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.

Licuados

Any kind of fruit – papaya, watermelon, pineapple, mamey, etc – pulped and diluted with water and ice.
Loltún Caves

This vast cave complex is both a stunning natural phenomenon and ancient Mayan site. It has been occupied by humans longer than anywhere else in the Yucatán, from remote prehistory right up until the 19th century. The ancient Maya lived here, mined the caves, and used them for rituals. Guided tours take you through 2 km (1.5 miles) of caves, but the network extends much further. The rock formations are awe-inspiring, and a special feature of Loltún is its strange changes of temperature, from fierce heat to chilly breezes.
Loltún Caves

An astonishing cave system not far from the Puuc cities, with the longest history of human habitation in the Yucatán. Chambers are full of bizarre rock formations, strange airflows and relics of their Mayan occupants (see also A Day in the Puuc Hills).
Lonchería Fabiola, Pisté

The cheapest refreshment stops in Pisté are the budget loncherías (basic restaurants), such as this one on the village plaza, with outside tables for watching village life. Drinks are mainly non-alcoholic.
Los Almendros, Ticul

This homey restaurant, which opened in the 1960s, is credited as the first to present Yucatecan cuisine to the outside world. Richly flavored dishes, charming service, and an essential part of a visit to the Puuc region.
Los Almendros, Ticul

This country restaurant is credited with almost reinventing traditional Yucatecan food for the outside world. Try the pavo en relleno negro , a great example of the rich flavors of local cooking.
Los Cinco Soles, Cozumel

The place to do all your souvenir shopping in one go – a giant Malecón handicrafts store. Tablecloths, clothes, jewelry, glassware, metal or papier-mâché birds and animals, and more.
Los Pelícanos, Puerto Morelos

Set beneath a giant palapa palm roof, in a spot above the beach, this easygoing local institution serves some of the best ceviches you’ll ever find, as well as grander seafood dishes.
Los Pelícanos, Puerto Morelos

One of the all-time best beach-terrace restaurants, a wonderful place to linger over its renowned seafood cocktails, or one of the subtle fish dishes.
Luz en Yucatán, Mérida

The rambling house was once part of a convent but is now an urban retreat with modern apartments and small pool, at generous prices. Activities and health therapies can be arranged.

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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