Adventure the Other Yucatán! Nine Great Things to do in the State of Yucatán, Mexico
Looking for the Best Things to Do on the Yucatán Peninsula? El Cuyo, A Favorite Place to Stay in Valladolid, the Most Impressive Cenotes… Check out these 9 Activities and Create an Epic Yucatán, Mexico Adventure!
Enjoy the warm sands of Playa Celestún.
Adventure the Other Yucatán.
Warm sea breezes, refreshing margaritas and care-free days; it’s pretty tough to go wrong on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. For years we’ve enjoyed holidays in Cancun, golf along the Riviera Maya, and dancing the night away to tribal beats in Tulum. But what if there’s a new destination blending old-world cities, incredible beach lines and natural wonders? What if there’s another side of the Yucatán? A place that begs those of us curious for the next, great adventure, the next up-and-coming destination, to come and explore- would you go? You’re a trailblazer, an unintentional trendsetter; I know you. You’re already packing your bags…
Situated on the northern end of its famous southern peninsula, welcome to the state of Yucatán, Mexico! A destination made romantic by its very nature, Yucatán state offers a steamy tropical climate, mystical crystal-clear cenotes, and emerald-green waters gently crashing onto soft, white sand beaches. Numerous preColumbian structures, charming colonial era buildings and sleek lines of modern day architecture add history and character. For an unforgettable Yucatán, Mexico adventure take a journey through the area’s past while enjoying the amenities of the modern Mexico of today.
Drop your bags, grab your favorite vacation fedora, and put on a high-quality SPF. I have nine can’t miss places and activities you absolutely must check out when visiting Mexico’s Yucatán state.
El Cuyo, Mexico as seen from above.
1. Escape the Crowds and Unwind in El Cuyo.
Looking for an under-the-radar beach experience? Come to El Cuyo, a small fishing village nestled onto the Gulf shores, a short ferry’s ride north of Holbox or a three hour car ride from the more metropolitan Merida, of which we’ll visit later. Kite-surf, paddle-board, kayak, or enjoy a long walk on the beach, time moves slower here in El Cuyo. With a diverse mix of long-time local residents and sun-seeking expatriates, El Cuyo is a tranquil community out to protect not only its pristine coastline, but its simpler way of life. There’s a good handful of cute boutique hotels available with more opening each season, but my advice: check in and unwind at the LunArena Beach Hotel where the rooms feel like bohemian apartments and the hospitality is kind and welcoming. Make LunArena home for a few days as you release your tensions and allow yourself to escape.
Just down the main strip of town, be sure to dine at La Casa Palma, an Argentinian / Italian fusion restaurant where the expat owners, Ricki and Eri, make you feel like close friends. Pizzas, empanadas, and pastas are served right from a fun and funky food truck. And the vegan options at Casa Palma, they’re just as tasty, if not better, than the rest of the menu. Stay for s'mores and share stories with new friends around Casa Palma’s bonfire.
2. Scout Jaguars at the San Manuel Reserve.
Explore the San Manuel Reserve on an ATV.
Conveniently located next to Mexico’s famed Rio Lagartos bioreserve, El Cuyo lends itself as the perfect hub to call home while getting out to explore nature. Just outside of town lies the San Manuel Reserve. 400 acres of protected wilderness operate as a volunteer conservatory, fully certified by the federal Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. At the San Manuel Reserve four different ecosystems; medium-growth tropical forests, flooded low forests, mangroves and savannas, merge and create unique, natural landscapes best enjoyed with a great hike or a night camping. For extra thrills spend an afternoon out on an ATV with a guide checking the well-hidden cameras for jaguar sightings. The San Manuel Reserve is not to be missed by my outdoor and adventure friends; it’s a journey into an authentic Mayan jungle.
3. Capture Sunset at Las Coloradas Salt Mines.
Sunset at Las Coloradas salt mines.
