable and safe.

🚌 Has there been an ADO bus accident? Yes, of course there has, buses unfortunately sometimes crash. Some years ago, one bus was held up going from Cancun to Merida . These things can happen but they are rare and unlikely incidents.

🚌 Local buses have been improving dramatically over recent years. The new Va-y-Ven buses in Mérida are part of an expanding transit system that service the city and pueblos around. You can buy a transit card at any Oxxo and these buses are wheelchair and visually-imparied friendly.

🚌 Colectivos are the small white combi-vans you will see across the whole of Mexico. These are cheaper than ADO buses and they services both smaller towns and villages. For example, if you want to travel from Mérida to Izamal , these are a good option. Colectivos have no set timetable, they simply depart when they are full and by full, we mean f-u-l-l.

Taxis and Ride-Apps

🚕 Uber and Didi are extremely popular in Yucatan. These apps offer options to share your ride information , making already safe rides even safer.

I am part of a Teen Parent Group and many parents send their teens alone in these cabs so that gives you an idea of how safe locals consider these services to be.

🚕 Few people hail taxis in the street anymore. My mother-in-law still does when she is out shopping but she is definitely an exception. They tend to be more expensive, less well cared for, and I’ve heard some claim that these taxi drivers may try to take advantage of an unsuspecting tourist. I never had that experience but it is something to keep in mind, especially as Ubers are not allowed to pick up at Merida International Airport (MID).​

Airport Tip: If you want to use a taxi-app at the airport in Mérida, you’ll need to leave the airport grounds entirely. Walk approx 10 minutes to what is conveniently named “Uber y Didi punto encuentro seguro” in Google maps and book your cab from there.

Driving in Yucatán

The two most common worries people have about driving in Yucatan are,

➡️ What if the police stop me?

➡️ Are the roads actually safe?

You do not need to, and nor should you, fear the police in Yucatan

Reasons the Police Might Stop A Driver in Yucatán

🚓 Routine check upon entering the state of Yucatán, the city of Mérida or leaving beach areas.

➡️ The roadblock checks at the entrance to the state and city are searching for drugs and weapons. You’re unlikely to get stopped here but if you are, just be polite and helpful.

➡️ On holidays such as Semana Santa (more or less Spring Break) and during the summer there are often police checks leaving beach towns to discourage drinking and driving. You may be asked to blow into a breathalyser. Don’t argue.

🚓 If you do something wrong. I was stopped going the wrong way up a one-way street. The cop guided me to do a 3-point turn, checked my licence, asked me for help with English phrases and sent me on my way, complementing me on my Spanish!

🚓To help you. You’ll regularly see the police stopping to help people whose cars have problems. They once stopped to help me change a flat tyre.

🚓 Random ID checks – again, don’t argue, just show your papers. The police in Yucatán aren’t going to keep them.

❌ Bribes / Mordidas – I can’t say there has never, in the history of the Yucatán Police Force, been an officer who has asked for a mordida (literally translated means “a bite”, here meaning “a small bribe”) but it is much rarer here than anywhere else in Mexico.

Road Safety

The fact is that driving a rental car here opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to your travel and with car insurance and open eyes, you will be just fine on the road. You don’t need to worry about being hijacked or driving at night in Yucatán. The roads are perfectly safe. Just keep the following points in mind:

⛔️ As far as road safety, most of the roads and highways are well maintained and are in good to excellent condition. Sign posts are good and you have no reason to fear for your safety driving along these roads. Car-jackings, car robberies etc simply aren’t an issue here for the time being.

⛔️ There are some roads in the towns in Yucatán that could be considered more pothole than road, though they usually do get at least a rough fill-job done pretty quickly.

⛔️ In towns and on non-highways, Mexican love to install speed-bumps (called topes) . The fun here is that they’re rarely a standard size and will often catch you unawares, scraping the bottom of your car as you crunch into it!

⛔️ It’s always important to remember that the only requirement to get a driving licence in Yucatán is a quick theory test and a requirement to be able parallel park between a set of cones. Keep this in mind when you see some um, questionable road etiquette or driving decisions from locals.

⛔️ Signals/Indicators seem to be more of a suggestion rather than a requirement and roundabouts are not for the faint-hearted. Instead of easing in to allow everyone a chance to get a round, it’s more of a formula one / game of chicken affair. ⛔️ Highways, as I said above are well-maintained and rarely busy but in the rain, be aware locals will use their hazard lights rather than keep a truly safe distance between cars.

⛽️ Where you can, pay for your gas with cash (and remember, this must be in Mexican pesos). While I believe credit card fraud to be extremely rare in Yucatan, when it does happen, it seems to be at gas stations.

Pedestrian Safety

🚦 As a pedestrian, don’t ever assume you have right of way even if legally, you do. Zebra crossings are no guarantee of a safe crossing.

Also, it’s hot almost all the time so if you’re walking, apply sunscreen and keep hydrated!

Sexuality and Gender in Yucatán

🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈 “Live and let live” seems to be how it goes here, particularly in relation to foreigners. Merida hosts its own Pride event (generally attracting around 20,00 people) and is a pretty tolerant society. PDAs aren’t huge in Merida regardless of your orientation. There are a few openly gay bars in town, regular queer markets and demonstrations and a thriving drag scene.

🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈 Queer marriage is legal and it is not unusual to see queer or same sex couples on the streets and in bars together.

Drug Use in Yucatán

There are moves to legalise all drugs within Mexico but this hasn’t happened yet. I recommend erring on the side of caution. Just don’t do drugs, kids.

❌ Weed, currently, seems to be confusing everyone and is something of a grey area. I’ve read that you shouldn’t be arrested if you are carrying less than 5 grams but I’ve also read that police officers may not follow this line. If staying out of prison is at the whim of the police officer, easier not to be caught with weed.

❌ CBD oil is everywhere. You can pop into any pharmacy and get CBD oil although it won’t have THC, the active ingredient in weed.

Is Yucatan Safe? – Environmental and Safety Issues

Yucatan has three seasons, and each comes with its own issues:

Dry/Cooler Season: October – Feb/March

☃️ Generally thought of as the best time to travel to Yucatán, it’s also the cold period for locals. I seldom use my pool for these months and Yucatecos regularly refer to the coldest spells as “ La heladez ” (the freeze) and bring out the scarves, hats and gloves. (It’s rarely below 20 C [68F]by the way)

➡️ 🦂 You may spot a scorpion during the dry season when they come looking for water. There are two sizes and two colours: the large ones are less venomous than the small and the black is less venomous than tan colour. Neither type of scorpion found in Yucatán can kill you with a sting (MexicoCassie was stung by a scorpion in Mérida.) – you drink some antihistamine and expect 24 hr of swelling.

Hot Season: April – May

🔆 These are the hottest months and by hot, we refer you to the fact that locals call Mérida “ El Inferno ” (Hell) during this time of the year. If you do visit during this period, please use plenty of sunscreen and stay well hydrated. If you’re walking, try to stay in the shade.

Rainy Season: June – September

☔️ This season is still very hot but it’s also often very wet and humid. There isn’t rain every day and when it does rain it tends to be an aguacero – a tropical downpour for an hour or two – followed by a brief respite from the humidity. It’s important to remember that this is also officially hurricane and tropical storm season. While there are very rarely hurricanes, there are hurricane warnings that need to be heeded until they are downgraded to a tropical storm warning. Pay attention, and if there is a storm warning, find out from locals what they’re doing to prepare – maybe you’ll want to have some extra food and water in your room just incase there’s no electricity for a day or so.

➡️ 🦟 The rains, of course, bring the mosquitos. They aren’t too bad in themselves but 2023 saw an increase in Dengue cases. Be sure to use a good repellant to prevent Dengue.

Other Animal Issues

➡️🕷 Tarantulas and other large spiders are also native to the region, though not usually found in the city. The local tarantulas are not aggressive, only mildly venomous and in fact the orange-backed one is recommended as a pet.

A Final Note to Answering the Question, “Is Yucatán Safe?”

Whether you are at tourist areas such as the beach or the city or exploring the jungle and cenotes , there is really one key rule to follow: be respectful of local laws, and don’t do anything illegal. If you follow that rule along with common sense, you are in no more danger here and likely less than back home. 

Cordelia is a writer and researcher who has lived in Yucatán for a long time. She loves to explore and has worked with MexicoCassie for many years.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Your expert guide: awesome day trips from Valladolid (2024)

Thanks to its fabulous location, there are many excellent day trips from Valladolid to consider. Let's take a look at the very best.

Mexico For Kids

Your expert guide to exploring: mérida scavenger hunt (2024).

Use these fun clues to help you and your family explore, and learn about, the gorgeous city of Mérida when you visit

Your Expert Guide – 2 Weeks in Yucatan: Itinerary (2024)

Find the perfect 2 weeks in Yucatan itinerary right here, crafted by the people who really know the region and love to share their expertise.

The Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

LOCATION | WHEN TO TRAVEL | GETTING THERE | TOP PLACES | THINGS TO DO | TOP TOURS | SAFETY

If you’re heading to Yucatan Mexico, this complete Yucatan Travel Guide will help you plan your trip and decide what to see and how to move around, whether you are traveling solo or with friends.

Before diving into the Yucatan guide, I would like to clarify what is the difference between the Yucatan and Yucatan Peninsula, because they are two very different areas.

So Yucatan is one of the Mexican states, and it’s exactly what this post is about, while The Yucatan Peninsula is the geographical region that includes the states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

Quintana Roo is home to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. I will cover those in another article.

So now that we have clarified this important detail, let’s cut to the chase.

Yucatan Travel Guide: Know Before You Go

Here are the top things to know before booking your trip to the Yucatan: 

✔️ Currency: Mexican Pesos

✔️ Language : Spanish

✔️ Airports : Merida (MID) is the largest airport in Yucatan along with small regional airports. It’s an international airport where you can fly from some cities in the US. However, for more flight options and better rates, you may want to fly into Cancun and get a transfer to Merida .

✔️ Sim Card : Telcel has the best service in the Yucatan, Sim cards can be bought at all airports and in large cities or you can buy them online to avoid wasting time when you land.

✔️ Visas: Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa while others need to apply for a tourist permit. Make sure to check your country’s requirements ahead of time. 

✔️ Electric Socket: Mexico uses Type A and Type B plugs. Make sure to get a travel adapter if you need one. If you are coming from the US you won’t need one.

👉🏽 Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is in Mexico on the easternmost side of the country. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico as it has cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. 

Yucatan map

When is the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula?

Since the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and great water activities, you want to make sure you’re visiting in the dry season which is from December to April. 

However, keep in mind that the dry season is also the high season, which means higher rates and bigger crowds.

If you want to save some bucks you should consider traveling between the week after Easter and mid-June before the schools close.

During this time of the year, you should still have sunny days and clear skies but lower prices and smaller crowds. Basically, you’ll have the best of both worlds.

🌧️ What is the rainy season in the Yucatan?

The rainy season in the Yucatan is from June to October. It can rain some during the months of May and November as well, but these months are not as wet. 

☀️ What is the hottest month in Yucatan?

March to May are the hottest months in the Yucatan, even though the peninsula experiences hot weather all year round. 

During these three months, there are many days when the temperatures reach 40 °C (104 °F).

When it’s hot in Yucatan it’s unbearable, unless you are close to the water. That is a good time to visit cenotes and check out the beaches because cities such as Merida, Valladolid, and Izamal are extremely hot.

🌀 What is hurricane season in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Hurricane season in the Yucatan is from June to mid-October. Make sure you pay attention to the weather during these months in case there are tropical storms or hurricane warnings. 

The best places to visit in Yucatan 

If you’re heading to the Yucatan, you might not be sure of the best places to go. Merida and Valladolid are the main places people visit while in Yucatan State. 

Here are the top places to visit to experience each of these amazing towns. 

Merida is a historical city surrounded by cenotes and jungles. It also has an amazing food scene. You can dine in at fancy restaurants or you can grab some tacos from a local street food vendor. 

Here is a quick list of the best things to do in Merida :

👉🏽 Visit the Plaza Grande. This part of the city is more than 500 years old. You can see colonial architecture and wander down some of the side streets to immerse yourself in culture and history. 

👉🏽 Eat. Eating local food is a must anywhere in Mexico but especially in Merida. Head to the Mercado Lucas de Galvez where you can find fresh produce and small stalls selling some of the best Yucatan food.

👉🏽 Swim in a cenote. There are many cenotes around Merida but the most famous one is Cenote Noh Mozon. 

👉🏽 See a few Mayan ruins. There are many ruins to visit near Merida including Uxmal and Mayapan. 

✔️ Valladolid

Valladolid is quickly becoming more popular for travelers and with good reason! Here are some of the things not to miss while in Valladolid:

👉🏽 Tour the Convent of San Bernardo. The outside and inside of this convent are stunning. You can walk around the inside and then visit the small museum on the grounds as well. 

👉🏽 Eat in the square. In the historical square, there are many great restaurants to try. Las Campanas is known as the best, but don’t be afraid to try others as they are all fantastic. 

👉🏽 Go on a walking or biking tour. Valladolid is not very big, so it’s easy to explore some of the best sites by walking or cycling. 

👉🏽 Take a day trip. From Valladolid, you can easily get to many cenotes like Cenote Suytun. Chichen Itza is also only about 45 minutes away. 

Things to do in Yucatan

With so many things to do and see, it can be hard to decide what to put on your Yucatan bucket list. No matter how much time you have, make sure to visit a few of these places below!

🏖️ Best Yucatan beaches

➡️ Playa Norte Celestun is a breathtaking beach in Merida . It’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

➡️ Puerto Progreso is about 30-45 minutes from Merida and is well worth the drive. It’s usually not very crowded, so you’ll have the chance to relax and swim without too many people. 

➡️ El Cuyo is a nice weekend trip from Merida with some of the best beaches. It’s a popular place for kite surfing with plenty of rental gear shops nearby in case you don’t have your own. You can also sign up for a class if you’re a beginner. 

➡️ Playa Norte and Playa Sur are both beautiful beaches in Celestun. Playa Norte has more amenities as well as more options for restaurants and bars. 

➡️ San Benito is one of the beaches to visit if you want seclusion and quiet. It’s not very far from Progreso, you can always head there if you want more choices for food and nightlife. 

🌊 Best Yucatan cenotes

👉🏻 Cenote Zaci-Ha: This is one of the largest cenotes near Valladolid . It’s open-air and perfect for swimming. 

👉🏻 Cenote X’Canche: Make sure to visit this cenote after coming from Ek Balam as they are just adjacent to each other.

👉🏻 Cenote Oxman is near Valladolid. They have a few different ticket options for entry. You can pay more if you want access to the pool and restaurant while the lower ticket prices only give entrance to the cenote. 

👉🏻 Cenote Suytun is another cenote near Valladolid. It’s huge with clear blue water. The stalactites at the top of the cave also make for a great photo op. 

👍🏼 Best Yucatan ruins

You can’t travel to the Yucatan without visiting a few Mayan ruins . Here are the best ones not to miss. 

🔸 Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is the most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. The ruins are more than 740 acres. During the tour, you’ll be able to see many of the Mayan temples and learn about the Spanish conquest of the area. 

🔸 Uxmal 

Behind Chichén Itzá, Uxmal is the second most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. It’s a four-hour drive from Cancun making it a great weekend trip.

The stonework is intricate and detailed with many different temples and other ancient buildings to tour. 

🔸 Ruta Puuc

This is the best Mayan ruin site to visit if you’re in Merida as it’s not very far away.

Since it’s not as famous as other Mayan ruins in the state, you can experience the site peacefully without fighting crowds. You can also get some amazing photos. 

🦩 Where to see flamingos in Yucatan

Yucatan is famous for having an abundance of pink flamingoes as well as many other birds. Here are the best places to spot these magnificent creatures:

🗸 Rio Lagartos is famous for its flamingoes and its beautiful pink lakes. The best place to see the flamingoes is Parque Natural Ria Lagartos. 

🗸 Celestun has the largest pink flamingoes. You can take a day trip from Merida here and enjoy the lagoons and birds. 

🗸 El Cuyo is a great city to see flamingoes. They are easily spotted just outside the town center in the nearby lagoons. There are over 20,000 flamingoes in El Cuyo. 

👍🏼 Yucatan Pueblos Mágicos

Pueblos Mágicos are towns in rural areas of Mexico. Even though they see less tourism than larger cities, they often have more to offer with beautiful sites and unspoiled attractions. 

📍 Valladolid

Valladolid is not as well known as other places in Yucatan, but it’s quickly becoming more of a tourist town. It’s a great place to witness the authentic Mexican lifestyle. It also has an abundance of cenotes to visit. 

If you want to visit the most photogenic town in Mexico, come to see these amazing things in Izamal . Known as the “Yellow City,” almost every building in Izamal is painted a bright yellow. There are many great places to visit here including Mayan ruins and the Convento San Antonio de Padua. 

Sisal is a small seaport town. It’s only an hour from Merida. It has quiet beaches, small local bars, and freshly caught seafood in almost every restaurant.

🏆 Best Yucatan Tours

While you can explore the Yucatan on your own, booking a tour is a great way to learn about local culture and meet new friends as you travel. 

🌮 Mexican cooking class

If you’re itching to learn to make your favorite Mexican dishes while in the Yucatan, taking a cooking class is a great tour to book. Every cooking class is different, but the best ones include how to make fresh tortillas along with popular dishes. 

The best Mexican cooking classes also include a trip to the local market and an introduction to the history of food in the Yucatan. 

🦩 Las Coloradas pink lake

Las Coloradas are in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Along with seeing the stunning pink lakes, you also get a chance to see flamingoes, crocodiles, and hundreds of different species of birds. 

💎 Yucatan hidden gems

A tour of Yucatan’s hidden gems will take you to all the less visited places within the region. Some of the best-hidden gems include the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve and Ek Balam. 

Since the Yucatan is a huge region, endless hidden gems exist to find and explore. 

Where to stay in Yucatan

The Yucatan is full of amazing places to stay including small haciendas and 5-star resorts. There is the perfect accommodation for everyone. 

🏆 Best Haciendas in Yucatan

🏨 Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana is about 25 minutes from downtown Merida. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel that is on more than four acres of gardens. They also have a small restaurant and cocktail bar on site. 

🏨 Hacienda Santa Cruz Hotel & Spa is super close to downtown Merida. They have tons of amazing amenities, large rooms, a spa, private gardens, and several outdoor pools. 

🏆 Best Hotels in the Yucatan

🛏 Casa Tia Micha : Nice place to stay in Valladolid when you travel to Yucatan. The rooms are beautiful and it’s close to the city center. 

🛏 Hotel Tabasco Rio : One of the best hotels in the center of Rios Lagartos. They have free WIFI and air conditioning. It’s right in the city center so you can walk everywhere. 

🛏 Casa BreMar 3097: If you’re in Celestun, make sure to book a night here. They have comfortable rooms including air conditioning. You can also swim in the pool, take a walk on the private beach, or dine in the outdoor pavilion. 

🏆 Best Yucatan Resorts

🏝 Chablé Yucatán : Perfect place to be if you want to be near Merida but have more peace and quiet. The resort is in a secluded area near many cenotes around the region. They offer basic rooms, suites, and villas. 

🏝 Hotel Reef Yucatan : Right on the Gulf of Mexico, this resort is perfect if you want to spend most of your time on the beach. It’s all-inclusive so your meals and drinks are included. The terraces in the rooms are the best part as they have views of the ocean. 

🏝 Chichen Resort : If you want to be close to Chichen Itza, this is one of the best places. They have a restaurant, outdoor pool, and spa on-site. You can book a room or a small cottage. 

Is Yucatan safe?

The Yucatan is one of the safest regions to visit in Mexico. The crime rates are low compared to other parts of Mexico, especially the rates for violent crimes. It’s also the region in Mexico with the lowest number of kidnappings, homicides, and vehicle thefts. 

Petty theft is common though. You can avoid this by never walking alone at night, keeping your bag close to you, and not flashing money or jewelry. 

Some other safety tips to follow include:

✔️ Put money and other valuables in the hotel safe before heading out 

✔️ Make sure to only drink at  reputable bars/hotels and don’t let strangers buy you drinks 

✔️ Never leave your drinks unattended

✔️ Only use taxis that are metered 

By following the above tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable time while in Yucatan . 

How many days do you need in Yucatan?

Trips in the Yucatan shouldn’t be less than 5 days, but spending a week or two is ideal so you can see more of this beautiful region. 

Here are some sample itineraries so you can plan your time accordingly. 

✔️ 1-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: After landing in Cancun, head straight to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2: Spend the day exploring Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 3: Head to Ek Balam (You can also go to Chichen Itza if you have time)

👉🏽 Day 4 and 5: Spend two days exploring Merida (or use one day to swim in a nearby cenote)

👉🏽 Day 6: Take a day trip to Rio Lagartos

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour the Mayan ruins of Uxmal before heading to the airport 

If you’re flying out of Cancun rather than Merida, you might have to skip the last-day trip and drive back to Cancun. 

✔️ 10-day Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 3: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza (and go to Cenote Ik Kil since it’s nearby!)

👉🏽 Day 4: Tour Ek Balam 

👉🏽 Day 5: Take a day trip to El Cuyo

👉🏽 Day 6: Start driving to Merida, but spend the night in Izamel

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour Izamel and then finish the drive to Merida 

👉🏽 Day 8 and 9: Spend two days exploring Merida

👉🏽 Day 9: Drive to Uxmal or Celestun for a day trip

👉🏽 Day 10: Drive back to Cancun and prepare to fly back home (if flying out of Merida you can take another day trip or have an extra day exploring the city)

✔️ 2-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2 and 3: Spend a couple of days exploring Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 4: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza 

👉🏽 Day 5: Drive to Rio Lagartos and see the flamingoes

👉🏽 Day 6: Drive to Izamal and spend one day exploring 

👉🏽 Day 7 and 9: Head to Merida and spend the next two days touring the city 

👉🏽 Day 10: Take a day trip to Ek Balam or Uxmal 

👉🏽 Day 11: Drive to Progreso and spend the day lounging on the beach

👉🏽 Day 12: Head to Celestun to explore the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve 

👉🏽 Day 13: Visit Sisal 

👉🏽 Day 14: Drive to Cancun and fly home 

How to get around Yucatan

There are many ways to get around Yucatan depending on your budget and how many places you plan to go to. If you’re going to many different cities, the easiest and best way to get around is by car. 

You can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in Yucatan. You can also rent a car from many airports including Cancun International. 

If you’re nervous to drive or can’t drive, booking private shuttles is another great way to get around. They are less expensive than taxis as you will often share a shuttle with a few other people that are going to the same destination. 

Most areas of the Yucatan are easily accessible by ADO Bus , the official bus network in Mexico. Buses are extremely cost-effective and are the best way to get around for those backpacking Yucatan. 

If you are not a budget and prefer to take taxis, you can also do so. Taxis are an efficient (but expensive) way to get around. 

🚙 Yucatan Road Trip

Taking a road trip through the Yucatan is a great way to see the area. Most road trippers visiting Yucatan start in Cancun as this is usually the cheapest airport to fly into and there are ample car rental options once you clear customs. 

From Cancun, you can head straight to Valladolid where you can visit Chichen Itza and explore the various beaches and cenotes. 

From Valladolid make sure to go to Merida to see the beautiful city center, swim in a few more cenotes, and eat some good food. From Merida, you have plenty of day trip options including Rio Lagartos, Izamel, and Celestun. 

You can then fly out of the international airport in Merida or head back to Cancun if the flights back to your home are cheaper from there. 

👉 Do you need a car in Yucatan?

You don’t have to rent a car while in the Yucatan, but having a car is definitely the best way to road trip. Otherwise, you can get taxis, shuttles, or take the local bus to get to your destination. 

👉 Is it safe to drive in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Yes! You just need to make sure you follow all local driving laws and pay attention to signs and traffic lights. Petty theft is common though, so make sure you don’t leave money or valuables visible in the car when parked. 

Most roads in the Yucatan are very well-marked so you shouldn’t have a problem getting lost. 

🚌 Yucatan by bus

Using ADO buses while in the Yucatan (or pretty much anywhere in Mexico) is a fast and cheap way to get around. You can purchase bus tickets at any bus terminal in any city. Prices for bus tickets can range in price depending on where you are coming from and where you are going. 

There are also a few other bus companies that run long-distance routes. These include Primera Plus and Omnibuses de Mexico. 

ADO buses are the most well-known though. At the bus terminals, you’ll find posted bus routes and times making it easy to travel back and forth between cities. 

🌊 Yucatan tours

Many people choose to book tours while in Yucatan. This is a great way to get around the area without needing to work on booking transportation for yourself. 

When you book a tour, they will usually pick you up from your hotel. So all you need to do is get ready! After the excursion, they will then drop you back off at the hotel. 

Most transportation costs are included in the payment you give to the tour company. While you can books tours for virtually everything, the most common tours include day trips to cenotes and Mayan ruins. 

Some tours also combine several different attractions making it easy to see many of the best sites in one day. 

Planning a trip to Yucatan

💰 is the yucatan peninsula expensive.

Most of Mexico is very affordable . You’ll find that hotels and food are cheaper than what you might be used to paying at home. 

However, expect the Yucatan Peninsula to be a little more expensive compared to other places you might have traveled to in Mexico. 

Many cities and regions in the Yucatan are well-known and are common tourist destinations. So, the popularity is what makes it more expensive. 

You can still have a very affordable vacation though especially if you choose to eat at local establishments and not stay in large all-inclusive resorts. 

🧳 Do I need a travel adapter for Yucatan?

If you are from the USA or Canada, you will not need a travel adapter for the Yucatan because the plugs in Mexico are the same as in the rest of North America. 

If you’re from another part of the world, you will need to get an adapter to charge your devices in Mexico. Make sure you have the adapter that is two flat parallel pins (Type A). Mexico also has plugs with two flat pins along with a round pin (Type B). 

Universal Travel Power Adapter- EPICKA All in One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor

✔️ with Smart Power USB for USA EU UK AUS ✔️ Cell Phone Laptop (4 USB + Type C – White + Grey) ✔️ Suitable for Hair Dryer, Headphone, MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones, GPS, PDAs, travel speakers, etc

📝 Do I need travel insurance for Yucatan? 

Travel insurance is not required to visit the Yucatan, but it’s never a bad idea to buy insurance when visiting a foreign country. 

The best travel insurance plans include trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and trip delay. 

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using   Safety Wing , and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER . Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

📚 Do they speak English in Yucatan?

The main language of the Yucatan is Spanish. When you’re in rural areas or smaller towns, it can be hard to find any local people that speak English. You might want to learn some basic Spanish phrases before heading to the Yucatan. 

In larger resorts and common tourist attractions, many of the workers will speak English. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is merida yucatan worth visiting.

Although Merida is not as well known as Cancun , taking a trip to Merida is a must.

It has beautiful cenotes, several Mayan ruin sites, great markets for food, and a famous historical city center. 

