Yucatán Peninsula

Pros: Easy to get around. Diverse attractions.
Cons: Hot, hot, hot

A trip with my family to the Mexican, Yucatan Peninsula was one of the most unforgettable experiences we ever had. Update April 2007 SInce this was posted my wife and I have visited Mexicos Yucatan another two times. Though I do not detail ...

Pros: Amazing ruins from the ancient Mayans, view from El Castillo
Cons: Very hot and bright, limited water stations so bring your own.

Chichen Itza brings you back to the good old days of human sacrifice. It is well worth a visit if you are staying in Cancun or anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula.

GETTING SOME HISTORY

There are lots of inexpensive books sold in and...

Pros: Beaches, ancient temples, tasty food, cheap beer...LOTS more!
Cons: Easy to get addicted to

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is the most heavily visited region in Mexico. It's a favorite among international tourists who come for the spectacular Caribbean beaches, the fascinating Mayan history and culture, and the stunning natural attractions of the ...

Pros: Rich in Mayan History, very humble and kind natives, culture, water sports.
Cons: We went during off peak season for best price. Very hot, 100 degrees in jungle.

I would like to start by saying that I am very happy to share with all of you my experience in visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. It was, and still is, one of the most memorable vacations I have ever had.

I'll begin with a background. I...

Pros: Quaint, not touristy
Cons: Closes down early at night, but then who says that's a con.

Midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is the tiny fishing village of Puerto Morelos. Travelers heading along highway 307, which connects these two party centres, might almost miss the turn off that heads to this quaint...

Pros: Wonderful area of Mexico full of history and charm
Cons: HOT HOT HOT

We went to Cancun in January 2000, it was our first out of country experience. We booked it through a travel agency at an all inclusive resort. One of the side trips we did was to Chichen Itza, to see the Mayan ruins. Now, let me say that I was not into g ...

Pros: Even rainy season is fun.
Cons: Not enough vacation time.

The majority of visitors to Mexico's Yucatan states arrive by airplane through Cancun or Cozumel or cruise ship through Cancun, Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. All locations are delightful and hold their own charm. If you are looking for abundant "Night ...

Pros: Flamingo Breeding Grounds, Tranquility, 1943 Rum
Cons: Standing in the Flamingo Dung

If you want to get off the main road and enjoy a peaceful backwater, pack your doxycycline and hop on a bus out of Cancun for a couple of hours' ride, and head on to Valladolid and Rio Lagartos.

In Valladolid walk to one of the oldest...

Pros: breathtaking example of pre-hispanic Mayan culture
Cons: climbing up was easy...getting down was a different story...

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

A long time ago, even before I reached Cancun I decided that Chichen Itza would be a place that I would want to see. It's a two-hour bus ride from Cancun to the Mayan ruins via a...

Pros: The weather on the Mayan Rivera is a 10!
Cons: Unless you spend big bucks, the hotels are spartan.

Playa to those who love the beach. Truly a beach- lovers destination. It is a laid back destination with few rules and lots of sun. The area enjoys a desert-like climate with brisk winds to temper the 85 degree heat. The water is green-blue and there...

Pros: many things to do, beautiful scenery, tours offered from hotels
Cons: somewhat expensive

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

We visited Cancun on our honeymoon for a week in November 1993. While there we stayed at the Melia Turquesa hotel and one of the tours they offered was to a place called Xcaret. I had read...

Pros: easy to drive around, great food, no problems getting rooms in decent hotels
Cons: very hot and rainy time of year, overcrowded with groups of tourists

8/24/97: Arrive Cancun, pick up rental car at the airport. We drove through the tourist hotel strip and get back on the highway looking for 180 but end up on 180D Cuota. We were stopped by federales at state border and advised to stay on the cuota...

Pros: Akumal: one of our favorite beach vacations
Cons: Could be low key for certain tastes - teenagers and Vegas lovers

Akumal, 40 minutes by car south of Cancun, is a totally different scene from the commercial hotels and vendors on the beach. It's relaxing, a haven for diving and snorkeling, relaxed and a perfect place to unwind. We haven't been there since they've...

Pros: Impressive Archaeological sites, natural reserves, food and fiesta
Cons: Merida is not the most beautiful city in the world

I wanted to have a week long vacation, in a foreign country, to meet people with a radically different culture and historical background and at the same time have a lot of fun and have a rest in a privileged landscape; Yucatan was the place to go. In...

Pros: Relaxed, Close to Cancún and Playa without the prices
Cons: No nightlife, unless acoustic guitar and watching the local children play is fun for you

I totally recommend Puerto Morelos. It is in the state of Quintana Róo, on the Yucatan Peninsula. First of all, the location is ideal. It is almost exactly halfway between the cities of Cancún and Playa del Carmen. But, it has the relaxed atmosphere and...