Yucatán and the South Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide for Yucatán and the South in Mexico, covering attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, transportation options, and more.
- Introduction to Yucatán and the South
- List of Places to Visit in Yucatán and the South
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Yucatán and the South
- Best Things to Do in Yucatán and the South: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Yucatán and the South
- Food and Drink Scene of Yucatán and the South
- Where to Stay in Yucatán and the South: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Yucatán and the South: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Yucatán and the South
- Best Time to Visit Yucatán and the South
- Do’s and Don’ts of Yucatán and the South
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Yucatán and the South: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Yucatán and the South
- Where to Go Next from Yucatán and the South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Yucatán and the South
Yucatán and the South in Mexico is a land of rich culture, history, and natural wonders. Tourists from around the world flock to this region to admire ancient ruins, explore breathtaking beaches, and discover a food and drink scene unlike any other. In this comprehensive guide, we will share all the top attractions, food and drink recommendations, and travel tips you need to know to plan your unforgettable trip to Yucatán and the South.
List of Places to Visit in Yucatán and the South
- Chichén Itzá
- Tulum
- Mérida
- Uxmal
- Cozumel
- Sian Ka’an
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
To get an authentic taste of Yucatán and the South’s culture, you need to visit its museums and historical places. Here are some of the top recommendations:
- Popular Art Museum in Mérida
- Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) in Mérida
- Hacienda Yaxcopoil in Yucatán
- Coba Ruins in the Riviera Maya
Natural Attractions of Yucatán and the South: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Yucatán and the South boasts some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Here are some popular outdoor adventures and scenic views to add to your itinerary:
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Yasuni National Park
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve
- Tulum Beaches
Hiking/Biking Routes of Yucatán and the South
For adventure enthusiasts visiting Yucatán and the South, there are plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some popular trails include:
- Paseo de Montejo Trail in Mérida
- Coba to Tulum Jungle Trail
- Uxmal to Kabah Trail
- San Francisco to Puerto Morelos Trail
Best Things to Do in Yucatán and the South: Activities and Tours
- Swim in the cenotes (natural sinkholes)
- Take a tour of Chichén Itzá
- Explore the Tulum ruins
- Take a dip in the pink lakes of Rio Lagartos
- Visit the butterfly sanctuary in Tulum
Week-Long Itinerary for Yucatán and the South
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Cancun, relax and settle in your hotel |
| 2 | Day trip to Tulum to explore the Mayan ruins and beaches |
| 3 | Visit the Chichen Itza ruins and swim in cenotes |
| 4 | Explore the markets and museums in Mérida |
| 5 | Observe pink flamingos in Rio Lagartos |
| 6 | Visit the ruins of Uxmal |
| 7 | Head to Cozumel for scuba diving and snorkeling |
Food and Drink Scene of Yucatán and the South
Yucatán and the South is a breeding ground for traditional Mexican cuisine with a twist. Some must-try dishes include:
Must-Try Dishes
- Cochinita pibil: spiced pork with achiote paste
- Queso relleno: stuffed cheese dish served in tomato sauce
- Salbutes: fried tortillas topped with meat and vegetables
- Sopa de Lima: citrus-based chicken soup
Local Beverages
- Margaritas: typical Mexican drink made of tequila and lime juice
- Xtabentún: anise-based liquor from the Yucatán
- Horchata: sweet, milky beverage made of rice and cinnamon
Where to Stay in Yucatán and the South: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options in Yucatán and the South, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:
- Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya
- Hotel Coqui Coqui Mérida
- Hostel Mundo Maya in Tulum
- Ocean Coral & Turquesa Resort in Puerto Morelos
What to Buy in Yucatán and the South: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When visiting Yucatán and the South, be sure to pick up some local souvenirs and products to bring back home. Some popular options include:
- Hand-woven hammocks
- Local honey
- Hand-painted pottery
- Silver jewelry
Local Culture and Customs of Yucatán and the South
The people of Yucatán and the South have a strong sense of community and hold their traditions close. Here are some local customs to be aware of:
- Address others by their proper title, such as “Señor” or “Señora.”
- Tipping is expected in restaurants and for services.
- Complimenting the host’s home or hospitality is appreciated.
Best Time to Visit Yucatán and the South
The best time to visit Yucatán and the South is from November to March when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are low. Avoid visiting during the peak season, which is from December to April, or during the summer months when temperatures can reach up to 100°F.
Do’s and Don’ts of Yucatán and the South
Do:
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Try the local cuisine
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites or in public places
- Use drugs or drink excessively in public
- Disrespect native wildlife or natural resources
Safety and Health
Safety in Yucatán and the South
Yucatán and the South are generally considered safe for tourists. However, you should take the following precautions:
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Keep your valuables in a safe place
- Take licensed taxis instead of using public transportation.
Health in Yucatán and the South
While the tap water is generally safe to drink in Yucatán and the South, it’s recommended that tourists stick with bottled water to avoid any potential health issues. Sunscreen is also essential to protect against the hot sun.
Getting to Yucatán and the South: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Yucatán and the South
- Cancun International Airport
- Mérida International Airport
- Cozumel International Airport
Bus Stations Near Yucatán and the South
- ADO bus station in Tulum
- Autobuses de Oriente in Cancun
- Primera Plus in Mérida
Other Options
Renting a car is also an option to get around Yucatán and the South. However, be aware that driving rules and regulations may differ from your home country.
How to Get Around in Yucatán and the South
Taxis or rented cars are popular options for getting around Yucatán and the South. Public transportation is also readily available, with buses and tuk-tuks running throughout the cities.
Where to Go Next from Yucatán and the South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Belize
- Guatemala
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Chiapas, Mexico
Conclusion
Yucatán and the South in Mexico is a traveler’s paradise, with its rich history and culture, stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and endless adventure options. This comprehensive guide has covered everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yucatán and the South, ensuring you have a memorable and safe journey.
Yucatán and the South Image Gallery
Lol-Tun caves
El Castillo at Chichen Itza
Route of the new Tren Maya high-speed rail line
Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza