The ultimate Guide to the Yucatan Peninsula for Solo Female Travelers

Yucatan Cenote

Are you a solo traveler planning to visit the Yucatan Peninsula soon? Then this guide is for you.

Hey! There. I’m Isabella, a serial solo traveler who has lived in Mexico since 2010, in the Yucatan Peninsula, to be precise. So, I thought I would put together this Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide to help you navigate this beautiful region of Mexico.

Here you will find precious tips about the best places to visit, how to move around, where to stay, safety in the Yucatan Peninsula (it’s very safe), and all the tips you need to have the best trip ever.

Takeaways: What’s this post is about

  • Best destinations to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula as a solo traveler
  • how to get there and move around
  • Safety tips
  • Travel tips

The Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide: At a Glance

Nestled in southeastern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Mexico and is especially suitable for solo female travelers. With rich history, stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and fascinating Mayan ruins, it offers a variety of experiences for all types of travelers, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into ancient civilizations.

Traveling alone in the Yucatan Peninsula can be incredibly rewarding, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, it’s essential to stay informed about safety and practical travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.

From Mayan ruins to pristine beaches, world wonders to historical cities, now matter where your interests lie, the Yucatan has something for you.

You can find things here that you won’t see anywhere else, from thousands of cenotes to turquoise Bacalar and Instagram-worthy Las Coloradas.

Bacalar Lagoon overview

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula?

But first of all, let’s clarify what we are referring to when we talk about the Yucatan Peninsula. Yucatan Peninsula is defined as a geographical region in the southeast of Mexico that includes the States of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche.

The three states have their own separate identities, cultures, and traditions. Still, they all share the Mayan culture and heritage of the prehispanic civilization that once lived in the entire region.

Nowadays, we can appreciate the magnificent Mayan cities rediscovered and brought back to us to remind us about the first inhabitant and their mystical culture that still lives strong among locals despite the conquerors’ efforts to uproot it.

Map of Yucatan Peninsula


The Yucatan Peninsula: Practical Information

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
  • Language: Spanish (though English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Population: Approximately 2 million
  • Major Towns: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid, Campeche

Best Times to Visit The Yucatan Peninsula

Obviously, the most logical answer is “it depends”. Ideally, winter months are the best weatherwise. In fact, between November and April, the weather is pleasantly warm and dry but not super hot and humid. The temperature ranges from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), perfect for exploring ruins or lounging on the beach.

Summer is usually the worst time of the year to visit because you get the hottest and most humid weather and you are in the hurricane season as well, which doesn’t necessarily it’s going to be a hurricane, but the risk is higher. Also the Yucatan state especially Merida and Valladolid gets unbearably hot in the summer. I was actually living in Merida from April through May and it was already super hot.

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula (especially the Caribbean coast) is shoulder season, which means April, May, and June, October/November. In these months, you will get the best of both worlds with lower prices, fewer crowds, and relatively decent weather.

Travel Insurance

Always secure travel insurance before your trip. It can save you from unforeseen expenses related to health emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, theft, and cancellations. I usually recommend SafetyWing for short or long-term normal travel. However, if you are planning on diving or going on a cruise DiveAssure is best, because it covers interruption of the trip and of course, diving. If you are undecided you can check out Travel Insurance Master

Getting There and Around The Yucatan Peninsula

Airports and Major Entry Points

Cancun International Airport is the primary entry point, offering numerous international flights. Other options include Cozumel International Airport and Merida International Airport.

Tulum is served by a brand-new Airport, inaugurated in 2024 but it’s only convenient if you are traveling to Tulum or Bacalar.

From these hubs, you can easily access other parts of the peninsula via buses or rental cars. If you are planning a trip exclusively to Cozumel, you can land there directly and use the ferry to do some tours on the mainland.

Transportation Options

  • Buses: ADO bus service connects major towns and cities, offering an affordable and comfortable travel option. Buses are air-conditioned, punctual, and have multiple daily departures.
  • Rental Cars: Perfect for exploring at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit remote areas. Major car rental companies operate at airports and in larger towns. Driving is relatively straightforward, but be mindful of local traffic laws and road conditions.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Readily available in towns and cities, though it’s wise to agree on a fare beforehand. Services like Uber are available in Cancun and Merida but are less common in smaller towns. Be careful with taxis in Cancun and Tulum, they love to overcharge. Also Uber is not ideal in Cancun. I would recommend using Cancun Airport Transportation Service for getting from the airport to anywhere within Cancun Tulum and the Riviera Maya.
  • Bikes: A great way to explore smaller towns like Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel. Many hotels and hostels offer bike rentals, and dedicated bike paths make cycling a safe and enjoyable option. In Cancun, it’s not ideal to use the bike, as the city is very busy and chaotic.

