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.

Barceló Maya, Puerto Aventuras

Another giant, split into two: the Barceló Maya Beach (612 rooms) and the Barceló Maya Garden next door (408 rooms). They share over 2 km (1.5 miles) of beach and offer a lot on-site for the all-inclusive rates. You’re not encouraged to go anywhere else. Highlights include a nightclub under a giant palapa plant and a luxurious beachside buffet.
Barracudas and Sharks

Many varieties are found around the Yucatán reefs – but attacks on humans are almost unknown.
Bazar de Artesanías Craft Market, Mérida

This semi-official handicrafts market is packed with stalls selling every kind of Yucatecan and Mexican craft work, some of it excellent, some rather tatty.
Belinda’s, Cancún

Lorenzillo’s, CancúnOne of the finest waterfront restaurants in Cancún, Loren-zillo’s is built on the lagoon. The menu includes fresh lobster, cray-fish, and crabs.
Blue Bayou, Cancún

Highly regarded Cajun and Creole cooking, served in a lovely tropical garden that’s beautifully lit at night.
Blue Parrot Beach Club, Playa del Carmen

Dance under the stars at this beachfront club split into two separate venues. DJs perform nightly.
Blue Parrot, Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has changed enormously since its original beach bar opened in the early 1990s, but through it all the Parrot has remained the number-one place to meet up and mingle. There’s always a buzzing scene, and you get a fabulous view of the moon over the sea.
Blue Parrot, Playa del Carmen

The hub of Playa nightlife has been declared “one of the world’s best beach bars”. Stake out one of the rope-swing seats by the bar (see Nightspots).
Boca Paila and Punta Allen

Fly-fishing and above all bonefish followers make their way to the remote fishing lodges along this road.
Bocas de Dzilam

Much more remote, this giant expanse of uninhabited mangrove lagoons extends west of San Felipe and also contains flamingo colonies and a variety of birds and other undisturbed wildlife. Getting there, with a boat trip over open sea, is a real adventure.

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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