Now that you’ve gotten your outdoor, adventure appetite salivating, venture further into the wilderness and explore the Ría Lagarto Reserve. This National Park esteemed for its abundance of wetlands, coastal lagoons, marshes and savannah, prides itself with an official designation granted by UNESCO in 2004. With great success over the past decade, the reserve continues to aid the recovery of endangered species like the Hawksbill sea turtle, and acts as the lone nesting site for Caribbean pink flamingos. Enjoy the area and its over 2,400 plant and animal species. Crocodiles, Flamingos, Yucatán Woodpecker, oh my!
The Ría Lagarto Reserve is best seen by boat, while traveling a biking route or any number of adventure, vehicle tours operating from El Cuyo or San Felipe. In the spirit of spontaneity, I usually deter from tours, but Ría Lagartos is an exception. Tours here are often granted special permission for sights and areas unavailable to the general public or tougher to reach wonders such as Las Coloradas Pink Lakes. These lakes, they’re a wonder to be seen. Pink in color, the extreme salt concentration of the lakes attract such creatures as plankton, shrimp and red algae. As the intense Mexican sun beats down and evaporates the water, these species become more and more apparent- at least their color does. Left behind are the pink hues; hence the lakes’ name. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and see the famous Caribbean flamingos feeding at Las Coloradas further dying their pigments pink.. yes, this is how otherwise a naturally-born white flamingo gets its trademark pink!
4. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at Zazil Tunich Cenote.
The beauty of Zazil Tunich Cenote.
According to classic Mayan customs and mythology, this world is conceived as a three tier Universe- the Earth, the Celestial Sky, and the Underworld. Are you brave enough to venture into this Underworld? No visit to Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is complete without swimming in the area’s famous cenotes. Believed to be portals to the nine layers of the Underworld, the development of these sink-hole type geographical features was aided by the same great asteroid collision that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Although the process of forming a cenote takes centuries, today fresh water erosion continues seeping through the peninsula’s limestone rock surface. This slow but steady evolution leaves incredible caves of awe and wonder.
Moving inland from El Cuyo, approximately two and a half hours by car, do yourself a favor and stop at my favorite cenote, Zazil Tunich. Get your ticket ahead of time and get ready to step 20 meters below surface level into an incredible cenote dotted with thousands of stalagmites and stalactites. Zazil Tunich offers guests tours filled with rich Mayan nature and history, the opportunity to swim in the cenote’s refreshing waters, and cultural learning experiences through the weekend Mayan ceremonies. Take your trip to the next level by reserving a private, romantic dinner and create an evening you and your loved one will forever remember!
Join us in an exclusive, member's only content club with a special introductory rate available now for a limited time. More of what you love: Videos, Articles, Chats & more that gets us up, out and reaching for our greatest potentials.
5. Climb the 106 Stairs at Ek’ Balam Ruins.
Guests are welcome to climb El Torre at Ek’ Balam.
The number one, most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico is by far Chichén-Itzá; and yes, this pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans rising in the center of the peninsula is a must see. Named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World by UNESCO, spend the day exploring the past as you wander the grounds of this protected site. Marvel at the Pyramid of Kukulcan, one of the tallest Mayan structures known to date. Let The Tzompantli, or the Platform of Skulls, give you chills. And dare to feel the endorphins that must have flowed when in competition among the towering walls of the Ball Game court. To this day, the skilled archaeologists and anthologists at Chichén-Itzá, continue uncovering sites and clues to the Mayan past.
As do those just 30 minutes away at Ek’ Balam. Meaning “Bright Star Jaguar,” a vast network of walls, sites and buildings together create the city of Ek’ Balam. Discovered recently in the late 1980s, only one mile of the city’s 12 square miles have been excavated. This off-the-beaten path, less visited, site attracts fewer crowds and the main structure, El Torre, is available to be seen up close and personal. Rising over 30 meters into the sky, detailed artifacts and intricate designs decorate this temple built to house the tomb of Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, the leader of this great city during its heyday- approximately 800A.D. Remarkably the 106 stairs of El Torre are still open to those up for the climb. Ready for the challenge?