Safety Tips (especially for Solo Travelers)

  • Download offline maps and transport apps like Maps.me or Google Maps.
  • Travel during daylight hours whenever possible.
  • Keep your belongings secure and within sight, especially on buses and public transport.
  • Avoid going out at night by yourself unless you get to a restaurant, in which case use a recommended taxi to take you and pick you up.
  • If you go out at night, do not get wasted and keep your drink or food on sight.
  • be kind but not naive
  • keep your purse with you and make sure they give you the right change when you pay cash
  • tipping is recommended but it’s not mandatory. At restaurants, make sure you check the bill because sometimes tips are included in the price.

Types of Accommodations

You’ll find a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences:

  • Hostels: if you are traveling on a budget you will find a lot of nice hostels, Ideal for meeting other travelers and often offer social activities. Look for hostels with high ratings on safety and cleanliness. I personally prefer getting a private room even in hostel, but they are a great way to socialize.
  • Hotels: Ranging from budget to luxury, ensuring comfort and amenities. Many hotels offer amenities like pools, gyms, and on-site restaurants.
  • Airbnb and vacation rentals: Offers unique stays, from cozy apartments to beachfront villas. This can be a great way to experience local neighborhoods.
  • Haciendas: Old Mexican Mansions turned into spectacular luxury hotels to relax and get pampered, manily in the middle of the jungle. These are my favorite places to stay in the Yucatan Peninsula. You will find them scattered around Yucatan and Campeche mainly.
Felipe Carillo Puerto

Recommended Accommodations

For solo travelers, consider hostels like Selina in Playa del Carmen, known for its vibrant social scene, or Hostal Tunich Naj in Valladolid, which offers a more laid-back atmosphere. These places foster a social atmosphere, making it easy to meet fellow travelers.

Booking Tips and Safety Considerations

  • Book in advance during peak seasons, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
  • Read reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Hostelworld to ensure the safety and quality of accommodations.
  • Choose places with good security measures like lockers, 24-hour reception, and secure entry.

Traditional Yucatecan Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes and Drinks

Indulge in local flavors with dishes like:

  • Cochinita Pibil: Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice, served with pickled red onions and tortillas.
  • Sopa de Lima: A refreshing chicken soup with lime, often garnished with tortilla strips.
  • Salbutes and Panuchos: Fried tortillas topped with various ingredients like shredded turkey, avocado, and pickled onions.
  • Poc Chuc: Grilled pork marinated in citrus juice, typically served with black beans and pickled onions.
  • Horchata: A sweet rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon.
  • Michelada: A refreshing beer cocktail mixed with lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and sometimes tomato juice.

Street Food vs. Restaurants

Street food offers an authentic taste of local cuisine at a fraction of the price. Try market stalls and food trucks for delicious, budget-friendly options. For a more formal dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy regional specialties in a comfortable setting. In order to make sure the street food is safe, make sure there is a long line waiting to be served. 😉

Tips for Dining Alone

  • Embrace the experience of dining alone and people-watch.
  • Bring a book, journal, or your travel plans to review while waiting for your food.
  • Opt for communal dining settings or bars within restaurants to engage with others if you feel like socializing.
Cancun beach drone view
Cancun Beach

Language Tips for Ordering Food

Learning a few Spanish phrases can enhance your dining experience:

  • “Quisiera…” (I would like…)
  • “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?)
  • “La cuenta, por favor.” (The bill, please)
  • “Hola” (Hello)
  • “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?)
  • “Gracias” (Thank you)
  • “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?)
  • “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?)

Staying Safe While Enjoying Local Cuisine

  • Opt for busy food stalls, as high turnover usually means fresher food.
  • Drink bottled water and be cautious with ice in drinks to avoid stomach issues.
  • Joing local food tours.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

General Safety Advice

  • Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
  • Keep copies of important documents in a safe place.
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

  • Beware of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. They may be setting you up for a scam or pickpocketing.
  • Also a new scam is when somebody tells you your dress is dirty or you have something out of place to distract you from your belongings. So while you talk to them, somebody else that is passing by (on purpose) steals whatever is in sight.
  • Always use official transportation services. Avoid unmarked taxis and be cautious of drivers who approach you directly.
  • Be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true, especially regarding tours or accommodations.

