best time to visit mexico yucatan

Ultimate 2-Week Yucatan Itinerary in Mexico

Embark on an incredible journey to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: the Caribbean dream destination. From driving past the stunningly turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya to exploring ancient ruins and colorful colonial streets, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in this part of Mexico . Add the region’s delicious (street)food, remarkable large cenotes, and vast jungles, and you’re set for quite the adventure. Discover all the best spots with this ultimate 2-week Yucatan itinerary.

Two weeks in the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has an incredible range of destinations, from bustling tourist hubs like Cancun and Tulum to historic colonial cities like Valladolid and Merida. Though you can get around with public transportation, this Yucatan itinerary is best traveled by car, allowing you to hop between the region’s beautiful beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins. 

Tip: Many people speak English in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, but learning a few words in Spanish is always appreciated. Knowing how to greet people, order food and drinks, or ask for directions goes a long way!

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun

Start your Yucatan adventure in popular Cancun, known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and buzzing nightlife. As an iconic spring break destination, the city on the Caribbean coast immediately reveals one of the biggest draws to the region: the stunning turquoise sea. 

Take some time to recover from your flight by heading to the beach and grabbing some food at one of the restaurants. You’ll find the best beaches in the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) , a long strip of soft sands and high-rise hotels. 

Tip: If you have time, it’s also an option to travel directly to Tulum . The boho town has an airport , though it’s much smaller and has fewer flights than Cancun. 

Where to Stay in Cancun 

In Cancún, the buzzing Hotel Zone is the perfect place for beach lovers, with pristine shores and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more authentic local experience with traditional markets and restaurants, choose a hotel in downtown Cancun . 

Hotels in Cancun 😴

Day 2-3: Tulum

Just 2 hours south of busy Cancun, you’ll find the slower, laid-back town of Tulum. With incredible white-sand beaches, jungles, Mayan ruins, and unique hotels , it makes the perfect destination to unwind on your Yucatan travel itinerary. 

Soak up the sun on the famous Tulum Beach that lies in front of the resorts of the Hotel Zone . With incredibly blue water and powdery sand, it’s a real slice of paradise and one of the main reasons people visit the Caribbean town.

Afterward, depending on where you’re staying, have dinner in the Hotel Zone or head to the vibrant Tulum Centro for some yummy tacos. Downtown Tulum also makes the perfect place to go boutique shopping or find some cool souvenirs!

Join this local food tour or vegan food tour in Tulum .

Tulum Cenotes and Ruins

Take your time to explore the area; head off on a half-day trip to hidden cenotes (also the best way to cool down on your Yucatan itinerary!) or walk amongst the ancient Mayan ruins that sit perched on the coast’s cliffs. You can tour the Tulum pyramids on your own or book a tour to learn more about the Peninsula’s rich history.

Read: Best things to do in Tulum, Mexico

How to Get to Tulum

Tulum is only 2 hours away from Cancun and is easy to get to by bus, car, or taxi. Rent a car in Cancun and drive south along the stunning coastline. Alternatively, hop on one of the ADO buses that leave for Tulum at the main bus terminal downtown ( book your tickets here ). Traveling by bus is generally the cheapest way of getting around the Yucatan in Mexico.

We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Tulum

Tulum has new accommodations pop up everywhere in town, with many dotted along the coastline ( Hotel Zone ). Prices are a bit higher here, but hotels include different amenities and have direct access to the beautiful beaches. You can also find good apartments and hotels downtown (Centro). 

Hotels in Tulum 😴

Day 4: Day Trip to Sian Ka’an

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected area on the Caribbean coast in Mexico, home to many animal species and stunning landscapes. Take a day to explore the jungle marshes, mangroves, cenotes, and vibrant blue lagoons in this protected UNESCO site.

Whether it’s relaxing in a hammock with your feet in the water of Laguna de Kaan Luum or walking through the jungle and past ancient Mayan ruins, Sian Ka’an offers a refreshing addition to your 2-week Yucatan itinerary. Cool off in the huge open cenote, float down man-made canals, and explore the Muyil ruins by booking an organized tour . 

Note: Due to the harsh chemicals in many sunscreens and bug sprays, you’re not allowed to wear them in the reserve (and many other places in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula). Instead, choose a non-toxic bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen .

Here are all your hotel options in Tulum.

Day 5-7: Bacalar (Highlight of Yucatan)

Discover the magical town of Bacalar, one of the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This beautiful destination is known for its freshwater lagoon with shockingly turquoise water and vibrant downtown. Though it’s growing in popularity, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem, making it a must-see on your Yucatan itinerary.

Read: Best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico

Spend a few days exploring the different corners of Bacalar and its surroundings, from deep open-air cenotes to powerful streams and the lagoon of seven different colors. Once you get to Bacalar, unwind at one of the beach clubs (Balnearios) at the lagoon’s edge and witness the beautiful sunset from the fortress downtown.

Kayak, Paddleboard , or Boat Tour on the Lagoon

Kayaking on the Bacalar Lagoon is easily one of the best things to do on a 2-week Yucatan itinerary. You can rent kayaks (or paddleboards) around the lake, including many Balnearios (200 – 300 MXN). Head out early to explore the island crops and ancient stromatolites.

