Are you looking for the best places to visit in Yucatan, Mexico? You’re in the right place!
From charming Mexican pueblos and hidden beaches to vast natural areas and cenotes, there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Yucatan, Mexico, and we’re going to share our absolute favorites with you in this blog post.
The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is an exciting blend of jaw-dropping beautiful beaches, freshwater cenotes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and breathtaking Mayan ruins. The peninsula spans three states: Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. It borders the shallow lagoons of the Gulf of Mexico to the northeast and the warm, turquoise Caribbean Sea towards the east.
This picturesque peninsula is home to plenty of sea birds, flamingos, whale sharks, and many more species. You’ll also find crocodiles, jaguars, parrots, and many other animals here. Moreover, Yucatán’s mangroves, savannas, reefs, coastal lagoons, and forests are home to over 200,000 animal species. It’s one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet!
Tourists can help to preserve these protected areas for future generations by traveling with an eco-friendly local guide, lodging in eco-friendly resorts or hotels, and encouraging sustainable tourism with their decisions.
The Yucatan Peninsula also has several beautiful and ancient Mayan cities, including Valladolid, Merida, and Campeche.
This travel guide of the Best Places to Visit in Yucatan will take you beyond the popular tourist towns to discover all the Yucatan offers. Read on to learn all about our recommendations of what to see and do in gorgeous Yucatan, Mexico!
Best Time to Visit Yucatan, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula enjoys a humid, tropical climate, and temperature lows are seldom below 20 degrees Celsius.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Yucatan, with clear skies and plenty of sun, is throughout the dry season, which lasts from the beginning of December to the start of May.
However, it’s also the Yucatan Peninsula’s busiest time. Many visitors from colder regions travel here to flee the cold weather in their home countries, and lodging and tour prices are typically higher during this time. If you’re hoping for lower rates, visit the Yucatan during the shoulder season (from October through November or May through June), but keep in mind this is also the season that is more humid and experiences more rainfall.
In the Yucatan, the wet season begins in May and lasts through early November. The hurricane season is from June to November and can impact the Caribbean coast. Avoid public holidays if possible, such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s, as price jumps are very common.
However, the Yucatan Peninsula celebrates numerous cultural events, such as Easter (Semana Santa) in April, Carnaval in February, and Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) in October, which can be a blast to experience if you don’t mind the crowds!
Best Places to Visit in Yucatan, Mexico
The stunning Mexican Yucatán beckons, whether you’re hoping to lounge amongst turquoise oceans and sparkling white sand beaches, sample seafood tacos and fresh ceviche, take a road trip to ancient Mayan archaeological sites, or snorkel the many sparkling cenotes. Here are some of our can’t-miss spots!
Check Out These Yucatan Tours
Chichen Itza
The largest and most spectacular of the Yucatan Mayan ruins archaeological sites is Chichen Itza. This archaeological site, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, is also a popular tourist destination, many of whom come on day trips from the Riviera Maya and Cancun.
El Castillo (The Castle), its main pyramid, ranks among the most photographed historical locations on the planet. This Mayan pyramid is more than 1,420 years old and dates back to 600 AD! Like most popular places, Chichen Itza was once only accessible to the upper echelon of society.
Must-Do: Day Trip to Chichen Itza Ruins
Nowadays, everyone can visit the Chichen Itza ruins. In fact, approximately two million tourists visit the Teotihuacan Ruins near Mexico City every year!
Chichen Itza is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and costs 481 pesos ($25) to enter.
Chichen Itza is located near Valladolid Pueblo Magico and is an ideal day trip from Merida, though it is accessible from anywhere on the Yucatan Peninsula.
During the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, thousands of tourists visit the Chichen Iztza to enjoy a unique phenomenon.
The Maya designed the Kukulkán Pyramid so that on the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, the movement of the sun’s shadow cast makes it appear as if a snake is slithering upward or downward along the stone steps.
Chichen Itza’s other attractions include the Platform of Skulls, Ball Courts, Sacred Cenote, and Temple of the Warriors.
There are many further Mayan ruins around the Yucatán Peninsula, each with its own style and attraction. Coba Ruins is one of the other Mayan sites in the Yucatán; it is a little less well-known. The stroll through the forest to the temples gives you the impression that you’re the first to come across the ancient ruins.