Emergency Contacts and Resources

  • Local Police: 911
  • Tourist Assistance: +52 55 5207 7031
  • U.S. Embassy in Mexico: +52 55 5080 2000
Yucatan Cenote

Socializing and Meeting People

Making Friends on the Road

  • Stay in social hostels and participate in group tours. These environments are perfect for meeting other travelers with similar interests.
  • Join local meetups or language exchange events through platforms like Facebook groups or Couchsurfing.

Online Resources and Communities for Solo Travelers

Budgeting and Money Matters

Budgeting for Your Trip

Plan a daily budget considering accommodation, food, activities, and transportation. The Yucatan Peninsula can be affordable if you manage your expenses wisely. For example, a budget traveler might spend around $30-$50 per day, while those seeking more comfort might budget $60-$100 per day.

Cost of Living and Travel Expenses

Expect to spend:

  • Accommodation: from $10-$50 per night, depending on the type of lodging.
  • Food: $5-$20 per meal, with street food and local eateries being the most affordable options.
  • Transport: $5-$30 per day, depending on your mode of transport and distance traveled.

Money-Saving Tips for Solo Travelers

  • Eat at local markets and food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
  • Use public transport whenever possible, as it’s cheaper and a great way to experience local life.
  • Look for free or low-cost activities, such as visiting public beaches, exploring town squares, or hiking.
myself in one of the mayan ruins
Mayan arqueological site Mayapan, Peninsula Yucatan, Mexico.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Respecting Local Culture and Environment

  • Learn about and respect local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately when visiting cultural sites and be mindful of local etiquette.
  • Minimize plastic use by carrying reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers.

Supporting Local Businesses

  • Buy souvenirs from local artisans to support the community.
  • Dine at locally-owned restaurants and stay in locally-operated accommodations.

Tips for Eco-Friendly Travel

  • Use reusable water bottles and shopping bags to reduce waste.
  • Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that practice sustainability.
  • Participate in local conservation efforts, like beach cleanups or volunteering with local environmental groups.

unmissable things to do in Yucatan Peninsula

Although you might be tempted to spend your entire stay in a fancy resort on the spectacular Cancun Beach, there are so many unique places to see in this region that it would be a real shame to miss them.

In this post, I will share the most exciting things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula so that you can pick at least a few spots to explore during your stay. You might also decide to take a road trip.

1. Bask in the sun on one of the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean Coast

Among all the things you can do in the Yucatan Peninsula, lying on one of its amazing Caribbean beaches is one reason most visitors come this way. It’s so understandable.

Imagine soft white sand swiped by pristine turquoise water, few people around, and nothing to worry about. This is what you will get if you are looking for it.

And because I love to hang out in the sun too, these small guides on the beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya were such easy to write! I hope they help to find out your favorite beach in the Yucatan peninsula.

If you want to escape the touristy areas, you might want to visit El Cuyo, instead, a new laidback beach resort in Yucatan, where you might be able to see dolphins flipping around by the harbor and stingrays coming and see you by the shore. It’s my magical place in the entire region.

Choj Ha Cenote

2. Take a dip in a cenote

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that the ancient Mayas considered sacred places, probably because that’s where they found water, a source of life, and were used as a religious place for worshiping.

There are about 600 scattered around the Yucatan peninsula, some very close to Tulum, others to Cancun, and all along the Riviera Maya, you can find some refreshing stops as well.

If you love to drive around on your own, you can stop by some other cenotes scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula or explore the spectacular Cenote Ring, where the highest cenote concentration is located.

3. Swim with the whale sharks

The encounter with these amazing marine giants is something that you will remember for a lifetime. You can only Swim with the whale sharks if you join a tour from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Holbox.

4. Visit the Reserve of Rio Lagartos and the pink flamingo

If you visit Yucatan, you cannot miss this tour. Hands down to the beauty of those graceful flying creatures. They are a joy to look at. But we must say, Rio Lagarto is more than that.

If you book with the right guide, you will have a full immersion experience in nature.

Rio Lagartos is a protected area, home to more than 400 bird species and 100 registered fish species, about 105 species of reptiles, and 57 mammals.