6. Nightswim in Hotel Zenti’k Project’s Cave.
The Outdoor Pool at Hotel Zenti’k Project decorated by local artists.
A few minutes walk from central Valladolid sits one of my favorite boutique hotels I’ve come across in recent years, the Hotel Zenti’k Project. Greeted with a glass of tequila, guests are welcomed to not just a hotel, but an art installation. Showcasing both local and international artists, the rotating collection of 15 impressive murals and sculptures create a unique harmony between nature, art, culture, and sustainable lodging. A living, breathing buffet of the senses; a place to ease into tranquility, Hotel Zenti’k Project offers a safe refuge to allow our imaginations play.
This creative spirit comes through the hotel’s twist on modern amenities: a wide range of spa options, 12 distinctly Mayan influenced rooms, absolutely delicious gastronomy, a clothing-optional moon deck, and an inviting outdoor pool among many others. But not-to-be-missed is the subterranean, salt-water experience. Kept above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the restorative properties of this underground cave pool, open 24 hours a day, rejuvenate both skin and muscles while aiding mental balance, reducing inflammation, and fighting fatigue. A dip leaves us clear, calm and elevated.
Whether it’s with the kind and hospitable hotel staff, your travel companion or the guests sitting at the next table, Zenti’k Project lends itself to intimacy and connection. And the romantic vibes; they’re real here. A night swim in the salt water cave, a bottle of wine shared over a candlelight dinner at Naino's Restaurant, or a spiritual journey in the hotel’s traditional temazcal, the Hotel Zenti’k Project blends local customs and modern amenities perfect for the traveler looking for a something fresh and new.
7. Shop the Cobblestone Streets of Historic Valladolid.
Coffee to-go at Kuxtal Arte Popular.
There’s a place somehow overlooked by the vast majority of tourists visiting the Yucatán peninsula, and it’s hands-down one of the best spots to enjoy a truly authentic, Mexican experience. This is Valladolid. Located in the center of the peninsula, this colorful, colonial city is easily accessible from all the big name vacation towns you’ve come to know, but yet, has escaped mass commercialization and outside influences. Designated as one of Mexico’s 132 “Pueblos Mágicos” or Magical Towns, the city oozes a rich cultural and historical presence. Founded in 1543 by the imperial Spaniards, causing obvious tensions with the local Mayans, the struggle for authority lasted centuries eventually leading to the Caste War. Today architecture of both peoples can be seen throughout the city as the Spaniards dismantled much of an existing Mayan city and used the stones in the creation of their new buildings. Quick but interesting fact: the original settlement of Valladolid was founded a good distance away but the residents complained about an abundance of mosquitos, and by 1545 the town of Valladolid was moved to the location it calls home today. Some pests never leave us alone, do they?
Spend a morning on bike or simply walk, meander this charming city. Grab a coffee at Kuxtal Arte Popular and people watch in the city’s main square, Parque Principal. Towering over the square is San Servacio Church; step inside and take a tour. Wander the cobblestone streets of Calzada de los Frailes, a vibrant, historic street bustling with cafes, hotels and shops offering everything from jewelry to Mexican folk art. And don’t miss the beautifully produced projection show illuminating the side of the centuries old Ex-Convent of San Bernardino de Siena in the evening. Make sure to dedicate a couple nights in Valladolid on your Yucatán adventure and brag to your friends about being in the know.