Merida
Merida, known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City), is the bustling capital of Yucatan, Mexico. The city has just recently started to attract more tourists. If you want to learn about Mayan culture, Merida is among the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula! This is quickly evolving, as it is one of the few colonial states that offer a taste of Mexico’s authentic culture and rich history without being overly touristy.
Merida, the thirteenth largest city in Mexico, has several historical sites, colonial architecture, top-notch museums, free walking tours, neighboring Mayan ruins, and much more. Merida is also known as being among the safest places in Mexico.
One of the first things to do here is to visit a local market. Merida is famous for crafting its folkloric clothing and many ceramic items, and you can find many of these products at one of the several markets in the city.
Best Things to Do and See in Merida
Merida features endless cultural activities and things to do for you! Here are some of our top recommendations:
Visit Local Markets
One of the first things to do here is to visit a local market. Merida is famous for crafting its folkloric clothing and many ceramic items, and you can find many of these products at one of the several markets in the city.
You’ll also find local artisan stores selling everything from a huipil (tunics) to Mayan hammocks and guayabera shirts and street vendors selling crepes (marques itas) in Merida.
Merida is also a great place to buy a locally manufactured Mexican hammock. The Yucatan Peninsula’s hammock weaving tradition dates back 700 years and produces some of the world’s most beautiful hammocks.
Stroll down Paseo de Montejo
The Paseo de Montejo, also known as the most prestigious real estate area in Merida, is a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined street that is home to some of Merida’s most stunning buildings and is very rich in history.
Some of the best things to do and see in Merida are located along and near the Paseo de Montejo. Go ahead and stroll the entire Paseo Montejo, roughly 13 city blocks long (2 kilometres, or 3.2 miles), as there are many lovely buildings, beautiful cafes, and elegant boutiques along the road.
You can start from any side of the Paseo and walk to the other since it runs north to south. It starts two miles south at a little park called El Remate and finishes two miles to the north at the Monumento a la Patria. The Paseo Montejo monument that draws the most photographers is this famous building.
Visit the Parroquia Santa Ana Church
The Parroquia Santa Ana (Parish/Church of Saint Ana), built in 1733, is one of several beautiful places in the hip Santa Ana area.
In the neighboring Santa Ana Park, you’ll find the open-air Mercado Santa Ana market and popular Tu y Yo (You and I) white chairs.
Try traditional Yucatan food at the Mercado, such as Sopa de Lima (lime soup with chicken) and Cochinita Pibil (pulled pork).
Take the Merida Free Walking Tour
One of the least expensive and best ways to discover more about Merida is to take a free walking tour! This is an excellent way to learn about this ancient, colonial city and is directed by your own private Merida local guide.
The Merida Tourism Office provides free one-hour walking tours from Monday to Saturday. English is spoken by guides who are bi- or multilingual.
Tours begin at 9:30 am but plan to arrive by 9:15 am. You can meet your tour guide on the first floor of the pink Palacio Municipal building in Plaza Grande.
Visit Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande, often known as the Main Square or Main Plaza, is situated in Downtown Merida. It is as old as the town itself and is also referred to as the Zocalo. The Main Plaza in the heart of Merida serves as a cultural hub for the city.
Spend some quiet time in the park, then see all the nearby attractions, such as the Casa de Montejo Museum and the Merida Cathedral, one of the city’s top attractions. The Plaza Grande is one of Merida’s most beautiful plazas, surrounded by stunning structures in pastel shades and the ancient city cathedral. Its seats are excellent for locals and visitors to unwind throughout the day because giant laurel trees shade them.
The Mayan World Museum (Gran Museo del Mundo Maya), located near downtown, has a vast collection of Mayan artifacts. Just keep in mind that, like other museums in Mexico, it is closed on Mondays.
Visit Mayan Ruins Close to Merida
If you have a rental car and more time, consider taking a day trip from Merida. There are some wonderful Maya ruins nearby, such as Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan, and Uxmal.
Las Coloradas (Pink Lakes)
Over the years, the beautiful and uniquely-colored pastel pink waters of Las Coloradas have gained popularity and attracted visitors worldwide. Many people today claim that visiting the Yucatan Peninsula would be incomplete without visiting the pink lakes!
The red and pink-colored marine life, including brine shrimp, plankton, and algae, reflect in the water, giving the pink lakes of Las Coloradas their distinctive tint. All of these species develop in the saltwater supplied by the neighboring salt plant, which is highly concentrated. There is no need for photo filters during your visit because the lakes take on a beautiful, bright pink hue when the sun shines over them!