Are Yucatan beaches worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan beaches have turquoise water teeming with marine life.

The sand is also soft and white making it a great place to relax, get a tan, or read a book.

You won’t regret experiencing the beaches of the Yucatan. 

Is Chichen Itza worth the trip?

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited Mayan ruins in Mexico. It’s closest to the cities of Cancun and Tulum making it a common attraction for visitors in those places. 

Seeing the pyramids and the Temple of Kulkulkan is a must for anyone wanting to learn the history of the Mayans and their life in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

There are many Mayan ruins in the Yucatan though, so you can always visit another one if you don’t have time to get to Chichen Itza. 

What language do they speak in the Yucatan?

The most common and widely spoken language in the Yucatan is Spanish. Like other regions of Mexico, you can communicate with everyone by speaking Spanish.

In the Yucatan, you might also hear people speaking Yucatec Maya to each other. This is an ancient Mayan language. 

Is the Yucatan Peninsula worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan is home to some of the most-visited regions in Mexico including Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is worth visiting for all travelers that want to see breathtaking beaches, experience some of the best diving reefs in the world, and go swimming in a cenote. 

What is Yucatan best known for?

The Yucatan is best known for being home to cenotes, beautiful beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Many people also come here for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Does Yucatan have nice beaches?

Since most tourists and travelers come to the Yucatan just for the beaches, you can be sure they are nice.

The best part about the beaches in Yucatan is they all have different things to offer. 

The beaches near Valladolid and Merida are much quieter compared to the beaches you’ll find in Quintana Roo State.

The beaches are not as well known so you can lay in the sand and go swimming without as many people around. 

What food is Yucatan known for?

Mexican food might be well-known all over the world, but some of the dishes unique to the Yucatan are not as famous. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth trying though. 

Huevos Motulenos is the perfect breakfast dish with fried tortillas, eggs, red onion, bacon, cheese, refried beans, and spicy salsa. 

Make sure to also try Papaszules which are very similar to enchiladas. Other famous dishes include Sopa de Lima, Queso Relleno, and Dulce de Papaya.

Final Thoughts: Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

While there are many regions to visit in Mexico, coming to the Yucatan is one of the best places for experiencing Mexican culture. Home to amazing beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins; the Yucatan is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. 

The Yucatan is very large making it a great destination for road trippers or others who are planning to spend a few weeks in Mexico. 

No matter how much time you choose to spend in the Yucatan, you’re sure to have a vacation you’ll never forget. 

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Is Cancun Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: April 8, 2024

We have been to Cancun many times over the years, and one of the main questions that we always get is, “Is Cancun safe?” Truthfully, the situation has always been fluid, and while we have personally felt safe in Cancun, it is important to check your government website warnings, follow basic safety precautions, and be aware of your surroundings. Mexico takes its tourism seriously and they want international visitors to continue to spend their dollars, so they are working hard to keep Cancun safe, especially in the tourist zones and the tourist hotspots.

Table of Contents

Is Cancun Safe to Visit?

As of March 2024, the US State Department updated its travel warnings for Quintana Roo, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. It removed the warning about an increased risk of kidnapping, but the country is still under a level 2 advisory.

As of March 2024, the Government of Canada notes that the region of Cancun has high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking, and assaults.

Cancun’s Current Safety Situation

Cancun is located in the State of Quintana Roo, including Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya. These areas bring in a lot of dollars into Mexico, and this is certainly one of the safer areas in the country, especially compared to other states. If you follow these tips and do your own research, you will find that you will feel a lot safer on your next trip should you choose to travel to Cancun.

Short Summary

Cancun’s security has been under a microscope due to incidents of criminal activity involving tourists. The Mexican government has taken great action to ensure the safety of visitors and citizens in Cancun. According to the US State Department, the Yucatan Peninsula is the safest region in Mexico for Americans in 2024. However, the State Department does have a travel advisory of “ exercise increased caution ” in the state of Quintana Roo.

• Cancun is generally safe for travelers but take necessary precautions and take government website travel alerts into consideration.
• Follow safety tips like avoiding walking alone at night and sticking to well-known establishments.
• When traveling in Cancun, familiarize yourself with local laws, use reputable transportation services, and opt for filtered water!

Mexico Travel Advisories

For the latest advisory warnings, visit th e US State Department’s Website . Right now, the State Department website warns that ” Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico.” However, when you read further, it states, “Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To the Yucatan State.

**Update**: On February 27, 2024, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico Department issued a warning for all U.S. travelers visiting Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean for Spring Break Travel in 2024. Only Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum were mentioned in the warning. You can check out the full message here and what they suggest.

Canada currently has a warning of “High rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking, and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.” It states that drug cartels have a presence in tourist areas. There has been intergang fighting at establishments frequented by tourists where innocent bystanders have been killed or injured.

Incidents like this can happen in any large city or tourist destination. To put things into perspective, Cancun currently has a crime index of 56.33. When you look at the crime rate in New Orleans, Cancun is much lower than the rating of 67.92. See the comparison here.

Crime Rates in Cancun

Cancun has a crime rate that is similar to many major cities in the United States, most of which revolve around drug-trafficking turf wars and gang-related violence. Tourists are rarely the target, and if you keep yourself out of trouble. Avoid buying drugs, don’t stay out until the wee hours of the morning, and limit your alcohol consumption off the resort. By following common sense safety measures, you can lower your chances of any incident.

Compared to other Mexican cities, Cancun’s crime rate remains relatively low, meaning vacationers shouldn’t be too concerned about any crimes during their visit. However, they should still exercise a degree of caution.

Mexican Government’s Efforts

The Mexican government has increased security around Cancun International Airport by dispatching extra police forces and protection systems, in order to put a stop to petty crime that mainly targets travelers.

The Mexican government has taken extra security steps to protect Cancun’s standing as a favored tourist spot. These include a greater police presence at popular tourist areas such as resorts within the Hotel Zone , surveillance cameras, and gated entrances for visitors.

Initiatives were also undertaken to reduce corruption among law enforcement in this area, which resulted in the removal of numerous police officers from their posts and several top-level personnel from office due to misconduct. You can read about it here .

Collaboration between local companies and tourism workers also supports a safer atmosphere. Extra tourist police, state police, the National Guard, and even the Navy patrol the beaches.

The Hotel Zone

Staying within the Hotel Zone Cancun is one of the safest areas to stay in Cancun. Police patrols, surveillance cameras, and gated resorts all provide an extra layer of security for guests staying at the numerous high-end accommodations in this area. That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, but we still recommend that you avoid walking alone at night or in secluded areas.

Cancun is a popular destination for Spring Break, and the kids love to party the nights away in the clubs of Playa del Carmen or Downtown Cancun. Our advice is to party responsibly. If you decide to go downtown Cancun to party for the night, exercise increased caution if you are going to local bars, stay in groups, don’t overdrink, and make sure to use an authorized taxi. It is when you drink too much and let your guard down that you become a target.

Best Practices for Staying Safe in Cancun

When vacationing in Cancun, it is important to remember that even though you are enjoying a vacation in popular tourist destinations, that doesn’t mean you let all common sense go out the window. A lot of people tend to think they are invincible on vacation, but this is when things can go wrong. Visitors to Cancun can have a great experience if they use common sense and exercise safety precautions. When visiting Quintana Roo or any other Mexican State, keep a few things in mind.

Cancun Airport Safety

Landing at the airport can be one of your most vulnerable times. The arrivals area is crowded and confusing, which makes it easy to fall victim to a travel scam. We recommend that you exercise caution and think before you accept any rides, offers, or help from a “good Samaritan.” Despite its relatively low rate of violent offenses, visitors entering through Cancun airport can still fall victim to potential scams such as fake taxi drivers and pickpocketing in crowded locations.

Our safety advice for landing at the airport is to a private transfer in advanc e to your hotel, keep an eye on your valuables, and don’t leave anything unattended. If you need cash, go directly to the ATM, but we suggest bringing American dollars and small bills with you.

Transportation Safety

There are many different ways to get around Cancun. If you want more freedom, we recommend renting a car. We have also taken local transportation without incident. However, if you want to have added safety, booking an organized tour is a good option. You can book a night out bar hopping with a local guide, city tours with a guide, and excursions with a guide, making it safer to travel.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services

Travelers in Cancun can enjoy secure and reliable transportation options by utilizing authorized taxis or reliable apps like Uber. When getting into a cab, make sure to ask them to put on the meter. Also, plan your route beforehand, and be aware of the approximate costs before setting off so as not to be scammed.

Ridesharing services such as Uber are available in Cancun. But use caution as there have been reports of violence between taxi drivers and Uber drivers due to contract disputes. . If you are staying in a resort, we recommend using the taxi drivers with whom they have a contract; otherwise, you will have to go off the resort to book an Uber.

Buses and Public Transportation

Cancun’s buses and public transportation are typically reliable, inexpensive, and easy to access for anyone looking to discover the city. Public transportation is generally safe, but it is better not to ride it alone or late at night.

Rental Cars and Driving Tips

Using a rental car in Cancun can be an ideal way to enjoy the sights and attractions at your own pace. Make sure to book with trusted car hire agencies; we use RentalCars.com. You will have to get additional insurance Third Party Liability and Public Liability Insurance are mandatory. And make sure you avoid being on the roads after dark.

By observing these tips, people will reap all the benefits associated with renting cars while feeling safe traveling through Cancun’s streets and reveling in views of its glorious bright blue Caribbean Sea.

Food and Drink Safety in Cancun

Food is generally safe to eat in Mexico, especially in popular destinations. We generally avoid eating raw foods unless they are cooked or can be peeled. When eating at restaurants, we always look for places packed with locals. This is how you know it will be fresh. Think about raw foods that would be washed in tap water. We don’t eat fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or can be peeled.

Tap Water Safety

Visitors to Cancun should not drink unfiltered tap water, and it is recommended that they stick to bottled water. We like to use a SteriPen so that we don’t contribute to plastic and avoid ice.

Although tests may show local tap water as safe enough for drinking according to regulations, microorganisms can still be present, which could lead to health problems.

Street Food and Restaurant Precautions

We have eaten street food in Mexico, and it is delicious, but tourists should still be cautious when choosing where to eat. Don’t eat salad or vegetables that aren’t cooked, and make sure the meat is freshly cooked in front of you. You don’t want to eat something that has been sitting in the heat for hours. Select freshly prepared meals, steer clear of uncovered dishes, and go for a well-known, busy place to eat.

Health and Medical Safety in Cancun

When visiting Mexico in general we highly recommend having travel insurance. Medical emergencies can happen, and it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. You may also want to look into what medications and vaccines you need. Make sure that your routine vaccines are up to date, and you may consider additional vaccines. Hepatitis A and B are good to get, and you may want to update your tetanus. For up-to-date travel health notices in Mexico, visit the CDC website.

Mosquito-borne illnesses can also be an issue, so pack bug spray and wear lightweight long sleeves if going into the jungle. In case of a medical emergency, there are healthcare services available that tourists can access if required – adding another layer of protection on top of their Mexico travel insurance policy.

Is Cancun Dangerous for Solo Travelers?

Many people travel to Cancun as solo travelers, and it is considered generally safe to visit alone. Before traveling, solo travelers should research the area and let people know where they will be. Check-in with family and friends back home frequently by providing them with information about where you’ll be going during each part of your journey so they know your whereabouts. By adhering to these basic guidelines for security, an unforgettable trip awaits any adventurous solo traveler who decides to explore this picturesque Mexican destination.

Many of our recommendations, regardless of the destination, are to not walk alone at night or in secluded areas, so if you are traveling alone, stay in lit areas, don’t stay out too late, and stick with the crowds.

Make sure to choose a safe hotel in a good area, use trustworthy transportation services, and avoid any illegal drugs or areas with high crime. Signing up for local tours can provide additional safety as you’ll be able to go sightseeing in a group with an expert guide. Plus you’ll make friends with some other tourists.

Is Cancun Safe for a Solo Female Traveler?

Cancun is largely considered secure for solo female travelers as well. The same recommendations can be made to avoid deserted areas and walking alone at night, and take taxis. Choose safe accommodation, preferably in the hotel zone, and use common sense and take extra precautions.

Women are more vulnerable than male travelers, and a woman can catch unwanted attention. Don’t go out alone late at night, use trustworthy taxis, don’t wear expensive jewelry, and the hotel room safe for your valuables.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Cancun typically runs from June through November, with the peak period occurring between August and October. Travelers considering Cancun as a destination often wonder about safety during these months. It’s important to note that while the risk of hurricanes exists, Cancun is well-prepared with robust infrastructure and comprehensive emergency plans in place to ensure visitor safety

Here’s the lowdown: yes, hurricanes can whip through, especially from August to October when things tend to peak. But, Cancun is pretty savvy when it comes to dealing with these big storms. The hotels and local officials have got it down to a science with solid buildings and tried-and-true safety plans that kick into gear when needed.

Plus, with all the advanced weather tech these days, everyone gets a heads-up well before a storm hits. So, while it’s smart to keep an eye on the weather, Cancun remains a fab spot for a beach vacation, even during the stormy months. Chill vibes and safety can totally go hand in hand here!

The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Cancun and Mexico, but establishments readily accept US dollar. Hotel ATMs often dispense US dollar currency over Mexican Pesos.

When withdrawing cash, try to use ATMs in secure locations like inside a bank or a busy mall, rather than those on the street, to keep things extra safe. And hey, while it’s tempting to carry a wad of cash to avoid transaction fees, it’s smarter to keep just enough cash for the day and use your credit card when you can. Credit cards are widely accepted and give you that extra layer of fraud protection. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you’ll make sure your financial dealings in Cancun are as smooth as the local tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cancun safe right now 2024?

The US State Department notes that Cancun has friendly locals and is one of the safest areas in Mexico, with a low crime rate. So you can have an amazing experience by planning your getaway to this destination come 2024! Relax, knowing you will be safe during your stay here. Making it absolutely unforgettable.

How safe is Cancun for American tourists?

The US State Department has assessed Cancun as one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, and thus, it is Safe for tourists making a trip there in 2024. To ensure you enjoy your time while still staying secure, practice caution with regard to where you go and who you talk to, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Is Cancun safe to walk around?

When visiting Cancun, travelers should always take precautions to remain safe. The Hotel Zone, in particular, offers a secure atmosphere with numerous all-inclusive resorts, international hotels, and beaches for visitors to enjoy without fear of crime rates that are low outside the hotel zone.

Overall it is possible to have an unforgettable trip when exercising caution and keeping safety measures at hand during your time here, which will result in a rewarding experience.

Is Cancun safe at an all-inclusive?

When it comes to booking an all-inclusive holiday in Cancun, you can be confident that the resort is secure. Most properties have measures such as security guards with firearms to make sure visitors feel safe during their stay.

With some planning and investigation beforehand, travelers will be able to enjoy a stress-free break away from home in one of Mexico’s picturesque cities.

Is it still safe to travel to Cancun right now?

With care and knowledge of local customs, Cancun is an excellent, relatively secure destination for travelers. Hence, caution and respect should be exercised to make sure a safe journey is had while visiting the area.

Stick to the Most Popular Tourist Destinations

When you’re planning a trip to Mexico and wondering about safety, it’s handy to know which spots are a bit spicier when it comes to risk. Some areas, particularly along certain parts of the northern border and specific regions like parts of Guerrero, have a bit more heat due to higher crime rates and travel advisories. Cities like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez often make headlines, urging travelers to stay street-smart and keep up with travel advisories.

Some regions, like Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, and Sinaloa, tend to be hotter on the risk radar due to higher crime rates and consistent travel advisories. While these areas can have their share of challenges, don’t let that put a damper on your whole itinerary.

Mexico is a vast country with safe and serene destinations in the most popular tourist destinations and off the beaten path far from the troubled spots. By staying sharp and keeping up with the latest travel advisories, you can navigate your way to a smooth and secure Mexican adventure. Remember, a little prep and awareness go a long way in making sure your vacation vibes remain as calm as a seaside sunset!

Our Safety Recommendations For Cancun

Cancun is an attractive tourist destination to visit, offering a secure holiday when the appropriate steps and precautions are taken. Staying up-to-date on safety updates, bearing in mind some basic security tips, staying up to date on current Mexico travel warnings, and keeping any dangers that may arise at bay will enable travelers to enjoy Cancun fully without worry.

So get ready for your trip by packing all you need (including sunscreen) for what promises to be an unforgettable experience – complete with sand, sunshine, and of course memories galore!

Plan Your Next Trip to Cancun with These Resources

• Mexico City: Best Things to Do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip
• Cancun: 21 Amazing Things To Do In Cancun
• Cancun: Where To Stay In Cancun: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget
• Playa Del Carmen: 29 of Best Things to do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula: 23 Amazing Things To Do In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
• Tulum: 23 Best Things To Do In Tulum
• Puerto Vallarta:
• 23 Best Beaches In Mexico
• Best Mexican Dishes: 27 Most Popular Mexican Foods

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

26 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca, Mexico in 2024

The Best of Loreto – Best Kept Secret in Baja California Sur

Is Mexico City Safe To Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

About ThePlanetD Team

Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

1 thought on “Is Cancun Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips”

We just got back and Cancun is extremely safe. We didn’t stay in resorts but three different locations and took local buses and walked around at night and at no time did we feel even the slightest concern about our safety or security. Using common sense travel, having a reasonable control of your faculties and not engaging in extremely risky behavior with strangers keeps any risk low. Mexican people are hard working, friendly and helpful.

The United States places Yucatan as a safe destination to travel

Mérida, Yucatán, (July 15, 2021).- The Department of State of the United States in its most recent update of the travel alert for Mexico, in reference to the level of risk due to the Covid pandemic, placed Yucatán and Campeche at risk level 1 (the lowest) for crimes and kidnappings, a rating given equal to cities in France, Germany and Canada.

With this value, the US Government warns its citizens that, in case of traveling to any of these 2 Mexican states, they must do so with the usual precautions that they would normally have in their own country.

The North American Government recommended to its citizens who plan to come to Mexico to do so to Yucatan, because its authorities guarantee the safety of its visitors this summer season.

It should be noted that, according to this alert system, Mexico is at level 3, that is, it is recommended not to travel, but it also specifies the areas and the risks of insecurity, in the case of Yucatan, like Campeche, they are outside of that high-risk area.

Americans are warned that the crimes of homicide, kidnapping and robbery “are widespread and common in Mexico,” so it has a “limited capacity to provide emergency services to citizens in many areas and mainly in 14 Mexican states.”

Regarding the risks of contagion from Covid, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, for its acronym in English) issued a new health advisory for trips to Mexico, due to the high levels of contagion that prevail in the country.

“Your risk of contracting Covid and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with a vaccine authorized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).”

The US allows its citizens to choose the safest destinations to travel, making Yucatan the most appropriate for North Americans to spend their summer vacations.

The Yucatan Times Newsroom

Yucatan Times

Family of the young man who set himself on fire in downtown mérida asks for help, prices of the basic food products in yucatan increase uncontrollably, you may also like, a man goes to prison for starting a fire in a landfill in motul, yucatan is experiencing the worst drought in 30 years, morena and allies are still short of two-thirds senate majority, rogelio ramirez de la o accepted to stay as mexico’s finance minister, as morena vows to pass reforms, the mexican peso tumbles, joe biden leads the polls for the first time in months, after trump’s felony..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Our Company

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consect etur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis.

• 01 Central Park, US, New York City
• Phone: (012) 345 6789
• Email: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]

About Links

• Advertise With Us
• Media Relations
• Corporate Information
• Apps & Products

Useful Links

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Closed Captioning Policy
• Accessibility Statement
• Personal Information
• Data Tracking
• Register New Account

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept

Keep me signed in until I sign out

Forgot your password?

A new password will be emailed to you.

Have received a new password? Login here

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription.

Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers in 2024? [Locals’ Tips]

Curious about Merida Mexico travel safety?

You’ve come to the right place to get an answer to the Is Merida Mexico Safe? question because I have lived in Merida since 2019 . In this article, I’m sharing all my Yucatan travel tips with you. 

As someone who’s been living in Mexico since 2018, I do feel it’s a safe country overall. However, since I’m just one voice in the conversation, you’re going to get statistics and hear from other sources also validating Merida Mexico safety in this article.

Merida is the Safest City in Mexico

To quickly put your mind at ease, Merida is considered the safest Mexico city.

In 2019, an article in CEOWorld Magazine came out declaring Merida the safest city in Mexico and the second safest city on the Americas Continent. A similar article in Forbes magazine says it’s as safe as Europe . 

Merida, Mexico has also received other accolades from CEOWorld Magazine . In 2021, readers named it the #3 best small city in the world ( San Miguel de Allende , Mexico was #1).

Similarly, Conde Nast Traveller magazine readers named Merida the #3 best city in the world in 2020!

As safety is a common question when it comes to Mexico travel, let’s dive deeper into this topic.

By the end of this article, you’ll have Merida general and nighttime safety info, know what to pack for Merida to feel safer, and more — So let’s dive in to discover how safe is Merida Mexico Yucatan .

Is Merida Mexico Safe?

Is merida mexico safe for tourists.

Merida is widely considered the safest city in Mexico . It is located in Yucatan state, which is said to be one of the safest states in Mexico. To see which places the U.S. State Department has issued warnings about, head to their site.

Given the mainstream media’s coverage of Mexico, and movies and shows about Mexico, it does seem to be a very dangerous country.

As someone who’s lived in Mexico since 2018, my first-hand experience has been that there are safe, less safe, and dangerous places in Mexico.

For a deep dive on this topic, check out  Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers? Safety Tips from a Longtime Resident . In an effort to offer other perspectives about Mexico and Merida travel safety, let’s see what the experts say!

One of the best articles on this subject comes from Forbes . In it, Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, offers a sound perspective about overall Mexico travel safety: 

“Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes . ” —Carlos Barron (source: Forbes)

The important phrase here is “the numbers game.” There’s no denying bad things occur in Merida, and in Mexico, however they rarely involve tourists.

If you ask, is Merida Mexico safe from cartels ? In Mexico, most violence is related to cartels, which don’t have much of a presence in Merida, Yucatan, or most tourist cities.

RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 50 Essential Tips for Mexico Travel from a Long-Term Resident

Though bad things happen every single day throughout the U.S., they get written off as isolated incidents instead of labeling the country as unsafe.

Similar to the U.S., Mexico is a large country, so “playing the numbers game” also means there’s more chance of isolated incidents. I hope that answers your “Is Merida Yucatan safe?” question.

What Airport Do I Use for Merida?

Merida International Airport (code: MID) is located about 20-35 minutes from Centro Historico (Downtown).

There are only direct flights to Merida, Mexico, from a few cities in the U.S., like Miami and Houston, so you may have to connect through the Mexico City or Guadalajara Airports.

How to Get from Merida Airport to My Hotel

From Merida Yucatan Airport, you can grab an Uber or taxi curbside, or book a private transport service — see your options below for that.

If you’re planning to get a rental car in Merida , the airport is the best place to pick one up because all the top companies have offices there. There are also several agencies in the Paseo 60 complex near Paseo de Monteo.

Merida Airport transfer service

Is there uber in merida.

Yes, there is Uber in Merida and Yucatan state — though there’s no Uber in the other Yucatan Peninsula states of Campeche and Quintana Roo.

Uber in Mexico tends to be cheaper than in the U.S. Prices will vary, but plan to pay about $75-100 pesos ($3.50-5 USD) for 20-minute rides.

🚨 A Warning About Taking Uber From Merida Airport

From time to time, the local government really cracks down on Uber pick-ups at the airport. As this is technically illegal, you may have to walk to the main road just outside the airport to get an Uber.

If you’re traveling light, it’s no big deal; but with luggage, it’s a bit of a hassle.

As taxis price gouge the worst at the airport, you may want to consider booking private transport — which is a bargain at just $40 USD for round trip door-to-door service ! I recommend the Merida airport private shuttle linked here.

Safest Neighborhoods in Merida

Merida is the 13th largest city in Mexico, with a population nearing one million. As with any larger city like this, there are safe areas, and places to avoid.

The best places to stay in Merida for tourists and visitors are Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) and Paseo de Montejo . These are the areas I especially recommend for solo female travelers .

Where to Stay in Merida

There are two main areas in Merida: Centro Historico/Paseo Montejo and North Merida. Personally, I always recommend Centro Historico , the charming historic zone, where you’ll find the best Merida Airbnbs, Merida hotels and Merida hostels, like Nomadas and Casa Garza . 

Located in the north part of the city, you’ll find larger homes and townhomes in areas including Montes de Ame and Francisco de Montejo.

This part of the city is more suburban, with large malls and chain stores, located about 20-30 minutes by rental car or Uber from downtown.

RELATED ARTICLE 🏡 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local]

Best Hotels in Merida, Mexico

Prefer a Merida hotel or resort to an Airbnb/VRBO? This city has many located right in the best Merida neighborhoods — Zona Paseo Montejo, Parque Santa Ana and Barrio de Santiago.

Here is a list of the best Merida, Mexico hotels:

• Best boutique hotel in Merida: Rosas y Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Best historic hotel in Merida: Hotel Casa Azul Merida
• Best hacienda hotel in Merida: Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP
• Best splurge hotel in Merida: The Diplomat Boutique Hotel Merida
• Best budget hotel in Merida: NH Collection Merida Paseo Montejo

Neighborhoods to Avoid in Merida

• South Merida is known as the least safe part of the city — though there’s nothing a visitor would want to see or do there. The area considered “South Merida” is located south of the Merida International Airport.
• At the large Mercado Lucas de Galvez (market) in downtown, make sure to stay vigilant of your belongings, as sadly, pickpocketing isn’t uncommon there.

Other than that, Merida is largely quite safe for the vast majority of visitors and is considered one of the safest places in Mexico!

Is Merida Safe at Night?

In general, Merida isn’t really any less safe at night than during the day. The thing to keep in mind is that alcohol consumption (and overconsumption !) makes all situations and places less safe. If you’re going out late at night, stick to Centro Historico (Downtown) and Paseo Montejo.

As there’s Uber in Merida, it’s always a good idea to Uber home instead of walking — especially if you’re doing solo travel in Mexico .

The best neighborhoods in Merida mentioned above aren’t big areas, so you may be calling an Uber for a five-minute drive, though it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Are Taxis in Merida Safe?

Yes — Merida taxis are safe. You can hail one right on the street, and often drivers will quickly honk at people walking on the street to “ask” if you want a taxi. While using a Merida taxi is an option, I prefer Uber for convenience, though both are safe.

As with taxis in many places, they do tend to price gouge with tourists. Since you won’t know the going rate for a taxi where you’re headed, it’s usually a better idea to use Uber so you get a fair price and know what you’re paying up-front.

Is Merida Mexico Safe for Solo Travel?

I have been to half the states in Mexico, mostly as a solo female traveler. Truthfully, I never really felt unsafe anywhere, but if you are planning some Merida solo travel, take solace in the fact that this is considered the safest place in Mexico to visit.

