Being barefoot on the sandy, white beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula is fine and all, but Yucatan has so much more to offer! Aside from enjoying the stunning beaches, there are other places you can't miss out on while you're there visiting. Here are the top 9 locations, of the Yucatan Peninsula, that you MUST visit and can’t pass up on your Mexican vacation.
Merida
To fully experience the culture and history of the peninsula, go to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state. You have to step foot in Merida to feast your eyes on mind-blowing architecture and the beautiful colonial style houses, all of which exude rich and vibrant colors of the city. Merida boasts of broad central plazas and magnificent cathedrals. Narrow streets are safe and squeaky clean with quaint periwinkle, sherbet pink, mint green, and vibrant peach facades. Head to the city center to buy a brightly woven hammock. Hammock weaving has been a tradition on the peninsula for more than 700 years. The rich culture and history will certainly make your trip memorable.
2. Chichen Itza
The 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today is a place called Chichen Itza which means "at the mouth of the well of Itza." After much publicity and promotion, on July 7, 2007, in Lisbon, Portugal, The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which is known as "El Castillo" (the castle), is included in the list of the new seven wonders of the world.
For thousands of years, Chichen Itza has been known as one of the great cities of Central America. Here, you can view some of the massive ground stone buildings that were one Mayan Ruins on the nearly 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of land full of archaeology and lush forest surroundings.
3. Chuburná
Situated on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, to the west of the port of Progreso, is the little fishing port, Chuburná in the state of Yucatan in Mexico. Lately, it has been transformed into a tourist attraction because of its beaches. Some remnants of the Mayan civilization are still visible in the surroundings of Chuburná. Based on the 2005 census carried out by INEGI, the population of the town was 1720 inhabitants. It is considered one of the oldest places in the municipality of Progreso. The government of Juan Francisco Esquivel and de la Rosa declared Juan Francisco Esquivel and de la Rosa and Chicxulub as guarded populations of Yucatan in 1663 for the defense of the coast against the incursion of the pirates that operated from the Lagoon of Terms.
4. Las Coloradas
Head to the far corner of the Ria Biosphere Reserve to see the ever-popular Las Coloradas pink salt lakes. These lakes are used for industrial salt production, and as the water evaporates, an overwhelming growth of red algae occurs. Plankton and brine shrimp also habitat in these bright pink waters.
5. Yellow Town
The peninsula is no stranger to loud colors, as you may have noticed right away. So if you love color as much as the natives, head to the Yellow Town in Izamal. You will even get to see pyramids.
6. Valladolid
Go into the colonial city built atop ancient grounds to view the colorful (of course) architecture, including the San Gervasio Church. Make sure to take a dip in the freshwater cenote (Dzitnup). Then go try some of the great eats at the restaurants situated throughout the area.
Diving in cenote
7. Tulum
Tulum offers its visitors some amazing ruins to explore! However, if you need to relax for a day, go to Tulum for sunbathing and yoga on the beach. The area is full of healthy food options, spas, and other great activities.
8. Calakmul Mayan Ruins
Hike the Calakmul Mayan Ruins that border Guatemala. You certainly won’t miss the two gigantic pyramids reaching 165ft high.
9. Cozumel
Go to Cozumel to snorkel and scuba dive or to hike through the luscious green jungle areas.
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