Book an amazing sunrise paddleboard tour here

For a similarly relaxed experience, you can book a boat tour on the lake. There are many companies all around the lagoon offering 2-hour tours in a lancha (small boat) or ponton (pontoon). However, you can also hop on a sailboat or small catamaran for 3-4 hours. ( Book your tour here )

How to Get to Bacalar

If you’re renting a car in Mexico, make your way further south to Bacalar. From Tulum, it’s about a 3-hour drive through beautiful jungle roads. 

You also have the option to travel on the ADO bus that departs directly from Tulum. Though time-consuming (5+ hours), the buses are comfortable, safe, and easy to use. The bus drop-off in Bacalar is about 15 minutes from the town’s center. 

Book your bus tickets to Bacalar in advance

Where to Stay in Bacalar

The best place to stay in Bacalar is in the heart of town, where you find most hotels, restaurants, and the Bacalar park. From here, it’s only a short walk to the stunning lagoon. You can also book a boutique hotel or guesthouse directly on the lagoon, with private piers and stunning water views.

Hotels in Bacalar 😴

Day 8-9: Valladolid : A Yucatan Itinerary Must

On day 8 of your Yucatan travel itinerary, head to the beautiful Valladolid, which is full of color, culture, and history. When you arrive in the afternoon, explore the city’s rainbow-colored alleys and indulge in some delicious Yucateco dishes for dinner.

Read: Best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico

The next day, wander around the charming pastel streets, and explore the majestic San Servacio Cathedral, while you hunt for a yummy breakfast spot. From the restaurant patio, you can easily take in all the surrounding colonial architecture and lively marketplaces. Afterward, use the warm afternoon to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of nearby cenotes. ( Join this cenotes tour )  

Tip: Valladolid has a lovely cenote (Cenote Zaci) right in the center, only a short walk from the main square. This is a popular spot to visit but a must-see if you’re in the city!

How to Get to Valladolid

The colorful city of Valladolid lies about 4 hours away from Bacalar , meaning it’ll take a good chunk of your day to get there. You also have the option of the ADO bus to Valladolid. Note: There’s not always a direct bus route from Bacalar to Valladolid, so browse your options on the ADO site in advance.

Where to Stay in Valladolid

From colorful hostels to beautiful boutique hotels , there’s accommodation for every type of traveler in Valladolid. Most lie close to the center, making it easier to explore all the sites. What’s more, many include a delicious Mexican breakfast, too!

Hotels in Valladolid 😴

Day 10: Chichen Itzá

Close to Valladolid lies Mexico’s most famous Mayan site: Chichen Itzá. Perched between the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s impossible to visit the nearby city and not take a morning to visit this stunning complex. 

Made up of multiple Mayan ruins, Chichen Itzá is one of the largest Mayan cities to have ever existed and the most visited ancient site in Mexico . Rent a car or motorbike, or join a tour to Chichen Itza to visit the iconic historical remains, wandering between massive step pyramids and stone pillars. 

How to Get to Chichen Itzá

Chichen Itzá is about a 45-minute drive from Valladolid. Once you’ve arrived, most people spend about 2-3 hours walking around the large archeological site, either self-guided or on a guided walking tour.

Afterward, hop back in your vehicle and use the afternoon to explore some of the other beautiful sites in the area: the quaint town of Uayma, the Ek Balam ruins, or the Insta-famous Cenote Suytun.

Day 11-12: Isla Holbox

On the last leg of your two-week Yucatan itinerary, explore the sleepy beach town of Holbox. Here, soft sandy beaches and calm waters make the perfect location to soak up some last sun before returning home from Cancun. 

Read:  Top Things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico .

Relax on the island, lounging in a hammock with a delicious cocktail in hand, and listen to the sound of the waves. Days are slow here, but you can easily fill it up with some more excitement by going kayaking in the mangroves or cruising down the coast to Punta Mosquito . As you travel, take in the colorful murals spread across the little beach town, swim in the Caribbean Sea, and spot flamingos on the horizon. 

Tip: Isla Holbox sees some of the most vibrant bioluminescence at night! It’s worth booking a tour to walk or glide through the glowing waters to witness this incredible phenomenon.

How to Get to Holbox

From Valladolid, it’s about a 2-hour drive to get to Chiquilá, the port town where you can hop on a ferry towards Isla Holbox . Two ferry companies operate between the island and Chiquilá, leaving every 30 minutes all day long. The journey across only takes 15 minutes, and a roundtrip to Holbox costs about 400 MXN (23.30 USD). 

Book your ferry tickets in advance online

If you’re driving, you can park your car in Chiquilá, which costs about 200 MXN (11.61 USD) per 24 hours. Tip: Though it’s usually not a problem, it’s recommended to remove all your belongings from the car (learn more about travel safety ).

Where to Stay in Holbox

The peaceful atmosphere of Isla Holbox and its beachy location offer some incredible stays, from luxe eco-lodges to chill hostels with hammocks on the sand. The best area is right in the center near the ‘Holbox’ letters, close to all the things to do and many restaurants.

Hotels in Isla Holbox 😴

Alternative Option: Visit the City of Merida

If Valladolid has got you excited about colorful alleys, colonial architecture, and vibrant local music (and you want to see more), opt to visit Merida instead of Holbox. This city, known as the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, is rich with lively markets, Mayan heritage, and colonial streets. 

Dive into the delicious cuisine on lively patios while music plays and people dance in the background. Blending ancient history, rhythm, and modern energy, Merida is a must-see for those craving more local culture.