The boat tour will take you around mangroves, a natural spa (so much fun!), a deserted beach, and a part of the pink lake, less pink than the one at Las Coloradas, but still amazing.  

This thorough guide to Rio Lagartos will tell you all about it, how to get there, the best tour, where to stay, and much more. 

Holbox

5. Get your Insta-worthy shot at las Coloradas

It doesn’t need much of a presentation with 55.000  Instagram pictures and counting. Those pink lakes are quite impressive to look at and make it a unique background for a good selfie, or maybe not so unusual anymore.

It’s a quick detour from your trip to Rio Lagartos, and it takes only 30 minutes to visit, but it’s worth the journey. In my guide to Las Coloradas, I will explain everything you need to know about these fantastic pink lakes.

Campeche flamingo

6. Explore the Sian Kaan Lagoon and the floating river

Among the unique things to do in Quintana Roo, the Sian Kaan Lagoon is impressive, especially from Muyil.

Not many know that the spectacular biosphere of Sian Ka’an can be visited in different ways from the traditional jeep tours.

A boat ride through the Canals among the mangroves and floating in the lazy rivers are quite an original adventure

7. Visit the colonial town of Valladolid

Valladolid’s town is the getaway of colonial Yucatan, the closest village to Cancun and the Riviera Maya that reveals Yucatan’s most authentic part versus the more touristic beach resorts.

Here you will taste the traditional local cuisine, admire the colonial architecture, and meet the Mexicans´ genuine kindness. Valladolid is one of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula.

8. Rent a golf cart and drive around the beautiful Isla Mujeres

This tiny island is the perfect one-day trip from Cancun.

After only 30 minutes of the ferry, you are right there, free to spend your day exploring the island on a golf cart and enjoying a spectacular sunset from the beach, among all the things you can do.

In this thorough guide to Isla Mujeres, I explain the multiple ways you can visit Isla Mujeres and why you should do it.

9. Marvel at the view of the 50 shades of blue in Bacalar

Bacalar is one of the Magic towns, and its lagoon is called the lagoon of the seven colors for the seven shades of blue that the waters show.

Unfortunately, it’s no longer swimmable as it used to be as they found polluting elements in the water.

Some guests experienced a skin rash because of some bacteria in it. That’s unfortunate, but It’s still a beautiful place to visit and relax.

There are excellent hotels and retreats where you can get pampered and plenty of things to do in the surroundings.

Tulum Archeological site

10. Spend a few days in the Boho-chic Tulum

Probably a little too overpriced right now, for the service you get, Tulum remains one of the coolest spots in Mexico that attracts the style-conscious crowd, artists, and jet-setters from all over the world.

Fashion trends aside, it remains a fascinating place to visit, not only for the endless white sand beach, now sargasso-free, but also for the unique Mayan site, the only one built by the ocean, the countless restaurants, the vegan community, and the natural beauties in its surroundings.

Check out my Tulum travel guide for more details and detailed travel planning.

If you are more interested in the trendy side of Tulum, this guide to the Boho-chic Tulum is what you really need.

11. Visit Campeche

A colorful city, most of the time underrated, probably because it’s a little off the traditional routes, Campeche is a real gem and certainly worth visiting, besides the spectacular archaeological sites of Edzna’ and the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, home of large flocks of flamingos, and other birds like herons and pelicans. 

12. Spend a few nights in Cancun

Cancun is mainly renowned for its exciting nightlife and all-you-can-eat-and-drink all-inclusive hotels. But there is much more than that. I can tell you after living in Cancun for seven years.

In the guide to Cancun, I wrote you can find all the necessary information to make the most of your trip to Cancun, from practical tips to what to do, where to eat, and much more.

13. Spend a weekend in Merida

Among the best places in Yucatan, you cannot miss Merida, the white city. The Yucatan capital city is so rich in history and culture, with its opulent houses from colonial times and traditional customs.  

Merida managed to develop up to speed with the modern times while still maintaining the charm of the old colonial town that it was.

Daily free walking tours will show you around and fill you in with interesting anecdotes about its past.

14. Discover the yellow town of Izamal

A cute little town in the heart of Yucatan, at only a 1-hour distance from Merida and one from Valladolid, Izamal will surprise you with its yellow buildings and its fascinating history.

15. Learn how to kite surf at El Cuyo or just enjoy the peace

I have recently discovered this little corner of paradise, but please don’t tell anyone, because we want to keep it intimate. 