As such, the same travel safety precautions you’d take anywhere else will suffice to keep you safe in Merida.

These include listening to your intuition, avoiding the less-safe parts of town (ie. South Merida), taking Uber home at night and always staying aware of your surroundings and belongings.

If you want to see the nearby sites and don’t want to go solo, there are many great Merida tours perfect for solo travelers .

Check out the 12 Best Merida Tours for an Unforgettable Mexico Experience to visit the Mayan Ruins, Merida cenotes and more, with a group.

RELATED ARTICLE ✈️ Is Mexico Safe for Women: 20 Mexico Solo Travel Tips You Need

Is Yucatan Safe for Travel?

Planning to take some day trips from Merida? Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll be venturing out into this part of Mexico if you’re traveling around Merida — So you may want to know if it’s also safe for visitors. In short — yes.

Yucatan state, of which Merida is the capital city, is among the safest states in Mexico. However, the Yucatan Peninsula actually encompasses three states: Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatan.

Quintana Roo state, home to Tulum , Cancun and Playa del Carmen , is considered safe — though tourist scams are common here, as this is a tourist-heavy state.

Campeche is one of the least populated states in Mexico, largely off the beaten path, and also considered safe.

RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 25 Best Places in the Yucatan Peninsula: Ruins, Beaches, Cenotes

Is it Safe to Drive in Yucatan and Merida?

As there are many things to do in Yucatan and amazing places to see, many do a road trip in Yucatan to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

🚗💨 For a Merida car rental, I recommend and use Discover Cars ! If you need more info on renting a car and driving in Mexico, check out this article .

Packing for Merida, Mexico

Merida Mexico, and the entire Yucatan, have a tropical climate. As you can see by the Merida temperatures below, this part of Mexico is hot ( and humid 😥) for most of the year, so definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle and eco-friendly sunscreen .

🌡️ Weather in Merida, Mexico 

As far as Merida outfits, think flowy, tropical, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing; bonus points for anything that doesn’t show sweat! Click on any image below to pick up some new Mexico outfits, and plan to bring your summer-wear: sundresses, sun hats and sunglasses .

Safety Items to Pack for Merida

Besides clothing, here are some things to buy for added safety in Merida:

• The number one thing I recommend all travelers have is data for their phone. A TELCEL SIM Card allows you to have data while traveling, so you can call Uber, text and make calls, use your translation app, etc. For more info, see Best Mexico SIM Card (And 5 Reasons You Need to Buy One) .
• Some travelers use an anti-theft backpack or anti-theft purse , which have locking zippers, slash-proof fabric and more.
• A door stopper with sound alarm will both prevent someone from entering your rental home or room, and make a loud 120-decibel sound if they try to.
• The hidden bra pocket hides some money and a credit card in a small pouch that clips onto your bra (similar to a travel money belt , but totally inconspicuous).
• This Water-To-Go Bottle filters your water so you don’t get sick while in Mexico — because the more healthy you are, the better decisions you make, the safer you stay. 💸 Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15 at checkout!

Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Merida?

NO — Tap water in Mexico is unsafe to drink for anyone; not for locals, not for Merida expats ( like me! ) and not for visitors, so no one drinks it. To make Mexico water safe to drink, you’d have to boil it or use this Water-To-Go Bottle .

RELATED ARTICLE: Can You Drink the Water in Merida, Mexico?

Because Merida water is unsafe to drink, you can drink bottled water, which is readily available.

However, not all bottled and filtered water is created equal and of exceptional quality, and single-use plastics from disposable water bottles are horrible for the environment!

So what can you do? Enter the Water-To-Go Bottle , your secret weapon in how to avoid Mexico sickness during travel, and also practice responsible travel in Mexico!

This bottle has a built-in filter, so you don’t get sick in Mexico while traveling to Merida, but you do stay hydrated.

Get 15% OFF your entire Water-To-Go purchase with code SOLO15 at checkout!

Is it Safe to Eat Salad in Mexico?

A widespread myth circulating the internet is you must avoid salads and fresh fruits in Mexico, as veggies and fruits are washed in tap water. Again, as tap water isn’t safe, locals don’t wash produce in it, as that would get them sick too.

In Mexico, produce wash is widely used, but you can also bring your own for an added safety measure.

This will especially come in handy if you plan on shopping in the local Merida markets a lot, as you can sample all the delicious local, tropical fruits.

Is Ice in Mexico Safe?

Another myth circulating is that you’ll want to avoid ice in Mexico — which is quite simply, false .

In fact, in Merida’s hot weather, you’ll want it more than ever! As mentioned, even locals don’t consume tap water as it’s not safe for them, so they certainly don’t make ice with it.

Is Merida Safe to Live?

As someone who’s lived in Merida since 2019, I definitely feel it is! The one caveat is that you must make personal safety your highest priority. The best way to keep safe is by not living in the least safe part of the city — South Merida.

If you’ve been inspired to check Merida out through Instagram, YouTube and social media, the photos you’ve seen haven’t been of South Merida, so don’t worry.

The parts you’ve seen, and the best parts of Merida, include Centro Historico/Paseo de Montejo and North Merida.

There are pros and cons to both areas, and where you select will depend on your budget, lifestyle, needs and deal breakers.

For example, Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) is charming and beautiful, but it’s the most touristy part of town and many buildings are older.

Is Merida Mexico safe to live? Check out my detailed post on Living in Merida: Pros and Cons

North Merida has new construction buildings with nice amenities for very reasonable prices. However, it lacks the character and charm of Downtown, and can feel quite suburban.

You’ll also want a car if you live here, so while rents may be cheaper, you’ll have that added expense.

Your best bet is to start out with a short term Merida Airbnb or Merida VRBO rental . Once you’re physically in the city and have a visual on the lay of the land, you’ll be able to make the best decision on what part of the city works for you.

Top 10 Quick Merida Mexico Safety Tips

If you read the whole article, you should now know everything you need to know about Merida safety.

If you skipped down to the bottom ( don’t worry, we all do it sometimes! ), here are the “cliff’s notes” and 10 top safety tips for traveling in Merida!

1. Don’t walk home alone at night, especially if you’ve been drinking. In general, always take an Uber back to your accommodation at night, even if it’s just a short walk.

2. Avoid South Merida! There are so many things to do in Merida , and none of them are in the south. Stick to the safest areas only — Centro Historico, Paseo de Montejo and North Merida — by selecting one of these 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local] .

3. Keep some cash in your pocket, or even a side pocket in your anti-theft purse , so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you make a purchase. 

4. Never keep your phone in your back pocket, as this is the easiest place to steal it from. Though uncommon in Merida, it’s known to happen in the bustling Lucas de Galvez market.

5. Never leave valuables unattended! Take your purse, book bag and belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe neighbor to watch them. 

6. Don’t drink the water in Merida! While no one drinks tap water in Mexico, not all bottled water is created equal. This Water-To-Go Bottle filters your water for an added layer or protection, so you don’t get sick while traveling to Merida. 💸 Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15 at checkout!

7. Sunscreen and a sun hat are your friends! Merida is rather close to the Equator, making the sun’s harmful effects much stronger. Stay hydrated with your W ater-To-Go refillable water bottle, apply eco-friendly sunscreen often, and always wear your sun hat and sunglasses .

8. Leave valuables and your passport in the safe at your Merida hotel , hostel or Airbnb/VRBO .

9. Brush up on your Spanish! A little Spanish goes a long way in Merida, especially if you’re venturing out of town on some Merida day tri ps . The free Duolingo app is a great resource, or for a more in-depth course, Rocket Spanish will have you confident and conversational in only a few modules.

10. Get travel insurance ! If there’s one certainty about travel, it’s that something will not go according to plan. Scroll down to get a free quote from World Nomads ⤵

Mexico Travel Insurance for Merida

Just because Merida is the safest city in Mexico doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the same travel safety measures you’d take anywhere else. Depending on your needs, you can add in everything from Covid coverage to Mexican driving insurance. 

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Mexico and Merida travel safety are on your mind, get your free quote below from World Nomads, one of the biggest names in travel insurance.

So What’s the Verdict: Is Merida, Mexico Safe?

Merida is widely considered the safest city in Mexico. It is located in Yucatan state, which is said to be one of the safest states in Mexico. To see which places the U.S. State Department has issued warnings about, head to their site .

Now, this does not mean you should let your guard down and assume safety is a guarantee. In fact, that might be the worst thing you can do for your own personal safety.

While Merida Mexico crime rates are low, you’ll still need to take general travel safety precautions listed below.

Need more Merida travel info? Check out this Merida, Mexico Podcast!

Is merida worth visiting .

As someone who has lived in Merida since 2019, I’m admittedly biased. However, I will say this is a special city on a number of levels — it’s safe, beautiful, historic, walkable, oh, and of course, the yummy Yucatan food 🤤

I have visited about half the states in Mexico, including all the big name Mexico destinations, and I chose Merida as my home base.

With its proximity to so many other places in the Yucatan Peninsula , it makes for a great spot to vacation in Mexico.

As it’s still an off the beaten path Mexico destination (for now!) you can still have an affordable Merida trip. If you follow the tips in this article, it will also be a safe trip to Merida!

Merida Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Merida?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Merida?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?

For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb! ( Read more )

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

Loved this post? Share & Pin it for later

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Email
• Share on Reddit

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Yucatán in Mexico: Practical travel tips and information for your trip

The Yucatán Peninsula is probably the most popular destination in Mexico but this doesn’t exactly come as a surprise to us. Why? Because there, you can find the perfect combination of those dreamy Caribbean beaches , charming colonial cities and discover the intriguing Mayan culture . For three weeks we travelled all over the Yucatán Peninsula, falling in love with Mexico.

In this blog article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about travelling through Mexico , including: Planning and Travel Preparation Tips for your trip to Mexico, Information about the Yucatán Highlights, Safety, and of course, the food culture and culinary experiences that await you.

1. Preparation: Before Your Yucatán Trip

2. getting around the yucatán region, 3. highlights & itinerary on the yucatán peninsula, 4. food & drink: the mexican cuisine, 5. accommodations in the yucatán region: where to stay, 6. travel costs: how much money do you need to travel mexico, 7. internet on the yucatán peninsula, 8. security in the yucatán region of mexico.

What to expect on the Yucatán Peninsula: First Impressions & Overview

Mexico – the land of the Mayas, the snow-white beaches, mystical Cenotes, tacos and Margaritas. If you have these ideas of Yucatán, then you are not far off because all these things are indeed waiting for you on your tour of the Yucatán Peninsula.

However, the Yucatán is anything but untouched in terms of tourism. We are talking mainly about the East Coast, the so-called Riviera Maya , which is still a lot more touristy than we could have ever expected. This means that you really have to search deep for the authentic Mexico in Yucatán. But we can reassure you, that you will still love it because there are still many places in the Yucatán untouched by mass tourism.

By the way, when people say “Yucatán”, then they are usually referring to the peninsula of the same name, which is actually home to a total of three states : Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche.

Yucatán is, in our opinion, the perfect combination of culture, beaches and cities.

Culture: because of the abundance of Mayan Ruins, which you simply cannot help but be astounded and fascinated by them. There are countless Mayan ruins in Yucatán and some are more impressive than others.

Beaches: because along the Riviera Maya and on the Mexican islands, you’ll find dreamy beaches that look as if they came straight out of a picture book. We were speechless in the face of snow-white sand and azure blue waters.

Cities: because Yucatán is blessed with some beautiful, authentic colonial towns. We loved getting lost in the urban streets of Campeche , Mérida and Valladolid .

Who is Yucatán suitable for?

If this is going to be your first time in Mexico , then the Yucatán Peninsula is the ideal destination for you. There are several reasons why Yucatán is so well-suited to newcomers in Mexico:  

• Yucatán is Mexico’s most touristic region, yet there are places that are still untouched by mass tourism. Anyone who has security concerns can rest assured: the Yucatán Peninsula is not only the most touristic, but also one of the safest regions in Mexico. (We’ll tell you more about safety at the end of this article.)  
• The distances between destinations in the Yucatán are not huge: we never had to sit in the car for more than 4 hours on our road trip. All in all, we certainly had the feeling that Yucatán was the perfect introduction and welcome into Mexico.

Families with children: we can also highly recommend the peninsula to those travelling as families. There are plenty of great beach resorts along the Riviera Maya with beautiful beaches (for example in Tulum). If you want to do one or more side trips, you will find an abundance of choices – including the great Cenotes or the Mayan Ruins.

Duration of the journey: How long should I stay in the Yucatán?

Difficult question, because it depends on how much you want to experience and how much time you want to stay at each stop. We ourselves spent three weeks in Yucatán and found this time period to be just perfect. We felt that we were able to see a lot of the peninsula without being too stressed with time constraints.

But you can do a nice road trip even in just two weeks. And of course, you can also easily fill four weeks or more with memorable experiences.

The best travel time on the Yucatán Peninsula

Dry season = high season.

Between November/December and April/May there is a dry season on the Yucatán Peninsula. This means that comparatively little precipitation falls and the temperatures are pleasantly warm (not too hot), although it can be a bit fresh in the evenings. It is during the dry season that most   of the tourists flock to the Yucatán Peninsula.

Tourism experiences a huge spike during Christmas and Easter, where many visitors from the USA and Europe escape the cold and travel to Mexico. Around spring break , when college students from America have their semester breaks, things start to get a bit rowdy along the Riviera Maya. So we would recommend that you avoid these specific periods if possible.

Rainy season

The rainy season begins from May and runs until October/November . In these months, the Yucatán experiences very high precipitation falls. The amount of rain is quite unpredictable: anywhere from day-long steady rain to a few showers in two weeks is possible. Coincidentally, the hurricane season also happens to fall in the same period. Dramatic hurricanes, however, are very rare in Mexico.

If there was no other choice than to travel Mexico during the rainy season, we personally would still do it. Be prepared, however, for certain plans to be washed away (sometimes quite literally).

Our travel period and our climate experience

We toured Yucatán between late November and mid-December. Our trip was a good example of how the weather does not always stay true to its forecasts. We got some rainy days even during the main dry season. During our time on Holbox , there was an unusually strong low over the region.

What you should take away from this: Even though you’re travelling to the tropics, you have to be ready and prepared to adapt to changes in the weather no matter the season. It’s best not to plan the trip too rigidly, so that you can still be flexible and can reschedule if necessary.

Entering Mexico

German and Austrian nationals may enter Mexico without a visa and stay there for 180 days. This is actually the case for citizens of most EU countries as well as for citizens of UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and the USA (ie. 180 Day Visa Free Stay). You don’t have to worry about anything in advance, just make sure that your passport is still valid for six months upon entry.

On the plane, you will receive two forms: an entry form and a Customs form – you have to complete both, so having a ballpoint pen is a good idea. When you enter, simply show the forms and that’s it. Important: The entry form remains in your passport and is used as the the exit form when you leave. Therefore, you should take good care of it, because you have to hand it in upon your exit from the country. If you lose it, you will have to pay a fee.

Attention: If you have a stopover in the US, you must apply for an ESTA visa. Best to apply for this as soon as you can.

Power/Travel Adaptor: Do I need an adaptor for Mexico?

It depends on where you come from. In Mexico you use completely different sockets than you would in the Euro Zone. More specifically, it uses sockets of type A and B. These have flat contacts.

Another important note: The grid voltage in Mexico is only 110 or 120 Volts and the grid frequency 60 Hertz. In Europe, the supply voltage is 230 Volts. You should therefore check all your devices to see if they are suitable for Mexico. You can usually find the necessary information directly on the device or on the charging cable.

For example: The MacBook Pro 13” may be charged between 100 and 240 Volts and between 50 and 60 Hertz, according to the charging cable. So you don’t have to worry about that in Mexico, although it might be the case that the charging time takes longer. Devices also usually run at half the power compared to what we are used to at home – this concerns, for example, the hair dryer, which quickly becomes unusable at 110 Volts.

This adaptor is the correct one: Travel Adaptor Mexico (we had three pieces.)

Travel Guide for Yucatán

We would never travel to a new country without a printed travel guide – and this was also the case with Mexico. We did a lot of research in advance and finally decided on the English-speaking Lonely Planet.

The advantage of this guide is that it is very compact . You do not carry unnecessary weight, as the guide is limited to the Yucatán Peninsula (and a few nearby destinations). The most important points and locations are well described, although in some places, we would have liked to have had   more detailed information. Nevertheless, we would recommend this guide.

Here is the link where you can buy the travel guide: Lonely Planet Cancún, Cozumel & the Yucatán (July 2019 Edition)

Option 1 (Our Recommended Choice): By Rental Car

The fastest and most convenient way to get around is by rental car. It’s also very easy to travel Yucatán on your own – even though the initial thought might seem a bit far fetched. We have summarised all our tips for driving in Mexico and booking a rental car – in this particular blog article: Yucatán Road Trip .

We ourselves booked our rental car for Mexico via Sunny Cars (not surprising as we always book through them). But the main reason is that when you book via Sunny Cars, all major insurance policies for Mexico are already included, which is why we would choose it again any time.

Option 2: By Bus

Travelling by bus through Yucatán is also very popular. The best-known, most modern and most popular tourist bus company is called ADO. The ADO route network is very well developed. You can easily search for specific connections on the ADO website . Although there is no English version, you can find your way around the website relatively well, even without much Spanish knowledge.

Getting Around a Town/City

If you have a rental car , then you can of course also use it to get around within the town or city. This works great in places like Bacalar , for example. But the bigger the city, the more impractical it usually becomes to get around within a city by rental car – the main reason being that the parking situation becomes a hassle, more expensive and more time consuming (eg. along the Beach Road in Tulum ).

Uber & Taxi are good alternatives in this case. We used Uber ourselves to get around Mérida – it worked without any hiccups.

Most cities (Valladolid, Campeche and the majority of Mérida) are small enough that the distances are walkable. In other destinations, bicycle proves to be the best mode of transport (eg. in Tulum and Holbox ).

You are probably interested in what there is to experience on the Yucatán Peninsula and which highlights you should not miss. Therefore, we can recommend you this blog article in which we describe our itinerary:

Detailed blog article: Our Yucatán Road Trip Itinerary

You will find an extensive description of the exact stops we took on our round trip. So if you’re interested in what the Yucatán has to offer, then you will find this article very interesting and helpful. Of course there are also detailed blog articles for each of the Yucatán destinations we outlined, along with our personal insider tips for you.

To be honest: The Mexican Cuisine did not exactly knock our socks off. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t like it – quite the contrary actually. We ate very well and never once had a ‘bad’ meal. However, we did find the Mexican dishes to be rather monotonous by the end and this is mainly because we, as (mostly) vegetarians, could not enjoy the whole range of Mexican cuisine due to the heavy meat presence in the majority of dishes. Most of the dishes also happen to include tortillas and it got to a point where we just could not even look at them any more.

Classics & Specialties in Yucatán

The absolute classic in Mexico are the tacos: Soft corn tortillas are served in a variety of ways. Most are filled with meat, but there are often vegetarian alternatives. The best place for authentic tacos is the so-called Taquería . Tacos are usually very cheap – often you pay just a few Pesos per taco. Plus, you can choose to add several dips on top. Attention: some of them (mostly the green ones) are hella spicy!

In the deep-fried form, tacos are called Salbutes . This also applies to the so-called Quesadillas (stuffed and cheese-topped Maistortillas), Burritos (rolled corn tortillas) or Enchiladas (filled and sauce-spilled corn tortillas). You can also get excellent guacamole everywhere on the Yucatán – plus, you can tell that the avocados are locally sourced.

Let’s take a look at the lesser-known dishes, which unfortunately are reserved almost exclusively for meat eaters: Sopa de Lima is a chicken-lime soup with tortilla strips. Those who order Cochinita Pibil , will be served stewed pork. On the coast there are often fish specialties. The Peruvian classic Ceviche has also made it to the Yucatán.

The national drink of Mexico is the so-called Mezcal , the most famous tequila in Mexico. Tequila-based cocktails can be found throughout the country. The best known is the Margarita , which is offered in multiple variations. Beer (“Cerveza”) is also drunk, including Sol or Corona.

Often there are freshly squeezed fruit juices, but you see the locals mainly with soft-drinks instead: The Mexicans have one of the highest rates worldwide for the consumption of soft-drinks! We found the Agua de Jamaica very delicious -it’s a hibiscus flower tea, which is served ice cold. Water Tip: It’s best to stay away from drinking tap water in Mexico.

Vegetarian Options in Yucatán

Let’s put it this way: There are definitely countries where it’s much easier to eat a balanced vegetarian diet than in Mexico. Traditional Mexican cuisine is heavily meat dominated.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a bit of an exception, though. With tourism firmly anchored, in many places (especially along the Riviera Maya) there is an incredible supply of meat-free food . It’s no longer a rare sight to see purely vegetarian or vegan restaurants.

The further you get away from the tourist hotspots, the harder it is to find creative vegetarian food. But not once, did we have a problem finding something delicious to eat in our three weeks of travel. We just thought it was a shame that we seldom dined in the really authentic shops, but having the same food (eg. Tacos everyday) would certainly get boring for us in the long run.

The bigger the town/city, the more overnight accommodation there is on offer. In the hotspots like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, you have the choice from a very extensive list of accommodations: from the cheap dorm beds to the sinfully expensive luxury resort – there is everything .

The less touristic a place, the less accommodations options you’ll find. For example, when visiting Calakmul, we could only choose from a handful of accommodations.

Important to know: The price level for accommodation in Mexico is higher than expected – at least if you want to have a certain standard. We ourselves, mostly lodged in small hotels or B&Bs and spent on average around 80 to 90 Euros per night for a room. There are also slight price differences between the towns: while Holbox and Tulum are more expensive, Campeche is cheaper.

You can find out exactly which hotels we stayed at (and which ones we recommend) in this particular blog article: Yucatán Itinerary

Currency & Cash in the Yucatán

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso . It is abbreviated either as “MXN” or with the dollar sign $ – which often causes confusion. One Euro is equivalent to roughly 24 Pesos (as of December 2020).

Banknotes are available in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Pesos, as well as Coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pesos – and most likely you will come across coins with smaller amounts. 1 Peso is further divided into 100 Centavos, in which there are more coins of varying amounts.

ATM Withdrawals

It’s usually quite easy to withdraw money from ATMs. However, we would recommend having more than one card, just in case. For example, we always have at least one debit card (EC card) and one credit card per person. (Note on ATM card: Do not forget to disable GeoControl, otherwise the card will not work in Mexico.)

The ATM fee depends on a variety of factors:

• How much fee your own bank charges you
• How much the third-party (ATM, foreign bank fee) charges. This is usually about 3 € per transaction in the Yucatán region. (Also, depending on your type of credit card, you might be eligible to have these foreign fees refunded upon request.)

Some ATMs on the Yucatán Peninsula will expel out only dollars – such as the ones on Holbox. This is something you should definitely avoid, as you then have to change those dollars into Pesos and you will lose a lot to foreign currency exchange fees and foreign banks.

Exchanging Money

There are plenty of Money Exchange Stalls, especially in the larger towns, where you can exchange Euros (or any other currency) to Mexican Pesos. Sometimes a passport is required.

The exchange rate is usually okay, but we recommend you to compare and do a cost-benefit analysis. Typically the exchange rate set by those Money Exchange Stalls tend to be worse than that of an ATM, but then you save on the ATM withdrawal fee. (Of course, this is obsolete if your bank waves ATM withdrawal fees.) Overall, it always depends on the individual case, whether it is cheaper to exchange money or withdraw from ATMS.

Additional Tip

Big Tip: No matter what your Home Bank Currency is (for us it’s Euros), when you withdraw money from ATM’s and it prompts you to “pay with your home currency (ie. Euros)” and “accept the ATM conversion rate” – always decline! And always (!) pay in Local Currency (ie. Pesos in Mexico). If you accept, then you give them freedom to bump up the exchange rate in their favour so they take more money from you, without you realising.

It’s a very sneaky trick because people are more familiar with their home currency (ie. Euros) and always tend to ‘accept’ what the ATM says for fear of a cancelled transaction if they decline. But if you decline, the transaction normally still goes through – this time at a more ‘fair’ exchange rate!

Travel Costs in the Yucatán

Mexico is not an extremely cheap travel destination . Sure, the price level is lower than in Austria or Germany, but higher than, for example, in Southeast Asia. We personally thought that we would need less money.

Of course, the actual costs always depend heavily on your travel style. From cheap Hostel beds to the expensive Eco-Resorts – you’ll find everything. Especially in the more touristic places, you can spend an incredible amount of money.

How expensive is Yucatán…?

• Cocktail at a restaurant in Tulum (ie. high prices): 170-200 Pesos
• Have breakfast in Tulum (cool café): 200 Pesos per person
• Meal in a cheap restaurant: 50-100 Pesos
• SIM card with 6.5 GB of data: 650 Pesos
• Chichén Itzá entrance fee: 530 Pesos
• Rental car for 3 weeks: 632 Euro (booked via Sunny Cars )
• Gasoline: 20 Pesos per liter
• Double room in a nice little hotel: on average between 80 and 90 Euros

Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere and most hotels offer free Wi-Fi access. The connection is usually fine, but in isolated locations (such as Holbox or Xpujil), it is just enough to get the necessities done.

Personally, we like to always get a local prepaid SIM card immediately after arrival. Having the luxury of being able to do research from anywhere on the smartphone, is something we love to have. The only requirement is that your phone is unlocked. We got our SIM card in Tulum in a small mobile phone shop. The lady also set everything up for us, so we did not have to worry about anything.

Our network operator was Telcel . The network was good in most places (4G), although we had no reception for over half an hour on the more outback trips. Only on Holbox, did reception seemingly vanish, but you shouldn’t expect high-speed Internet from an island anyway.

Prices at Telcel (as of December 2018):

• 1 GB: 100 Pesos (valid for 17 days)
• 3.5 GB: 300 Pesos (valid for 33 days)
• 6.5 GB: 500 Pesos (valid for 33 days)
• + one-time fee for SIM card: 150 Pesos

Safety is always a rather subjective and individual matter: while one person might be lucky enough to have only good and positive experiences, another could be very unlucky and encounter more than one negative misadventure. If the first person, whose positive experience would deem the country to be safe, the other not-so-lucky person would never come back and warn others from visiting. Therefore, we can only speak from our personal experiences and this is our honest impression.

We ourselves did not encounter a single negative experience in all our three weeks through Mexico. Not one. We felt safe the entire time – whether it be in the car during the day or wandering the streets of a city late at night.  

However, Mexico is not exactly blessed with a low crime rate . The culprit is primarily the drug war, of which Yucatán is (luckily) largely uninvolved and untouched. The fact is that the murder rates in Mexico is exorbitantly high and abductions are also large. However, this is very rarely the case for innocent tourists.