From Valladolid, it’s a 2-hour drive to Merida. Rent a car and drive yourself or book your bus tickets online .

Day 13: Return to Cancun

On your last full day in Mexico, grab a delicious coffee on Isla Holbox in the morning and ferry back to the mainland after. Once you get to Chiquilá, pick up your car from where you parked it and drive back to Cancun.

Tip: Take this day to relax before flying out the next day, stroll through Mercado 28, and shop for some last souvenirs.

How to Visit the Yucatan in 2 Weeks

Your 2-week Yucatan itinerary starts and ends in Cancun or Tulum, both of which have airports. 

Getting Around the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

For the ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a car in Mexico to complete your Yucatan itinerary in 2 weeks. This also gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore every destination you’d like. Besides, it’s often much faster and cheaper than taxiing or taking a tour .

Alternatively, you can book a taxi or private transfer or hop on the bus to get around. Though traveling by bus takes a bit longer than by car, the ADO bus network in the Yucatan Peninsula is very good, affordable, and comfortable.

Book your bus tickets online in advance

Our Favorite Accommodations for a 2-Week Yucatan Itinerary

Depending on your budget, there are many options for accommodation in the Yucatan, Mexico. For example, exclusive hotels , seaside resorts, lively hostels , or downtown apartments . Here are our favorites:

• Cancun:   Adhara Hacienda , Suites Malecon Cancun , Kin Ha Villas & Suites
• Tulum: Kai Tulum , Casa Ganesh Tulum , Meteora Tulum
• Bacalar: Hotel Sun Ha , Hotel CasaBakal , Hotel & Suite Oasis
• Valladolid:   Casa Tia Micha , Casa San Juan , Hostal Casa Xtakay
• Holbox: Dream Beachfront Hotel , Villas Margaritas , Casa Sofia

Is the Yucatan in Mexico Safe?

The Yucatan Peninsula is generally considered safe for travelers, with popular areas heavily patrolled by police to maintain security. However, like any other travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Luckily, due to its popularity, you’re rarely ever completely alone. You can also get a Mexico SIM card for added security and convenience.

Read more about how to travel safe

What to Know Before Your Yucatan Itinerary

Before you make your way through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and explore its stunning jungles, towns, and coastline, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind. That way, you can confidently travel while respecting its unique cultural and natural landscapes.

• Learn a few words in Spanish. Despite its growing popularity, some people in Mexico don’t speak English. However, local Yucatecans are known for their warmth and hospitality, especially towards visitors who show interest in their culture.
• Get a Telcel SIM card. Getting a local SIM is great for staying connected during your Yucatan itinerary of 2 weeks. The best mobile data company is Telcel; for only 200 MXN (~12 USD), you have 30 days of unlimited data for social media and 5GB for all other browsings. The card itself costs only 80 MXN (or you can buy an e-sim in advance ).
• Tipping is very common in Mexico. Sometimes, it’s already included in the bill, so make sure to check this before paying!
• Drinking alcohol on the street is illegal . Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and bars with beautiful patios to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on. 

• Bring a reef-safe sunscreen and non-toxic bug spray . Many areas in the Yucatan Peninsula are protected zones (cenotes, Sian Ka’an). To preserve this beautiful nature, they ask you not to wear any sunscreen, but sometimes a reef-safe option is allowed.
• Watch out for topes if you rent a vehicle. These inconspicuous ‘speed bumps’ are often found in and around towns and don’t always have a sign indicating them. They’re pretty high and can really pop out of nowhere – so keep an eye out!
• Don’t forget to try the different ‘antojitos’. These small dishes (mostly tacos and other small plates) are a must-try when traveling through the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Best Time to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula sees a warm tropical climate year-round, though the dry season offers more comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. This period is the best time to visit Mexico ’s Yucatan Peninsula and runs from the end of November to May (also the peak tourism season). 

The rainy season (May – October) sees more rainfall and has a higher chance of hurricanes, though travel is still possible with some planning. Keep in mind that some destinations, like Isla Holbox, are better to visit during the dry season to avoid mud and flooded streets.

How Much Do 2 Weeks in the Yucatan Cost?

Planning a 2-week Yucatan itinerary is guaranteed to be an adventure full of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture. Over the years, this particular area of Mexico has become incredibly popular, with many travelers seeking the Peninsula’s Caribbean atmosphere. However, costs can fluctuate depending on your travel plans and the season you visit. Here’s a quick overview of the average costs:

Costs of Traveling in Yucatan

Travel on a budget in Yucatan, from $480 − $560 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1050 − $2510 USD, and high-end from $2460 − $3650 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $40 − $225 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $20 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $80 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $50 USD
• Activities: $15 − $60 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $10 − $30 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: Access to ATMs and the ability to use credit cards can vary, especially in more remote areas. Because of this, it’s good to carry enough cash with you on your Yucatan travel itinerary. Note that it’s best to withdraw in Mexican Pesos, though, in more tourist areas, US dollars might be accepted. Just make sure to double-check the exchange rate provided.

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Yucatan via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things to do in Bacalar (Mexico’s Blue Lagoon)

10 best things to do in tulum, mexico, 9 best things to do in valladolid, mexico.