El Cuyo is a small fishing village on the east coast of Yucatan, which has been on the hard-core kitesurfer’s map.

16. Visit Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a beautiful island with a laid-back lifestyle, spectacular white sand deserted beaches and cozy boutique hotels, great food, and no cars. Basically, paradise.

You need to visit to believe it. I will tell you all about it in my complete guide to Isla Holbox, but if you are already convinced and ready to go, you can check out my post on getting to Isla Holbox.

It is definitely more enjoyable to spend a couple of nights there, but if you only have one day, you can check out these daily tours from Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

holbox beach

17. Visit the spectacular archeological site and biosphere of Calakmul

If you only want to see one archeological site, you should pick this one. Calakmul is a magical place. I have visited twice and am thinking about returning one more time.

It’s immersed in the thick jungle of the Peten region bordering the west side of Guatemala.

It’s one of the biggest natural protected reserves in Mexico. It’s home to a wealth of animal species, among which are jaguars, multicolored birds, monkeys, and much more.

Both times I was hoping to spot a jaguar myself, but I wasn’t lucky.

However, colorful parrots and tucans accompanied me throughout my visit to the site. Consider one full day to visit it all and take with you at least a couple of bottles of water.

It’s hot and humid. I loved it so much that I wrote a complete guide on how to visit Calakmul, which includes great insights on the logistics and everything you can do in the surroundings.

There is so much to do that you can easily stay for 1 week as I did.

18. Discover the mystery of Uxmal and the Ruta Puuc

Uxmal is the biggest Mayan site within the Ruta Puuc region. Puuc means hills in the Mayan language. Uxmal is the second most important Mayan city after Chichen-itzà, and the layout of its buildings is a witness to Mayan deep knowledge of astrology. It’s actually one of my favorite sites besides Mayapan.

me in uxmal
Me in Uxmal

19. Visit the Coba archeological site and cenotes

Discover the spectacular archeological site of Coba, at only a 1-hour drive from Tulum. Read more about it in my dedicated post on how to visit Coba and Coba Cenotes

20. Visit the Archeological site of Kohunlich

Very few know about the Kohunlich archeological site, and yet it is spectacular. Located right before getting to Calakmul, you must drive into the jungle to find it.

But the road is excellent and the site very easy to find. If you want to splurge, there is even a spectacular hotel right halfway through where you can relax and enjoy the silence of the jungle.

21. Take a road trip around the Yucatan peninsula

Renting a car is always something I would suggest doing if you are an insatiable explorer like me and want to reach more secluded places, where local buses don’t go, but also if you don’t like to join groups and already made itineraries.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a straightforward and safe place to drive around. You can stop by a cenote along the way, stay at a prestigious Hacienda, a luxury hotel in the middle of the jungle, and discover the lesser-known ancient.

Mayan sites drive through small villages and salt flats, spotting a flamingo or maybe a Jaguar. Oh well, that won’t happen, although I had wished.

If you have plenty of time, this three-week itinerary around the Yucatan Peninsula will help you navigate the area and build your itinerary.

If you have just a few days, you can follow the 2-day itinerary that I had made up when my parents came to see me. I have included the highlights of Yucatan, the unmissable spots.

You can check out my two-week itinerary suggestions if you have 15 days.

22. Snorkel in Cozumel

There’s so much more to Cozumel than just being a cruise ship destination. It has some of the most stunning beaches in the Yucatan and is famous for both snorkeling and diving.

Cozumel can easily be visited on a day trip from Playa del Carmen, all you need to do is hop on one of the many ferries heading to the island and back. It costs just a few dollars too.

But there’s plenty to do on the island if you’d like to stay a few nights. You can rent a car and explore some of the sites most tourists don’t see or relax at one of the many beach clubs.

23. Swim with Sea Turtles on Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is famous for its sea turtles. The beach is a nesting ground where mama turtles lay their eggs, and you can usually find sea turtles swimming in the waters of the bay. Though many will try to sell you a tour, you can typically find the turtles on your own – just grab your snorkeling gear and go.

Akumal is a protected bay, so the waters are calm and ideal for kids and even first-timer snorkelers.

Ek Balam

24. Visit the Ek Balam Ruins

Ek Balam falls on the list of “lesser-known Mayan ruins”. Located near Valladolid, the ancient Mayan city features several structures, the most famous being El Trono (The Throne). You can even climb the 100+ stairs to the top of one of the ruins and get a pretty epic view of the Yucatan.

