DK Travel : 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.

Chen Río, Cozumel

With a fine beach all to itself, you can spend a leisurely afternoon here watching the waves and picking over the house specialty, a huge platter of mixed seafood, or sampling the excellent ceviches and salads .
Chen Río, Cozumel

The best beach on Cozumel’s rugged eastern shore, with a sheltered cove for lazy swimming, while further along the sands you could even surf. There’s also a beach restaurant worth a special visit.
Chichén Itzá

The most famous and awe-inspiring of all the great ancient Mayan cities, and the one with the most spine-tingling images of war and sacrifice. The great pyramid of El Castillo, the giant Ball Court, the Sacred Cenote, and the Temple of the Warriors are all must-sees.
Chichén Itzá

The most dramatic of the Mayan cities has gigantic buildings, including the great pyramid that has become a symbol of the Yucatán.
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.
Chilaquiles

Crisp tortilla chips, baked in a cheese sauce with tomato, onions, herbs, chili, and shredded chicken or turkey.
Chunzubul, Playa del Carmen

Keep walking along the beach north from Playa to find endless space, the best snorkeling and diving spots, and nudist beaches. Avoid leaving bags unattended in the really quiet spots (see Security and Health Tips).
Club Med Cancún

Opened in the early days of Cancún, this spacious site has the typical Club-Med range of sports facilities – enough even when the 456 rooms fill up – and youth-oriented entertainment including a techno disco.
Club Med-Villas Arqueológicas, Uxmal

The Villas Arqueológicas are a small chain of hotels at some of the ancient Mayan sites, all built in old-Mexican, hacienda style, with charming rooms and exuberant gardens. The Uxmal branch is exceptional value.
Cobá

This huge Mayan city – once home to around 50,000 people – was the great rival of Chichén Itzá. It’s a very different place to visit from Chichén Itzá or Uxmal – it’s unusually spread out around several large lakes, and to find its massive buildings you follow fascinating walks through thick forest full of birds and plants. Among them is the Yucatán’s tallest pyramid.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under US$20
- US$20-$45
- US$45-$80
- US$80-$130
- over US$130