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Mexico Yucatan Peninsula

Your ultimate guide to mexico ‘s yucatan peninsula, yucatan peninsula travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Top Destinations  |  Things to Do  | Tours  |  Travel Safety  | Yucatan Blogs |  FAQ

mexico Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Mexico yucatan peninsula: at a glance.

From world-class beaches and swimmable cenotes, to Mayan ruins and colorful, colonial cities — there’s something for everyone planning a Yucatan Peninsula trip. The area known as the Yucatan Peninsula consists of three states: Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state.

• Quintana Roo:  This state is home to all the big destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun , Tulum , Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen , but also great off the beaten path places, like Isla Holbox Island and Laguna Bacalar Lake .

• Yucatan : This state is considered one of the safest in Mexico, if not the safest. The capital city, Merida , is known as the safest city in Mexico, though other cities like Valladolid and Izamal , as well as the beaches of Yucatan , are also safe to visit.

• Campeche : The least visited Yucatan Peninsula state, this off the beaten path Mexico destination is safe. From the Walled City of Campeche to the Calakmul Mayan Ruins — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Campeche State has many Mexico hidden gems.

Mexico Yucatan Peninsula: Know Before You Go

• ✈️ Airport: Cancun Airport (code: CUN) and Merida Airport (code: MID) ⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)
• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula?

For the best weather: November to March are the ideal months to travel to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This is, of course, the high season or busy season in Yucatan, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds.

Yucatan Peninsula Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Yucatan — a magical time when the weather is still nice, and the prices are still low.

For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your buck! However, know these months can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy. Surrounded by the Mayan jungle, mosquitoes an issue in Yucatan, especially in the summers, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray 🦟

⛈ Note: June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Located on the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is susceptible.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is a region in southeastern Mexico that consists of three states — Quintana Roo state, Yucatan state and Campeche state. As its name state, this is a peninsula , with the Gulf of Mexico to the north, and Caribbean Sea to the south and east.

Yucatan Peninsula map

What’s the best airport for Yucatan Peninsula travel?

For most travelers, you’ll want to use for Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) — the largest airport in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This airport has the most direct flights, and you can easily travel to Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum from here.

If you’re visiting Merida, Valladolid or Campeche, opt for Merida International Airport (code: MID).

What are the best Yucatan Peninsula travel destinations?

Tulum , Mexico

Once a sleepy beach town, Tulum is now one of the top Mexico travel destinations. It has some of the best beaches in Mexico, located right on the Caribbean Sea.

Is Tulum worth visiting? Tulum is perfect for travelers looking for a unique experience. It has an interesting mix of bohemian vibes and spiritual seekers, with luxurious Tulum resorts on the beach, Mayan Ruins and swimmable cenotes .

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun has been one of the top Mexico travel destinations for decades now. Visitors from all over the world head here to enjoy the beautiful beaches, Cancun cenotes , lively party scene and more.

Is Cancun worth visiting? For travelers who want to take advantage of the great Cancun all-inclusive resorts , kick back on the beach, frozen Margarita in hand — you’ll love Cancun Mexico!

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Playa del Carmen is located about 45 minutes south of Cancun. It is popular with expats in Mexico, as well as travelers, and digital nomads in Mexico.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting? Playa (as it’s known by locals) has a similar vibe to Cancun, but on a smaller scale. There are still great Playa del Carmen resorts , but it sees fewer tourists than Cancun.

Merida , Mexico

Merida is the capital city of Yucatan state — and considered the safest city in Mexico. Once a Mexico hidden gem, Merida is fast becoming a top Mexico vacation city.

Is Merida worth visiting? Those seeking to experience the “real” Mexico will love Merida. It’s a great place for Mexico culture travel and foodie travel, with plenty of amazing Merida day trips located nearby.

Best things to do in Yucatan Peninsula

Each of the best places to visit in Yucatan Mexico have unique things to do. The easiest way to plan your Yucatan trip is to identify the places you plan to visit, and then discover all the best things to see and do within those locations.

Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

Holbox Island

Isla Mujeres

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Bacalar Lagoon

Cozumel Island

Akumal Beach (Turtle Swim)

Campeche City

Izamal “The Yellow City”

Best yucatan peninsula tours.

Multi-day tours in Yucatan are a great way to see a lot of sites on one trip — and not have to worry about coordinating your transportation between places. Below, you’ll find the best Yucatan tours, which include unique excursions on land to see the Mayan Ruins, and unforgettable adventures under the sea.

Is Yucatan Peninsula safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico. Popular areas in Mexico, like the Yucatan Peninsula, are heavily moderated by Mexican police to keep these places safe — so visitors continue to return year after year!

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

Some other less-obvious things to watch out for are dehydration, sunburns , mosquitoes and hangovers! With a tropical climate, Yucatan is hot year-round, and the mosquitoes are quite bad in the summers.

Speaking of summer, this is the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and situated between the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan is susceptible.

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Yucatan Travel Blogs: Learn more about Yucatan Mexico 🇲🇽

Cenote Ik Kil Mexico: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for 2024

10 Best Chichen Itza Private Tours for Travelers in 2024

Renting a Car in Riviera Maya Mexico: What to Know in 2024

Mexico yucatan peninsula: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Yucatan Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the Yucatan weather like?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate — meaning you can expect warm and hot temperatures year-round, and heavy rains throughout the summer.

In the summers, temperatures hover around 95°F (35°C), though can feel hotter because of the humidity. For the best weather in Yucatan Mexico, visit between November to March.