The nearby salt mine controls access to the lakes, and using the cement route surrounding each lake costs 300 pesos. The owners recently built a visitor center with a lookout tower to allow visitors to view the lakes from above.
Travel Tip: There is little protection from the elements in remote Las Coloradas, so travelers heading to this unique site should be cautious. Recheck the weather before you go, and remember to pack eco-friendly sunscreen and a hat!
Visit Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Although swimming in the pink lakes is no longer allowed, Rio Lagartos, the town nearest to Las Coloradas, still offers a locally guided tour for visitors to see and get close to the vibrant waters.
Río Lagartos is an ideal place in the Yucatan Peninsula to witness pink flamingos. Seeing these remarkable creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The tour in Rio Lagartos will take you directly to where these fantastic creatures hang out in their native habitat, but at a safe distance to not disturb them.
Rio Lagartos is teeming with natural wonders, but the fascinating flamingos are just the start. The town is known for its fishing culture and the stunning sunrises you can view from your hotel.
You can enjoy seeing crocodiles and other bird species in the Rio Lagartos Reserve in addition to the pink flamingos. The tour will take you to a secluded beach for swimming and some mud baths (without crocodiles).
From Rio Lagartos, you can visit Granja de Crocodiles, an actual crocodile farm that lets you touch baby crocodiles, or rent a boat to tour the Biosphere Reserve.
Ek Balam is also a beautiful Mayan archaeological site in the Yucatan, but it is relatively unknown to first-time tourists. Ek Balam is located on the way to Rio Lagartos, a magical place with a wildlife reserve.
Once your tour of the Las Coloradas is over, you can finish the day from the rooftop of the Rio Lagartos Hotel. Have a cold beer while enjoying the Las Coloradas sunset!
Travel Tip: We recommend spending a night in Rio Lagartos and taking the tour early in the morning for the best chance to see more wildlife.
Izamal (The Yellow City)
Izamal, also known as the “Yellow City,” is a tiny colonial city and Pueblo Magico (magic town) in the center of Yucatan State. Izamal is unique because every building has been painted in the same yellow shade! It is one of the few monochromatic towns on the planet.
Izamal is an ideal destination for a day trip from Valladolid or even Merida because of its close proximity to both.
Several magnificent old houses with lovely doors, courtyards, and yellow facades create the area’s unique atmosphere. Their picturesque streets will take you back in time as you stroll through them.
Travel Tip: Visit Izamal if you can during the cooler winter or late fall months. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen if you are visiting in the summer. Izamal has very little shade and becomes quite hot!
Visit Convento de San Antonio de Padua
The Convento de San Antonio de Padua (Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua) is the central focus of Izamal, a Baroque monastery built on the site of the Pop-Hol-Chac pyramid. The structure consists of a monastery, a church, and a large courtyard with arches and columns. Its bright colors are believed to have inspired the Izamal color palette.
It’s undoubtedly one of the top Instagrammable locations in Yucatan, so bring your camera!
Visit the Izamal Mayan Ruins
One thing is clear: no trip to the Yucatán Peninsula is complete without visiting the Izamal Mayan Ruins when visiting Izamal Pueblo Magico.
Maya sites to visit in town include Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, El Conejo (The Rabbit), Izamatul, ChaltunHa, Habuc, and Kabul. The Izamal Mayan Ruins are a short distance from the central plaza and the covenant.
Relax at Izamal’s Parques
The plaza principal or the Parque (park) is the Izamal version of a main square in Mexico. Locals flock to Parque Itzamna to socialize, chitchat, buy a snack or dessert from a food cart, or simply relax on a bench and enjoy watching the world go by.
Valladolid
Valladolid is the perfect location to experience the essence of Yucatan culture. Valladolid is overflowing at its seams with charm! Due to its cobblestone streets, restaurants, adorable coffee shops, and delicious food, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places you can visit in Yucatan.
La Calzada de Los Frailes, located in the heart of Valladolid, is renowned for its beauty, covered in bunting and fine gift shops. Calle 50 is one of Valladolid’s most charming streets and a well-traveled route. To fully experience everything Valladolid has to offer, we recommend a night or more at one of the city’s many AirBNBs or hotels.
