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.

Labná

The Arch of Labná (wonderfully drawn by Frederick Catherwood, ) exemplifies the sophistication of Puuc architecture. Nearby, the town’s Palacio is only slightly smaller than Sayil’s, and was divided into seven patios – the part to the left was the home of the lords of Labná, the patios to the right (east) were for servants. The setting is especially lovely, in tranquil woods full of birds.
Labná

One of the most beautiful of all Mayan sites, in a wooded valley full of colorful birds. Walking around it gives a strong impression of the life that went on here. Though small, it has fine buildings, above all the Arch of Labná.
Laguna Chankanaab, Cozumel

One of the most enjoyable and accessible places for even small children to be dazzled by a real new experience – a first introduction to snorkeling and the underwater treasures of the Cozumel reefs. The sea is very placid and there’s coral and abundant sea life just off the beach. In the same park there’s also a coral lagoon, a botanical garden, and a Dolphin Discovery center.
Laguna Chankanaab, Cozumel

CozumelA great place to see Cozumel’s undersea treasures with an easy swim, this small nature and snorkeling park lies close to the Chankanaab and Paraíso reefs (see Paraíso, Cozumel) and includes a beach, a botanical garden, and a Dolphin Discovery center.
Laguna Yal-Ku, Akumal

This winding rock pool of brilliant turquoise water right at the north end of Akumal’s Media Luna Bay is one of the natural coral inlets on the Riviera coast. Rarely crowded, it’s delightful for swimming and snorkeling with young children, with coral and colorful fish that are easy to spot.
Las Brasas, Mérida

The cooler nightlife in Mérida takes place on Paseo de Montejo, and this bar-restaurant has a great view of the paseo from a roof terrace. It has good snacks and a laid-back feel.
Las Mestizas, Pisté

Las Mestizas is the prettiest of the restaurants along the main road in Pisté, with the most charming service. It dishes up a delicious sopa de lima (see Sopa de Lima).
Las Monjas, Mérida

The church of “The Nuns” was built in the 1590s as a chapel for one of the first closed convents in the Americas. The castle-like mirador, or watchtower, with its unusual loggia (covered balcony) was built so that the nuns could take the air without leaving the convent. Sombre metal grills inside the church recall the separation that was kept between nuns and lay worshippers.
Las Palapas, Playa del Carmen

A seductive beach village just north of Playa del Carmen. It combines the palapa idea (a palm-roofed hut-type building) with luxurious fittings. Each unit is different, and the suites are especially attractive. There’s a pretty beach bar and pool, and many water sports are available.
Las Palmeras, Cozumel

A big, friendly, Caribbean-hut of a bar, opposite the ferry landing on San Miguel’s main plaza. As well as being great for drinks and people-watching, it does highly enjoyable breakfasts.

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