Is Yucatan worth visiting?

Yes — Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a unique destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.

This area of the country has the largest Mayan population in Mexico, and you can visit numerous Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Tulum Ruins, Uxmal Ruins, Coba Ruins and Chichen Itza Ruins, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

There are also amazing Caribbean beaches, 5 Star all-inclusive resorts and overwater bungalows , world-class birdwatching, delicious Yucatan food , historic Colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and cenotes (natural jungle pools).

No matter the kind of vacation you’er after, you can find it in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

How many days do I need in Yucatan Mexico?

If you only have a weekend to travel, stick to 1-2 cities that are near each other — like Cancun and Isla Mujeres , or Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island . If you have one week in Yucatan, you can visit 3-4 cities. To see all the best sites and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, you’d need at least two weeks, if not more!

The Yucatan Peninsula is large, and if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, a Mexico rental car is the way to go.

🚗💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company?

Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies so you get the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

🚗💨 Is it safe to drive in Yucatan Mexico?

Many want to know, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? For most travelers, YES , it’s perfectly safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Cancun , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips so you feel safe and confident while driving in Mexico.

Is Yucatan Peninsula expensive?

This depends on where you’re going, as some places are pricier than others. Big-name destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum cost more (though Tulum budget travel is totally possible!), but off the beaten path places cost less.

To visit the cheaper Yucatan hidden games, head to Valladolid , Puerto Morelos , Bacalar Lagoon and Merida .

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

The Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here, and my privacy policy here.

LOCATION | WHEN TO TRAVEL | GETTING THERE | TOP PLACES | THINGS TO DO | TOP TOURS | SAFETY

If you’re heading to Yucatan Mexico, this complete Yucatan Travel Guide will help you plan your trip and decide what to see and how to move around, whether you are traveling solo or with friends.

Before diving into the Yucatan guide, I would like to clarify what is the difference between the Yucatan and Yucatan Peninsula, because they are two very different areas.

So Yucatan is one of the Mexican states, and it’s exactly what this post is about, while The Yucatan Peninsula is the geographical region that includes the states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

Quintana Roo is home to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. I will cover those in another article.

So now that we have clarified this important detail, let’s cut to the chase.

Yucatan Travel Guide: Know Before You Go

Here are the top things to know before booking your trip to the Yucatan: 

✔️ Currency: Mexican Pesos

✔️ Language : Spanish

✔️ Airports : Merida (MID) is the largest airport in Yucatan along with small regional airports. It’s an international airport where you can fly from some cities in the US. However, for more flight options and better rates, you may want to fly into Cancun and get a transfer to Merida .

✔️ Sim Card : Telcel has the best service in the Yucatan, Sim cards can be bought at all airports and in large cities or you can buy them online to avoid wasting time when you land.

✔️ Visas: Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa while others need to apply for a tourist permit. Make sure to check your country’s requirements ahead of time. 

✔️ Electric Socket: Mexico uses Type A and Type B plugs. Make sure to get a travel adapter if you need one. If you are coming from the US you won’t need one.

👉🏽 Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is in Mexico on the easternmost side of the country. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico as it has cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. 

Yucatan map

When is the best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula?

Since the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and great water activities, you want to make sure you’re visiting in the dry season which is from December to April. 

However, keep in mind that the dry season is also the high season, which means higher rates and bigger crowds.

If you want to save some bucks you should consider traveling between the week after Easter and mid-June before the schools close.

During this time of the year, you should still have sunny days and clear skies but lower prices and smaller crowds. Basically, you’ll have the best of both worlds.

🌧️ What is the rainy season in the Yucatan?

The rainy season in the Yucatan is from June to October. It can rain some during the months of May and November as well, but these months are not as wet. 

☀️ What is the hottest month in Yucatan?

March to May are the hottest months in the Yucatan, even though the peninsula experiences hot weather all year round. 

During these three months, there are many days when the temperatures reach 40 °C (104 °F).

When it’s hot in Yucatan it’s unbearable, unless you are close to the water. That is a good time to visit cenotes and check out the beaches because cities such as Merida, Valladolid, and Izamal are extremely hot.

🌀 What is hurricane season in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Hurricane season in the Yucatan is from June to mid-October. Make sure you pay attention to the weather during these months in case there are tropical storms or hurricane warnings. 

The best places to visit in Yucatan 

If you’re heading to the Yucatan, you might not be sure of the best places to go. Merida and Valladolid are the main places people visit while in Yucatan State. 

Here are the top places to visit to experience each of these amazing towns. 

Merida is a historical city surrounded by cenotes and jungles. It also has an amazing food scene. You can dine in at fancy restaurants or you can grab some tacos from a local street food vendor. 

Here is a quick list of the best things to do in Merida :

👉🏽 Visit the Plaza Grande. This part of the city is more than 500 years old. You can see colonial architecture and wander down some of the side streets to immerse yourself in culture and history. 

👉🏽 Eat. Eating local food is a must anywhere in Mexico but especially in Merida. Head to the Mercado Lucas de Galvez where you can find fresh produce and small stalls selling some of the best Yucatan food.

👉🏽 Swim in a cenote. There are many cenotes around Merida but the most famous one is Cenote Noh Mozon. 

👉🏽 See a few Mayan ruins. There are many ruins to visit near Merida including Uxmal and Mayapan. 