A few safety tips for travelling through Yucatán

Having said that, there are a few things you should be mindful of and be prepared for in case anything should happen:

• Expect to see a high presence of military and police on patrol – especially in larger cities (eg Playa del Carmen, Mérida). With the rental car you will regularly pass by military checkpoints. Thankfully, we were not stopped once, but it’s still pretty daunting at first. The military are mostly after smuggled weapons and drugs.
• Avoid driving at night – unless there’s no other way and you have an obligation to reach your destination. We ourselves did not always succeeded in doing this, but we tried to arrive at our destination before dark. Firstly, driving in the dark with countless random potholes and “topes” is not fun. Secondly, there are some horror stories of raids circulating at night.
• Even in the cities, we tried to avoid small, dark side streets at night . It’s not that we felt insecure, but you just never know. This applies especially to women travelling alone.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we will receive a small commission. For you, this does not change the price at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you been to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and would like to share a few more travel tips? Or are you planning a trip there and still have questions? We look forward to receiving and responding to your comments!

You might also be interested in this

The Most Beautiful Cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Playa del Carmen: Travel Guide & Our Honest Experience

Road Trip through Yucatán in Mexico: Our 3 Week Travel Itinerary

2 responses.

Hi Kathi and Romeo, we love reading this blog on Yucatan. Thank you very much for the tips and tricks on this beautiful destination. We are going there end of May for 2.5 weeks. I was wondering if you could help me with this small question: I read that you bought a local SIM card in Tulum after arrival (I am also reading that buying it in the airport is an absolute no-go, as it is very likely you will get ripped off). Our situation is like this: we arrive late afternoon and booked a hotel in Cancun for 1 night in order to avoid driving to Merida in the dark (we will do that next morning). We can easily find a shop in Cancun to buy a local SIM card but how did you guys manage to find your way from the airport to Tulum without GPS? It is quite expensive to include a GPS into the car rental, so I would like to avoid that. Thanks in advance! Jan from Belgium.

Thank you so much for your comment. :)

The car rental at the airport in Cancun had WiFi. So we basically just waited for the map to load on our phone and then followed the navigation system. It worked out pretty well. You could also download an offline map app for navigation.

Safe travels, Kathi & Romeo

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Policy

Is Merida Mexico Safe? Your 2024 Guide by a Local

Is Merida Mexico safe to travel to? If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan capital of Merida and the wider peninsula, you might be concerned about how safe you are going to be when you get here. 

I get it. On the whole, Mexico isn’t really a country that people automatically correlate with safety and it often feels like Mexico is in the media for all the wrong reasons. 

However, Merida (and the Yucatan state in general), is a very safe place. Many of the violent things that you hear about happening in other parts of Mexico simply don’t happen here and the city is renowned for not only being the safest in the country but one of the top three safest cities in the Americas in general. 

The culture is just different here. Yucatecans are very polite, friendly and respectful and you never have the feeling that you have to keep looking over your shoulder and reminding yourself you are in Latin America. 

And I should know because I have been living in Merida for the last two years and in 2023, I bought a house in the Los Reyes district of East Merida. 

I don’t plan on going anywhere and I feel more comfortable in Merida than I did in my hometown in the UK (which should say something). I moved to Mexico as a solo female traveler and have explored Mexico extensively so you are in good hands here.

Table of Contents

Is Mérida Mexico Safe to Travel to?

MéridaMexico is a very safe place to visit and if you are someone who is anxious or nervous about travelling to Mexico, I am willing to bet that all of your worries will dissipate when you get here and see how gorgeous and clean the city is, and how hospitable its residents are.

This isn’t just an anecdotal statement either – it is something that has been backed up by statistics.

Crime in Merida, Yucatán

There is no real history of political unrest in the Yucatan peninsula where Merida is located. Similarly, countless global media publications have spoken about the safety of Merida compared to other parts of Mexico.

While crime across Mexico has been on the rise in recent years, Merida has remained largely free from it. The atmosphere is so much different in the Yucatan state, that you almost feel as though you are in a different country and it is for that reason that so many international expats, as well as Mexicans from other parts of the country have been relocating to Merida almost en masse in recent years.

Even when you compare Merida to other nearby popular tourist cities like Cancun, Tulum, or Playa Del Carmen, you will notice a significant difference. In Merida, I can run out to the convenience store in the evenings, go for a jog around Parque Lineal with my friend at night, and walk home from dinner at a restaurant and I never have to second guess whether I am safe doing so or not.

A recent survey of 131 Merida residents highlighted just how comfortable people feel in this city . Sure, the sample size is relatively small but it is indicative of a wider perception of Merida. However, most respondents advised that they had no worries about being attacked, mugged, or insulted. Similarly, most people had no worries about their vehicles or properties being broken into. This speaks volumes about safety in Merida. 

Do drug cartels operate in Merida?

There is virtually no cartel activity in Merida (which may sound surprising when you consider that there have been several clashes in Cancun and Tulum, just a couple of hours away) in the last few years. While one theory behind this is the aforementioned idea that many narcos and their families live here, Merida is located pretty inland and isnt really on any drug route towards the US so it makes sense.

The State Department’s Mexico Crime and Safety Report for Merida (OSAC) details that there is very little to no narco-related crime threat in Merida. Indeed, the Yucatan is one of the only states in Mexico with no transnational criminal organization or terrorist group. 

Why is Merida so Safe? 

Crime waves have rippled through many parts of Mexico in recent years, especially after the pandemic caused many people to lose their jobs and experience greater struggles. However, Merida has remained pretty much exempt from that. 

There are several theories as to why Merida is so safe. One of the wilder ones is the idea that many narcos and their families live in Merida and they have declared the city as neutral territory. 

While there is definitely a lot of money in Merida, that’s a pretty outlandish claim. The reality is that the police here are excellent which is a marked change from how the police act in other parts of the country.

You will notice a relative police presence in the central parts of town, and should you ever be unfortunate enough to need to call the police in Merida, they respond quickly and prioritise the safety of residents.

Culturally, the Yucatan is very different from other parts of Mexico. As you walk down the street, people greet you with a “buenas dias” or a “buenas tardes” in the city centre and even in the most random and remote parts of the state. 

Yucatecans genuinely care about people having a pleasant experience in their region and it shows. 

Is Merida safe at night? 

Most travel guides about Mexico will strongly advise you against walking around at night but the majority of places in the historic centre of Merida are very safe, even in the evenings. You will always see plenty of couples and groups of friends meandering down the Paseo de Montejo in the early evenings and the night time is when most of the squares and piazzas really come to life. 

(It is so hot here during the day and temperatures often soar as high as 113°F/45°C during the summer months that the evenings are sometimes the only bearable time to be outside.)

Plaza Principal is a popular rendezvous point among locals who sit on the benches chatting with their amigos and enjoying Yucatecan street food eats like marquesitas and salbutes. Every thursday at 9pm, older Mexican couples meet in Parque Santa Lucia to dance to salsa and cumbia music, and there are live re-enactments of the Ancient Mayan Pok-ta-Pok ballgame outside the Merida Cathedral in Plaza Principal on saturdays at 8pm. 

An abundance of excellent Merida restaurants , cantinas and bars can be found throughout the colourful streets of Meridas old town. In particular, check out Calles 60 and 47, the new “gastronomic corridor” in town home to a plethora of eateries that serve cuisinies from across the globe and cater to every palette. 

If you use your common sense at night, you will be absolutely fine. Stick to the main streets where there are always tons of tourists and locals around and don’t wander off down dimly lit sketchy-looking side streets.  

Is Merida safe for solo female travellers?

Merida is safe for travellers of all ages, genders and backgrounds and that includes solo female travellers. I came to Merida by myself in 2022 and I liked it so much that I bought a house here this year. 

To be honest, I have travelled to 13 different states in Mexico, mostly solo, including a lot of unconventional places like Sinaloa, Guanajuato and Queretaro and I have never felt unsafe. However, if this is your first foray into travelling to Latin America, you can take comfort in the fact that Merida is the safest city in Mexico and therefore arguably the best place for solo female travellers in Mexico to start. 

You don’t have to worry about what to wear or dressing modestly here because its so hot that everyone walks around in dresses and shorts all of the time, even local women. Sometimes, sure, you might experience the occasional catcaller or someone who curiously checks you out but that happens everywhere and I personaly find that I experience less harassment in Merida than I did when I lived in Greece. 

Is it safe to walk around in Merida? 

Merida is a very walkable city and it is safe and easy to explore its central districts. You can walk freely here. 

Merida is not like Mexico City or Guadalajara where you have to be mindful of where you walk because you might end up in a sketchy area. Virtually everywhere is safe. 

Kanasin, in the southern part of Merida, sees a lot more crime and is a little rough around the edges but it is so far from the centre that you would never accidentally wander into it and you really have no reason to travel to this area. 

It is a little trickier to get from Central Merida to Northern Merida on foot not just because of the distances, but because the wider city really isn’t built for pedestrians and consists of large, multi-lane roads. So for example, if you want to go from the centre to The Gran Mundo Maya Museum or to some of the malls in the north, you should take an Uber or a bus. 

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Renting a car in Merida is safe and driving in southeastern Mexico can be an enjoyable, painless experience. The roads in the Yucatan are well paved and in excellent condition and honestly, driving here is not that different from driving in the US or Canada. 

You dont really need a car to get around in central Merida but if you are visiting the city as part of a wider Yucatan itinerary , it can make things a lot easier as many off-the-beaten-path villages, beaches and Mayan ruins in the Yucatan are not well connected by public transport. 

Many reputable international firms operate in Merida including the likes of Avis, Budget, Dollar and Europcar. I would strongly recommend using Discover Cars to find a good rental as the platform allows you to filter by trustworthy suppliers (search for rental companies with a rating of 7+) and compare and contrast quotes and prices. 

Is Merida a safe place to live?

I have been living in Merida for the last two years and I feel very safe here. I live in a non-gentrified neighbourhood called Los Reyes in eastern Merida and I am the only non-Mexican on my street. 

You will find that many expats that move here choose to live in the centre or in the northern suburbs. Northern Merida is looking more and more like a US city every day and has all the home comforts and amenities that the American and Canadian expats that live there could possibly want. (Stores like Walmart, Office Depot, Carls Jr, etc). 

However, these aren’t the only safe areas. Bar Kanasin and some rather unsightly industrial areas in the very south, all of Merida is safe. 

Before finding my house, I bounced around a bunch of short-term rentals and Airbnbs in Dzitya, Los Heroes, Cholul , Chuminópolis, Las Brisas, and Itzimna . I felt perfectly safe and comfortable in every area.

It’s easy for foreigners to integrate into the community here, people are welcoming, and crime/discrimination are not a concern.

Merida Mexico Safety Tips 

Some useful tips for staying safe in Merida and ensuring that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons are detailed below. A lot of these things are common sense and good practice wherever in the world you choose to travel but they are worth reiterating here.

• Watch your personal belongings, especially in crowded markets like Mercado Lucas de Galvez and San Benito market where pickpockets and opportunists operate
• Consider investing in a theft-proof backpack or money melt to keep your belongings extra safe
• Purchase an alarmed door stopper for your hotel/Airbnb room door for your peace of mind
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip – you never know what is around the corner
• Use Merida Facebook groups and platforms like Couchsurfing and Meetup to connect with other travellers and locals
• Keep a spare bank card and a spare $50 USD or so of cash hidden deep in your luggage or in your hotel room safe just in case you lose your wallet
• Use mosquito repellent and consider purchasing a plug-in device. Mosquitoes here do carry dengue, and zika virus so it is better to be safe than sorry
• Drink plenty of water and wear a strong SPF – don’t underestimate how hot it can get in Merida, especially during the summer months.
• Be aware of your surroundings, don’t trust overly friendly strangers and use the same common sense safety precautions as you would elsewhere
• Buses and innercity public transport in Merida are safe but it is often very crowded with people commuting to work and very hot since there is no air con
• Don’t just stick to the gentrified areas; areas like Colonias, Cholul, Itzimna and Conkal are well worth a visit too
• Purchase a Mexican SIM card to stay connected

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the food

Do not be afraid of trying Yucatecan food and street food eats or assume that travelling to Mexico is synonymous with getting sick. It doesn’t have to be. 

If you venture to Merida and don’t experiment with the local food, you are missing out on a huge part of the travel experience. When it comes to street food, there are many Mexican classics that you can find here, and many that are only available in the Yucatan. 

You will find stalls scattered throughout the city centre and its various neighbourhoods. In particular, there are always lots of tianguis along the main promenade of Paseo de Montejo, in Plaza Principal and in Paque Aleman.

Elotes are a must-try in Mexico and this dish simply consists of a corn on the cob grilled to perfection and slathered with mayonnaise, chilli powder, and a spritz of lime juice. For something uniquely Yucatecan, order a marquesita. This is a crepe that is rolled up like a taco and stuffed with cajeta (a kind of Mexican caramel), condensed milk, jam, chocolate or Edam cheese (queso de bola).

You can avoid getting sick here with just a little common sense.

If locals are lining up outside a stall, it is usually a good indication the food is good. Don’t eat from stalls where you can see that meat or fruit and veg have been sitting out for hours or if there are tons of flies around – I am willing to bet these places dont look appealing anyway.

Always carry a little bottle of hand sanitiser and some antibacterial wipes in your bag so that you can easily clean up before and after eating.

Can you drink the water in Merida Mexico? 

You cannot drink the water in Merida, or anywhere in Mexico for that matter. Water in Mexico is purified and treated just like anywhere else in the world but it often gets contaminated en route to your tap.

You can never really know if the water from your tap is going to make you sick or not and so, it is best not to entertain the risk. Personally I dont even wash my face with the water in Merida because it is so hard and filled with white sediments (it even stains my sink and pans!)

Some luxury hotels in Merida have potable water on-site. If they do, they will advise you as such upon check-in.  

Most hotels will provide a couple of complimentary bottles of water in the room for your arrival. You can then buy more from any supermarket, tourist store, OXXO, or 7/11. Consider purchasing large bottles of water and then filling a reusable water bottle up each day. This minimizes your plastic waste. Many reusable water bottles are made in such a way that they keep your water cool throughout the day. Life straws are pretty good. For every purchase, they donate a year’s supply of clean water to a child in a developing nation. 

You dont have to worry about having ice in your drinks in Mexico because restaurants, bars, etc always have ice delivered. They do not make ice cubes using tap water. 

Take Yucatan tours with reputable companies 

Merida makes a great base for exploring some of the best places in the Yucatan. Many reputable tour companies operate in this area and their excursions can be a great way to get around while taking the stress out of figuring out how to get from A to B. 

Many also include hotel pickup, drop-off, and lunch. If you are travelling solo, they can be a good way to meet other travellers. 

A selection of high-rated tours is detailed below for your consideration. It is better to reserve your place in advance where possible to guarantee a spot! 

• From Merida: Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour
• From Merida: Uxmal, Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Cenote with Lunch
• Hacienda Mucuyché and Cenotes tour
• Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote and Cooking Class
• Full-Day Cuzama Cenote tour from Merida
• From Merida: Uxmal Light and Sound Night Experience Tour
• Merida Street Food Walking Tour
• Merida Cooking Class: Taste of Yucatan
• From Merida: Day Trip to Izamal and Valladolid
• From Merida: Chichen Itza and Cenote Tsukan Guided Tour 

Taking cabs in Merida 

It is safe to take street cabs in Merida, as well as cabs ordered from ridesharing apps such as Uber and Didi. In most of Mexico, it is not recommended to get in a random taxi on the street as people who have done so have sometimes been victims of muggings and scams. 

However, that isn’t a concern here. Taxis in Merida are pretty safe and you will be able to find one by either hailing them on the street or heading to a taxi rank.

Taxi ranks can be found in a number of busy locations such as outside Merida International Airport, across the road from the Merida cathedral in the Zocalo, outside the Galeria mall in North Merida, etc. 

It is a good idea to have an idea of the going rates of your journey and to clarify the price with your driver before you get in. Uber exists in Merida and is a good way to order a cab to your location or to pre-book one. 

The great thing about using this app versus getting into a random street cab is that you can see the price and route displayed upfront before you get into the vehicle. That way, you know that there will be no surprises. 

Didi is a local version of Uber that works in the same way. Arguably these apps offer more accountability than street taxis as you have the driver’s information, their past reviews, their vehicle info, and license plate number, etc.

Do research on where to stay 

When choosing where to stay in Merida , it is a good idea to look for a hotel or an Airbnb that is close to the centre. Opting to stay near the Paseo Montejo, Parque Santa Ana, Parque Santa Lucia, or the Zocalo, places you within walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. 

Once you find a place you like, it is always a good idea to check past reviews before you book. 

Do I need to speak Spanish in Merida?

English is not widely spoken in Merida and the wider Yucatan and you will often find that people cannot speak English, even in tourist-facing roles in hotels, etc. Obviously it isnt feasible to expect yourself to become conversational in a new language before your trip but a little Spanish goes a long way.

If you can order food “yo quiero”, and say basic greetings, etc, it will make your life a lot easier here. Duolingo is a great app for practicing beginners Spanish. It also pays to download the Google Translate app on your phone so if you are having trouble communicating with someone, you can type what you are trying to say into the app.

Is Merida Mexico safe? Final thoughts

Merida, Mexico is a very safe place and you really dont need to fret or worry about travelling here for the first time, despite all the negative stereotypes and media coverage that you may see for Mexico sometimes. This is one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich colonial cities in Mexico and I am willing to bet that it will be one of the highlights of your trip.

When travelling anywhere for the first time, it is always a good idea to check your government travel advice before you go and I would advise doing the same for Merida. The US Department of State recognises the Yucatan (where Merida is located) and the neighbouring state of Campeche as the two safest states in Mexico. 

The UK government travel advisory , though less detailed than the US page, is also updated periodically and recognises the Yucatan as one of the safest places in the country. 

Do you have any further questions about staying safe in Merida and the wider region of southeastern Mexico? As I mentioned, I have been living here for the last two years and I am happy to help out with any questions that you may have. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything. 

Safe travels! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

Similar posts.

Kikil Yucatan and Cenote Kikil: Off-the-Beaten-Path Yucatan

The charming little village of Kikil Yucatan is a place that most travellers have never even heard of. It isn’t a tourist destination per se,…

15 BEST Merida Tours in 2024 According to a Local

Taking a Merida walking tour can be a great way to get your bearings when you first arrive in the Yucatan’s capital city. It is…

35 Best Restaurants in Merida, Mexico: 2024 Guide by a Local

If you are going to be spending any amount of time in the Yucatan capital, you are probably interested to know what the best restaurants…

Uber in Merida Mexico: Your 2024 Local’s Guide

Using Uber in Merida is a great way to get around the Yucatan capital. It is a lot more comfortable and convenient than taking a…

Playa Uaymitun: Paradise in the Northern Yucatan

Playa Uaymitun (pronounced “way-mee-tun”) is a quiet, lesser-known beach situated along the Ruta Esmerelda in the Northern part of the Yucatan state. It is only…

22 Best Bars in Mérida Mexico: Your Local’s Guide for 2024

If you are planning to visit the Yucatán capital of Merida during your time in Mexico, you may be interested in experiencing the city by…

• Real Weddings
• Wedding Planner
• Ideas & Tips
• Destination Wedding
• Hacienda Sac Chich
• Hacienda Tekik de Regil
• Hacienda Tamchen
• Hacienda San José Cholul
• Hacienda Chichí Suárez
• Chablé Resort
• Hacienda Itzincab Cámara
• Hacienda Temozon Sur
• Hacienda Dzibikak
• Hacienda San Pedro Ochil
• Hacienda Santa Cruz Palomeque
• Hacienda San Diego Cutz
• Hacienda Selva Maya
• Hacienda Sotuta de Peón
• Hacienda Uayamon
• Hacienda Suytunchén
• Hacienda Texan de Palomeque
• Mansion Hotel
• Quinta Montes Molina
• Holbox Island
• Cozumel Island
• Celestun Beach
• Hotel Villas Caracol
• Cenote Wedding
• Religious Wedding
• Legal Wedding
• Symbolic wedding
• Bridal and grooms wear
• Jewelry and accessories
• Bridesmaids

Is Yucatan a safe state to visit?

If you were wondering if is Yucatan a safe state to visit, the answer is yes.  According to “Excelsior” which is the second oldest and most recognized newspaper in Mexico City, in 2023 Yucatán was still named the safest state in México and occupies the 4th place in security worldwide.

Last year it was announced that the state of Yucatán maintains its good safety rates, registering a case rate more than nine times lower than the national average , with Yucatán being rated first place for 5 years consecutively. 

In November 2023, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes México named Merida, the capital of Yucatán, as the best small city in the world to visit.

Likewise, INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) which is the Mexican government agency responsible for producing and coordinating statistical information named Mérida as one of the cities with the best perception of security, placing it in the first place of all cities with little or no crime.

Undoubtedly, safety is one of the main reasons for wanting to live in or visit the “White City” known as such because many of its buildings were constructed using white limestone.

What does Yucatán do to make people safe?

Like many regions, Yucatán employs various measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. These can include: law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and police awareness, among others.

If you’re considering living or vacationing, Mérida not only offers security but also boasts economic potential that has fueled its development. Additionally, 73.7% of Yucatán residents aged 18 and older confirmed feeling safe in their city according to the “ENSU” which is a survey conducted in Mexico to measure the perception of public security in urban areas across the country.

Ensuring public safety for travelers in Yucatán

Is it real that the Yucatán peninsula is safe for tourists? Years ago, authorities implemented a high level of police presence and coordinated efforts between local and state authorities to ensure the safety of the city.

This measure remains in place and contributes to the safe management of the city for its residents and visitors.

Yucatán has 8,841 operational elements of the state and municipal police, which results in a surplus of 60 percent, also municipal police work 24 hours, so if you are planning late-night activities in the city you don’t need to worry, safety is present day and night.  

Without forgetting that Yucatán actively invests in public safety and technology each year, for example in 2019, Yucatán’s governor implemented the “Yucatán seguro” project, investing in cutting-edge technology like surveillance cameras, drones, coastal police boats, and smart traffic lights.

Safe traveling with a sense of belonging in Yucatán

Another factor that contributes to security in Mérida is its culture and its strong sense of community, belonging, and pride of its residents, locals, and everyone who visits the “White city”.

To foster a sense of belonging, Yucatán not only offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also takes proactive measures to create a welcoming environment for all its visitors.

Every effort is made to ensure that travelers feel secure and embraced by the local community.

Is Yucatán safe? Exploring Yucatán as a safe traveling point

Recently, Yucatán has become known for its visitor-friendly state, well-run facilities, and abundant archaeological, cultural, and natural wonders. As a result, millions of visitors are flocking to experience the high-quality tourist offerings without worrying about security.

The statistics do not lie, and for Yucatán, these are way more than positive, according to “El Economista” in 2019 Yucatán broke a record in tourism and the city received more than 3.2 million visitors, but compared to 2019, in 2023 registered a growth of 19%  in visitor arrivals.

Yucatán’s status as the safest state in Mexico and its consistent high rankings in global security indexes underscore its commitment to ensuring the well-being of residents and visitors alike. As tourism continues to thrive, driven by the city’s diverse attractions and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Yucatán remains a prime destination for travelers seeking not only security but also an unforgettable travel experience .

If you want to know yucatan travel packages and live unique moments… CLICK HERE !

Photo credits: Fer Juaristi, @kapephotography and @asteroidrone

You May Also Like

The yucatán weddings book 2024: destination weddings in yucatán, how to get to merida mexico ✈️💍, how to get to yucatan all about its accessibility, must-visit yucatan attractions ✈️.

Rosa Maria Garcia Segivia

Wooooooooooowww siiiiií visitaré MERIDA !!

Y llevaré a mis clientes !!

LA SeGuRidad es primero !!

Karla Leony

Que cuidado tan mágica, muchas maravillas en un solo lugar, planear tu boda ahí sería espectacular!!!

Monserrat santiago

Hermoso !!!

Mirey Toledo

Mérida, máravilloso lugar para estar en comunión con la naturaleza, y vivir la experiencia de una boda en ese maravilloso lugar sería inolvidable 🥰

Muy bonitas imágenes y excelente descripción, hermoso lugar

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Elegant wedding party at Hacienda Tekik de Regil: Grecia and Luis

Pink wedding in hacienda tekik de regil: sofia and faris.

Yucatán Travel Guide: Unconventional Things To Do in the Riviera Maya

Last updated on May 18, 2024 by Shannon

Jutting from the eastern edge of Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula is a popular tourism gateway to Mexico. This region has an extensive tourism infrastructure, all spiraling outward from Cancún. Although Cancún has sticky connotations as a party destination for spring breakers—and it has an overpriced, glitzy hotel zone—the city is merely the starting point to one of my favorite regions in Mexico.

The Yucatán Peninsula is safe from the cartel violence associated with other Mexican States, and it’s home to some of the country’s richest history and most gorgeous landscapes (cenotes, anyone?!).

The area houses arguably the best preserved Maya ruins, internationally acclaimed dive and snorkeling sites, gorgeous Spanish colonial cities dripping in history, locally run cooperativos offering responsible tourism projects, and densely inhabited animal biosphere reserves.

Table of Contents

Why I Traveled the Yucatan

The Yucatán Peninsula is, in a word, wonderful. I’ve traveled this area several times, most recently with my two young nephews (10 and 11) for a month-long road trip around the Yucatán Peninsula . This is an overview of our route—combined with my knowledge from previous trips—and all the nitty-gritty details of things to do, places to stop, what to eat, and more.

Although you might change-up the activities if you’re a couple or solo traveler, the route is solid and would make a wonderful two- to three-week trip. Read on for the city guides and personal recommendations for this fascinating region of Mexico.

Fast Facts About Yucatan, Mexico Travel

Mexican peso (MXN) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Primary Airports in the Yucatan

• Cancún (CUN)
• Cozumel (CZM)
• Mérida (MID)

How’s the internet in the Yucatan?

WiFi is rampant all over the Yucatan peninsula. It’s available at most guesthouses and cafes.

Can you drink the water in the Yucatan?

No, it’s not safe to drink the water. Drink bottled, use a reusable water bottle to refill at guesthouses, or use a SteriPen .

Mexico Visas for Americans

Visas for Americans—and most travelers—is pretty easy. Americans get a quick stamp in their passport valid for six months. Other nationalities can check the visa requirements here .

Food Considerations

Food standards are high in this area as tourism is the primary income for many. The water is not safe to drink, but bottled water is easy to come by. Street food can be scarce in touristy areas, but is tasty and delicious. If you decide to stick to budget and street food options, follow these food safety principles .

Local SIM Cards

Securing a local SIM card is a cinch and highly recommended for GPS and navigating. Telcel is likely your best option. If you have a U.S. T-Mobile account, it will do the trick too. Full SIM guide here —note that you will likely need to show your passport.

Accommodation

This is a cinch. I used a Lonely Planet guide when my nephews and I were in a pinch. While the links in city guides below go to a my preferred hotel booking site , many are also found on  VRBO , if you are member. It has a very established presence in this region of Mexico and is an easy way to book nice spots in a good area of town, while getting out of the hotel scene. I don’t use this as often when I am solo, so it was neat to have a reason to pick some great local apartments for my nephews and me.

