Written by Clare Nicolas
Mexico truly a hidden gem in this world! There are so many different landscapes and activities to explore all throughout the country. You could be in Mexico for months and never run out of incredible new things to discover. This blog post will cover the top 5 activities you must do when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Three of the most commonly visited cities in the Yucatán Peninsula includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. No matter which of these cities you are staying in, there are many day excursions that will allow you to experience all 5 of these unforgettable activities!of the top 5 best activities to do in Mexico
So without further delay, lets begin!
What is a Cenote?
Visiting a cenote is a must if you are traveling within the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes are sinkholes tucked away in the jungles which reveal an underground fresh water system that spans all throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The highest concentrations of cenotes are around Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Because the fresh water in these pools are filtered by limestone, the water is crystal clear! You are able to swim, snorkel, and even scuba diving in many of them!
Which one should I go to?
This all depends on your preference! There are large cenotes that have become very famous on instagram such as Angelita and Suytun. Angelita is located near Tulum, and has been made famous by free divers and scuba divers because of its thick hydrogen sulphate “cloud” deep below the surface. Suytun is located in Valladolid, which is about a 2 hour drive from Tulum. This cenote is very famous on instagram for its platform that extends to the center of the sinkhole. Both of these Cenotes attract many tourists, so arrive as early as possible.
For those looking for a small and quiet cenote to visit, Ponderosa and Azul are the perfect cenotes, and are very easy to get to. They are both located just outside of Playa del Carmen. The sinkholes are very open, meaning there are not many rocky overhangs. However, both have an area which is great for mild cliff jumping!
There are incredible Mayan ruins that have been preserved all throughout Mexico. The most popular ruins in the Yucatán are Chichen Itza, Tulum Ruins, and Ek Balam.
Chichen Itza is a must see, as it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! It is located outside Valladolid which is between a 2-3 hour drive depending what city you are coming from. In hopes to preserve these ruins for years to come, you can no longer climb the ruins here.
Ek Balam is also located slightly outside Valladolid. The view from the top of this magnificent ruin will leave you breathless… that is if the stairs to the top don’t leave you breathless first! You are able to climb the steps of these ruins, unlike in Chichen Itza, which provides you a spectacular view of the Yucatán Peninsula.
The Tulum ruins may not seem as big and grand as some of the others located nearby, but don’t let that fool you! These ruins are located at the top of a cliff which overlooks the Caribbean Ocean, and is a breathtaking view.
How Do I Visit the Ruins?
Finding a tour agency to take you to these ruins is extremely easy. There are several companies to choose from, no matter what city you are staying in. Some companies even create an itinerary that allows you to see multiple ruins in a single day. Keep in mind, Valladolid can be between 2-3 hours from the main cities, so plan for a full day excursion.
You are able to visit these ruins without a tour guide, but I would highly recommend booking a guide to learn about the Mayan culture and find out what each building was used for, which allows you to appreciate these amazing structures even more.
Are you coming to Mexico any time from May-August? If so, you MUST add snorkeling with whalesharks to your list! These gentle giants migrate to the coast of Isla Mujeres each year from the beginning of May to the end of August. Whale sharks are filter feeders that average between 5.5-9.5 meters (18-32 feet)! They are incredibly gentle, and snorkeling with them will be an experience you will never forget. You can generally book a day tour to snorkel with the whale sharks from any of the main cities in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Isla Mujeres is also a wonderful little island to visit on a day trip from Cancun. You can relax on the beach, or rent a golf cart and explore the island from tip to tip within a few hours. There are even some small ruins on the southern tip of the island overlooking the ocean.
Cozumel is a scuba divers paradise! It is a large island off of Playa del Carmen that is covered with scuba diving resorts. Due to its diverse reef topography and the sheer amount of marine life, Cozumel is near the top of every diver’s bucket list. It is very common to see turtles, sharks, and eagle rays, and thousands of colorful reef fish. There are many dive sites located all throughout Cozumel, so you can go on several dives per day and see something completely new and exciting every single time!
For non-divers, this is still an amazing island to visit if you are looking for a calm and relaxing atmosphere. They do not have a crazy night life like Playa del Carmen, therefore it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life to just relax and unwind.
Finally, if you are looking for an exciting activity the whole family can do together, Xcaret Park is an amusement park located near Playa del Carmen and offers a day full of fun for the whole family. It is a waterpark within the jungles of Mexico and has its own cenotes to explore. There are so many different activities you can do through Xcaret, you must check them out for a day trip!
Well, there you have it. My top 5 activities to add to your Yucatán bucket list. This post has only scratched the surface of the amazing things Mexico has to offer, stay tuned for my top activities in other regions of Mexico!