You can usually see traditional Mayan dancers or a vibrant group performing Jarana, a Yucatan traditional dance, in Parque Francisco Canton, Valladolid’s main square at about 5:30 pm. Visit the opulent San Bernardino Convent for an artificial light show while you are in Valladolid. This fascinating convent is worth visiting, especially since the entrance costs only a few dollars.
You can view colored light projections on the convent walls on specific weeknights. The light projections are a surprising and fascinating way to narrate Valladolid’s history.
Explore the Best Cenotes in Valladolid
Valladolid has a slightly higher altitude than the coastal cities of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. This causes the water level to decrease dramatically in the cenotes in and around Valladolid.
Many cenotes are near Valladolid, including Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, Cenote Zaci, Cenote Suytun, and Cenote Saamal. These are great places to cool off after a long and exhausting stroll.
Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
The serene and beautiful Cenote Oxman is one of the hidden gems of the Yucatan Peninsula. Despite being one of Valladolid’s best cenotes, the low-key Cenote Oxman has remained relatively mysterious. The underground Cenote Oxman is located in the historic Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman and is housed in a collapsed cave where natural light and tree roots flow towards its waters. There is even a rope swing for those looking to make a big splash.
Cenote Suytun
Cenote Suytun, which lies nearby Valladolid, is a semi-open cenote. The cenote’s swimming hole is underground, and a little opening in the roof enables light and air to enter. It is a short distance from the well-known Yucatan vacation spots, including Tulum, the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida.
Cenote Saamal
Located in Hacienda Selva Maya, Cenote Saamal has excellent facilities such as outdoor showers and lockers. Cenote Saamal is a large open-air sinkhole inhabited by swallows and bats who live under the limestone shelf above. The main attraction is the artificial waterfall, which adds to the ambiance as you swim in the cenote. The water is dark and cold, with jumping platforms and a low deck.
Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is a semi-covered cenote in the heart of Valladolid and one of the town’s best cenotes. It’s 300 feet (100 meters) deep, allowing you to dive in, and there’s a restaurant above it that serves traditional Yucatecan cuisine.
There is no need to take public transportation; you can simply walk there, as the town center is a 10-minute walk away. You can also swim in this cenote or admire it from the platform. Entrance costs 30 pesos, or roughly $1.
Don’t forget to sample the Yucatec local food at one of Valladolid’s authentic restaurants. Churros, Sopa de Lima, and Panuchos are some of the most well-known Yucatec food staples.
El Cuyo
El Cuyo enjoys a beautiful and quiet beach location, an excellent alternative to the luxurious and busy Riviera Maya. El Cuyo is situated on the Yucatan coast and located about two hours from Cancun.
El Cuyo is a small town without any large luxury hotels – unlike other popular beach locations in Mexico, you can spend a few extra dollars to stay right on the beach in an AirBNB!
Fantastic El Cuyo restaurants (such as El Cuyo favorite El Chile Gordo) and charming breakfast restaurants like Naia Café continue to spring up as tourism grows. Beginning with the colony of untamed pink flamingos that greet you as you enter the town, there is much to enjoy about El Cuyo. Moreover, you can take paddle boarding, kayaking, yoga lessons, birdwatching, and ATV tours to Mexico’s pink lakes at Las Coloradas.
What can you find at El Cuyo? Manta rays swim along the shore, deserted beaches, hardly any Sargasso/seaweed (rare in this area!), crystal-clear waters, and ideal winds for kite-surfing lovers.
On the other hand, beachgoers and peace-seekers quickly explored this laid-back town, located quite far away from the crowds, to disconnect it from everything and simply relax at the beach.
Go Kite Surfing, Paddle Boarding, or Kayaking
Though there are sometimes strong tides, the water in El Cuyo is enjoyable for watersports! Kitesurfers will find the ideal conditions for their sport, thanks to the plethora of windy days.
Paddleboarding or kayaking are other great options if you’d like to try something less strenuous and more calming than kitesurfing. A great place in El Cuyo to rent water sports equipment is Casa Kayak.
Umán
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, visiting Umán should be next on your list of the best places to visit in Yucatan!
You can visit Umán and Mérida, Yucatán, in one trip because they are close to each other. Despite being so close to Mérida, Umán is not frequently visited, even though it is well worth the trip. It is a perfect place to escape the rush of major cities like Playa del Carmen or Cancun, and there are plenty of things to do and see.
Umán is a fantastic site for a day of relaxation after a long trip. Although the convent and market are popular, you can also meander around Umán’s streets to see some Mexican culture and learn about the town’s history.