✔️ Valladolid

Valladolid is quickly becoming more popular for travelers and with good reason! Here are some of the things not to miss while in Valladolid:

👉🏽 Tour the Convent of San Bernardo. The outside and inside of this convent are stunning. You can walk around the inside and then visit the small museum on the grounds as well. 

👉🏽 Eat in the square. In the historical square, there are many great restaurants to try. Las Campanas is known as the best, but don’t be afraid to try others as they are all fantastic. 

👉🏽 Go on a walking or biking tour. Valladolid is not very big, so it’s easy to explore some of the best sites by walking or cycling. 

👉🏽 Take a day trip. From Valladolid, you can easily get to many cenotes like Cenote Suytun. Chichen Itza is also only about 45 minutes away. 

Things to do in Yucatan

With so many things to do and see, it can be hard to decide what to put on your Yucatan bucket list. No matter how much time you have, make sure to visit a few of these places below!

🏖️ Best Yucatan beaches

➡️ Playa Norte Celestun is a breathtaking beach in Merida . It’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

➡️ Puerto Progreso is about 30-45 minutes from Merida and is well worth the drive. It’s usually not very crowded, so you’ll have the chance to relax and swim without too many people. 

➡️ El Cuyo is a nice weekend trip from Merida with some of the best beaches. It’s a popular place for kite surfing with plenty of rental gear shops nearby in case you don’t have your own. You can also sign up for a class if you’re a beginner. 

➡️ Playa Norte and Playa Sur are both beautiful beaches in Celestun. Playa Norte has more amenities as well as more options for restaurants and bars. 

➡️ San Benito is one of the beaches to visit if you want seclusion and quiet. It’s not very far from Progreso, you can always head there if you want more choices for food and nightlife. 

🌊 Best Yucatan cenotes

👉🏻 Cenote Zaci-Ha: This is one of the largest cenotes near Valladolid . It’s open-air and perfect for swimming. 

👉🏻 Cenote X’Canche: Make sure to visit this cenote after coming from Ek Balam as they are just adjacent to each other.

👉🏻 Cenote Oxman is near Valladolid. They have a few different ticket options for entry. You can pay more if you want access to the pool and restaurant while the lower ticket prices only give entrance to the cenote. 

👉🏻 Cenote Suytun is another cenote near Valladolid. It’s huge with clear blue water. The stalactites at the top of the cave also make for a great photo op. 

👍🏼 Best Yucatan ruins

You can’t travel to the Yucatan without visiting a few Mayan ruins . Here are the best ones not to miss. 

🔸 Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is the most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. The ruins are more than 740 acres. During the tour, you’ll be able to see many of the Mayan temples and learn about the Spanish conquest of the area. 

🔸 Uxmal 

Behind Chichén Itzá, Uxmal is the second most visited Mayan ruin site in the Yucatan. It’s a four-hour drive from Cancun making it a great weekend trip.

The stonework is intricate and detailed with many different temples and other ancient buildings to tour. 

🔸 Ruta Puuc

This is the best Mayan ruin site to visit if you’re in Merida as it’s not very far away.

Since it’s not as famous as other Mayan ruins in the state, you can experience the site peacefully without fighting crowds. You can also get some amazing photos. 

🦩 Where to see flamingos in Yucatan

Yucatan is famous for having an abundance of pink flamingoes as well as many other birds. Here are the best places to spot these magnificent creatures:

🗸 Rio Lagartos is famous for its flamingoes and its beautiful pink lakes. The best place to see the flamingoes is Parque Natural Ria Lagartos. 

🗸 Celestun has the largest pink flamingoes. You can take a day trip from Merida here and enjoy the lagoons and birds. 

🗸 El Cuyo is a great city to see flamingoes. They are easily spotted just outside the town center in the nearby lagoons. There are over 20,000 flamingoes in El Cuyo. 

👍🏼 Yucatan Pueblos Mágicos

Pueblos Mágicos are towns in rural areas of Mexico. Even though they see less tourism than larger cities, they often have more to offer with beautiful sites and unspoiled attractions. 

📍 Valladolid

Valladolid is not as well known as other places in Yucatan, but it’s quickly becoming more of a tourist town. It’s a great place to witness the authentic Mexican lifestyle. It also has an abundance of cenotes to visit. 

If you want to visit the most photogenic town in Mexico, come to see these amazing things in Izamal . Known as the “Yellow City,” almost every building in Izamal is painted a bright yellow. There are many great places to visit here including Mayan ruins and the Convento San Antonio de Padua. 

Sisal is a small seaport town. It’s only an hour from Merida. It has quiet beaches, small local bars, and freshly caught seafood in almost every restaurant.

🏆 Best Yucatan Tours

While you can explore the Yucatan on your own, booking a tour is a great way to learn about local culture and meet new friends as you travel. 

🌮 Mexican cooking class

If you’re itching to learn to make your favorite Mexican dishes while in the Yucatan, taking a cooking class is a great tour to book. Every cooking class is different, but the best ones include how to make fresh tortillas along with popular dishes. 

The best Mexican cooking classes also include a trip to the local market and an introduction to the history of food in the Yucatan. 

🦩 Las Coloradas pink lake

Las Coloradas are in the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Along with seeing the stunning pink lakes, you also get a chance to see flamingoes, crocodiles, and hundreds of different species of birds. 

