Beyond Cancún, a popular destination on the Mexican peninsula for tourists from all over the world, the Yucatán is full of more or less secret addresses that make the region an inexhaustible source of wonder, colors and traditions.
To discover
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From Mérida, the cultural capital of the region, to the small island of Holbox, in the far north, you have to travel from one colorful city to another to discover Mexico from a new angle, starting points for visiting mythical sites Mayans, immerse yourself in the middle of the jungle, swim in open-air cenotes or alongside immense expanses of turquoise water.
Merida
Mérida stands out as the cultural capital of the peninsula.
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Since the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the ancient Mayan city, formerly called T'hó then renamed Mérida in a nod to the Spanish city of the same name, has maintained its place as the cultural capital of the peninsula.
Some museums retrace the colonial history of the region, others exhibit contemporary Yucatecan artists and numerous artistic events honor local traditions throughout the year, often free of charge, in the main squares of the city.
The polar opposite of Cancun and its imposing hotel complexes, Mérida has an authentic charm.
Travelers enjoy strolling through the narrow streets of its historic center and its lively markets, and its proximity to Uxmal, one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in the country, as well as sublime cenotes scattered all around the city, reinforce its popularity among tourists.
Also read: What to see and do in Tulum?
The 10 essential activities
Bacalar
This freshwater lake punctuated by several open-air cenotes is ideal for swimming and exploring by kayak.
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Located in the south of the Caribbean peninsula, just a few kilometers from Belize, Bacalar is a true oasis in the middle of the bushy jungle.
Its small village has a few creative cafes and restaurants, an old fortress built by the Spanish in the 18th century, but tourists come mainly for its lagoon in breathtaking shades of blue.
Stretching over 60 km, this freshwater lake punctuated by several open-air cenotes is ideal for swimming and exploring by kayak while respecting its precious ecosystem.
All around, numerous hotel establishments hidden in the thick vegetation offer idyllic stays surrounded by nature, with your feet in the water.
Campeche
In the historic center, the walls, bastions and residences with colorful facades in warm tones give a particular character to the city.
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Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche is a superb colonial city on a human scale with a fortified center listed as a World Heritage Site since 1999. This UNESCO entry has enabled an impressive restoration of its buildings.
In the historic center, the walls, bastions and residences with colorful facades in warm tones give a particular character to the city.
A popular stopover for travelers exploring the Caribbean peninsula, Campeche is full of independent shops, charming hotels and small “bohemian” restaurants set in patios where succulents flourish.
Outside the center, you will discover an authentic Mexican coastal town with a quiet promenade along the sea, an old fishing port and a typical market.
Valladolid
Cenote Zaci, in the city of Valladolid, is half open to the sky... diegograndi - stock.adobe.com
Ideally located about forty minutes from Chichen Itza, the most visited Mayan archaeological site on the peninsula, Valladolid is a small, pleasant provincial town that can easily be visited in a day or two.
His particuliarity ?
Have access to swimming right in the city center, in a tropical atmosphere, with a cenote half open to the sky.
Another pool accessible to non-vehicle travelers, the X'Keken cenote, extends into the middle of the cave in a mystical atmosphere.
Also read: Six unmissable (and hidden) cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula
Aside from its aquatic activities, Valladolid is famous for its Palacio Municipal, in which paintings depicting the history of the city are exhibited, as well as for the Xkopek Park, a center dedicated to bees and run by a family of beekeepers.
On site, tourists discover the importance of bees in our current world and their sacred nature in Mayan culture.
During the visit, they discover the “melipona” in its wild habitat, a bee native to Central America producing honey with unsuspected benefits.
Holbox
Holbox is surrounded by turquoise water as far as the eye can see, punctuated by palm trees, shells and a host of small shops.
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On this small, relaxed island where you cycle or golf cart through sandy streets, Valladolid life moves in slow motion.
Barely 30 km long and an average of 1.3 km wide, Holbox is surrounded by turquoise water as far as the eye can see, punctuated by palm trees, shells and a host of small businesses promoting a healthy lifestyle .
Visitors come here to find a quiet rhythm, to treat themselves to a heavenly break and to go
snorkeling
(fins, mask and snorkel) in the company of a rich marine fauna among which live a few whale sharks with speckled skin.
Practical information
Many international travelers visit the Yucatán Peninsula by car.
The easiest way is to rent a vehicle upon your arrival at Cancun airport.
You can also travel from one city to another with national ADO buses.
Modern and comfortable, they run several times a day until around 11 p.m. and serve the country's tourist towns.
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