For backpackers, the main hotel booking sites now usually list hostels, too (with no booking fees), or use Hostelworld ; in high season the bigger towns book up fast. Families should consider Booking.com .

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

Festivals of Note

• Semana Santa (Easter)
• Cinco de Mayo (May)
• Day of the Dead (November)
• Festival of San Cristóbal (December)

How to Travel Around the Yucatan

The major roads are well-maintained and connect most any place you’ll need to go. In the center of the Yucatán, some of the cenotes are a bit further off the path and visiting them means winding through tiny towns and backroads. Otherwise, large and well-paved highways connect the major cities.

The Ado bus network is extensive and ideal for those on a budget. These buses are large, comfortable, and affordable. You can check routes and prices through Bookaway to figure out bus versus shuttle pricing.

Rental cars are easy to come by, though expensive to rent—they tack on huge fees and taxes to the offered price. Here is the lowdown on everything you need to know about renting a car in Mexico —I used RentalCars.com for my car and got about the best deal you can in Mexico.

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Is the Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest areas of Mexico, though that doesn’t mean its unequivocally safe. In general, the Yucatan is safe to travel—that’s why I chose to travel there with my two young nephews. 

Though large swaths of Mexico suffer from cartel violence and safety concerns, the Yucatán has a thriving tourism industry and it works hard to preserve it. There are cartels in the Yucatan, and they have impacted tourism at times— several times, in fact —but in general the major physical safety concerns you find elsewhere in Mexico are dramatically lower here.

And note that the small bribes of the sort that works elsewhere in Mexico are iffier here. Best to just drive the speed limit and follow the laws.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

History to Know Before Traveling to Mexico’s Yucatan

Maya history is a major draw for tourism. Stunning architecture and reliefs carved into the stone temples bring to life a fascinating, violent, and advanced ancient culture that managed to develop the only known pre-Columbian writing system in the Americas.

Much of the land in the Yucatán Peninsula was once the Maya lowlands. The Maya empire dates back as far as 2400 BC and spanned throughout present-day Guatemala, Honduras, and Southern Mexico.

Throughout the large sweep of land lies a vast network of massive temples and ancient cities; only a small part of the these ruins have been excavated, many still lie under the tangle of forest. 

Several famous Maya archaeological sites are within the Yucatán, Riviera Maya, and Chiapas regions, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Maya history is a major draw for tourism, with the stunning architecture of the temples and reliefs carved into the stone bringing to life a fascinating, violent, and advanced ancient culture that managed to develop the only known pre-Columbian writing system in the Americas.

Present day, the Yucatán’s unique limestone base gives the area one of its most famous draws: the beautiful sinkholes and underwater rivers. The Maya used these sinkholes, known as cenotes , for sacrificial offerings, but today they dot the entire region and offer travelers the chance to cool off in the crystal-blue waters. Because of this region’s limestone base, rivers are mostly underground and they connect a large network of caves and swimming spots.

The History Channel has a fuller history of the Yucatán detailed here , and more about the Maya civilization here .

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Mexico

Fiction and Nonfiction Books About Mexico

• The People’s Guide to Mexico : Even veteran Mexico travelers will enjoy this book. It’s like a guidebook, but even more. It’s hands-down the best guidebook you should use to understand the various regions, the cultural quirks, and all the reasons Mexico is a fantastic place to travel and live. It comes highly recommended by me, and by heaps of Amazon reviewers too.
• Sliced Iguana: Travels in Mexico : On my list for a while now and recommended by readers as an easy read that gives a light touch to all the history and culture she talks about while retelling her journey.
• Time Among the Maya : This is an in-depth longread about Maya culture, history backstory of the entire region. It’s likely something you want to read before leaving as it’s not a travel guide.
• The Maya Sites – Hidden Treasures of the  Rainforest : This book is the perfect road-trip companion for anyone exploring the Yucatan, but also Maya sites in Campeche, Chiapas, and into Guatemala. It’s not a straight-up travel guide, but rather a companion you can use for a history and overview of the temples as you explore, as well as personal recommendations from the author of his favorite parts of each Maya site.

Best Podcasts and Online Reads About Mexico

• Mexico: History and Resistance : A solid podcast that makes listening to the country’s history easy. Download this and prep for your Mexico trip by taking a trip through time.
• Mexico with kids : Good niche read with a lot of facts and information you might be wondering about family specific travel.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads  and you can read all  my Mexico travel stories .

Recommended Guidebook

We used the Lonely Planet entire time and it was fun to let the kids read aloud the history of each section as we drove. Having a paper guidebook also allowed them to browse through and pick activities in the area. I recommend carrying a Lonely Planet for specific recs and routes and timetables.

Best Things to Do in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

As noted, I took a road trip of the Yucatan Peninsula with my two nephews, and it was an epic adventure filled with all of the best activities that the Yucatan offers. I have also traveled the entire region solo as a backpacker on a budget , and it’s just a lot of fun no matter how you go about it.

The city guides below combine my advice across several trips—I’ve spent a lot of time exploring all of the best things to do, so it’s broken down by activities in each city/region. I also highlight those places where I stayed with my nephews, meaning they are family-friendly options!

My Favorite Travel Experiences in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

• Wandering the charming cobblestone streets of Izamal.
• Feeding turtles at the Isla Mujeres turtle farm.
• Ziplining through Xplor Park in the Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen.
• Galloping down an old railroad track to the gorgeous cenotes in Cuzamá.
• Wandering the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam.

Things to Do in Cancun

Located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, most trips will start in Cancun since it’s home to the main international airport in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is also the easiest place to rent a car (I found a great deal for our road trip via RentalCars.com ), or arrange buses to explore the region.

That being said, unless you’re into the party scene, you will likely just want to get in and out of Cancun. There are far better cities and towns to do most anything that Cancun has to offer. Let’s assume you have to stay a few days in Cancun, however. Here’s what to do in the city, as well as how to use Cancun’s amenities to prepare for your Yucatan road trip.

Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of Playa Delfines.

Cancun is best known for its gorgeous beaches. Start your beach experience at Playa Delfines, one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the area. It offers pristine waters and stunning views. Bask in the sun, take a refreshing dip, or simply relax with a book while enjoying the gentle breeze.

This is a good family-friendly beach if you have time to pass in the city. We spent an afternoon splashing in the waves here. The beach was clean, clear, and relatively shallow. It features good ood parking, and the kids enjoyed it. Note, however, that the waves are too strong for very tiny kids to safely play in the water.

If you want a livelier atmosphere, Playa Tortugas or Playa Chac Mool both have vibrant beach scenes. There you’ll find beach clubs, water sports activities, and beachside restaurants and bars.

Spend a night out on the town.

Alongside its beaches, Cancun is probably most well known for its thriving nightlife scene. There is no shortage of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues across the city. If this is your cup of tea, head to the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find a variety of lively nightclubs that host world-class DJs and offer a vibrant party atmosphere.

Alternatively, explore the downtown area to discover more intimate bars and lounges, where you can savor handcrafted cocktails and enjoy live music performances. Obviously this side of Cancun is not as kid-friendly. You can still enjoy the city at night as a family, but it’s more centered around good food.

Eat the streets in the Parque de las Palapas.

To make the most of your evening at Parque de las Palapas, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and embrace the vibrant ambiance that fills the park. My nephews just loved spending our evenings in this parque, which was just a three minute walk from our hostel.

As the sun sets, the park transforms into a bustling hub of activity. This was the first place that I sampled enticing street foods during my first visit to Mexico more than 15 years ago, and it’s where I always head each time I find myself in Cancun. This plaza features numerous stalls and vendors where you can indulge in mouthwatering tacos al pastor, crispy marquesitas, and flavorful esquites, while enjoying the live music.

Local cultural performances often take place here too, featuring traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes. It’s fun to find a comfortable spot to people-watch, observing the diverse crowd of locals and tourists who gather for leisurely walks and conversations.

Shop and eat at Mercado 28.

If you’re hungry for local food and a neat experience in Mexico, head to Mercado 28 (Market 28). Located in downtown Cancun, this bustling market is renowned for its diverse food stalls offering a wide variety of traditional Mexican street food. Mercado 28 is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike gather to savor authentic flavors and experience the lively atmosphere. You’ll find an array of street food vendors serving up delicious dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, tamales, elotes (grilled corn on the cob), tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and much more.

Stroll through the market’s maze-like corridors, where the aromas of sizzling meats, spices, and freshly baked goods fill the air. From the traditional to the adventurous, you’ll discover an abundance of food options to satisfy everyone in your group. Don’t forget to try local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), ceviche, and empanadas.

Mercado 28 also offers a great opportunity to interact with the friendly vendors who are passionate about their culinary creations. They are often happy to share their recommendations and provide insights into the flavors and ingredients of their dishes. And if you need to do some souvenir shopping, it’s also a great place to shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Mexican products.

Stock up at Walmart.

Not gonna lie, we stayed in Cancun so briefly. We used it as a base to stock up for our trip with a case of water, snacks, snorkel gear, hats, and then we hit the road out-of-town. If you’re planning to road trip the Yucatan, then stopping at Walmart is a no-brainer since you can fill the car with snacks, water, and anything else you need to make the road trip fun and easy!

Sleep somewhere central.

• Airport adjacent Airbnb : We stayed at this fantastic rental the night before our flight and it perfectly served our needs. It’s best if you have a car as it’s outside the city. The amenities make it amazing for families with kids. Since Airbnbs book up fast, consider using a VRBO as well.
• Hostel Ka’beh : Has a nice vibe, though a definite party backpacker atmosphere. I’ve stayed here several times over the years for a cheap bed and good company. It wasn’t great for families though. Cancun International Suites is a good midrange option located near the city centre. If you’re looking for a high-end hotel near the beach try Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites .

Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a great stop for singles, couples, or families. The island has beautiful beaches and a Turtle Farm doing amazing conservation work. If you’ve already rented a car, leave it at the docks in a secure garage (was a cinch to find) and take the ferry over. Book your ferry tickets online ahead of time. You can rent a golf cart on the island to easily get around.

Learn about the conservation work at the Turtle Farm (Tortugranja).

One of the clear highlights of our entire trip, my nephews raved about the Turtle Farm for weeks—it was one of their favorite things that we did while traveling the Yucatan. There are little turtles they can often touch, pools of turtles in varying stages, and a good message about conservation.

You can get a taxi out to it, or rent a golf cart or scooter for the day. They breed and release thousands of sea turtles, was great as a family, kids loved feeding turtles and seeing all the different colors and types.

Drive the island in a rented a golf cart.

Drive around the island for a day or two and explore some of the points on the opposite end of the island. Makes for a full day adventure if you bring swimming gear and plan to explore and have lunch at the expat/local spot in the center of the island.

Frolic in the waters of Playa Norte.

Playa Norte features incredible clear and shallow waters. This beach was a hit with my nephews and it’s the best beach for kids we saw on our entire Yucatan road trip . If you took my recommendation in Cancun then you should have your own pool noodles to float in the wide, shallow waters. Bring drinks and sand buckets for the kids and you’ll never want to leave.

Catch a good night’s sleep.

• Budget : Poc-na hostel : What a gorgeous spot and so much space. We didn’t stay here but our apartment was next door and I’d stay here if I was solo.
• Midrange : Apartamentos Trinchan : Include small kitchen and suites big enough for four people. Very comfortable and convenient spot on the island with a fantastic coffee shop next door. We called and booked our apartment.

Eat something tasty.

There is no shortage of tasty food on the island—these are the places that got our repeat business.

• Manana : Delicious guacamole and incredible fresh juices.
• WikiTravel : Lists out the best restaurants on the island.

Things to Do Around the Riviera Maya (Tulum, Cozumel, & More)

Though this stretch of beaches in the Yucatán is best known for huge, sprawling resorts, it’s popular for a reason—the beaches are gorgeous and there is a strong tourism infrastructure.

I recommend a few days here to visit some of the hotspots like swimming with turtles and amazing snorkeling. If you’re visiting for the party scene, Playa del Carmen has leapt onto that scene in recent years.

Head to a Yucatan-style theme park for the day.

The theme parks near Playa del Carmen are a perfect kid activity (or fun with a group of backpackers!). What makes them unique is how they incorporate many of the high points of the Yucatan Peninsula. Don’t expect roller coasters and a canned experience you could have anywhere—instead you’ll have a adventure-filled day of cenotes and jungle ziplining.

My nephews and I visited Xplor (review here)  and loved it. If we ever go back we’ll surely try out Xcaret or Xel Ha next time. All three parks have offer their own take and their own pace of experiencing the culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Dive off the coast of Cozumel.

Ferry over to Cozumel and dive at the best dive spots in the country. This island is the mecca for cruise ships, but for good reason. The snorkeling and diving is fantastic. My nephew still, years later, raves about the sheer number of fish he spotted on a random reef we stopped at just off of the coast.

Eat all the things on a food tour.

Consider a food tour of Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. Cozumel Chef has rave reviews for cooking classes and food tours in the area and would make a great outing.

Snorkel with turtles at Akumal.

On the way to Tulum, if you start early you can hit up this small beach community (about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen). This used to be a fun, off-the-beaten-path activity that was low stress on you, the traveler, and on the turtles.

Now, organized tours arrive by 10am, and it’s a bit tougher to justify doing this as a responsible traveler. That said, if you decide to do it, arrive well before then to slip into the water and swim with the sea turtles .

Enjoy the seaside Maya ruins at Tulum.

Miles of white sandy beaches near Tulum make this a popular backpacking stop. We just came for the ruins, and they are very pretty and sunny—bring a hat! My nephews and I stayed for one night but decided we had enjoyed the gentler waters of Isla Mujeres better, so we moved inland.

Stop at the Coba ruins. 

If you have active kids this might be a better stop as you move inland as it’s impressive, less touristy, and you can bike to the ruins and then climb them for sweeping views of the jungly region.

Sleep somewhere nice.

• Playa del Carmen : We just loved Vainilla Bed and Breakfast . It’s in a non-touristy area with food and shops walkable, and a longer walk to the beach is possible. We had a rental car so it was nice to have a spot away from the hustle. Highly recommended, the woman who runs it is delightful and the homemade jams at breakfast were delicious.
• Tulum : We spent our time in Tulum at Hotel & Cabanas Zazil Kin and it was affordable and directly on the beach. You’ll have to splurge for A/C, but it’s an easy walk to the ruins and makes for a nice spot with kids. My nephews played in the sand right outside our bungalow door.

Things to Do in Valladolid

You’ll want to spend at least two nights here as there are several nearby cultural activities, and the town itself is beautiful. There is an old, historic charm to Valladolid and it’s very photogenic. There are also great places to eat and try a variety of Mexican foods.

Spend the day at Chichen Itza.

The major site for most travelers. It’s a large complex with a variety of Maya ruins. Make sure you either have a guide or eavesdrop on a guide at the ball court, as the explanation of the acoustics there is fascinating. This is a thorough online guide to the temples you can explore.

Soak in history at Ek ‘Balam.

Our favorite of the ruins in the area. Although Chichen Itza is the clear draw, Ek ‘Balam is far less touristy and you can climb to the top of the pyramid and see far over the jungle canopy. The site also has some gorgeous restored carvings that give a glimpse of what it might have been like at the height of the Maya empire.

Take a dip at Cenote Dzitnup. 

There are two cenotes in the Chichen Itza complex. Both are beautiful and a great way to cool off for the afternoon.

Admire the Catedral de San Gervasio.

Gorgeous cathedral on the main square that makes a nice backdrop to evenings spent in the plaza central.

Eat the street food.

In the main square of Valladolid, kitty-corner from the cathedral, is a cafeteria type area with tiny restaurants offering niche Mexican eats. We used this for both breakfast and dinner several times.

• Budget : La Candelaria Hostel comes highly recommended for backpackers. They don’t accept children so it’s not ideal for families.
• Vacation Rentals : Though we used a hotel because it had a pool and that was imperative for the kids, I’d easily pick a VRBO on a future trip.
• Midrange : La Aurora Hotel Colonial is a good midrange option.
• Splurge : If you’re looking for something more high-end try Hotel Posada San Juan .

Things to Do in Izamal

All of us agree, there’s something special about Izamal. If we had only used our guidebook, we might have skipped this tiny, sleepy, yellow Mexican town. But I turned to my friend  Wandering Earl for travel planning advice —he lived in the region for years—and he said this was a must-do.

Though we thought to spend just two days here, our hotel was great and the town was easy so we instead spent four days doing little more than playing with new Dutch friends and eating street eats in the central plaza. Plus it’s on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico, so you know it’s going to be interesting.

Hike to the top of Kinich Kakmo Pyramid.

An easy walk in the town and it’s not too strenuous to get to the top and see the town laid out below. If you rent a horse carriage, this is one of the places they visit.

Explore the Izamal Monastery.

The Izamal Monastery (Colonial Franciscan Monastery of San Antonio de Padua) is fascinating, huge, and unique in the world. And, of course, it’s gorgeously yellow.

Wander the charming streets of Izamal.

Really we just walked the town with ice creams in hand and it occupied us for the day. We watched dogs splash in the fountain, we explored hidden nooks-and-crannies, and we generally just enjoyed the slow pace of life in this charming town.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town.

My nephews pushed for a carriage ride. I was skeptical, but it turned out really cute and super fun for the kids. They loved hearing the horse hooves clop-clop-clop through the streets as we jostled along.

Even when we passed by places we had already seen on foot more than once, the horse and carriage made it all more fun as they pointed and laughed.

Eat the street food in the Mercado Municipal.

There aren’t a heap of places to eat in Izamal, but then there are a few street food carts every evening in the town’s central park. The boys lived for the pork sandwiches from the cart right in front of the monastery.

Eat early to ensure you eat at all.

Eat early as the town closes down early and you will be hungry if you wait too late. These are two good spots.

• Kinich El Sabor de Izamal . (Calle 27 #299, between Calles 28 & 30) A good range of Mexican dishes and we all enjoyed what we ordered.
• El Toro Restaurante . (Calle 33, between Calles 30 & 32) Close to the main square and makes a good spot for lunch or dinner.

Sleep somewhere great.

• Budget : We stayed at Hotel Macan Ché and it was thoroughly lovely; they have a very neat cenote-shaped pool where the boys lived for four days. If you’re there in the off-season you could try your luck without a reservation and likely get a slightly better rate.
• Midrange : Hotel San Miguel Arcangel is well located, right on the main square and looking out over the convent. It’s a good, basic but clean option that makes a good spot to explore.

Things to Do in Mérida, Cuzama & Celestún

As you head into this region of the Yucatán Peninsula, the pace tourism drops off a bit. Mérida is known for its language schools, but also for its stunning colonial streets and walkable city center. After leaving Izamal, we stopped at the cenotes of Cuzamá for an afternoon and it was fantastic—then we crashed in Mérida that night.

From Mérida, it’s an easy drive to one of the two biosphere reserves in the region. We opted for Celestún, which is a beach spot for Mexican vacationers more than tourists. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is the real reason to come and one of the best things to do in the region—it’s home to thousands of mating flamingos. Alternatively, you could venture to Rio Lagartos to see the flamingos as well.

Pass an evening in the Plaza de la Independencia in Mérida.

The plaza at night is magical. The historic colonial streets make for pretty explorations, but for traveling with kids this plaza hums with life as the sun sets. My nephews were endlessly entertained with the vendors, the other kids, and the sweet treats.

Check out the Big Museum of the Maya World in Mérida.

This is a good place to tie together many of the themes and history from other parts of the trip. It has a wide range of activities and exhibits.

Take a horse-drawn cart to the three cenotes of Cuzamá.

Use the map at the top of the post to find Chunkanan, which is where the horse-drawn carts leave for the three cenotes . It’s about 10 minutes outside of the town of Cuzamá. Make sure you go all the way to the end of the road to the right  CBO (community-based org).

There is a different group that will try to flag you into their parking lot, but keep going so that you are spending your funds with a responsible local business fairly and ethically supporting the surrounding community.

Visit the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.

Hire a boat from the collective on the beach and speed through the ocean and into the wide river expanses. Wear a bathing suit as you’ll have the chance to take a dip in some clear blue waters.

Hotel Santa Maria in Mérida worked out perfectly. It was very affordable and close to everything. The rooms were basic but clean and had A/C. They also have a pool and free parking. I’d stay here again.

We stayed at Gutierrez Hotel & Restaurant in Celestún. This place is right on the beach and we enjoyed it. The restaurant attached is terrific, and I loved that I could sit in the shade while the boys dug in the dirt. We called and booked via telephone, but they are online.

This site has a long list of other kid-friendly activities in the region.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Yucatan Travel Guide: Stories from the Blog

I have traveled the Yucatan Peninsula many times, sometimes solo, and sometimes with my family. Each story was written live on my travel blog as I backpacked the region. Within these posts you’ll find detailed guides and stories about cultural quirks, fun activities, and things I enjoyed doing in every area of the Yucatan.

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Mexico: Oaxacan Life

A Little Adventure… 3 Weeks with 2 Kids on an Epic Yucatan Road Trip

A Little Photoessay… Snapshots & Stories from Colorful, Colonial Mexico

A Little Recipe… Inspired by Mexico: Lunchtime Bean Quesadilla

A Little Recipe… Inspired by Mexico: Simple Sweet Potato Tacos

A Little Guide … The Art of Travel Relaxation in Five Easy Steps

What is the Cost of Living in a Mexican Beach Town? (2024)

A Little Photoessay… Slice of Life Snapshots of Mexico

A Little Recipe… How to Make a Perfect Guacamole with 1 Avocad

A Little Curiosity… An Unexpected Afternoon with a Taco Stand Family

A Little Oasis… Fun and Friends on a Secret Mud Beach in Mexico

A Little Reflection… On Beach Days, Sunshine, and Childhood Reminiscences

A Little Food … The Anatomy (and History) of a Delicious Taco

A Little Musing… On Beach-Vibes in Mexico and How the U.S. Has Lost Its Sense of Community

A Little Musing… On the Art of Cultural Immersion in Travel

A Little Lesson… Eventually, We All Surrender to the Más o Menos

A Little Confusion… The Mexico to Belize Border Crossing at Chetumal

A Little History… Exploring the Chichén Itzá Maya Ruins

A Little Haiku… First Days in Mexico and an Ode to the Cold Shower

Yucatan Peninsula

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Getting Around
• Visitor Information
• Special-Interest Vacations
• Staying Healthy
• Tips on Accommodations
• Calendar of Events
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Getting There
• Tips for Families
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Tips for Senior Travelers
• Tips for Student Travelers
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
• Tips for Women Travelers
• Staying Connected
• Regions in Brief
• Active Pursuits
• Suggested Itineraries

Safety in Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico is one of the world's great travel destinations and millions of visitors travel safely here each year. Yet drug-related violence and widespread media coverage of Mexico's insecurity have severely impacted its tourism industry. Mexican drug-trafficking organizations have been engaged in brutal fights against each other for control of trafficking routes and with the Mexican government, which has deployed military troops and federal police across the country. The region covered by this guide, Cancún and the Yucatán, has generally not experienced the violence or insecurity affecting many other parts of the country. The Mexican government is working hard to protect visitors to all major tourist destinations, which do not experience anything like the levels of violence and crime reported in the border region and along major drug trafficking routes, mainly in the north.

In most places, it's uncommon for foreign visitors to face anything worse than petty crime. The risk of pickpockets and petty theft rises considerably during the winter high tourist season. Always use common sense and exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas. Leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or don't bring them at all. Use hotel safes when available. Avoid driving alone, especially at night. You can generally trust a person whom you approach for help or directions, but be wary of anyone who approaches you offering the same. The more insistent a person is, the more cautious you should be. Stay away from areas where drug dealing and prostitution occur. These tips should help make your trip even more enjoyable.

The U.S. and Mexico share a border more than 3,000km (nearly 2,000 miles) long and Americans comprise the vast majority of tourists to Mexico. Due to this close and historically intertwined relationship, we recommend that all travelers read the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for Mexico (www.state.gov). The U.S. State Department encourages its citizens to use main roads during daylight hours, stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas with better security, cooperate fully with Mexican military and other law enforcement checkpoints, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. Kidnapping continues to happen at an alarming rate. It can be useful to travel with a working cellphone, as well. This is good advice for all travelers to Mexico.

Crime in Resort Towns: There have been a significant number of rapes reported in Cancún and other resort areas, usually at night or in the early morning. Women should not walk alone late at night. Armed street crime is a serious problem in all the major cities. Some bars and nightclubs, especially in resort cities such as Cancún, can be havens for drug dealers and petty criminals.

The U.S. State Department offers specific safety and security information for travelers on spring break in Mexico: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_5014.html.

It is also advised that you should not hike alone in backcountry areas nor walk alone on less frequented beaches, ruins, or trails.

Highway Safety: Travelers should exercise caution while traveling Mexican highways, avoiding travel at night, and using toll (cuota) roads rather than the less secure free (libre) roads whenever possible. Fully cooperate with all official checkpoints, the number of which has increased, when traveling on Mexican highways.

Bus travel should take place during daylight hours on first-class conveyances. Although bus hijackings and robberies have occurred on toll roads, buses on toll roads have a markedly lower rate of incidents than second-class and third-class buses that travel the less secure "free" highways.

Bribes & Scams: As is the case around the world, there are the occasional bribes and scams in Mexico, targeted at people believed to be naive, such as telltale tourists. For years, Mexico was known as a place where bribes -- called mordidas (bites) -- were expected; however, the country is rapidly changing. Frequently, offering a bribe today, especially to a police officer, is considered an insult, and it can land you in deeper trouble.

Many tourists have the impression that everything works better in Mexico if you "tip"; however, in reality, this only perpetuates the mordida tradition. If you are pleased with a service, feel free to tip. But you shouldn't tip simply to attempt to get away with something illegal or inappropriate -- whether it is evading a ticket that's deserved or a car inspection as you're crossing the border.

Whatever you do, avoid impoliteness; you won't do yourself any favors if you insult a Mexican official. Extreme politeness, even in the face of adversity, rules Mexico. In Mexico, gringos have a reputation for being loud and demanding. By adopting the local custom of excessive courtesy, you'll have greater success in negotiations of any kind. Stand your ground, but do it politely.

As you travel in Mexico, you may encounter several types of scams, which are typical throughout the world. One involves some kind of a distraction or feigned commotion. While your attention is diverted, for example, a pickpocket makes a grab for your wallet. In another common scam, an unaccompanied child pretends to be lost and frightened and takes your hand for safety. Meanwhile the child or an accomplice plunders your pockets. A third involves confusing currency. A shoeshine boy, street musician, guide, or other individual might offer you a service for a price that seems reasonable -- in pesos. When it comes time to pay, he or she tells you the price is in dollars, not pesos. Be very clear on the price and currency when services are involved. An ATM scam involves ATMs in questionable locations where card numbers are "skimmed" and information is copied, money stolen, or cards fraudulently charged.