💎 Yucatan hidden gems

A tour of Yucatan’s hidden gems will take you to all the less visited places within the region. Some of the best-hidden gems include the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve and Ek Balam. 

Since the Yucatan is a huge region, endless hidden gems exist to find and explore. 

Where to stay in Yucatan

The Yucatan is full of amazing places to stay including small haciendas and 5-star resorts. There is the perfect accommodation for everyone. 

🏆 Best Haciendas in Yucatan

🏨 Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana is about 25 minutes from downtown Merida. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel that is on more than four acres of gardens. They also have a small restaurant and cocktail bar on site. 

🏨 Hacienda Santa Cruz Hotel & Spa is super close to downtown Merida. They have tons of amazing amenities, large rooms, a spa, private gardens, and several outdoor pools. 

🏆 Best Hotels in the Yucatan

🛏 Casa Tia Micha : Nice place to stay in Valladolid when you travel to Yucatan. The rooms are beautiful and it’s close to the city center. 

🛏 Hotel Tabasco Rio : One of the best hotels in the center of Rios Lagartos. They have free WIFI and air conditioning. It’s right in the city center so you can walk everywhere. 

🛏 Casa BreMar 3097: If you’re in Celestun, make sure to book a night here. They have comfortable rooms including air conditioning. You can also swim in the pool, take a walk on the private beach, or dine in the outdoor pavilion. 

🏆 Best Yucatan Resorts

🏝 Chablé Yucatán : Perfect place to be if you want to be near Merida but have more peace and quiet. The resort is in a secluded area near many cenotes around the region. They offer basic rooms, suites, and villas. 

🏝 Hotel Reef Yucatan : Right on the Gulf of Mexico, this resort is perfect if you want to spend most of your time on the beach. It’s all-inclusive so your meals and drinks are included. The terraces in the rooms are the best part as they have views of the ocean. 

🏝 Chichen Resort : If you want to be close to Chichen Itza, this is one of the best places. They have a restaurant, outdoor pool, and spa on-site. You can book a room or a small cottage. 

Is Yucatan safe?

The Yucatan is one of the safest regions to visit in Mexico. The crime rates are low compared to other parts of Mexico, especially the rates for violent crimes. It’s also the region in Mexico with the lowest number of kidnappings, homicides, and vehicle thefts. 

Petty theft is common though. You can avoid this by never walking alone at night, keeping your bag close to you, and not flashing money or jewelry. 

Some other safety tips to follow include:

✔️ Put money and other valuables in the hotel safe before heading out 

✔️ Make sure to only drink at  reputable bars/hotels and don’t let strangers buy you drinks 

✔️ Never leave your drinks unattended

✔️ Only use taxis that are metered 

By following the above tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable time while in Yucatan . 

How many days do you need in Yucatan?

Trips in the Yucatan shouldn’t be less than 5 days, but spending a week or two is ideal so you can see more of this beautiful region. 

Here are some sample itineraries so you can plan your time accordingly. 

✔️ 1-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: After landing in Cancun, head straight to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2: Spend the day exploring Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 3: Head to Ek Balam (You can also go to Chichen Itza if you have time)

👉🏽 Day 4 and 5: Spend two days exploring Merida (or use one day to swim in a nearby cenote)

👉🏽 Day 6: Take a day trip to Rio Lagartos

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour the Mayan ruins of Uxmal before heading to the airport 

If you’re flying out of Cancun rather than Merida, you might have to skip the last-day trip and drive back to Cancun. 

✔️ 10-day Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 3: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza (and go to Cenote Ik Kil since it’s nearby!)

👉🏽 Day 4: Tour Ek Balam 

👉🏽 Day 5: Take a day trip to El Cuyo

👉🏽 Day 6: Start driving to Merida, but spend the night in Izamel

👉🏽 Day 7: Tour Izamel and then finish the drive to Merida 

👉🏽 Day 8 and 9: Spend two days exploring Merida

👉🏽 Day 9: Drive to Uxmal or Celestun for a day trip

👉🏽 Day 10: Drive back to Cancun and prepare to fly back home (if flying out of Merida you can take another day trip or have an extra day exploring the city)

✔️ 2-week Yucatan itinerary

👉🏽 Day 1: Fly into Cancun and then drive to Valladolid

👉🏽 Day 2 and 3: Spend a couple of days exploring Valladolid 

👉🏽 Day 4: Take a day trip to Chichen Itza 

👉🏽 Day 5: Drive to Rio Lagartos and see the flamingoes

👉🏽 Day 6: Drive to Izamal and spend one day exploring 

👉🏽 Day 7 and 9: Head to Merida and spend the next two days touring the city 

👉🏽 Day 10: Take a day trip to Ek Balam or Uxmal 

👉🏽 Day 11: Drive to Progreso and spend the day lounging on the beach

👉🏽 Day 12: Head to Celestun to explore the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve 

👉🏽 Day 13: Visit Sisal 

👉🏽 Day 14: Drive to Cancun and fly home 

How to get around Yucatan

There are many ways to get around Yucatan depending on your budget and how many places you plan to go to. If you’re going to many different cities, the easiest and best way to get around is by car. 

You can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in Yucatan. You can also rent a car from many airports including Cancun International. 

If you’re nervous to drive or can’t drive, booking private shuttles is another great way to get around. They are less expensive than taxis as you will often share a shuttle with a few other people that are going to the same destination. 

