last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in the Yucatán and Southern Mexico
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This is the most popular part of the country for visitors, featuring Cancún and the Riviera Maya, as well as world-class pre-Columbian sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and the Ruta Puuc, plus some stunning natural areas along the coast and inland.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the 36 sites in the country listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the south has six:
Calakmul (2002)
One of the oldest and most impressive Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, located near the border with Guatemala in the park of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the oldest and most impressive Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, located near the border with Guatemala in the park of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fortified Colonial City of Campeche (1999)
Fortified in the 17th century to protect it from pirate attacks, the old town boasts a collection of beautiful period buildings that, like many others, have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Fortified in the 17th century to protect it from pirate attacks, the old town boasts a collection of beautiful period buildings that, like many others, have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Chichen Itza (1988)
With its famous pyramid, this is the largest, best-restored, and most visited of all the Mayan sites in the Yucatan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its famous pyramid, this is the largest, best-restored, and most visited of all the Mayan sites in the Yucatan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Palenque (1987)
One of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan sites, hidden in the Chiapas jungle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan sites, hidden in the Chiapas jungle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sian Ka'an Reserve (1987)
A UNESCO-listed reserve featuring tropical forests, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and around twenty small Mayan sites.
A UNESCO-listed reserve featuring tropical forests, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and around twenty small Mayan sites.
Uxmal (1996)
It is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sites in the region. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the "must-see" of the Ruta Puuc.
It is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sites in the region. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the "must-see" of the Ruta Puuc.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Campeche
A stunning fortified historic center from the colonial era for this Caribbean port. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A stunning fortified historic center from the colonial era for this Caribbean port. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cancun
This is THE Caribbean beach resort, primarily catering to a North American clientele—and the prices to match.
This is THE Caribbean beach resort, primarily catering to a North American clientele—and the prices to match.
Celestun
A large coastal town west of Mérida, serving as a base for exploring the eponymous nature reserve, home to countless colonies of pelicans and flamingos.
A large coastal town west of Mérida, serving as a base for exploring the eponymous nature reserve, home to countless colonies of pelicans and flamingos.
Chamula
This locality in Chiapas near San Cristóbal de las Casas is known for its church and market.
This locality in Chiapas near San Cristóbal de las Casas is known for its church and market.
Cozumel
The large island off the Yucatán Peninsula facing Playa del Carmen. It's popular with visitors (and cruise passengers) for its beaches and especially for diving. There are also a few Mayan ruins to explore.
The large island off the Yucatán Peninsula facing Playa del Carmen. It's popular with visitors (and cruise passengers) for its beaches and especially for diving. There are also a few Mayan ruins to explore.
Cuzama
A municipality in Yucatán known for its "cenotes", which are large natural underground sinkholes.
A municipality in Yucatán known for its "cenotes", which are large natural underground sinkholes.
Holbox
A relatively untouristed small island near Cancun where you can fish and observe whale sharks, turtles, crocodiles, and birds.
A relatively untouristed small island near Cancun where you can fish and observe whale sharks, turtles, crocodiles, and birds.
Playa del Carmen
A beach resort at the heart of the Riviera Maya popular with Europeans. Many see it as an alternative to Cancun, especially for all-inclusive stays.
A beach resort at the heart of the Riviera Maya popular with Europeans. Many see it as an alternative to Cancun, especially for all-inclusive stays.
Punta Allen
A small seaside village still somewhat quiet and the southern terminus of the Riviera Maya.
A small seaside village still somewhat quiet and the southern terminus of the Riviera Maya.
Riviera Maya
This is the coastal tourist zone with countless all-inclusive resorts stretching south of Cancun for about 130 km. It’s renowned for its beaches, diving, and other water activities.
This is the coastal tourist zone with countless all-inclusive resorts stretching south of Cancun for about 130 km. It’s renowned for its beaches, diving, and other water activities.
San Cristobal de las Casas
A stunning colonial city in Chiapas and the gateway to the nearby indigenous villages.