One More Author Gives His Two Cents: Safety in Mexico

Stories of murder and mayhem are making all the headlines about Mexico these days. Stories of assassinations, kidnappings, and shootouts sell newspapers but are of no help evaluating the risk in traveling through the country. They are newsworthy in that they document the gravity of the problem Mexico faces in gaining control of its borders and ensuring public safety. The best way to understand the risk of traveling in Mexico is to read the U.S. State Department Travel Warning (www.state.gov).

The current situation has changed the way I travel in two ways beyond the usual precautions -- such as not flashing a lot of money, not wearing an expensive watch, keeping aware of my surroundings, and not driving on the highway at night (for reasons that have more to do with practicalities than issues of crime). The changes I've made can be boiled down to two objectives: Avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and avoid the possibility of mistaken identity. The first is largely met by not lingering in Mexico's northern border states (including Durango and the interior of Sinaloa). This is where the immense majority of the violence is occurring. The second is meant to minimize any risk of being held up or nabbed by kidnappers, and it is achieved by looking as much like a tourist as possible. Kidnappers in Mexico don't target tourists. They have targeted resident foreigners who have family in the country or business people who have associates. They do this because they need someone to demand the ransom from. The risk here is from small-time gangs who act opportunistically. (Serious kidnappers aren't a threat because they won't do anything without planning and surveillance.) In the last few years, small-time gangs have increased. The best way I know of to avoid this risk is not to carry a briefcase or satchel, which is a business symbol. What's more, by hauling around a backpack, you will automatically escape scrutiny because businesspersons in Mexico never use them. The backpack (mochila) in Mexico is a strong cultural identifier. It's associated with students and counterculture types, so much so that the word mochilero has come to describe hippies.

-- David Baird

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Mexico Yucatan Peninsula

Your ultimate guide to mexico ‘s yucatan peninsula, yucatan peninsula travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Top Destinations  |  Things to Do  | Tours  |  Travel Safety  | Yucatan Blogs |  FAQ

mexico Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Mexico yucatan peninsula: at a glance.

From world-class beaches and swimmable cenotes, to Mayan ruins and colorful, colonial cities — there’s something for everyone planning a Yucatan Peninsula trip. The area known as the Yucatan Peninsula consists of three states: Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state.

• Quintana Roo:  This state is home to all the big destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun , Tulum , Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen , but also great off the beaten path places, like Isla Holbox Island and Laguna Bacalar Lake .

• Yucatan : This state is considered one of the safest in Mexico, if not the safest. The capital city, Merida , is known as the safest city in Mexico, though other cities like Valladolid and Izamal , as well as the beaches of Yucatan , are also safe to visit.

• Campeche : The least visited Yucatan Peninsula state, this off the beaten path Mexico destination is safe. From the Walled City of Campeche to the Calakmul Mayan Ruins — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Campeche State has many Mexico hidden gems.

Mexico Yucatan Peninsula: Know Before You Go

• ✈️ Airport: Cancun Airport (code: CUN) and Merida Airport (code: MID) ⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula?

For the best weather: November to March are the ideal months to travel to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This is, of course, the high season or busy season in Yucatan, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds.

Yucatan Peninsula Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Yucatan — a magical time when the weather is still nice, and the prices are still low.

For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your buck! However, know these months can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy. Surrounded by the Mayan jungle, mosquitoes an issue in Yucatan, especially in the summers, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray 🦟

⛈ Note: June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Located on the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is susceptible.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is a region in southeastern Mexico that consists of three states — Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state. As its name state, this is a peninsula , with the Gulf of Mexico to the north, and Caribbean Sea to the south and east.

Yucatan Peninsula map

What’s the best airport for Yucatan Peninsula travel?

For most travelers, you’ll want to use for Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) — the largest airport in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This airport has the most direct flights, and you can easily travel to Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum from here.

If you’re visiting Merida, Valladolid or Campeche, opt for Merida International Airport (code: MID).

What are the best Yucatan Peninsula travel destinations?

Tulum , Mexico

Once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the top Mexico travel destinations. It has some of the best beaches in Mexico, located right on the Caribbean Sea.

Is Tulum worth visiting? Tulum is perfect for travelers looking for a unique experience. It has an interesting mix of bohemian vibes and spiritual seekers, with luxurious Tulum resorts on the beach, Mayan Ruins and swimmable cenotes .

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun has been one of the top Mexico travel destinations for decades now. Visitors from all over the world head here to enjoy the beautiful beaches, Cancun cenotes , lively party scene and more.

Is Cancun worth visiting? For travelers who want to take advantage of the great Cancun all-inclusive resorts , kick back on the beach, frozen Margarita in hand — you’ll love Cancun Mexico!

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Playa del Carmen is located about 45 minutes south of Cancun. It is popular with expats in Mexico, as well as travelers, and digital nomads in Mexico.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting? Playa (as it’s known by locals) has a similar vibe to Cancun, but on a smaller scale. There are still great Playa del Carmen resorts , but it sees fewer tourists than Cancun.

Merida , Mexico

Merida is the capital city of Yucatan state — and considered the safest city in Mexico. Once a Mexico hidden gem, Merida is fast becoming a top Mexico vacation city.

Is Merida worth visiting? Those seeking to experience the “real” Mexico will love Merida. It’s a great place for Mexico culture travel and foodie travel, with plenty of amazing Merida day trips located nearby.

Best things to do in Yucatan Peninsula

Each of the best places to visit in Yucatan Mexico have unique things to do. The easiest way to plan your Yucatan trip is to identify the places you plan to visit, and then discover all the best things to see and do within those locations.

Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Holbox Island

Isla Mujeres

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Bacalar Lagoon

Cozumel Island

Akumal Beach (Turtle Swim)

Campeche City

Izamal “The Yellow City”

Best yucatan peninsula tours.

Multi-day tours in Yucatan are a great way to see a lot of sites on one trip — and not have to worry about coordinating your transportation between places. Below, you’ll find the best Yucatan tours, which include unique excursions on land to see the Mayan Ruins, and unforgettable adventures under the sea.

Is Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico. Popular areas in Mexico, like the Yucatan Peninsula, are heavily moderated by Mexican police to keep these places safe — so visitors continue to return year after year!

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

Some other less-obvious things to watch out for are dehydration, sunburns , mosquitoes and hangovers! With a tropical climate, Yucatan is hot year-round, and the mosquitoes are quite bad in the summers.

Speaking of summer, this is the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and situated between the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan is susceptible.

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Yucatan Travel Blogs: Learn more about Yucatan Mexico 🇲🇽

Cenote Ik Kil Mexico: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for 2024

10 Best Chichen Itza Private Tours for Travelers in 2024

Renting a Car in Riviera Maya Mexico: What to Know in 2024

Mexico yucatan peninsula: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Yucatan Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the Yucatan weather like?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate — meaning you can expect warm and hot temperatures year-round, and heavy rains throughout the summer.

In the summers, temperatures hover around 95°F (35°C), though can feel hotter because of the humidity. For the best weather in Yucatan Mexico, visit between November to March.

Is Yucatan worth visiting?

Yes — Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a unique destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.

This area of the country has the largest Mayan population in Mexico, and you can visit numerous Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Tulum Ruins, Uxmal Ruins, Coba Ruins and Chichen Itza Ruins, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

There are also amazing Caribbean beaches, 5 Star all-inclusive resorts and overwater bungalows , world-class birdwatching, delicious Yucatan food , historic Colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and cenotes (natural jungle pools).

No matter the kind of vacation you’er after, you can find it in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

How many days do I need in Yucatan Mexico?

If you only have a weekend to travel, stick to 1-2 cities that are near each other — like Cancun and Isla Mujeres , or Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island . If you have one week in Yucatan, you can visit 3-4 cities. To see all the best sites and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, you’d need at least two weeks, if not more!

The Yucatan Peninsula is large, and if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, a Mexico rental car is the way to go.

🚗💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company?

Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies so you get the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

🚗💨 Is it safe to drive in Yucatan Mexico?

Many want to know, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? For most travelers, YES , it’s perfectly safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Cancun , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips so you feel safe and confident while driving in Mexico.

Is Yucatan Peninsula expensive?

This depends on where you’re going, as some places are pricier than others. Big-name destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum cost more (though Tulum budget travel is totally possible!), but off the beaten path places cost less.

To visit the cheaper Yucatan hidden games, head to Valladolid , Puerto Morelos , Bacalar Lagoon and Merida .

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

Just Go Exploring uses affiliate links. If you purchase something through them, I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my disclosures page for more info.

Ultimate Yucatán Backpacking Travel Guide (UPDATED 2024)

• Last Updated: April 7, 2024
• Destinations , Mexico , North America

Welcome to the ultimate Yucatán backpacking guide.

The Yucatán peninsula, in southeastern Mexico, is a real backpacker paradise. I used to live in Mexico and have spent about a month travelling around the Yucatán in total.

In this post, I’ll describe the best places to visit in the Yucatán, suggest some travel itineraries, discuss transportation options, safety tips, and more to help you plan the perfect trip.

Mexico isn’t as cheap a destination as Southeast Asia, but travelling here doesn’t have to break the bank either.

As long as you steer clear of the over-touristed (+ Instagram-obsessed) places like Tulum, backpacking in the Yucatán can be surprisingly affordable.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In The Yucatán

These are some of the best places to visit when backpacking in the Yucatán.

1. Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a small island off the north Yucatán coast and is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. The whole island is car-free, so the only way to get around is by foot or golf cart.

Despite its growing popularity with foreign travellers and backpackers, Holbox is still very unspoilt. It has amazing beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a wonderful lack of consumerism and mass tourism.

The marine and bird life on Holbox is simply stunning, with large numbers of tropical fish, sea turtles, whale sharks, pelicans and flamingos regularly seen here.

Isla Holbox has a very laid-back vibe and is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re looking for a place to truly unwind, Isla Holbox should definitely be on your Yucatán itinerary.

Where to stay in Holbox

• Budget: Kin Camping
• Mid-range: Hotel Casa HX
• High end: Palapas del Sol

The capital of Yucatán state, Mérida is a beautiful colonial city located in the heart of the peninsula. Founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors, Mérida has a rich history and culture.

Despite being a relatively large city, Mérida feels much more like a small town. The streets are safe and pedestrian-friendly, making it a great place to wander and explore.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Mérida. Be sure to visit the main square, Plaza Grande, where you’ll find the impressive Cathedral of San Ildefonso .

For a taste of local culture, try to catch a concert performed by the excellent Yucatán Symphony Orchestra. Or visit the  Regional Museum of Anthropology ( Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán ).

If you’re looking for a break from all the sightseeing, Mérida has some great restaurants and bars. Make sure to try the traditional Yucatán dish, cochinita pibil:  slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote (a popular Mexican spice) and orange juice.

Mérida is one of the most liveable cities in Mexico and is becoming known as a hotspot for digital nomads.

Those who need to spend some time here working will find plenty of excellent cafes and co-working spaces and a small yet thriving expat community.

Where to stay in Mérida

• Budget: Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza
• Mid-range: Acqua in Bocca
• High end: Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel

3. Campeche

A walled colonial city located on the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche is one of the Yucatán’s most underrated destinations. Founded in 1540, Campeche was once a major trading port for the Spanish empire.

Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The best way to explore Campeche is on foot, so be sure to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and discover all the hidden gems.

Some of the must-see sights in Campeche include the Cathedral of San Francisco de Asís, the Palacio Municipal (City Hall), and the Casa 6 Portales (House of Six Portals).

Where to stay in Campeche

• Budget: Melisa Hostal
• Mid-range: Bajo las Hojas
• High end: Hotel Boutique Casa Don Gustavo

4. Valladolid

A colonial city in the east of the Yucatán peninsula, Valladolid is often overlooked by travellers. However, this charming city is well worth a visit.

Valladolid is known for its beautiful buildings and lovely plazas. Be sure to visit the main square, Plaza de Santa Lucía, where you’ll find the Cathedral of San Gervasio.

To learn a little more about Yucatán culture, don’t miss the Regional Museum of Mayan History or the Nohoc Mul Chac archaeological site.

Valladolid is a great base for exploring the nearby Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam (see below). These two sites are some of the most impressive in all of Mexico.

Where to stay in Valladolid

• Budget: Hostel Candelaria
• Mid-range: Casa Palagui Colonial
• High end: Hotel Posada San Juan

5. Río Lagartos

Río Lagartos is a small town on the north coast of the Yucatán peninsula. This remote town is famous for its pink lakes, flamingos, and salt mines.

Río Lagartos is one of the best places in the Yucatán to see wildlife. In addition to flamingos, you can also find crocodiles, pelicans, and a variety of other birds.

Several companies offer boat tours of the Pink Lakes . These tours are a great way to see the flamingos up close and learn about the ecology of the region.

The nearby town of Las Coloradas is home to some of the largest salt mines in Mexico. These mines are open to the public and make for an interesting half-day excursion.

Most tour companies that visit Río Lagartos also include a visit to Las Coloradas, so it’s easy to visit both places in one day.

Where to stay in Río Lagartos

• Budget: Hotel Posada Mercy
• Mid-range: Posada El Perico Marinero
• High end: Hotel Rio Lagartos

6. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a tiny island off the coast of Cancún. This idyllic place is a popular day-trip destination for travellers staying in Cancún or the Riviera Maya.

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving. There are many companies offering boat trips, snorkelling and diving expeditions.   This one is particularly good.

Isla Mujeres is one of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks, especially between June and September, when they migrate through the waters around the island. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the world and can reach up to 12 metres (40 feet) in length.

The island is also home to several Mayan ruins, including the Temple of Ixchel, an ancient fertility goddess.

In addition to its natural beauty, Isla Mujeres is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Despite its proximity to Cancún, there are no high-rise hotels or resorts on the island, and it’s remarkably unspoilt.

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres

• Budget: Casa Iguana Hostel
• Mid-range: Casa Barco Hotel Boutique
• High end: Casa de los Sueños Hotel Boutique

Bacalar is a small town on the south-east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, close to Belize. This remote town is famous for its lagoon, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Mexico.

The lagoon is dotted with islands and is surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Bacalar itself is a fairly sleepy place and is a perfect spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s becoming increasingly popular with backpackers, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a hostel or a cheap Airbnb here.

Where to stay in Bacalar

• Budget: Cabañas Alma Verde
• Mid-range: Hotel Maria Maria
• High end: Habitas Bacalar

Cozumel is another island off the coast of the Yucatán peninsula.

This idyllic place is renowned for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class snorkelling and diving.

Its location on the Mesoamerican Reef means this is one of the best places in Mexico to see marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, manatees, and a huge range of colourful tropical fish.

Cozumel is home to the Museo Subacuático de Arte, a unique and spectacular underwater art and sculpture exhibition. This is one of the most popular attractions on the island and is a must-see.

On the southern tip of the island, the Parque Punta Sur is an ecological park with gorgeous lagoons, pristine beaches, reefs and dense mangrove forests home to a wealth of animal, bird and plant life.

There are also several Mayan ruins on Cozumel, including the  Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio , which was once a major ceremonial site and is now a wildlife refuge. The site is free to enter and is well worth a visit.

Where to stay in Cozumel

• Budget: Hostel Auikyani
• Mid-range: Hacienda Boutique B&B and Spa
• High end: Condumel

Also, check out my post on the best boutique hotels in Cozumel !

Other Places To Visit In The Yucatán

The following places are very popular with international travellers.

Personally, I think they’ve become too over-touristed and spoilt. I wouldn’t go back to any of them and would recommend leaving them off your itinerary. But of course, the choice is yours.

Tulum used to be a sleepy little town famous for its perfect white sand beaches and its Mayan ruins, which are some of the best-preserved in Mexico.

Sadly, however, in the last 10 years, Tulum has become so popular a destination that the whole place now feels incredibly crowded, over-touristed and spoilt.

Prices have gone through the roof, and there are swarms of tourists and “influencers” everywhere you go.

The beaches are no longer as stunning as they used to be, with large sections covered in loungers, beach clubs and tens of thousands of selfie-obsessed people trying to “find” themselves.

The main attraction in Tulum is the ruin site, which is still stunning, despite the crowds. The site includes several temples, pyramids, palaces, and an observatory.

Owing to its cliff-top location, from several places, you can get fantastic views along the Caribbean coast.

If you do want to visit Tulum, out this post on how to travel from Cozumel to Tulum .

But, for an accurate and excellent summary of why Tulum is no longer the paradise it used to be, see this post on Nomadic Matt.

Where to stay in Tulum

• Budget: Hostel Oryx Tulum
• Mid-range: Suites at TreeTops Tulum
• High end: Casa Colibrí Tankah

Most international flights to the Yucatán land at Cancún airport. So the chances are you will pass through here at least once during your Yucatán peninsula backpacking adventure.

However, there are several reasons why I would not recommend spending much time in Cancún.

Firstly, the town is ugly and overpriced. The Hotel Zone is little more than a row of flashy hotels backing out onto a strip of overcrowded beach. There’s no atmosphere, no authentic culture, nothing.

If you want to stay in an all-inclusive resort with year-round sunshine, where you can sit by the pool and sip cocktails, but not do much else, Cancún would be a reasonable choice.

But if you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience, you won’t find it here.

Where to stay in Cancún

• Budget: Casa Bonita SM31
• Mid-range: Casa Kin33
• High end: Atelier Playa Mujeres

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen used to be an awesome little town popular with digital nomads and backpacker types. But today, it suffers from similar problems with over-tourism as Tulum and Cancún.

The streets are crowded with tourists, the beaches are packed, and the prices have exploded.

In some of Playa del Carmen’s backstreets, you can still find pockets of authentic Yucatán culture – great street food, little hole-in-the-wall bars, cantinas, and some excellent markets.

But overall, the town has become spoilt in recent years, especially the area near the seafront. It’s okay as a place to spend a day or two, but there are many other places that I’d recommend visiting in the Yucatán over Playa del Carmen.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

• Budget: Claro de Luna
• Mid-range: Hotel Villas Segovia Suites
• High end: Mvngata Beach Hotel

Which Mayan Ruins To Visit In The Yucatán Peninsula?

The Yucatan peninsula is world-famous for being home to several incredible Mayan ruins, which are well worth visiting if you’re exploring the area.

Chichén Itzá

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is an ancient Maya city that’s located in the Yucatán jungle, about two hours from Mérida.

This archaeological site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico and should definitely be on your Yucatán itinerary.

The main attraction at Chichén Itzá is the iconic El Castillo, a massive pyramid that soars 30 metres (98 feet) into the sky. Other highlights include the Temple of Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory.

Be sure to arrive early to avoid the huge crowds that descend on Chichén Itzá later in the day.

And if you want to avoid the crowds altogether, consider spending the night at one of the nearby camping grounds or budget guesthouses and exploring the ruins early in the morning.

Click here to book a guided tour of Chichén Itzá.

Ek’ Balam

Ek’ Balam is another large Mayan archaeological site in the Yucatán jungle, 25 kilometres north of Valladolid.

Although it’s not as popular as Chichén Itzá, Ek’ Balam is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the Maya culture.

While many archaeological sites in Mexico no longer allow you to climb up the structures, at Ek’ Balam you can still climb up to the top of the highest one.

From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views out over the site and the surrounding Yucatán jungle.

Other highlights at Ek’ Balam include the Temple of the Owls, the Acropolis, and several ornate stelae (carved stones).

Ek’ Balam is a great place to learn about Maya culture. There are several on-site guides who can provide information about the history and archaeology of the site.

Click here to book a guided tour of Ek’ Balam.

Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Yucatán jungle, about two hours from Mérida. This ancient Maya city was a powerful ceremonial centre in the region and is well-known for its pyramids, palaces, and plazas.

Together with Palenque and Chichén Itzá, Uxmal is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico.

The main attraction at Uxmal is the Pyramid of the Magician, a massive pyramid that soars over 50 metres (164 feet) into the sky.

Other highlights include the Governor’s Palace, the House of the Turtles, and the Great Ball Court.

If you’re interested in learning more about Maya culture, be sure to visit the on-site museum.

Click here  to book a guided tour of Uxmal.

The beautiful Tulum archaeological site is located on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo state, about 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen.

This Maya city was built on top of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and is well-known for its stunning views of the surrounding beaches and turquoise waters.

The main attraction at Tulum is the Temple of the Frescoes, a small pyramid that’s decorated with colourful murals. Other highlights include the Castle, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Great Ball Court.

However, as described above, I don’t think it’s worth spending much time in the town of Tulum or its overcrowded beach zone.

If you’re pressed for time, you could easily skip this destination and you wouldn’t miss too much. Or just spend day or two here, see the ruins, then move on.

Click here  to book a guided tour of the Tulum archaeological site (departing from Cozumel).

Cobá is another ancient Maya city located deep in the Yucatán jungle, about half way between Valladolid and Tulum.

This archaeological site is much less crowded than other Maya ruins in the area and is worth a visit, especially if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Cobá was founded almost 2,000 years ago, around 50 BC. At its peak, from the years 550 to 900 AD, it was home to roughly 50,000 people.

As well as being one of the oldest and largest ancient ruined cities in Mexico, Cobá is also one of the most atmospheric. In this way, it’s somewhat similar to Palenque, in Chiapas.

Many of the structures are at least partially hidden by the dense jungle, which echoes with the calls of howler monkeys, frogs, and tropical birds.

If you’re interested in getting further off the beaten path , consider renting a bicycle and exploring the site’s extensive network of Sacbe (ancient Maya roads).

Click here to book a guided tour of Cobá .

A Few Suggested Itineraries

Of course, the best itinerary for your trip will depend largely on how much time you have to spend, as well as your budget.

Here are some rough itineraries, which you can use as a starting point to help you plan your perfect adventure the Yucatán peninsula.

Yucatán Backpacking Itinerary #1: One week

If you only have one week in the Yucatán, you will have to be selective.

I recommend focusing on a couple of places, otherwise you will spend more time on buses or otherwise getting around than actually enjoying yourself in each place.

My suggested one week itinerary is as follows:

• FLY into Cancún
• Days 1-2: Valladolid
• Days 3-5: Chichén Itzá > Mérida
• Days 6-7: Cobá OR Isla Mujeres
• FLY out of Cancún

Yucatán Backpacking Itinerary #2: Two weeks

With two weeks, you can see a fair amount, but still won’t be able to visit all of the places mentioned in this post.

Here’s what I would suggest as a two-week itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Holbox
• Days 4-5: Valladolid
• Days 6-9: Chichén Itzá > Mérida
• Days 10-11: Cobá
• Days 12-14: Isla Mujeres

Yucatán Backpacking Itinerary #3: Three weeks

If you’ve got three weeks, you could follow the same itinerary as the above two-week one, but with a day longer in each place. This would make it more chilled and give you a chance to see more of each place.

Alternatively, you could add a few extra places to your Yucatán peninsula itinerary. For example:

• Days 10-13: Uxmal > Campeche
• Days 14-17: Cobá > Bacalar
• Days 18-21: Isla Mujeres OR Cozumel
• FLY out of Cancun

Yucatán Backpacking Itinerary #4: One month

With a month to play with, you could definitely visit all of the places in this post, if you wanted to.

I usually prefer to travel slowly and spend a bit longer in each place, but you can use the below as a loose guide and tailor it to suit your preferences.

Suggested one month itinerary:

• FLY into Cancún
• Week one: Holbox > Rio Lagartos > Ek’ Balam
• Week two: Valladolid > Mérida > Uxmal
• Week 3: Campeche > Bacalar > (Tulum, maybe)
• Week 4: Cobá > Cozumel > Isla Mujeres
• FLY out of Cancún

To be honest, if I was doing it, I’d probably try and spend a week on Holbox. Then a week in Mérida, then Campeche, finishing with a week in Bacalar (or maybe Cozumel). I’d do day trips to a few of the other places.

But that’s just me – I prefer to minimise the number of times I have to move all of my stuff around and unpack.

Visiting other parts of Mexico

If your Yucatán adventure is part of a longer trip to Mexico, you could always incorporate one of the above itineraries into your plan.

And of course, you don’t need to fly into and out of Cancún.  Mérida has a fairly major airport with direct flights to all over Mexico and a few other places in North America.

Or you could always travel overland from western Yucatán into the neighbouring states of Tabasco, Chiapas, and beyond…

If you’re heading to Chiapas, two places I’d really recommend you visit are Cascadas Roberto Barrios (near Palenque) and Boca del Cielo (on the Pacific coast).

Transportation In The Yucatán

There are a few different transportation options available in the Yucatán peninsula, including buses, colectivos (shared minibus taxis), taxis, and rental cars.

Buses in the Yucatán

Buses are the most common mode of transportation in the Yucatán. Several bus companies offer services between major cities and towns.

These include ADO , Mayab, Omnibuses de Mexico, and Primera Plus.

The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, and most of them have WiFi.  You can either book bus tickets online or from the bus station.

If you don’t have the budget to hire a car and don’t fancy sitting for hours in the back of a cramped minibus (see below), taking the bus will probably be the best way for you to get around.

Colectivos are shared minibus taxis that run on certain routes. A popular method of transport throughout Mexico, colectivos don’t have any fixed timetables, but leave when they’re full.

They’re often pretty cramped, and hot, and the driving can be a bit dodgy. But they can be a fun way of getting about, especially for shorter journeys.

Also, colectivos are generally very cheap, so this might be a good option to consider if you’re travelling on a tight budget. All the more so if you’re a solo traveller .

Taxis can be a good option, especially if you have a group of people to share the cost with.

Of course, this will still work out quite a bit more expensive compared to buses. But they can be a good option for short distances or when you need to get somewhere quickly.

Taxis can be hailed on the street. Be sure to negotiate and agree on a price before the start of your journey. It helps if you can speak a little Spanish , as most taxi drivers in Mexico don’t speak much English.

Renting a car in the Yucatán

Renting a car is usually the most expensive option but by far the most convenient.

Rental cars are a good option for those who want to explore the Yucatán peninsula on their own.

The roads in the Yucatán are generally safe and well-maintained, and there are plenty of rental car companies to choose from.

Just be sure to check all of the documentation – and the condition of the car – carefully before driving away (I usually take a video).

To minimise the likelihood of issues later on, it’s important to ensure that everything is as it should be before embarking on your epic Yucatán road trip.

Try to avoid driving at night, especially outside of major population centres. Animals often cross the road in the dark, and bandits holding people up isn’t totally unheard of.

I’ve had a couple of issues with Mexican hire cars breaking down in the past. These were eventually resolved, but it was a bit of a painful experience.

Still, I find the freedom and convenience of having your own car usually greatly outweigh the potential risks.

The best deals on car hire in Mexico are usually found on  rentalcars.com

Click here for the latest prices.

Prices are usually lowest if you pick up the car from Cancún airport or Mérida airport.

How Expensive Is The Yucatán?

