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.

Hard Rock, Cozumel

Cozumel’s Hard Rock offers no changes from the international formula but draws in the crowds with its loud, friendly atmosphere. Special pluses are good air-con and better live bands than most island bars.
Havana Club, Cozumel

The place to go for a more relaxed, much less hectic time – specialties at this bar are cocktails and Havana cigars, and the music is live, cool jazz.
Hecho a Mano, Izamal

A pretty little shop with a more carefully selected display of handmade folk art than the markets, and striking photographs of Yucatecan scenes.
Hero Twins

In Mayan myths, the twins Hunahpú and Xbalanqué have many adventures and defy the forces of death.
Holbox

This tiny island sits off the north coast of Yucatán, by a wide lagoon full of birds and wild dolphins. On it there’s one village with sand streets, a few hotels, pelicans, a huge beach, and an ultra-relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s wonderful for fishing, clearing the head, and exploring uninhabited islands nearby.
Holbox

One for lovers of real seclusion, with miles of beach from which to pick a spot that’s just right. The island faces the opal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, however, so there’s no coral.
Holbox

A long way from the convenience of the Riviera, but loved by fishermen who like a really relaxing time.
Holbox

If the Riviera seems just too busy, take a long drive north from the Cancún–Mérida road to the tiny port of Chiquilá. Hop on a ferry to cross the beautiful lagoon (where dolphins are common) to reach the island of Holbox. Here you’ll find the simple pleasures of a friendly village, a long, empty beach, and some very mellow places to stay.
Horseback Riding

You can take group treks at Rancho Loma Bonita, near Puerto Morelos, Rancho Buenavista on Cozumel, and at Tres Ríos and Xcaret (see Playa del Carmen: Xcaret, Eco-Parks and Theme Parks).
Hotel Baluartes, Campeche

Campeche has a limited selection of hotels. This lofty 1970s building on the seafront is more comfortable inside than most. Be sure to get a room with sea view, to catch the superb sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35
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