A stunning colonial city in Chiapas and the gateway to the nearby indigenous villages.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Large city in Chiapas, primarily used as a starting point for exploring the nearby Sumidero Canyon.
Large city in Chiapas, primarily used as a starting point for exploring the nearby Sumidero Canyon.
Xcalak
Village on the Bacalar Lagoon facing Belize. Besides its beaches, it’s a great base for diving and fishing in the lagoon.
Village on the Bacalar Lagoon facing Belize. Besides its beaches, it’s a great base for diving and fishing in the lagoon.
Pre-Columbian Sites
Calakmul
One of the oldest and most impressive Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, located near the border with Guatemala in the park of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the oldest and most impressive Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, located near the border with Guatemala in the park of the same name. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chichen Itza
With its famous pyramid, this is the largest, best-restored, and most visited of all the Mayan sites in the Yucatan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its famous pyramid, this is the largest, best-restored, and most visited of all the Mayan sites in the Yucatan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Coba
This is the archaeological site of an ancient Mayan city nestled in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.
This is the archaeological site of an ancient Mayan city nestled in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.
Ek'Balam
Less visited than its neighbors, including Chichen Itza, Ek'Balam is nonetheless a relatively significant Mayan ruin.
Less visited than its neighbors, including Chichen Itza, Ek'Balam is nonetheless a relatively significant Mayan ruin.
Palenque
One of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan sites, hidden in the Chiapas jungle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan sites, hidden in the Chiapas jungle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rio Bec Route
An itinerary through the heart of Campeche, allowing you to discover several "secondary" Mayan sites (Rio Bec, Xpujil, etc.).
An itinerary through the heart of Campeche, allowing you to discover several "secondary" Mayan sites (Rio Bec, Xpujil, etc.).
Puuc Route
A fifty-kilometre route exploring several Maya-Puuc sites in the Yucatán (Uxmal, Kabah, Labna).
A fifty-kilometre route exploring several Maya-Puuc sites in the Yucatán (Uxmal, Kabah, Labna).
Tulum
In the city of the same name, this is a beautiful Mayan site facing the sea, very photogenic but also extremely busy.
In the city of the same name, this is a beautiful Mayan site facing the sea, very photogenic but also extremely busy.
Uxmal
It is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sites in the region. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the "must-see" of the Ruta Puuc.
It is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sites in the region. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the "must-see" of the Ruta Puuc.
Yaxchilan
This is an impressive Maya archaeological site in the Chiapas region, bordering Guatemala.
This is an impressive Maya archaeological site in the Chiapas region, bordering Guatemala.
Natural Heritage
Sumidero Canyon
A long canyon in a national park with cliffs up to 900 m high, where a river flows and can be explored by boat. It’s right next to the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
A long canyon in a national park with cliffs up to 900 m high, where a river flows and can be explored by boat. It’s right next to the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Montebello Lakes
This is a group of lakes in Chiapas located within a natural park near the Guatemalan border. Hiking is possible here.
This is a group of lakes in Chiapas located within a natural park near the Guatemalan border. Hiking is possible here.
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
A vast reserve in the Yucatán Peninsula jungle, home to several Mayan sites (including the UNESCO-listed Calakmul) and a wide variety of wildlife.
A vast reserve in the Yucatán Peninsula jungle, home to several Mayan sites (including the UNESCO-listed Calakmul) and a wide variety of wildlife.
Sian Ka'an Reserve
A UNESCO-listed reserve featuring tropical forests, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and around twenty small Mayan sites.
A UNESCO-listed reserve featuring tropical forests, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and around twenty small Mayan sites.
Montes Azules Reserve
Also known as the Lacandon Jungle, this is a fairly hard-to-reach area bordering Guatemala. With a guide, you can discover the Lacandon communities, several Mayan sites, and the jungle in general.
