The Best of Yucatán and Tulum

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Where to stay: Hotel Zone vs Downtown

Cancún has grown from a small fishing village into one of Mexico’s top holiday destinations. It’s mainly split between lively Downtown, with local markets and cantinas, and the Hotel Zone, known for All Inclusive resorts, beaches and nightlife. The airport is close, so transfers are quick. Beaches may occasionally have some sargassum seaweed, but hotels work hard to keep them clean.

Caribbean beaches and winter sun

Around 22 kilometres of white sand stretch along the Hotel Zone. The north side has calmer waters thanks to nearby Isla Mujeres, while the east faces the open Caribbean with bright turquoise seas—ideal for winter sun getaways.

Nightlife and experiences

Cancún is famous for its nightlife, especially in the Hotel Zone, with beach clubs, live music and international DJs. You’ll also find relaxed bars, restaurants and entertainment within many resorts.

Mayan ruins and adventures

From Cancún, it’s easy to explore ancient sites like Tulum Ruins and the world-famous Chichén Itzá. Many resorts also offer family-friendly extras like waterparks, making Cancún a great all-round destination.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: El Cuyo is a small fishing village in the Mexican state of Yucatán, with approximately 1750 inhabitants. It is a fishing port located at the northeast end of the state, almost on its borders with the state of Quintana Roo. It belongs to the municipality of Tizimín and is located within the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. El Cuyo is located 270 km away from Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, and is an attractive tourist spot at the eastern end of the Yucatecan coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It is a destination in clear development, oriented mainly to ecological or adventure tourism. In the vicinity of the population there are places of great natural attraction, being especially recognized the estuary called Río Lagartos, among other reasons, for the abundant and permanent presence of flamingos, which there cohabit with other 250 species of seabirds.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Ria Lagartos is located very near Valladolid in the Yucatan Peninsula. The area was declared a Special Biosphere Reserve in the year 1979 and to enter special permit issued by the appropriate authorities is needed. In the 60,000 protected hectares is the largest population of flamingos in Mexico with more than 40 thousand birds. Reserve near the village of Lagartos, similarly to the reservation name is; its wide streets are sand and shells from the beach and wooden houses with light colored frames facing the coast. In this town, there is a central park where every evening gather couples, the elderly and of course, children always cheerful rally among the planters of the square.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Valladolid is a small city in the state of Yucatán. Valladolid is an old city full of colonial buildings that stands out and is characterized by the richness of the Spanish legacy, which is expressed in the temples and old neighborhoods, where the old houses painted with bright colors highlight those features that characterize the city. Some of the main tourist attractions in Valladolid are the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, the Municipal Palace and the Museum of San Roque.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Mérida is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan. Mérida is a fascinating and festive city with a very distinct Spanish colonial influence. Mérida is a very atmospheric town, especially on weekends when the central streets are closed off and there is music and dancing in the main square. The whole city seems to move downtown to celebrate. It is also a good base to explore the Yucatan Peninsula. From Mérida you can visit Mayan ruins and museums, haciendas, cenotes, and a great variety of Catholic churches.Mérida was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1542. They conquered the existing Mayan town, dismantled the pyramids and used the stones to build the Cathedral of San Idelfonso. The site of one pyramid is now Mérida's main town square. This town square or Plaza is now ringed by this cathedral as well as the town hall, the governor's palace and the Casa de Montejo, the former home of the conqueror of Yucatan. Stroll down Paseo Montejo to admire restored Spanish and French colonial mansions.Mérida is an interesting mix of amazing culture and history, tasty food, endless cultural activities and exciting attractions. Mérida is the cultural capital of the Yucatan and its beating urban heart.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: It is the most famous archaeological site of Mayan culture, was named World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World." The archaeological site covers an area of ​​6.5 square kilometers and can be visited in one day. The views and most impressive structures in Chichén Itzá are located in the central area. There you will find the Ballgame, various platforms, temples and the spectacular Castle (Pyramid of Kukulkan), a huge stone 25 meter showing the Mayan calendar. Every year during the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun creates the illusion of a snake climbing or descending the stairs of the Pyramid of Kukulkan, a fantastic phenomenon that attracts large crowds. The illusion is reproduced in sound and light show that takes place every night at the archaeological site. You can tour the archaeological site of Chichen Itza in a day trip, or spend the night at the nearby Hacienda Chichen, a place of XVI century beautifully restored and transformed into a luxury hotel and spa.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Bacalar is the largest city of Bacalar municipality in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The main attraction of the city is the Laguna, on whose banks is a spa where you can swim, also offers palapas to eat, boating on the lagoon and other services. The Museum of the Caste War located in the old fort of San Felipe shows weapons and objects of the founders of Bacalar and the struggle between them and the Mayan groups and pirates attack suffered by the city. Another of the main attractions of the city is the Blue Cenote, famous for the transparency of its waters, which monitor perfectly from the surface to a depth of over 30 meters.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

On the rise

Tulum continues to be one of Mexico’s trendiest destinations, where you can relax on Caribbean beaches just steps from ancient Mayan ruins. Located around two hours south of Cancún, it blends history with a modern, eco-chic vibe. Expect stylish beach clubs, boutique hotels, wellness retreats and a focus on sustainability, with yoga, organic cuisine and local design at the heart of the experience. Beaches may occasionally see some sargassum seaweed depending on the season, but hotels work actively to keep them clean.

Scenic sightseeing

The iconic Tulum Ruins are among the most impressive in Mexico, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Beyond the ruins, Tulum is perfect for nature lovers, with cenotes, jungle experiences and eco-parks offering everything from swimming to outdoor adventures.

Best beaches around

Tulum’s coastline is known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, especially spots like Playa Paraíso. Nearby, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers a more untouched side of the region, with lagoons, mangroves and rich wildlife—ideal for those looking to explore beyond the beach.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Where to stay: Hotel Zone vs Downtown

Cancún has grown from a small fishing village into one of Mexico’s top holiday destinations. It’s mainly split between lively Downtown, with local markets and cantinas, and the Hotel Zone, known for All Inclusive resorts, beaches and nightlife. The airport is close, so transfers are quick. Beaches may occasionally have some sargassum seaweed, but hotels work hard to keep them clean.

Caribbean beaches and winter sun

Around 22 kilometres of white sand stretch along the Hotel Zone. The north side has calmer waters thanks to nearby Isla Mujeres, while the east faces the open Caribbean with bright turquoise seas—ideal for winter sun getaways.

Nightlife and experiences

Cancún is famous for its nightlife, especially in the Hotel Zone, with beach clubs, live music and international DJs. You’ll also find relaxed bars, restaurants and entertainment within many resorts.

Mayan ruins and adventures

From Cancún, it’s easy to explore ancient sites like Tulum Ruins and the world-famous Chichén Itzá. Many resorts also offer family-friendly extras like waterparks, making Cancún a great all-round destination.