Top 8 Mexico Yucatan Paradise Hot Spots

The Yucatán Peninsula in southeast Mexico is nothing short of a mainland Caribbean paradise. 

Cancún, Cozumel & the Yucatán travel guide

This region of Mexico is home to ancient Mayan temples and culture, thick jungle, incredible wildlife, powder white sandy beaches and beautiful resorts. Fresh fish is the order of the day here, and a tequila cocktail at night. Check out our top 8 best destinations to visit in the Yucatán, Mexico.

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Top 8 Yucatan Mexico - Caribbean Paradise Hot Spots

Mexico - Lonely Planet (PDF) >

1. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Yucatan State & The Maya Heartland (Chapter) Lonely Planet

Yucatán state sees less tourism than its flashy neighbor, Quintana Roo. It’s sophisticated and savvy, and the perfect spot for travelers interested in cultural exploration. Most come to this area to explore the ancient Maya sites, like the Ruta Puuc.

2. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Chiapas (Chapter) Lonely Planet

Chilly pine-forest highlands, wildlife-rich rainforest jungles and well-preserved colonial cities exist side by side within Mexico’s southernmost state, a region awash with the legacy of Spanish rule and some fabulous remnants of ancient Maya civilization.

3. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Campeche & Around (Chapter) Lonely Planet

Campeche is the least visited of the Yucatán’s states, laced through with lonely roads, quiet coastlines and a provincial, lost-land charm. It’s home to serene villages, vast stretches of jungle, bird-dotted mangroves, and some of the most imposing Maya ruins.

4. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Riviera Maya (Chapter) Lonely Planet

The Riviera Maya, a corridor of white-sand beaches, scenic ruins and fun-filled cenotes, was made for road-tripping. You can go diving in Puerto Morelos by day and still have time for a candlelit dinner in Tulum.

5. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Cancun & Around (Chapter) Lonely Planet

Cancún is a tale of two cities. There’s the glitzy hotel zone with its white-sand beaches, unabashed party scene and seafood restaurants. Then there’s a taste of local flavor at, say, a neighborhood taco joint or nearby, undeveloped beach.

6. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Isla Mujeres (Chapter) Lonely Planet

Isla Mujeres is a destination in its own right, where folks still get around by golf cart and the crushed-coral beaches are even better than those of Cozumel and Holbox. As for the calm, turquoise-blue water of Isla Mujeres, well, you really just have to see it for yourself.

7. New Lonely Planet: Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Isla Cozumel (Chapter)

Cozumel is too resilient, too proud to let itself become just another cheesy cruise ship destination. While diving and snorkeling are the main draws, it’s highly gratifying to explore the less-visited parts of the island on a rented scooter or convertible bug. The coastal road leads to small Maya ruins, a marine park and captivating scenery along the unforgettable windswept shore.

8. Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan - Costa Maya & Southern Caribbean Coast (Chapter)

If you’re looking for a quiet escape on the Mexican Caribbean, this is the best place to be. Laguna Bacalar - the ‘lake of seven colors’ - provides mesmerizing scenery, whuile the tranquil fishing towns of Mahahual and Xcalak offer great beach-bumming, birding and diving opportunities along a pristine stretch of coast.

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