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.

Punta Laguna

Spider monkeys are quite common in the Yucatán but often hard to see. Set in very dense forest around a lake near Cobá, this small village-run reserve is one of the places to find them. Villagers will guide you to the best spots, and monkeys are most likely to be around in the early morning and early afternoon.
Punta Laguna

In a tiny village by a forest lake north of Cobá, this nature reserve is one of the best places to see spider monkeys in the Yucatán. Villagers act as guides.
Punta Langosta, Cozumel

The newest, most gleaming addition to Cozumel shopping, the leisure mall in the cruise terminal has major international fashion names – Versace, Tommy Hilfiger – plus upscale handicrafts and glittering gem stores.
Punta Maroma

Among the spectacular palm-fringed bays at Punta Maroma are several reserved exclusively for guests at the luxurious tropical retreat of Maroma (see Maroma, Punta Maroma).
Punta Solimán

Shaded by lolling palms, this near-empty beach feels far from anywhere, even though it’s only a dirt-track away from the Highway. A few boats on the sand and the bar (see Oscar y Lalo, Punta Solimán) are the main signs of habitation.
Punta Xamach & Conoco

Getting to these remote, deserted beaches involves negotiating the wild, rutted road between Boca Paila and Punta Allen. So, whether this appeals or not may depend on your vehicle.
Qué Onda, Akumal

Run by a charming Mexican–Italian couple, this relaxing garden restaurant has a varied and international menu, with great light lunches.
Quesadillas

Small, soft tortillas, folded over and filled with melted cheese and sometimes ham, served with various sauces.
Rachat & Romero, Cozumel

A more cluttered Malecón jewelry store that’s also a bit less traditional in its styles and designs. Among its displays are beautiful pieces in Mexican jade, jet, and amber.
Rancho Hemingway, Tulum

A rustic cabaña -cluster, with a funky and friendly atmosphere kept up by energetic owner Juan Chio, who also cooks up the meals at its rough and ready bar. Cabins vary: some have double or twin beds and share showers; others are little beach houses with bathrooms and kitchenettes.

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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