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Cancún and the Yucatán : Overview & Top 10

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Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

  • Cancún

    Mexico’s biggest resort has 23 km (14 miles) of dazzling white sand beaches, lavish hotels, every kind of restaurant, and attractions from water parks to giant nightclubs for 24-hour entertainment.

  • Cozumel

    The divers’ favorite, with over 20 coral reefs that are enjoyed by first-time snorkelers and experienced divers alike. Onshore there are fine beaches and gleaming jewelry stores.

  • Playa del Carmen

    The trendiest spot on the Riviera, with a more small-town scale than Cancún, superb swimming and snorkeling, and an ever-buzzing night-life.

  • Isla Mujeres

    A laid-back Caribbean island with a beachcomber style. It is surrounded by rich diving reefs and fishing grounds.

  • Tulum

    Here, one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins perches on a crag overlooking palm-lined sands and relaxed cabaña hotels.

  • This almost uninhabited expanse of lakes, reefs, lagoon, man-groves, and forest is home to jaguars, monkeys, and millions of birds and rare plants.

  • Chichén Itzá

    The most awe-inspiring of all Mayan cities, Chichén’s pyramids loom over huge plazas, intricately aligned with the movements of the sun and stars.

  • Mérida

    Charming squares, shady patios, whitewashed façades, and wonderful markets make this one of the most romantic of all Mexico’s historic Colonial cities.

  • Uxmal

    The pyramids, palaces, and quadrangles of this dramatic ruined city have a special elegance and beauty, and are regarded by many as the pinnacle of ancient Mayan architecture.

  • Campeche

    The city is a remarkable survivor from the Spanish Colonial era. It includes an old section ringed by ramparts and bastions, and an astonishing museum of Mayan relics housed in an ancient fortress.

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 Latest guides
What’s on now in Cancún and the Yucatán
  • Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival
    Experimental, animation, fiction and documentary make up the categories of national and international shorts at the yearly Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival. Screenings take place in Playa del... Read more
  • Cancún Revolution Day
    On 20 November the whole of Mexico reaches fever pitch with Revolution Day celebrations, Aniversario de la Revolución Mexicana. Cancún is no exception with the traditional grand parade... Read more
  • Cozumel Revolution Day Celebrations
    The island of Cozumel's Revolution Day celebrations on 20 November include lively patriotic parades along the seafront to the City Hall as well as traditional acrobatic displays performed by... Read more
  • Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
    The annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival attracts an enthusiastic crowd to Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen to enjoy free performances by national and international acts. Read more