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.

Rancho Libertad, Puerto Morelos

Cabins are equipped with their trademark “hanging beds” – solid beds on ropes that swing in the breeze. The cabins have an archetypical beach-comber look, but all have neat showers too. Breakfasts and use of an open kitchen are included, and yoga sessions are on offer.
Raspados

Vibrant fruit juices in crushed ice, packed right to the top of the glass.
Rays

Spotted eagle rays, elegantly waving their “wings” as if to fly through the water, are common around some of the Cozumel reefs.
Reef Club, Playacar

A good deal cheaper than most places offering an all-meals-included plan. Rooms and food are relatively basic – too much so for some – but it has a great beach location and a fine pool, and its low prices and simple style have won it many fans.
Reefs around Cancún

Despite busy beaches and the relatively small size of the closest reefs, there’s still lots to see here. “Jungle” snorkeling tours take you through man-groves in Laguna Nichupté and to the reef off Punta Nizuc (seeCancún).
Relleno Negro

Yucatecan cooking likes rich concoctions. In relleno negro (“black stuffing”), finely ground pork, peppers, grated hard-boiled egg, herbs, spices, and a powerful combination of chilis are all mixed together to make up a thick, majestic sauce. Usually served with turkey (pavo ), the region’s most traditional meat.
Restaurante Café Club, Mérida

A laid-back, eclectic café with a half-vegetarian menu including Mexican dishes, pizzas, and salads. Fun for breakfast, and a great bargain.
Restaurante El Toro, Izamal

On a square near the monastery is this friendly little restaurant, with tasty Yucatecan dishes and tacos.
Restaurante Isla Contoy, Río Lagartos

Under a drooping palm roof on a jetty, this little place has a water-front feel and delicious seafood cocktails full of lime and coriander.
Restaurante Kinich La Guacamaya, Izamal

In a lush garden, this restaurant (open for lunch only) has a very high reputation for classic Yucatecan food, such as seafood flash-fried with garlic.

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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