8. Spend the Day in Celestún.
The mangrove trees give the water a red tint at Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
Tucked into the extreme eastern corner of Yucatán state, you’ll want to hit Celestún, a coastal beach town brimming with adventure. In recent years Celestún has seen its share of tourism grow with plenty of white sand beaches and the nearby Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve. Arrive early in the day for a guided boat tour up the Celestún estuary. This protected wetlands is a great place to scout hundreds of flamingos who call it home during Winter. Here the wetlands’ freshwater mixes with saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico creating ideal conditions for the over 200 species of birds passing through while on migration. Within the area’s enchanting Petenes mangroves you’ll spot sea turtles, two different types of pelican, nests of herons, and crocodiles. Dare to take a swim? Bring your swim trunks. There’s a location for the brave. After your wildlife tour, grab some lunch at one of the many thatched-roof restaurants and throw a towel down on the warm sands of Playa Celestún. Enjoy fresh cooked fish while sipping drinks and enjoy the sunset. Celestún is a wonderful day trip from nearby Merida.
9. Discover the Past in Modern, Cosmopolitan Merida.
Enjoy a scenic view with cocktails at Picheta.
Merida, the capital of Yucatán state, has recently been growing at a rapid pace. Named one of the “Best Large Cities in the World,” by Condé-Nast Traveler, and a top “City in Mexico” by Travel + Leisure, Merida is a great place to either start or end your great Yucatán adventure.
When first settled in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo Junior, the Spaniard found remnants of five large Maya temples arranged around a center square. The artifacts reminded him of the Roman ruins of the city of Merida in Extremadura, Spain- thus his new settlement was named. Wandering town you’ll notice a wall built by the Spaniards to protect themselves from Mayan revolts, but today the city has far outgrown the barrier.
As in Valladolid, stones from original Mayan sites were used to construct the new European buildings. The influence of local and colonial traditions continues to this day. Check out the main city square, the gran plaza- La Plaza Central de Mérida. Bullfights were once held here, but today the ancient Mayan game of Pok-Ta–Pok is played on Friday nights just in front of the Catedral de Ildefonso, the oldest cathedral in all Latin America. Grand Pok-Ta–Pok courts can be seen at Chichén-Itzá and other Mayan archaeological sites, but the game itself is recreated here in Merida, although with one main difference. When originally played by the ancient Mayans, the winner would be offered as a sacrifice to the gods, the highest honor in he civilization. Today both winner and loser survive!
Best explored on foot, Merida is filled with wonderful surprises. Stroll the elegant homes of Paseo Montejo with their playful French influences. Discover the Lucas Galvez market offering local wares and mouth-watering favorites like cochinita pibil, Yucatán-style barbecued Pork. Visit the Merida Museum of Contemporary Art or the incredibly informative Gran Museo del Mundo Maya for those of us who cannot learn enough about the Mayans. End the day at my favorite restaurant in the city, Picheta. Serving contemporary Yucatán dishes, high above the main city square, Picheta blends the traditional with the new. Calling a 350 year old building home, the restaurant is a culinary masterpiece and its terrace bar, a fun, social gathering place.
.jpg)
Keep Living an Adventure: Further Explore Mexico.
It’s easy to get caught up in returning to our usual destinations. They’re known, usually easy to get to, and offer familiarity; but the best adventures, those that we look back on with fondness, are those in which we push ourselves to try something new. Maybe it’s a new activity or a new food. Maybe we learn a few sentences in a foreign language and connect with a stranger who becomes a new friend. Or maybe we take a lesser-taken path and forge a new route. This is precisely why Mexico’s Yucatán state is the new star on the block when it comes to southern Mexican destinations. It takes much of what we’ve come to expect from the famous Yucatán peninsula but allows us to experience authentic food, warm hospitality, epic wilderness, fascinating culture and dramatic history through a new lens. Try each of these 9 great must-dos while visiting Yucatán, Mexico, but don’t stop there… Keep exploring. Keep discovering what’s new to you.
Growth inside a cenote while exploring Mexico’s state of Yucatán.
Join us in an exclusive, member's only content club with a special introductory rate available now for a limited time. More of what you love: Videos, Articles, Chats & more that gets us up, out and reaching for our greatest potentials.