Also known as the Lacandon Jungle, this is a fairly hard-to-reach area bordering Guatemala. With a guide, you can discover the Lacandon communities, several Mayan sites, and the jungle in general.
Rio Lagartos
Between Mérida and Cancún, along the coast, the Rio Lagartos nature reserve is renowned for birdwatching.
Between Mérida and Cancún, along the coast, the Rio Lagartos nature reserve is renowned for birdwatching.
Xcaret Eco Park
On the eastern coast of the Yucatán. It’s an amusement park focused on both the local environment and Mexican culture.
On the eastern coast of the Yucatán. It’s an amusement park focused on both the local environment and Mexican culture.
Xel-Ha Eco Park
On the Yucatán coast, the site is a Mayan archaeological location and, above all, an ecotourism park where you can see the coastal fish.
On the Yucatán coast, the site is a Mayan archaeological location and, above all, an ecotourism park where you can see the coastal fish.
Must-see & highly recommended
Chichen Itza
★★★★ With its famous pyramid, this is the largest, best-restored, and most visited of all the Mayan sites in the Yucatan. It is a UNESCO World…
Palenque
★★★★ One of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan sites, hidden in the Chiapas jungle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Puuc Route
★★★★ A fifty-kilometre route exploring several Maya-Puuc sites in the Yucatán (Uxmal, Kabah, Labna).
Uxmal
★★★★ It is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sites in the region. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the "must-see" of…
Recommended
Calakmul
★★★ One of the oldest and most impressive Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula, located near the border with Guatemala in the park of the same…
Sumidero Canyon
★★★ A long canyon in a national park with cliffs up to 900 m high, where a river flows and can be explored by boat. It’s right next to…
Cozumel
★★★ The large island off the Yucatán Peninsula facing Playa del Carmen. It's popular with visitors (and cruise passengers) for its beaches and…
Sian Ka'an Reserve
★★★ A UNESCO-listed reserve featuring tropical forests, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. It is home to a wide variety of bird species and…
Riviera Maya
★★★ This is the coastal tourist zone with countless all-inclusive resorts stretching south of Cancun for about 130 km. It’s renowned for…
San Cristobal de las Casas
★★★ A stunning colonial city in Chiapas and the gateway to the nearby indigenous villages.
Worth a look / Other
Agua Azul
★★ This is a series of beautiful waterfalls on the road from San Cristobal to Palenque.
Bonampak
★★ A Maya archaeological site in the Chiapas region, near the border with Guatemala.
Campeche
★★ A stunning fortified historic center from the colonial era for this Caribbean port. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cancun
★★ This is THE Caribbean beach resort, primarily catering to a North American clientele—and the prices to match.
Celestun
★★ A large coastal town west of Mérida, serving as a base for exploring the eponymous nature reserve, home to countless colonies of pelicans…
Comitán
★★ A beautiful colonial city in Chiapas, near Guatemala.
Ek'Balam
★★ Less visited than its neighbors, including Chichen Itza, Ek'Balam is nonetheless a relatively significant Mayan ruin.
Holbox
★★ A relatively untouristed small island near Cancun where you can fish and observe whale sharks, turtles, crocodiles, and birds.
Isla Mujeres
★★ The island off Cancun is popular for its beaches and diving.
Kabah
★★ It is one of the Mayan archaeological sites located on the Ruta Puuc.
Montebello Lakes
★★ This is a group of lakes in Chiapas located within a natural park near the Guatemalan border. Hiking is possible here.
Mayapan
★★ A Maya site located south of Mérida.
Mérida
★★ It's the capital of Yucatán. It has one of the largest historic centres in Latin America.
Playa del Carmen
★★ A beach resort at the heart of the Riviera Maya popular with Europeans. Many see it as an alternative to Cancun, especially for…
Punta Allen
★★ A small seaside village still somewhat quiet and the southern terminus of the Riviera Maya.
