Things to Do in the Yucatán and Southern Mexico

Travel Themes

• Interests (rating ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★★.

Nature-Adventure

While the landscape of the Yucatán’s interior can sometimes be monotonous, the mountainous regions of Chiapas or the forested areas near the Guatemalan border are rich and varied. This setting offers plenty of "nature-adventure" activities, along with all the coastal possibilities—chief among them diving, which has made places like Cozumel famous.

Culture

Culture enthusiasts will delight in discovering the beautiful colonial architecture of several cities (Mérida, Comitán, Campeche, San Cristóbal...) and, above all, the many pre-Columbian ruins scattered across the region, from Palenque to Chichen Itza, including Puuc Route. The area also provides opportunities to meet communities with vibrant cultures and traditions—at least if you venture beyond Cancún and its coast or explore deeper into Chiapas.

Relaxation-Holidays

Beach relaxation and holiday tourism are two of the region’s highlights, alongside the Mayan sites. Naturally, Cancun and the Riviera Maya dominate the mainstream offerings, though a few other options exist elsewhere on the Yucatán Peninsula or along the Pacific coast.

Beaches and Resorts

The south boasts magnificent beaches and numerous resorts. On the Atlantic side, the Riviera Maya is the most tourist-heavy coastal area, with many all-inclusive resorts stretching about 130 km south of Cancún. It’s renowned for its beaches, diving, and other water activities. While the Cancún area attracts a mostly North American crowd, the southern part is popular with Europeans. A few other, far less crowded spots exist elsewhere along the Gulf of Mexico. On the Pacific side, Boca del Cielo is the main resort in Chiapas, between Guatemala and the Oaxaca coast.

Water Activities

Diving

With two oceans and thousands of kilometers of coastline, Mexico offers a wide range of diving and snorkeling opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers.

On the Caribbean side, the Yucatán Peninsula stands out, with the island of Cozumel as a benchmark. This marine national park is part of the world’s second-largest coral reef. Many other sites in the region are also worth exploring, including the areas around Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox for encounters with whale sharks, as well as the Campeche coast for wreck diving. The Yucatán is also home to the famous "cenotes"—vast natural sinkholes that can reach dozens of meters deep and sometimes allow for diving.

Other Activities

Fishing:

Surfing and water sports:

Sailing:

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

In beach areas, major hotel complexes (and even specialized clinics) typically offer a range of body treatments and wellness programs.

Nature and Sports Activities

Hiking

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Golf

Other Activities

Whitewater sports:

Climbing:

Paragliding and aerial sports:

Spelunking:

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Outings