Check out the Umán Market
Umán’s large and active market is located in the city’s heart. Check it out to discover more about local cultures. When leaving, you’ll have a solid understanding of the Yucatecan market. If you want some quiet time, go early or late in the day.
Visit San Francisco de Asis Church
The Parroquia Ex-Convento de San Francisco de Asis is the main church in Umán and one of the biggest in southern Mexico. Although the exterior is simple, the interior is stunning, thanks to the vaulted and cross ceilings. Only a portion of the former convent’s exterior and a chapel are still there. When you’re finished visiting the church, you can unwind on the temple’s manicured lawn.
After visiting the market and the church, you can simply stroll through the streets during the day, taking in the small-town atmosphere.
Explore the Haciendas in Umán
Take advantage of your time in Umán by visiting the spectacular Hacienda Hunxectamán, located in Hunxectamán, 5 Km from the highway to Umán.
The architectural features of this henequen hacienda are characteristic of the 18th century. It’s one of the best locations for weddings and other special occasions in the area.
Hacienda Dzibikak, like many other haciendas in Yucatán, primarily consists of beautifully decorated interiors and large gardens. It is beautiful and well worth a visit while in Umán.
Tizimin
If you have destinations like Chichen Itza, Merida, Valladolid, and more on your Yucatan itinerary, then you must also add an adventure in Tizimin to your travel plans!
Tizimin is a small village located in the northeastern region of Yucatan, about an hour from Valladolid and two hours from Merida. Despite being a city that roughly has the same size as Valladolid, it is not yet a popular tourist destination, meaning you can have the feeling of enjoying it almost all to yourself!
Things to do in Tizimin
Visit Cenote Kikil
Located 6 kilometers northwest of Tizimin, this community-run cenote is a refreshing experience! It’s highly maintained and clean, located in lovely gardens, and has a charming restaurant serving breakfast to early arrivals (8 am to 6:30 pm).
Kuluba Ruins
Kuluba is a Maya archaeological site. This location, southwest of Tizimin, was once closely connected to the neighboring Mayan sites of Chichén Itza and Ek Balam.
There is a connectivity or overlap between the natural and cultural landscapes in Kuluba. The Kuluba ruins display a variety of architectural styles, including Chenes, Rio Bec, and Puuc. The Itzaés of Chichén Itzá are also characterized by their Mayan-Toltec architecture.
The site’s small museum opened in 2018. The entrance is free, and Palacio de Los Chenes is the main structure on the site.
Ek Balam Ruins
Located only 40 minutes from Tizmin, Ek Balam ruins is a popular Yucatan ancient Maya ruin. Ek Balam is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. The last access time is 4 pm.
You should allow at least 2 hours to visit the Ek Balam ruins, or more if you intend to visit the nearby cenote as well. Ek Balam’s general entrance fee is only 75 pesos ($4).
Sisal
Sisal is a charming little town on the Yucatan’s northern coast that faces the Gulf of Mexico and is only a short drive from Merida.
Sisal has only recently appeared on maps, despite having been a prominent port for the trade of local goods during colonial times, notably the sisal-like henequen fibers and other goods. Sisal is still a sleepy fishing port today, but it attracts locals and tourists worldwide because of its incredible natural features. This beautiful hamlet is nestled between a stunning white sand beach surrounded by an emerald-blue ocean on one side and a complex network of lagoons, pentanes, and mangroves, home to various birds, including the elegant flamingos, on the other. It’s a photographer and nature lovers’ paradise with so much to explore!
Walk on the Beach
Sisal Beach is among the most beautiful beaches in Yucatan! It is one of the largest and longest beaches with plenty of free access where locals and visitors can take a leisurely stroll or swim in the water. In the neighborhood beach restaurants, you can rent or get chairs for free if you dine there.
Although the water doesn’t have the Caribbean colors of the Riviera Maya, it still has stunning colors ranging from emerald green to turquoise — particularly when the wind is minimal, and the sea is flat.
Go Paddleboarding and Kayaking in the Sea
Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the best activities in Sisal, particularly in the morning when the water is calmer. You can rent the equipment from Hostel Balam. The gracious owners may provide equipment rentals or even drive you to the reserve’s El Palmar beach if you’d prefer a quieter setting.
Enjoy the Sunset
You can see beautiful sunsets from the pier or the beach. If you are lodging at the Casona de Sisal, you may enjoy spectacular sunsets over Sisal from their lovely rooftop terrace.