The Yucatán peninsula is a relatively cheap place to travel, especially if you’re saving money by taking buses and staying in budget accommodation.

And not spending too much time in places like Tulum.

Hostels, local food, and public transportation are all fairly inexpensive throughout Mexico, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy as well.

Here’s a breakdown of some typical daily costs you can expect:

• Accommodation (budget/hostels): $10-20 USD
• Food (street food/cheap eateries): $10 USD
• Transport: $10 USD
• Activities/fun: $10-20 USD

Of course, this all depends on what you want to do, and where you want to eat, drink and sleep.

But it’s totally possible to travel around around the Yucatán with a budget of $40 USD per day, especially if you don’t mind being frugal.

Is The Yucatán Safe?

Overall, yes – the Yucatán is generally safe to visit.

As with any destination, it’s always important to take precautions and use common sense when travelling.

But overall, the Yucatán is a fairly safe place to visit and doesn’t suffer from the same levels of crime and violence found in other parts of Mexico.

Of course, there are always risks when travelling, and no destination is completely safe. So it’s important to do your research before you go and be aware of the potential risks.

But if you take sensible precautions, backpacking in the Yucatán is likely to be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are a few things you can do to help ensure you don’t become a victim of crime during your time in Mexico:

• Be aware of your belongings at all times.
• Don’t walk around carrying clearly expensive items (fancy cameras, iPads, jewellery, etc.) – be discreet with your stuff!
• Try to avoid being out on the streets by yourself at night in unfamiliar areas.
• If you do go out at night, take only what you need with you.
• Be careful when using ATMs (use the ones inside banks wherever possible).
• Don’t drive at night.
• Bring a padlock for securing your valuables at hostels, etc.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended in bars.
• Be sensible when using taxis, especially if travelling solo – if you get a bad vibe, walk away.

To be honest, most of these things should be common sense and apply wherever you are in the world.

Be sensible, and you’ll be fine.

Food & Drinks

The Yucatán peninsula is home to some of the best food in Mexico.

The cuisine here is a fusion of Maya, Spanish and Lebanese influences, and it’s absolutely delicious. There are lots of traditional dishes to try, as well as countless street food options.

Some of the Yucatán’s most popular dishes include:

• Cochinita pibil: slow-roasted pork dish, traditionally cooked in a pit filled with banana leaves.
• Poc chuc:  Maya dish of stewed vegetables, and sometimes chicken, usually served with beans and rice.
• Sopa de lima:  chicken soup flavoured with lime juice – a Yucatán classic!
• Huevos motuleños: a breakfast dish of eggs, crispy tortillas, black and/or refried beans, plantains, cheese, and other ingredients.
• Ceviche: Seafood marinated in lime juice and spices – originally from Peru, but popular throughout the Yucatán.

You’ll find these and many other dishes served by street food vendors and in local restaurants wherever you are on the peninsula.

And of course, there are plenty of local snacks to enjoy as well, including yuca root fritters, empanadas, tamales, churros… the list goes on!

When it comes to drinks, you’ll find no shortage of fresh fruit juices and aguas frescas (fruit juice blended with water, sugar and a squeeze of lime).

Some of my favourites include jugo de piña (pineapple juice), jugo de melón (melon juice) and agua de Jamaica (made from hibiscus) – they’re all delicious.

Of course, being Mexico, there’s also plenty of tequila, mezcal and beer to be drunk here too!

Can you drink tap water in the Yucatán?

In short, no. Tap water in the Yucatán is not safe to drink.

If you’re travelling on a budget, it can be tempting to save money by drinking the tap water. But trust me, it’s not worth it.

Stick to bottled water instead – it’s not expensive, and you can buy big bottles for around $1 USD.

Or even better, invest in a GRAYL Geopress and help do your bit to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in the ocean.

Yucatán Tours

First off, you definitely don’t need to join a group tour to explore the Yucatán. As long as you’re happy taking local transport (or hiring a car), it’s a pretty easy region to travel around.

Saying that, if you’d rather not have to deal with the logistics of organising your trip independently, you could always join a guided tour.

There are many different tours to choose from. Some are short day trips with guides, others are multi-day (or even multi-week) trips where all of your transport and accommodation is taken care of.

Personally, I usually prefer to travel independently. But it’s up to you what style of trip appeals to you most.

You can browse through and book some of the most high-rated Yucatán tours on  Viator .

Some Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips that you might find helpful when backpacking around the Yucatán.

Get a local SIM card

If you’re going to be in Mexico for a while, it’s worth getting a local SIM card. This will give you access to cheap data, which can be really useful when using Google Maps, booking accommodation & activities online, etc.

I recommend Telcel , as their coverage is pretty good throughout Mexico (including the Yucatán). It only costs a few dollars for several gigabytes of data, and you can buy a SIM card from most Oxxo convenience stores.

Learn some Spanish

The Yucatán is a popular tourist destination, so you’ll find that English is spoken by a fair number of people, especially in the more visited areas.

However, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn some Spanish , so please do try.

It doesn’t have to be much – just a few key phrases will do. But trust me, it’ll make your trip a lot easier and more enjoyable (and you’ll probably get better service/prices too).

Here are a few basics to get you started:

• Hello/Goodbye – Hola/Adiós
• Please/Thank you – Por favor/Gracias
• Yes/No – Sí/No
• Do you speak English? – ¿Hablas inglés?
• I don’t understand – No entiendo
• How much does this cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
• I’m looking for… – Busco…
• Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?

Check out this post for even more Spanish words and phrases for travel .

Best time to visit the Yucatán

The Yucatán peninsula has a tropical climate, with dry and wet seasons. It’s warm and humid throughout the year and tends to be sunny, even during the rainy months.

The hurricane season lasts from July to September, although it does rain fairly often throughout the period from June to November.

Hurricanes do periodically cause damage and disruption throughout the Yucatán, especially on the eastern Caribbean coast and the Riviera Maya.

You can theoretically visit the Yucatán at any time of year, although the weather is at its most pleasant from December to April. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

If you don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the crowds (and save some money), then May or October are also good months to visit. Just be prepared for some rain.

How to get to the Yucatán

Unless you are coming from another region of Mexico or Central America, the chances are you’ll need to fly to get to the Yucatán.

It’s possible to fly to Mérida from a few other places in North America (including Miami, Houston, and Dallas), although most international flights go to Cancún.

Cancún airport is the third-busiest airport in Latin America, and the second-busiest in Mexico (after Mexico City ).

You can fly here direct from a large number of cities throughout North and South America, and Europe.

If you’re coming from Europe, I’ve found that TAP Portugal often offers the most competitive fares.

I use – and recommend –  Aviasales  to find the best deals on flights.  Their search engine is really easy to use and often picks up on promotions and discounted fares that are missed by other comparison sites.

You can search across a range of dates, and it suggests the best dates and times for you.

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not need a visa to visit Mexico.

You will be given a tourist card upon arrival, which allows you to stay in the country for up to either 90 or 180 days (depending on the mood of the immigration official, seemingly).

If you’re planning on staying longer than that, you will need to apply for a visa from your nearest Mexican consulate.

If you do need a visa, I recommend using  iVisa.com .  Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use.

What to pack

The Yucatán peninsula is a tropical destination, so you’ll need to pack accordingly. Here are a few essentials to pack for your trip:

• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30 – don’t forget to reapply regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating).
• Insect repellent (ideally containing DEET).
• A hat & sunglasses .
• Swimwear (the Yucatán has some beautiful beaches and cenotes – i.e. natural swimming holes).
• Light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Comfortable shoes (trainers/sneakers).
• A universal power adapter , if applicable (Mexico uses the same type of electrical sockets as the USA and Canada).
• A first-aid kit (you never know when you might need it!).

What to wear when travelling in the Yucatán

The Yucatán is a warm and humid place, so you’ll want to pack light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

I usually just wear shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops in this kind of climate. Though I always travel with a pair of hiking boots too.

Staying healthy

Although the Yucatán is generally a safe place to travel, there are a few things to be aware of in terms of your health.

Firstly , make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated – it’s easy to get dehydrated in the heat.

Secondly , be cautious of what you eat and drink. Stick to bottled water (or boil your own), and only eat fresh, cooked food from reputable sources. Avoid salads or anything else that might have been washed in tap water.

Finally , take basic precautions against mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net if possible. This will help to protect you against diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.

(I caught dengue in Mexico – trust me, it sucks .)

If you take these basic precautions, you should be fine. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, just in case.

I personally use SafetyWing for my travel insurance. They’re excellent and I would highly recommend them.

Final Thoughts

The Yucatan peninsula is a beautiful and diverse region of Mexico that offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to relax on a white-sand beach, explore ancient ruins, wander the streets of a beautiful colonial city, or experience traditional Mayan culture, you’ll find all this and much more.

So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Have you ever been to the Yucatán? What would be your top Yucatán backpacking tips? What itinerary would you recommend?

Let me know in the comments below!

Other Posts About Visiting Mexico

• 11 Best Boutique Hotels in Cozumel
• 25 Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico City
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mexico
• How To Get From Cozumel To Tulum
• Boca Del Cielo, Chiapas: An Unspoilt Pacific Paradise
• Ultimate Guide To Visiting Cascadas Roberto Barrios In Chiapas

Alex Tiffany

IMPORTANT: Never travel without travel insurance!

Here are three companies that I’ve used , and thoroughly recommend :

• HeyMondo – the best value travel insurance provider on the market. They cover virtually every country in the world, they have an easy-to-use app , and their policies are straightforward and upfront , with minimal (often no) deductibles and excesses.
• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, it’s essential that you have suitable insurance. It’s super flexible  and affordable , you can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and can activate and deactivate it whenever you need to.
• World Nomads – for  adventurous travellers , covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as  skydiving, heli-skiing,  rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here ).

Want to start your own blog?

• This FREE 1-hour SEO training video is the best place to start. (I also took their full course which taught me most of what I know today about SEO.)
• Bluehost is by far the best website hosting provider for beginners. Click here to get started with Bluehost !

I believe in transparency: Please note that some links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through them, I might earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (For example, a s an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through some of these links.)  However, I only link to products and companies that I trust and honestly recommend. See my  disclosures page for more information. The income goes towards keeping this site up and running. Thanks for your support.

Leave a Comment Cancel

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• I’m Alex Tiffany.  Former corporate city robot; lifelong travel addict.
• I’m on a mission to make adventurous travel accessible to all.
• I created this site to inspire, encourage and enable as many people to get outside and explore as much of our beautiful world as possible.
• Read more about me and my mission here .
• Need some help planning the perfect trip?  Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner .

Copyright © 2024 Just Go Exploring. All rights reserved.

  Privacy Policy | Disclosures | Terms of Use & Disclaimers | Sitemap

©GIBAN/Shutterstock

Yucatán Peninsula

Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. Actually, there's only one – the Yucatán Peninsula. The peninsula comprises parts of Belize and Guatemala, as well as three separate Mexican states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Quintana Roo is probably the best known thanks to the tourism mega-destinations of Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where millions flock annually to get their share of vitamin D on brochure-perfect beaches or resort infinity pools. But head just a couple of hours west and you hit Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state, whose colonial architecture and contemporary restaurants are a satisfying change of pace, not to mention the many cenotes (freshwater springs) nearby. Neighboring Campeche state is home to mind-blowing Maya ruins galore. This entire compact peninsula holds wonderful, varied and accessible travel surprises.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Tulum Ruins

Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: it’s sublime. The ruins sit on seaside cliffs, high above turquoise…

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

A white sand beach with manta rays gliding through the shimmering turquoise waters. No hotels. No nightclubs. No roads or cars of any kind. It’s hard to…

Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like you’re in a giant cocoon. Nature surrounds you, inside and out:…

Museo Maya de Cancún

Surrounded by dense tropical forest, the contemporary Museo Maya de Cancún is a welcome respite from the beach and buffet lines of the neighboring high…

Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an

While floating down a canal that Mayans dug by hand centuries ago, you see tall grasses on either side and colorful birds flying overhead. You hear the…

Campeche State

Edzná’s massive complexes, that once covered more than 17 sq km, were built by a highly stratified society that flourished from about 600 BC to the 15th…

Chichén Itzá

Yucatán State & the Maya Heartland

Chichén Itzá, meaning 'mouth of the well of the Itzáes' in Mayan, is a stunning ruin well worth visiting for its spectacular, iconic structures and…

Quite unlike any other Maya city you'll visit in Yucatán, Calakmul was ‘discovered’ in 1931 by American botanist Cyrus Lundell, and is located deep in the…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Mexico

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Yucatán Peninsula

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Wildlife & Nature

May 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Lazy rivers. Stalactites. Cenotes. Peek inside that natural beauty of luxury eco-resort Hotel Xcaret México.

Jan 13, 2021 • 4 min read

Dec 16, 2020 • 6 min read

Dec 3, 2020 • 2 min read

Aug 11, 2020 • 6 min read

Feb 28, 2020 • 7 min read

Feb 7, 2020 • 4 min read

Jan 3, 2020 • 1 min read

Oct 25, 2019 • 4 min read

Apr 18, 2019 • 4 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Yucatán Peninsula

Yucatán peninsula and beyond.

The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

For several years, Mexico has consistently ranked among our favorite countries in the world to explore–and after our most recent return visit to take a Yucatan road trip, we are more confident than ever that it will never be unseated. 

Between the overwhelming number of interesting sights, absolutely sublime food, and incredibly welcoming culture, we can never get enough of Mexico.

With this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, we hope we can help you fall in love with it too!

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of those just-right destinations that is easy enough to travel in that newer travelers will feel comfortable exploring, and fascinating enough that veteran travelers will never be bored.

Between the Mayan cities and mystical cenotes, the colorful towns and delicious food, the lagoon of Bacalar and the stunning beaches the region is known for, a Yucatan road trip truly has something for everyone.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

Why choose the yucatan for a mexico road trip, getting around during your road trip in the yucatan, will this 10 day yucatan itinerary work without a car, other destinations to add to your yucatan road trip itinerary, useful driving tips for this mexico road trip itinerary, faq about taking a road trip in the yucatan peninsula, yucatan road trip itinerary map, the best time to road trip the yucatan peninsula, what to pack for your yucatan road trip.

We structured this Yucatan road trip itinerary to center around some of our favorite things to do in the Yucatan: explore Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, and enjoy beautiful beaches.

We are covering the Yucatan peninsula here, not just the state of Yucatan, and much of this Yucatan travel itinerary does take place in Quintana Roo.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves climbing many pyramids, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually only take around 12 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We’ve included some of Mexico’s biggest tourist highlights here, including Chichen Itza, while also throwing in up-and-coming spots like Bacalar, and organized them in a loop beginning and ending in Cancun (aka, the biggest airport hub in the region by far).

This guide to spending 10 days in the Yucatan is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

When looking for the perfect road trip in Mexico or even all of Latin America, the Yucatan peninsula immediately shoots up to the top of the list.

The peninsula is known as one of the safest regions for tourists in all of Mexico (and for the record, we have always felt incredibly safe not only there but everywhere we’ve been in Mexico), the driving is very lowkey, and the sights, from the ruins of Mayan cities to beaches to colorful towns to the peninsula’s world-famous cenotes, are sublime.

With a flawless combination of safety, ease of travel, and unforgettable sights, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect Mexico road trip than one through the Yucatan.

The best company to rent a car for your road trip in Mexico from will likely vary dramatically depending on exactly when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your Yucatan road trip.

Check prices and shop rental cars for your Yucatan road trip today!

Parts of it, yes, but it would be more of a hassle to reach some spots.

Mexico’s ADO bus network is impressive, incredibly comfortable (some of the most comfortable buses we’ve ridden on anywhere, quite frankly), and can easily get you around the peninsula, including all the way down to Bacalar.

For smaller day trips like visiting Ek Balam and the cenotes around Valladolid , though, you’d need to either negotiate a taxi (not terribly difficult, but a hassle, especially if you’re not comfortable negotiating in Spanish), jump in a collectivo, or book a tour.

There’s no doubt that driving will make this particular 10 day Yucatan itinerary much easier and more flexible, but if you can’t or would prefer not to drive, you can still have an incredibly rewarding trip to the peninsula using this Yucatan travel guide.

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun and head to Valladolid.

Assuming you arrive in Cancun early enough in the day to reach Valladolid before sunset, we highly recommend grabbing your rental car at the airport and then immediately hitting the road!

If your flight arrives in the late afternoon or evening, though, you’ll want to spend your first night in Cancun itself and then get an early start by driving to Valladolid the next morning.

Valladolid is a little under 2 hours from Cancun by car.

Day 2: Explore Valladolid and check out nearby cenotes.

The colorful, small city of Valladolid is a laid-back and delightful place to explor.

The Zocalo, cathedral, and the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena are all worth a look, as are the many delicious restaurants and the colorful street of Calzada de los Frailes.

The main reason that Valladolid is a favorite for people exploring the Yucatan, though, is not for the charming city that is itself one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns), but for what lies outside of it.

Valladolid is located at the perfect epicenter of many of the area’s best day trips, including several cenotes and Mayan ruins.

For the first several days of this Mexico road trip, we recommend basing yourselves here–the next few days of this Yucatan itinerary are designed as day trips from Valladolid.

For today, start your stay in Valladolid by exploring the town and potentially by checking out a few of the nearby cenotes.

Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than 15 minutes from town by car, as is the complex housing both Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.

Too tired to drive anymore but still want to check out a cenote today?

No worries–Cenote Zaci is certainly not the most impressive of these cenotes, but it does win points for being right in the center of town!

Where to Stay in Valladolid

Valladolid has a fantastic selection of places to stay, ranging from budget hostels to beautiful boutique hotels. 

Here are some of the best, including the hotel we adored on our most recent visit!

Hostel Candelaria — Featuring a perfect location in the center of Valladolid, colorful decor, hundreds of near-perfect reviews and plenty of dorm and private room lodging options, Hostel Candelaria is a go-to choice for budget travelers to Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Candelaria!

Casa Aluxes Hotel — We absolutely adored our stay at this boutique hotel. The breakfast is fantastic, the service perfect, the inner courtyard and pools beautiful, and their location excellent. When we return to Valladolid yet again, we’ll definitely consider staying again.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Aluxes Hotel!

Le Muuch Hotel — This luxury hotel in Valladolid offers spacious family rooms, excellent service, and a fantastic breakfast, all housed in a convenient location within walking distance of Valladolid’s major sights.

The grounds include two beautiful pools, and the hotel’s hundreds of excellent reviews make it a sure bet when visiting Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Le Muuch Hotel!

Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil.

For your first day trip from Valladolid, head to none other than Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruin and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza.

We highly recommend showing up very, very early, and entering the park as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Most of the big tour buses bringing visitors in by the hundreds from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen won’t show up until an hour or two after that, giving you a bit of time to explore the ruins in relative peace.

After you finish up at Chichen Itza itself, be sure to take a dip in nearby Cenote Ik Kil!

Day 4: Visit Ek Balam and Cenote X’canche.

I’ll be honest: I intentionally scheduled Chichen Itza as the first Mayan city on this Yucatan itinerary, not only because I know just about everyone wants to visit, but because the other Mayan cities you will visit after it–in my biased opinion–blow it out of the water.

Ek Balam is located about half an hour from Valladolid, and in contrast with bustling Chichen Itza the previous day, will likely feel downright deserted.

With far fewer crowds and plenty of structures that you can climb, visiting Ek Balam is an absolute delight and one of our personal favorite stops on this Yucatan road trip.

Located in the same complex of sorts–you won’t need to move your car again–is Cenote X’canche, which is arguably our favorite cenote that we’ve seen on the peninsula as well!

Featuring brilliantly beautiful water, a slightly wild feel, and a waterfall, Cenote X’canche is one of those places where it is easy to understand why the Mayan religion purports that cenotes are the entrances to the underworld.

Day 5: Make your way to Tulum.

On day 5 of your Mexico road trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid and head for the beach!

Tulum is about an hour and a half away from Valladolid, giving you plenty of time to make your way back to the coast and then visit the famous Tulum ruins and beach.

While the ruins are certainly more crowded than Ek Balam from yesterday, their setting just cannot be beat–the views of the Mayan city overlooking the phenomenal beach are just magnificent.

Be sure to bring your swimsuit along: your ticket to visit the Tulum ruins also includes access to the beach, and you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours there!

When it comes time to find somewhere to stay for the night, you absolutely can stay in Tulum itself, but be prepared for some serious sticker shock: Tulum is not only expensive as compared to other cities in Mexico, it’s just expensive, period.

If you’d like to save a little cash, consider staying outside of Tulum instead–there are plenty of options, from luxury accommodation to hostels to boutique hotels, a 20-30 minute drive down the road.

One of the major benefits of being on a Yucatan road trip rather than a traditional itinerary is that you can take advantage of flexibility like that!

Optional Yucatan Road Trip Stop: Coba.

Still dreaming of more Mayan ruins?

With three archaeological sites in three days included on this Yucatan itinerary, you quite possibly will not, but it’s worth pointing out that as you drive from Valladolid to Tulum, you’ll pass right by the Coba ruins, which also make for a delightful place to explore.

Less popular (read: crowded) than Chichen Itza, but more crowded than Ek Balam, Coba boasts some stunning structures in a forested setting, and you can climb the main pyramid for beautiful views over the jungle.

Day 6: Road trip Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Bacalar.

On day 6, it’s time to head to the most up-and-coming destination on this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, a place we’ve heard described as “what Tulum was 30 years ago”: Bacalar.

The drive from Tulum to Bacalar takes less than 3 hours, so depending on time you could spend the morning in Tulum before heading down, or stop at Sian Ka’an Biosphere to see another magnificent part of the Yucatan peninsula.

Alternatively, you could wake up early and head right to Bacalar to maximize your time at this otherworldly lagoon–more on it below.

Day 7: Enjoy Mexico’s Lagoon of Seven Colors.

Look out over the beauty of the Bacalar Lagoon, and you may just be convinced that you’ve been transported to the Maldives or to an obscure Pacific atoll.

You’ll almost certainly have a hard time comprehending that the brilliant blue you see doesn’t come from a sea or ocean of any kind, but from a freshwater lagoon.

Bacalar, both the town and the lagoon it is named after, is a sleepy, beautiful place where it’s easy to kick back, relax, and enjoy some truly unique nature.

While you’re there, consider taking a boat tour to discover the best swimming spots and viewpoints on the lagoon, checking out the rapids (basically a natural lazy river), and hopping down to one of the beach clubs for a swim and some food served up with incredible views.

Back in town, be sure to visit Fort San Felipe, which was built by the Spanish in the 18th century to defend against the real-life pirates of the Caribbean that attacked the town.

For dinner, we can heartily recommend La Playita–one of the best-known spots in town with one of the best restaurant views imaginable–and also La Pina, which isn’t located right on the lake but has an impressive garden atmosphere all the same.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

We recommend spending two nights visiting Bacalar as part of this Yucatan road trip–here are some great options for where to stay.

Blue Hotel — With comfortable rooms, affordable prices, and excellent service, Blue Hotel is a fantastic choice for travelers visiting Bacalar on a budget.

While the hotel is located a bit further from the center of town than most, in Bacalar, that’s not a problem when you’re on a Yucatan road trip–you’ll probably drive to most attractions anyway.

Check rates & book your stay at Blue Hotel!

Hotel Tuparenda — We loved this boutique hotel in Bacalar–so much, in fact, that when we doubled back to Bacalar on our Mexico road trip, we returned for a second stay here!

The location is excellent (a short walk from La Playita), rooms comfortable, and service wonderful.

The rooftop, where the included breakfast is served and there is a small pool, has a lovely view of the lagoon in the distance!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Tuparenda!

Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel — Want to stay directly on the lake, with a restaurant and spa located on-site and no reason to leave?

If so, check yourself in for relaxation and pampering at the popular and well-reviewed Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel for a taste of luxury… at far more affordable prices than a similar accommodation would go for in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Check rates & book your stay at Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel!

Day 8: Head to Playa del Carmen, stopping at Akumal on the way.

At this point during your Yucatan road trip itinerary, things become a bit choose-your-own-adventure by virtue of the fact that there is so much to do between Bacalar and your eventual destination of Cancun, where you’ll say goodbye to Mexico in a couple of days.

Our suggestion is to head to Playa del Carmen (we loved our time at Isabella Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for an adorable but not insanely expensive place to stay), which is about a 3.5-hour drive from Bacalar and will put you both much closer to Cancun and in the heart of plenty of things to do in the Yucatan.

Along the way, consider stopping off at Akumal to cross a major highlight off of your Yucatan bucket list: swimming with sea turtles.

Day 9: Cross one more thing off your Mexico bucket list. 

With one more day of your Yucatan road trip left and an excellent central base in or near Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya is your oyster.

Here are a few of our suggestions for what to do on the last day of your road trip in the Yucatan…

Go for a swim in a cenote (or two).

Playa del Carmen is surrounded by absolutely stunning cenotes, including Cristalino, Jardin del Eden, and Cenote Azul.

Have a beach day at Xpu-Ha.

While the beaches in Playa del Carmen proper are not among the best on the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha, which is located just a short drive outside of town, is absolutely amazing and a fantastic place to kick back and relax.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving.

The stunning island of Cozumel is located very close to Playa del Carmen, and is especially well-known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkeling! Whether you book a day trip from Playa del Carmen or hop one of the many ferries over to Cozumel yourself, you’ll be able to find excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Prefer to go underground?

Snorkeling in an enclosed cenote is an unforgettable experience.

Day 10: Return to Cancun and say goodbye (for now) to Mexico.

As your Yucatan road trip comes to a close, it’s time to return to Cancun.

Before saying goodbye to Yucatan travel, though, consider hitting the beach one last time if you have time before heading to the airport!

Cancun has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some are absolutely free to visit, including the positively magnificent Playa Delfines.

A mere 10 days in the Yucatan could never hope to cover all the incredible peninsula has to offer.

If you have a longer Yucatan itinerary to work with, here are a few other places to consider adding onto your Yucatan road trip!

I specifically didn’t include popular Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox in this Yucatan travel blog post, as they’re decidedly not road trip destinations, but we adore them both and they’re definitely worth considering adding to your itinerary for the Yucatan as well!

In fact, we started our most recent trip to the Yucatan peninsula with a few days on Isla Mujeres before picking up our rental car, and couldn’t recommend the experience more.

The pink lakes of Las Coloradas, Mexico have become increasingly #instagramfamous in the last few years, and they are still one of the most unique places to visit in the Yucatan!

They are actually private reservoirs belonging to a salt company, not natural lakes at all, but they are incredibly interesting to look at.

Visiting has become more regimented over the years, and these days you’ll be charged a small fee to enter and be required to keep a guide with you, and you definitely can’t swim in the lakes.

If you’d like to see them for yourself, they’re a doable day trip from Valladolid (a little under 2 hours of easy driving each way).

The colorful, beautiful ex-pat haven of Merida is incredibly popular with visitors planning long stays in the Yucatan, but it’s quite far out of the way for this Yucatan itinerary that focuses more on the southern and central parts of the peninsula.