25. Shop La Quinta Avenue in Playa del Carmen

La Quinta is the famous street in Playa del Carmen that runs parallel to the beach and is filled with restaurants and shops. There are several different shopping malls in Playa del Carmen as well as local stores and you can find everything from local souvenirs to international chain stores.

26. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

Wherever you go, be sure to make an effort to try the local cuisine. Mexican food in Mexico just hits differently, and it definitely isn’t the ultra cheesy Tex Mex dishes made with flour tortillas that you may be used to!

I recommend taking it a step further and learning how to make a local dish or two. You can easily find cooking classes throughout the Yucatan but especially in areas like Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

27. Visit Chichen Itza

As one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, Chichen Itza is by far one of the most popular things to do in the Yucatan peninsula. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s also one of the most well-known Mayan ruins and while it’s not my personal favorite, it’s still worth visiting.

Chichen Itza is between 2 and 2 and a half hours from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum so it’s a long day trip no matter where you visit from. I recommend visiting in the morning, as there is very limited shade and the ruins tend to get crowded by 10 am with tour buses.

Chichen Itza

When is the best time to visit the Yucatan peninsula?

The Yucatan Peninsula can be visited all year round, but you need to know what to expect for every season:

  • High Season – Christmas week – Easter week and from December through April
  • Low Season – From May to June and from September through November
  • Hurricane Season – From June through October
  • Whale shark Season – From June through early September
  • Best Season for good deals – The low season from May through November (except August and Holy Week)
  • Rainy season – From May through November

Read also when is the best time to visit Cancun.

Is it safe to travel in the Yucatan Peninsula?

The Yucatan peninsula is relatively safe to travel to, especially the State of Yucatan, which is considered the safest state in Mexico. Some common sense is always necessary everywhere you go. I wrote a detailed post on Safety in Mexico that will undoubtedly be useful.

How to Get To The Yucatan Peninsula

The easiest way to reach the Yucatan peninsula is via the Cancun airport. Many major US airlines offer flights to Cancun, including direct flights from New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and more.

You can usually find pretty decent flight deals to Cancun too, typically with roundtrip tickets in the $350-500 range.

Reaching the Yucatan from Europe is also easy, with flights from the UK, Madrid, Istanbul, Paris, Lisbon, Rome, Zurich, and many others. Flights are more expensive than those from the US, but $600 RT is not unheard of.

Aeromexico and other Mexican airlines also have daily flights from several Mexican cities.

Best Way To Get Around the Yucatan Peninsula

The best way to travel around the Mexico Yucatan Peninsula is by renting a car. You’ll have complete freedom to go wherever you want, spend as much time there as you want, and not be restricted to public transportation schedules.

If renting a car isn’t your thing, check out the ADO bus schedules. These local buses are air-conditioned, and the routes connect many parts of the Yucatan. You can even take the bus from the Cancun airport!

Another option is to take colectivos, which are shared taxi minivans. They will be your best option for getting between places where the buses don’t run and are quite affordable as well.

Finally, you can always base yourself in one of the biggest cities, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, and take organized day trips to many of the places on this trip. Isla Mujeres and Holbox can both be visited on day trips, as can many of the ruins and cenotes, for example.

I hope you have found something that caught your attention. Otherwise, please feel free to ask in the comments below.

Yucatan Peninsula Mexico FAQs

What is the Yucatan best known for?

This region of Mexico is best known for its Mayan archeological sites and pristine beaches.

What is the most beautiful place in the Yucatan Peninsula?

This is a subjective question but Las Coloradas, Bacalar, and Isla Holbox are all known for their beauty.

Is it worth going to the Yucatan Peninsula?

Absolutely. This region of Mexico is incredibly diverse and no matter whether you’re looking for an active adventure or to relax on the beach, it has something for you.

How many days do you need in the Yucatan Peninsula?

I recommend at least 5 days, though 2 or 3 weeks is ideal for truly having time to explore and see as much of the region as possible.

Is the Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

Absolutely. Yucatan is one of the safest parts of Mexico, and it’s perfectly safe for tourists to visit and even take a road trip. See the safety section below for more.

I hope this guide was useful, you can check out my other solo travel guides to different destinations

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2 Comments

  1. This solo travel guide to the Yucatán Peninsula is packed with great tips! Exploring such a vibrant region on your own can be incredibly rewarding.

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