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
★★ A vast reserve in the Yucatán Peninsula jungle, home to several Mayan sites (including the UNESCO-listed Calakmul) and a wide variety of…
Montes Azules Reserve
★★ Also known as the Lacandon Jungle, this is a fairly hard-to-reach area bordering Guatemala. With a guide, you can discover the Lacandon…
Toniná
★★ Not far from Palenque, Toniná is a Maya site that’s much less visited than its neighbor.
Tulum
★★ In the city of the same name, this is a beautiful Mayan site facing the sea, very photogenic but also extremely busy.
Valladolid (Mexico)
★★ A small colonial-style town not far from Chichen Itza. It also features "cenotes".
Fortified Colonial City of Campeche
★★ Fortified in the 17th century to protect it from pirate attacks, the old town boasts a collection of beautiful period buildings that, like…
Xcaret Eco Park
★★ On the eastern coast of the Yucatán. It’s an amusement park focused on both the local environment and Mexican culture.
Xel-Ha Eco Park
★★ On the Yucatán coast, the site is a Mayan archaeological location and, above all, an ecotourism park where you can see the coastal fish.
Yaxchilan
★★ This is an impressive Maya archaeological site in the Chiapas region, bordering Guatemala.
Boca del Cielo
★ A Pacific beach resort, not far from Guatemala.
Champotón
★ A small town in the state of Campeche with beautiful beaches.
Chamula
★ This locality in Chiapas near San Cristóbal de las Casas is known for its church and market.
Chetumal
★ This is the border town with Belize. It has a museum of Mayan culture.
Coba
★ This is the archaeological site of an ancient Mayan city nestled in the heart of the Yucatán jungle.
Cuzama
★ A municipality in Yucatán known for its "cenotes", which are large natural underground sinkholes.
Labna
★ Another Mayan site on the Puuc Route.
Laguna Miramar
★ A pretty lake not far from Guatemala in the middle of the Lacandon jungle.
Loltun
★ These are caves in the Yucatán containing mural paintings.
Muyil
★ A pre-Columbian site on the edge of a lake, a few kilometres south of Tulum.
Puerto Morelos
★ This resort between Cancun and Playa del Carmen marks the start of the Riviera Maya.
Rio Lagartos
★ Between Mérida and Cancún, along the coast, the Rio Lagartos nature reserve is renowned for birdwatching.
Rio Bec Route
★ An itinerary through the heart of Campeche, allowing you to discover several "secondary" Mayan sites (Rio Bec, Xpujil, etc.).
Sayil
★ Maya ruins located on the Puuc Route.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
★ Large city in Chiapas, primarily used as a starting point for exploring the nearby Sumidero Canyon.
Villahermosa
★ A large, not very touristy city between Cancun and Mexico City, with a few museums.
Xcalak
★ Village on the Bacalar Lagoon facing Belize. Besides its beaches, it’s a great base for diving and fishing in the lagoon.
Xlapak
★ A pre-Columbian archaeological site on the Puuc Route.
- Agua Azul
- Sumidero Canyon
- Celestun
- Cuzama
- Laguna Miramar
- Montebello Lakes
- Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
- Sian Ka'an Reserve
- Montes Azules Reserve
- Rio Lagartos
- Xcaret Eco Park
- Bonampak
- Calakmul
- Chichen Itza
- Coba
- Ek'Balam
- Kabah
- Labna
- Loltun
- Mayapan
- Muyil
- Palenque
- Rio Bec Route
- Puuc Route
- Sayil
- Toniná
- Tulum
- Uxmal
- Xlapak
- Yaxchilan
- Boca del Cielo
- Chamula
- Comitán
- San Cristobal de las Casas
- Tuxtla Gutiérrez
- Villahermosa
- Campeche
- Cancun
- Champotón
- Chetumal
- Cozumel
- Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Mérida
- Playa del Carmen
- Puerto Morelos
- Riviera Maya
- Valladolid (Mexico)
- Xcalak
- Punta Allen
- Xel-Ha Eco Park