If you have longer than 10 days in the Yucatan, though, definitely consider stopping by to explore some of the best things to do in Merida .

It’s a beautiful, colorful city with lots of amazing food to offer, and is also the capital of the state of Yucatan.

Buried deep in the jungle in the state of Campeche, Calakmul is one of the most difficult Mayan ruins to get to, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Climb atop the pyramids there, and you will see nothing but ruins surrounded by lots and lots of jungle.

If you look closely on a clear day, you may even spot the tip of La Danta, a pyramid in modern-day Guatemala that once stood in the lost city of El Mirador and is–by some measures–the tallest pyramid in the world.

The city of Izamal is located vaguely between Valladolid and Merida, and is known primarily for its brilliant color–much of the town is painted bright yellow!

Be sure to check out the Convent of San Antonio of Padua, the beautiful (yellow) architecture downtown, and the markets while there.

Our current favorite archaeological site in Mexico is located only an hour and a half north of Bacalar, making it easy to add on to your Mexico road trip!

Becan is uncrowded, inexpensive, incredibly well-preserved, and a true hidden gem on the Yucatan peninsula. 

If you’re looking for a memorable side trip while traveling the Yucatan, we can’t recommend a visit to Becan enough!

Plan to drive only during the day.

With lots of speed bumps (more on that below) and very few street lights, the Yucatan peninsula is not an ideal place to drive at night. 

Luckily, this Yucatan road trip itinerary should make it fairly easy to drive during the day only–most days include only a couple of hours of driving.

Keep an eye on the time (zone).

This itinerary covers destinations in both the state of Quintana Roo and the state of Yucatan.

Despite being right next door to each other and frequently covered on the same trip, these Mexican states are in different time zones!

Quintana Roo uses Eastern Standard Time, and Yucatan uses Central Standard Time.

Typically, someone will pump your gas for you.

Most frequently, when you pull up to the gas pump in Mexico, someone will pump your gas for you as well as clean your windshield. You’ll want to provide a small tip for the service.

If you don’t see someone servicing the pumps, though, you can also pump your own gas in some places, so keep an eye on what others are doing!

… but be sure to check the pump to avoid scams.

There’s a known gas station scam in the Yucatan in which you’ll be charged extra because the gas pump isn’t set to $0.00 before the attendant starts pumping your gas.

This has never happened to us, but we’ve heard of fellow travelers experiencing it!

Luckily, the way to avoid it is very simple: if you’re not pumping your own gas, be sure to look at the pump and confirm it’s set to zero before the attendant starts to pump.

Keep an eye out for topes.

Topes (in English, speed bumps) are the major way that speed limits are enforced in the Yucatan peninsula, especially in towns and other population centers.

Go over them too fast, and you’ll throw out the suspension of your rental car–proceed carefully and when in doubt, go slow.

Don’t leave anything visible in the car when you park.

This is truly good advice for most of the world, but it especially goes here: visible luggage and belongings left in a parked car can attract thieves.

Leave nothing visible.

Check for onsite parking when booking hotels.

It will make your life much simpler if there’s parking onsite at each place you stay in Mexico, and hotels with parking are very easy to find.

We’d consider it a road trip mistake to accidentally show up somewhere without parking!

Pick up a Mexican SIM card before you get started.

Having cell phone data with you will make your Mexico road trip through the Yucatan far, far simpler, and buying data is incredibly affordable.

To save time and hassle, consider picking up a SIM card for your phone before you even leave the airport.

Do you need to speak Spanish for this Yucatan road trip?

No, but it will make your trip much, much easier.

While you definitely don’t need to know how to speak Spanish well for this Yucatan itinerary, we recommend learning at least some basic phrases before you go.

How’s the driving?

Incredibly easy!

Truly, we found driving in the Yucatan to be far, far easier than driving in most places we’ve been in Europe. 

For most of this Yucatan road trip itinerary, you’ll be driving on flat, well-signed, uncongested highways.

After the initial few hours of getting used to driving in Mexico, we found our road trip to be extremely relaxing.

Like in virtually all places around the world, driving is a bit more complex and congested in and around large cities, but not overly difficult for confident drivers.

Is this road trip in Mexico safe?

Safety is a very complicated subject, of course (I discussed a bit more about safety in Mexico here ), but generally speaking, yes. 

While cartel violence is certainly a problem in Mexico, it very, very rarely touches tourists and even more rarely touches tourists who avoid going near illegal activities (don’t stumble out of a bar drunk at 3am and try to pick up a prostitute on the way home, basically).

We have spent months in Mexico, spread across many different states, and have always felt supremely safe–just as safe as we feel in an average town in the USA.

Our fellow American travelers do tend to stick to the Riviera Maya (basically the corridor between Cancun and Tulum), but every place on this Yucatan road trip itinerary has a fairly developed tourism structure, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.

Very generally speaking, the people traveling this route are made up of a combination of European and Canadian vacationers (including lots of young families!), as well as Mexican tourists exploring their own country and a fair number of long term travelers/people backpacking the Yucatan.

In other words, while these places are a bit off the beaten path for an average US citizen taking a week off of work to head down to Mexico, they’re not remotely intimidating places to travel once you get the hang of the route, and they feel very safe.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

The high season for traveling the Yucatan Peninsula runs roughly from mid-December to April, with the biggest crowds (and highest prices) typically found around Christmas, New Yea’s, Spring Break, and Easter.

This is most prominent on the Riviera Maya, though–we’ve traveled the Yucatan peninsula extensively during high season on multiple trips, and have had no issues with crowds or extreme prices outside of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the odds are long that your trip would be caught up in a hurricane, you can expect more rain and cloudy weather during your Mexico road trip during those months.

Lower prices and fewer crowds might very well be a solid trade-off, though, depending on your travel style.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced Yucatan road trip is definitely better a case of safe than sorry.

We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Mexico.

Cell Phone Holder — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in the Yucatan.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

28 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary”

This is basically my dream Mexico trip!!! My boyfriend and I had talked about going this year but obviously we’ll see. Either way saving this post for inspiration. We’ll definitely make sure to see that cenote at Ek Balam, wow.

Ahh I’m so happy to hear that Jessica! We truly love this part of the world so much, I just want to shout from the rooftops about it. SERIOUSLY hoping your trip can happen this year, for so many reasons.

Currently planning ours for next month!! Thank you so much

As a fan of this area for over 35 years, enjoyed reading your writings here. As far as shouting from the rooftops, I often feel maybe I have done that too much. Holbox and Bacalar are two places I have known for many years and often recommended. But now due to mass development they are both becoming almost unrecognizable to me and that is a sad thing.

Great post, Kate. We’re stuck up here in Ohio at the moment and would love to be on the beach in Mexico instead.

Thanks, Mark! Completely agree–we’d much rather be back on a beach in Mexico right now too.

This article was extremely helpful. Thank you for suggested itinerary and descriptions.

So happy to hear that, Beth! Hope you have a great trip to the Yucatan!

Do you think a road trip around the Yucatan would be at all feasible with a 1 year old? I think we’d have to make some modifications but overall do you feel like it would be safe and not an insane amount of driving?

Hi Michelle!

Yes, it’s absolutely doable with modifications (depending on the one-year-old in question, of course). We’ve always seen quite a few families out and about when in the Yucatan. Hotels and restaurants tend to be extremely welcoming to kids.

If you want to cut quite a bit of driving, you can trim off Bacalar to stay more central. Most of the driving distances in this itinerary are fairly short, coming in at 3 hours or less of driving a day.

I finally booked plane tickets to Mexico thanks to your blog! Thanks for all the inspiration. I’ll be following most of your itinerary!

Thank you so much, Allie, that makes my day! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi, thanks so much for your 10 day itinerary post. I’m trying to figure out which of the islands -mujeres or cozumel- to include given ill cut out chichen itza and coba probably, and bacalar as i want to minize driving time. Im travelling with a two year old so ruins may not be the best idea. Would really appreciate your thoughts.

Both islands are beautiful, but Cozumel is better known for diving and Mujeres for its beaches. You guys could have a great time in either, but if I had to choose, I’d say that Mujeres is probably a bit more toddler-friendly.

We (couple with 16 year old son) went to Cancun for the first time in March 2021 and really loved it! Planning a trip back in the spring of ’22. We split our time between Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, including day trips to Coba, Tulum, and Akumal. Just wanted to add an update, though…unfortunately at the time we went there was no climbing at the ruins which had previously allowed it. We heard different reports of whether that was temporary due to COVID-19, or if that was permanent. Also, do watch out for gas station scams! (Search it on the internet…) I had read of some before we went and was prepared, but I was still pretty surprised when the very first place we stopped for gas the attendant used one of the scams to try to rip us off! We called him on it and he tried to talk his way out of it at first, but when we insisted on speaking to his boss he changed his tune and gave back the extra money. We totally would have been fooled if we hadn’t read about it first.

Hi Katie! Thanks so much for the additional information, sounds like you love the area as much as we do. So far I’ve only heard that climbing at Coba is limited due to COVID, but we’ll definitely keep an eye on whether it becomes permanent. Coba is beautiful but if you’re looking for even more ruins next time, Becan, Calakmul, and Ek Balam are all among our favorites.

Hi! What do you think of going on this trip in May?

You will be very, very hot! That wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for us, personally, especially since you’ll probably also benefit from a shoulder season dip in prices, but be prepared for soaring temperatures, especially inland.

The rainy season generally starts in June, so your odds of having sunny weather are solid (especially if you visit toward the beginning of the month), but be prepared to spend lots of time cooling off in the water.

Hello 🙂 thanks for a great post. we are planning the first night in Cancun as we arrive late. the next day we will drive to Valladolid early and have 1 night there. then we will travel to Tulum, and here my boyfriend and I are discussing, whether we should stay in Tulum and take day trips to Bacalar and Akumal or whether we should take overnight stays in Bacalar and playa del Carmen as you recommend. my boyfriend feels stressful changing hotel all the time and driving so much. did you find it stressful? and would you have done something different now if you could? we arrive March 2 and travel home March 11, 2022 – can we snorkel with sea turtles at this time? or is it only possible in the sea turtle season? thanks in advance. Sincerely, Christina

It all depends on your tastes, but I’d be more likely to stay somewhere other than Tulum and day trip to it rather than from it! The prices, crowds, and traffic are all much higher in Tulum than in the surrounding areas.

Basing yourself in fewer places and taking day trips is definitely much easier than changing hotels every night! That being said, driving in the Yucatan is pretty simple once you’re outside the larger cities.

The sea turtles are in Akumal year-round, you shouldn’t have any problem seeing them in March. 🙂

Hope you guys have a great trip!

Thank you for the great ideas and suggestions . We are planning on visiting Cancun in April 24, 2022. We are looking for transportation from Cancun Airport to Valladolid. We don’t want to rent a car, any suggestions? Thank you in advance

Sincerely, Estela

If you don’t want to drive, the easiest way is definitely to take the ADO bus! You’ll need to take one bus from the airport to the downtown terminal or Playa del Carmen, and then catch a bus to Valladolid.

The ADO buses are very comfortable and popular with travelers (but bring a jacket because they tend to blast the a/c).

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or private transfer, but it will be very expensive!

Hi Kate – Thank you for all the great tips! We are trying to figure out how to rent a car after our trip to Isla Mujeres. Essentially we are flying into Cancun, going to Isla Mujeres and then renting a car to drive around the Riviera Maya. We’ll return the car. I tried the car rental place but I can’t figure out how to rent near the Isla Mujeres ferry. Any tips? Thank you!

Hi Mary! It’s just a quick cab ride from the ferry to the airport, where you can easily rent a car. Taking a taxi to the rental car agency will likely be the simplest way to get there.

Thanks a mill for this itinerary! We are planning 2-3 weeks for my big milestone birthday so having the different add-ons to extend the trip is so great 🙂

Just nervous about driving, as we drive on left side here in Ireland but I’m sure I’ll figure it out!

You definitely will! We’ve gone the opposite way (spent about a month in total driving in Ireland) and it wasn’t nearly as bad switching between the sides as we feared. 🙂

Hello, thanks for this great post! My husband and I were in this area 20 years ago but a lot has changed! We are considering traveling here with our kids (ages 16 & 12) in late June – early July. They are pretty experienced travelers and have been to different areas in MX a few times before. I’m just worried that the level of heat, rain & mosquitos might make the trip unpleasant. We were in Greece last summer and found that as long as we arranged our day to be in water, AC or driving for the middle part of the day we were fine, but that was dry heat. Any advice? Thanks much!

Hi Rebecca,

With the caveat that I spent my upbringing in very hot and humid climates (Texas, Florida, Oklahoma), I would say that generally speaking, the humidity will probably be more intense than in Greece but the general format of your trip will still be doable.

The heat will be more of an issue at the inland locations for sure, I’d definitely plan on some slow afternoons at cenotes and/or resting, and try to reach any ruins you visit first thing in the morning.

There will definitely be weather moments that can be described as unpleasant, but that personally wouldn’t be enough to keep me away from Mexico. 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This North American country tops the list of the safest countries for travelers

A new year means new destinations.

When looking at where to go, travelers will consider the usual factors such as weather, cost and available activities. This year, safety is also top of mind as more people want to go off the beaten path and take solo trips.

To help, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its ninth annual State of Travel Insurance report, which includes the safest countries in the world for travelers.

"The definition of safe destination has evolved,” Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. "In our most recent survey, travelers lean in on countries they believe as safe destinations they can move about freely without discrimination or harassment."

To determine the list, the travel insurance provider surveyed 1,702 people on their own travel experiences in different countries and also pulled data from third-party resources that evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups. This included the  Global Peace Index  and the State Department’s own  travel safety ratings .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

While these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company noted the report doesn't mean every part of the country is safe nor account for the possibility of natural disasters. And as always, don't let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

Read below to see the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.

The Great White North tops this year's list of safest countries in the world for travelers, thanks to its low violent crime and strict gun laws. Last year, the country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, made sixth on the list.

2. Switzerland

Known for its security and low crime rates, Switzerland made second place for the safest nations to visit. The country is known for its high quality of living and beautiful nature, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.

Besides having some of the best views of the dancing northern lights , Norway is also one of the safest places when it comes to crime rates, terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. According to the report, Oslo, the capital of Norway, was the country's safest area.

Those wanting to see Ireland's Cliffs of Moher or sip on some Guinness can rest assured in going through with those travel plans. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.

5. Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot for safest destinations to visit, and this year, it made fifth. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and its capital Amsterdam. Just beware of the tourist tax increase as the city continues to crack down on reckless partiers.

6. United Kingdom

With a beautiful countryside and cities with low murder and theft rates, the United Kingdom is a safe bet for travelers. Unfortunately, the country is soon going to implement a fee to enter its borders .

7. Portugal

There's a reason digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country, and it's not just the delicious seafood and wine. Portugal's cities are secure and orderly, and the rural areas are peaceful. In 2022, the country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers too.

Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rates continue to help it be a safe choice for travelers. The northern European country typically steals the spotlight for its happy residents and its politics.

Like its Nordic neighbor Denmark, Iceland is often regarded as the world's most gender-equal country and the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To entice travelers even more, the country is home to otherworldly landscapes featuring glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic terrain.

10. Australia

Rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make Australia a desirable country for travelers, especially female solo travelers since the Land Down Under also has low homicide rates. In 2022, there were 377 recorded homicides, about half of what Chicago experienced, according to the report.

11. New Zealand

Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its coastlines, mountains, fjords and more, or for those who are big "Lord of the Rings" fans. With low crime rates, the country is also considered to be quite peaceful and great for female solo travelers.

Along with low crime rates, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Think robot servers in restaurants amongst ancient shrines. In Japanese culture, politeness and orderliness are also highly valued, making it a safe place for travelers, solo or not. However, the report doesn't consider natural disasters, such as the earthquakes that recently shook the western part of the island nation.

Home to the City of Light, France has stood the test of time as one of the world's most popular destinations. Thankfully, for travelers, the country has relatively safe transportation (well, minus petty theft, which is common on the metro) and safety from disease epidemics, according to the report. However, violent demonstrations mean travelers should be cautious and check local media for updates.

Another popular European destination, Spain is known for petty theft like pickpocketing. Overall, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rating for how heavily touristed it is, the report said. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recommends people especially watch out for passport thefts, so as always, travel cautiously.

This year, Brazil made the list of safe countries to visit. The survey respondents who identified as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ especially felt safe in the South American country, known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil's borders are notably dangerous for crime activity.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

• Merida Tourism
• Merida Hotels
• Merida Bed and Breakfast
• Merida Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Merida
• Merida Restaurants
• Things to Do in Merida
• Merida Travel Forum
• Merida Photos
• All Merida Hotels
• Merida Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Merida
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Relocating to Mexico - Is Merida safer than Progresso? - Merida Forum

• Mexico    
• Yucatan Peninsula    
• Yucatan    
• Merida    

Relocating to Mexico - Is Merida safer than Progresso?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Yucatan forums
• Merida forum

I'm trying to find a clean, safe, low-crime place to relocate in Mexico.

Can anyone with personal experience weigh in on this subject and offer some suggestions and advice?

I am leaning toward Merida since (as I understand it), Progresso is a tourist destination which brings with it its own set of challenges (and opportunities, obviously).

Also, is there a particular condo community (preferrably gated, but not required - 24 hour security is a requirement, however) that you could recommend?

Please advise.

Kind Regards.

3 replies to this topic

Most snowbirds and ex-pats that live in Merida enjoy living in the Centro Historico. It's the most charming and walkable part of the city. It's perfectly safe. However, you won't find any gated communities or condos in the Centro. If living in a gated community or condo complex is important, then you will likely be on the edge of the city and probably beyond the Periferico, the highway that rings the city. You'll have to drive everywhere and the traffic into and out of the city has become pretty congested the past few years. Most of the gated communities are north of Merida, so in between the city and the coast.

That’s a bit of a political derail.

• Relocating to Mexico - Is Merida safer than Progresso? 10:49 pm
• A week's beach stay near Merida? yesterday
• Trip Report - One month in Merida and Oaxaca yesterday
• Looking for Guide not just driver Jun 08, 2024
• Driver/guide around Merida Jun 08, 2024
• Driver in Merida… Jun 08, 2024
• Merida and Yucatan Peninsula Roadtrip?? Jun 03, 2024
• Merida in May May 23, 2024
• Is there power in Merida today? May 18, 2024
• Plus size women's and men's clothing shops/stands in Merida? May 16, 2024
• Found: awesome private driver!! May 16, 2024
• Woman attacked with machete at plaza grande? May 14, 2024
• Heathcare May 12, 2024
• Unique silver jewelry shops or market stands? May 11, 2024
• Bus transportation from Cancun to Merida 18 replies
• Transportation From Cancun to Merida 11 replies
• All Inclusive vacation in Progreso 3 replies
• Renting a car at the Cancun airport 5 replies
• Merida Airport Hotel 19 replies
• How safe is Merida 49 replies
• Finding a nice beach resort near Merida 8 replies
• Bus from Merida to Playa del Carmen 7 replies
• Safe travel in Merida and Yucatan 15 replies
• Cancun to Merida 30 replies

Merida Hotels and Places to Stay

• Getting to Merida directly from the Cancun (CUN) airport.
• Getting to Merida from the downtown Cancun ADO bus station

Travel the Yucatán Peninsula for less: Deals in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum

"GMA" Bucket List on a Budget is headed to Mexico!

With miles of crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and a culture that's steeped in history, it comes as no surprise that the Yucatán Peninsula is home to top travel destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

The area that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea consistently captivates globe trotters -- ranking in Google's top 10 summer destinations year after year -- and now "Good Morning America" has taken the trip for less, finding all the best deals and ways to save for Bucket List on a Budget.

Flights to Cancún

Roundtrip airfare from Houston to Cancún typically costs around $200 on airlines like Frontier or Spirit this time of year, but you'll pay extra for baggage.

Budget Travel Tip : Be sure to set a tracker on Google Flights to keep an eye out for the best times to travel for less, and especially if you can be flexible on the dates.

All-inclusive resorts to help save on your stay

Mexico is home to a bevy of beautiful properties, but the best bang for your buck when it comes to accommodations are all-inclusive resorts.

"All-inclusive hotels can be extremely affordable. And the best part is they allow families especially to budget," The Points Guy founder, Brian Kelly, told "GMA."

To make sure you're getting the best deal, he suggested "comparison shop online using online travel agencies, but when you hone in on the one you want, contact them directly and negotiate for an even better rate and extra perks like airport pickups."

"Choose the right resort, whether that's kid friendly or adults-only," Kelly said, "making the right choice is critical to your experience."

"Finally, take advantage of everything there is to offer," he said. "Go to the orientation and pay attention. You'd be shocked at some of the free, valuable activities you can get as part of your stay."

In Playa del Carmen, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort offers up to 55% off the best available rate all summer, plus two kids stay free.

Like many all-inclusives food and drinks are bundled into the price at Sandos Caracol, but so are the activities from pools with waterslides to bike tours.

This region of Mexico is also home to beautiful ancient Mayan ruins and cenotes -- which translates to well -- and the all-natural cavernous pit makes a perfect place for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

Activities to enjoy the area like a local

Book off-site excursions during your stay, whether directly through the resort with any affiliated companies or going directly to an excursion company and ask for any potential discounts.

Tours of Tulum reveal ancient history

Nestled on the cliffs of Tulum lie ancient Mayan ruins that overlook the Caribbean Sea.

Tour services will take visitors through the area to fully experience the ancient Mexican culture, like ruins built over 800 years ago that served as a major port between Mexico and Central America.

Parks and pleasantries in Playa del Carmen

Take a trip to Parque Los Fundadores -- Founding Fathers Park -- in Playa Del Carmen to see free vibrant performances such as the Danza de Los Voladores -- the dance of the flyers.

From there, enjoy some local shopping along Fifth Avenue, but remember to bring cash and make money conversions at a local bank from home before the trip to save on foreign transaction fees.

Learn at least basic Mexican phrases and pleasantries to help make shopping less intimidating, plus being respectful and kind always pays off and it could even potentially help you haggle on prices.

Indulge in Mexican street food

While there's unlimited free food at an all inclusive resort, don't miss the chance to eat like a local and explore some cheap eats from taco stands and street vendors.

Similar Stories

Teen speaks out after punching shark during attack

• Jun 8, 3:21 PM

Recipes of the '80s for Hot Pockets, frozen drink

• 3 hours ago

Airfare prices set to rise: Expert tips to save

• Jun 4, 10:29 AM

Like tacos for under $2 each from El Fogon in Cancún or dessert stands like Fresas Aline in Playa del Carmen that sells fresh strawberries with cream for just $4.

Family fun entertainment aboard a pirate ship

The Captain Hook Pirate Show in Cancún, complete with dancing, sword fights and pirate battles, has deals for up to 20% off advance bookings and kids ages 2-11 go for free.

Plus, all of the dinner options come with a buffet and some of the main dishes are part of a two for the price of one deal.

GMA Travel Picks

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com . These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com . ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Influencers may receive a commission or have business relationships with a recommended brand. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here .

Pink Platinum Girls' Rash Guard Shirt - 2 Pack UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Quick Dry Swim Shirt (Size: 4-16)

iXtreme Boys' Rash Guard Shirts Long Sleeve - 2 Pack UPF 50+ Quick Dry Sun Protection Swim Shirts - (5-18)

Crown Vintage Poseidon Water Shoe - Kids'

Owala Flip Kids Vacuum Water Bottle - 14 fl. oz.

Bicycle Standard Playing Cards - Red or Blue

Crayola Classic Crayons, Assorted Colors, Back to School, 24 Count

Sorry! Diced Game, Easy to Learn Game, Quick Game, Portable Travel Game

Weveel Magnetic Four in a Row Tin Game - Birthday Party Favors

Magnetic Tic Tac Toe Tin Game by WeVeel - Ages 3+ - Birthday Party Favors

Gamie Magnetic Travel Board Game Set - 12 Retro Games - Compact - Best for Travel - Kids 6+

Old Maid Jumbo Kids' Deck by Cartamundi

25pcs Frosted Zipper Bags, Plastic Shirt Bags

Dolfino Youth Tinted Swim Goggles with Silicone Strap and UV Protection for Children, Multi-Color (3 Pack)

Thinksport Clear Zinc SPF 50 Sunscreen

Badger Aloe Vera After Sun Gel - 4 fl. oz.

Quitch Bug Bite Relief Stickers

WOLFANG Action Camera 4K 24MP WiFi Vlogging Camera Underwater 40M with Remote Control IP68 Waterproof Case

Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan (Travel Guide) Paperback

Collapsible Beach Toys for Kids Toddlers, Sand Bucket and Shovels Set with Mesh Bag

TravelSuds Laundry Detergent Sink Packets (20 pack)

JBL Clip 3, River Teal - Waterproof, Durable & Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Up to 10 Hours of Play - Includes Noise-Cancelling Speakerphone & Wireless Streaming

1st look at Disney's 'Princess and the Frog' ride

• Jun 10, 4:08 AM

Dick Van Dyke becomes the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at age 98 for guest role on 'Days of Our Lives'

• Jun 7, 8:28 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement.

Replace or Certify Documents

Share this page:

Latest Information for U.S. Citizens

Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

The Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events. Please see the latest Israel Security Alert .

U.S. citizens should heed the  Travel Advisory  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The U.S. Embassy continues to closely monitor the dynamic security situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. There are active military operations and active rocket and mortar fire in Gaza and the Gaza periphery.  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. If you require emergency assistance while in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, contact the  U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem  by email ( [email protected] for those in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza or [email protected] for those in Israel outside of Jerusaleml).

Individuals seeking to depart Gaza: As of May 7, the Israel Defense Forces control the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing. Since that day, the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza has remained closed. As soon as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem receives information regarding new exit procedures from Gaza to Egypt, including when crossings resume, we will communicate this to the public immediately.

This remains a complex situation with serious implications for the safety and security of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in Gaza in need of assistance should contact [email protected] . U.S. citizens in Gaza are reminded that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.

The U.S. government does not control who is permitted to depart Gaza or enter Egypt. Individuals must assess their own safety and risks in attempting to cross the border. Individuals permitted to enter Egypt will likely receive a 72-hour Egyptian visa; all those who cross should have a plan for onward travel from Egypt in this timeframe. U.S. citizens, LPRs and their immediate family members who successfully enter Egypt and require further consular assistance should contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cairo  via the  U.S. Citizens Services Navigator .  Individuals may apply for a U.S. visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate; U.S. immigration laws and regulations will apply.

We continue to work in partnership with Egypt and Israel towards safe passage for U.S. citizens, LPRs, and their immediate family members.

Immediate family members of U.S. citizens include:

• unmarried children under the age of 21, and
• parents of U.S. citizens.

If the U.S. citizen is under 21, immediate family will also include any siblings who are also unmarried and under 21.

Immediate family members of LPRs include:

• unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit: