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.

Mexicanísimo, Mérida

Innovative store that sells lightweight clothes for men and women in original, modern designs, using Mexican cottons and other traditional materials.
Mexico Hostel, Cancún

Open since 2000, this is affiliated to the Mexican hostel association AMAJ. It has 50 dorm-style beds and a few double rooms. Bright and clean, good shared showers, and an open kitchen.
Mezcalito’s, Cozumel

An old favorite, ultra-laid-back beach restaurant in a wonderful location where the cross-island road meets the east coast, with a soundtrack of crashing surf.
Mezzanine, Tulum

This stylish restaurant-bar combines luxurious indulgence with eco-friendly policies. Enjoy a cocktail while chilling to the sounds of guest DJs.
Mikix Artesanías, Tulum

Tulum is not a shopping mecca, but this little store has a high-quality collection of colorful craftwork from every part of Mexico.
Miró T-Shirts, Cozumel

Miró company’s T-shirts stand out with their distinctive, stylish, bright and very Mexican designs, which justify the slightly higher prices. Their Cozumel store is next to Las Palmeras (see Las Palmeras, Cozumel).
Mom’s Hotel, Playa del Carmen

Texan Ricco Merkle’s long-running hotel is a friendly home from home. The rooms have been going a few years but are comfortable and pretty, and there’s a tiny pool and a rooftop bar that’s a great place for meeting people.
Moon Palace

One of the largest and most lavishly equipped of the Riviera’s all-inclusive resort complexes, in its own area of jungle to the south of Cancún.
Moon Palace, near Cancún

The biggest all-inclusive resort of all, with 2,031 beach-house-style rooms. With such a size, it’s able to offer every possible activity and 10 restaurants – all crowded.
Museo de Antropología e Historia, Cancún

Ceramics, fine jade and coral jewelry, carvings, and household objects from sites around Quintana Roo state, in engaging, well-labelled displays.

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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