Visit the Lighthouse and its Museum
Before being taken over by Puerto Progreso, Sisal was the country’s main port town during colonial times. The Santiago fort in Sisal was constructed to defend the port from pirate attacks, and the lighthouse was created in 1845.
The lighthouse is now accessible to all visitors as a museum about Sisal’s history as a commercial port town. It is usually open from 12 am to 2 pm daily.
Progresso
Progreso is a small town in Mexico on the Yucatán peninsula’s northern coast. Progreso is primarily a port city with a population of over 37,000 people. Progresso’s main industries are fishing and cargo shipping.
If you want to unwind, the coastal hamlet of Progreso, which is only 30 minutes north of the Yucatan Capital, is the perfect place. Progresso beaches are delightfully uncrowded and, for the most part, remain undiscovered, unlike beautiful beaches in Tulum and Cancun. You can get to Progreso by rental car or Colectivo from Merida.
Progreso is located on Mexico’s Gulf Coast and is a popular destination for kitesurfing and paddleboarding activities. If you want to enjoy this water sport, you can learn it at one of the many kitesurfing schools in Progreso.
There are plenty of the best things to do in Progresso!
Hit the beach
There are a variety of beaches in Progreso, Mexico, which is located on the Yucatan peninsula. The magnificent Playa Progreso should be the first stop.
Although there will be few waves for surfers to catch here, it’s the ideal place to spend a peaceful day with your family and friends, relaxing and soaking in the beauty.
Visit the El Corchito Ecological Reserve
El Corchito is a beautiful ecological reserve located close to Progreso. If you’re a nature lover, this spot is a good option!
El Corchito Ecological Reserve is a must-see and is only ten minutes from the beach by car. You can take a short boat journey to Raccoon Island for around 50 pesos ($2.50).
Enjoy a boat ride through the surrounding area’s lush mangrove trees before arriving at the natural reserve. A variety of local species you may interact with up close will welcome you to the park. Take a locally guided tour to swim around and discover the freshwater sinkholes that dot the water’s surface.
Kayak Through Mangroves
Mangrove swamps are common in the neighborhood and are among the Yucatan Peninsula’s most iconic natural features. La Ria Progreso offers kayak rentals to enjoy the day on the water at your own pace. Look at how many plants and tropical birds you can spot as you stroll through the quiet mangrove scenery.
Celestun
Celestun, Mexico, is a small fishing village located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s west coast. Its crystal clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and quaint seafood make it one of the best places to visit in Yucatan. Celestun means “painted stone” in the Mayan language.
Visit Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Celestun Biosphere Reserve is one of the most picturesque areas in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the top birding spots in North America.
The Celestun flamingos made this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see Yucatan travel destination. Birds love Celestun, Mexico, because it is a natural wetland, and several migratory species stop there to rest while traveling.
See the Pink Flamingos in Celestun
Celestun, located only 2 hours away from Campeche and 1 hour from Merida, is one of the best places in Mexico to see flamingos in their habitat.
A local “cooperative” like boat organization arranges boat tours to take you through swamps and mangroves to see pink flamingos and other bird species.
Take a Celestun trip with Guardianes de Los Manglares de Dzinitun to see these stunning birds up close. This tour company focuses on preserving and restoring the mangroves so that birds can continue to live in this area.
This eco-tour takes tourists by small boat through the mangroves to open lagoons where they can see hundreds or thousands of flamingos in the shallow waters.
According to some sources, approximately 35,000 Celestun Yucatan pink flamingos migrate to this small fishing village during the peak mating season, November to February.
Visit Playa Celestun (Celestun Beach)
A popular beach location, Celestun offers a calm, laid-back village on a long stretch of sand where you may unwind after a long day of traveling.
Because Playa Celestun faces west, you can see the sunset over the water there, which is not possible on other Yucatan beaches.
Final Thoughts about the Best Places to Visit in Yucatan
Whether you take a road trip through Yucatan or relax at a beachfront resort with a cocktail, this part of Mexico offers something for everyone. It has a vast untouched jungle, many historical sites, lovely colonial cities, and pristine beaches. Exploring Yucatan takes time, but it’s well worth it!
We hope you found this complete guide to the Yucatan, Mexico helpful. Please tell us in the comments section below if there are any other fun activities in Yucatan that we should include in this guide. Have a blast in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula!