Most areas of the Yucatan are easily accessible by ADO Bus , the official bus network in Mexico. Buses are extremely cost-effective and are the best way to get around for those backpacking Yucatan. 

If you are not a budget and prefer to take taxis, you can also do so. Taxis are an efficient (but expensive) way to get around. 

🚙 Yucatan Road Trip

Taking a road trip through the Yucatan is a great way to see the area. Most road trippers visiting Yucatan start in Cancun as this is usually the cheapest airport to fly into and there are ample car rental options once you clear customs. 

From Cancun, you can head straight to Valladolid where you can visit Chichen Itza and explore the various beaches and cenotes. 

From Valladolid make sure to go to Merida to see the beautiful city center, swim in a few more cenotes, and eat some good food. From Merida, you have plenty of day trip options including Rio Lagartos, Izamel, and Celestun. 

You can then fly out of the international airport in Merida or head back to Cancun if the flights back to your home are cheaper from there. 

👉 Do you need a car in Yucatan?

You don’t have to rent a car while in the Yucatan, but having a car is definitely the best way to road trip. Otherwise, you can get taxis, shuttles, or take the local bus to get to your destination. 

👉 Is it safe to drive in the Yucatan Peninsula?

Yes! You just need to make sure you follow all local driving laws and pay attention to signs and traffic lights. Petty theft is common though, so make sure you don’t leave money or valuables visible in the car when parked. 

Most roads in the Yucatan are very well-marked so you shouldn’t have a problem getting lost. 

🚌 Yucatan by bus

Using ADO buses while in the Yucatan (or pretty much anywhere in Mexico) is a fast and cheap way to get around. You can purchase bus tickets at any bus terminal in any city. Prices for bus tickets can range in price depending on where you are coming from and where you are going. 

There are also a few other bus companies that run long-distance routes. These include Primera Plus and Omnibuses de Mexico. 

ADO buses are the most well-known though. At the bus terminals, you’ll find posted bus routes and times making it easy to travel back and forth between cities. 

🌊 Yucatan tours

Many people choose to book tours while in Yucatan. This is a great way to get around the area without needing to work on booking transportation for yourself. 

When you book a tour, they will usually pick you up from your hotel. So all you need to do is get ready! After the excursion, they will then drop you back off at the hotel. 

Most transportation costs are included in the payment you give to the tour company. While you can books tours for virtually everything, the most common tours include day trips to cenotes and Mayan ruins. 

Some tours also combine several different attractions making it easy to see many of the best sites in one day. 

Planning a trip to Yucatan

💰 is the yucatan peninsula expensive.

Most of Mexico is very affordable . You’ll find that hotels and food are cheaper than what you might be used to paying at home. 

However, expect the Yucatan Peninsula to be a little more expensive compared to other places you might have traveled to in Mexico. 

Many cities and regions in the Yucatan are well-known and are common tourist destinations. So, the popularity is what makes it more expensive. 

You can still have a very affordable vacation though especially if you choose to eat at local establishments and not stay in large all-inclusive resorts. 

🧳 Do I need a travel adapter for Yucatan?

If you are from the USA or Canada, you will not need a travel adapter for the Yucatan because the plugs in Mexico are the same as in the rest of North America. 

If you’re from another part of the world, you will need to get an adapter to charge your devices in Mexico. Make sure you have the adapter that is two flat parallel pins (Type A). Mexico also has plugs with two flat pins along with a round pin (Type B). 

Universal Travel Power Adapter- EPICKA All in One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor

✔️ with Smart Power USB for USA EU UK AUS ✔️ Cell Phone Laptop (4 USB + Type C – White + Grey) ✔️ Suitable for Hair Dryer, Headphone, MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones, GPS, PDAs, travel speakers, etc

📝 Do I need travel insurance for Yucatan? 

Travel insurance is not required to visit the Yucatan, but it’s never a bad idea to buy insurance when visiting a foreign country. 

The best travel insurance plans include trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and trip delay. 

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using   Safety Wing , and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER . Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

📚 Do they speak English in Yucatan?

The main language of the Yucatan is Spanish. When you’re in rural areas or smaller towns, it can be hard to find any local people that speak English. You might want to learn some basic Spanish phrases before heading to the Yucatan. 

In larger resorts and common tourist attractions, many of the workers will speak English. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is merida yucatan worth visiting.

Although Merida is not as well known as Cancun , taking a trip to Merida is a must.

It has beautiful cenotes, several Mayan ruin sites, great markets for food, and a famous historical city center. 

Are Yucatan beaches worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan beaches have turquoise water teeming with marine life.

The sand is also soft and white making it a great place to relax, get a tan, or read a book.

You won’t regret experiencing the beaches of the Yucatan. 

Is Chichen Itza worth the trip?

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited Mayan ruins in Mexico. It’s closest to the cities of Cancun and Tulum making it a common attraction for visitors in those places. 

Seeing the pyramids and the Temple of Kulkulkan is a must for anyone wanting to learn the history of the Mayans and their life in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

There are many Mayan ruins in the Yucatan though, so you can always visit another one if you don’t have time to get to Chichen Itza. 

What language do they speak in the Yucatan?

The most common and widely spoken language in the Yucatan is Spanish. Like other regions of Mexico, you can communicate with everyone by speaking Spanish.

In the Yucatan, you might also hear people speaking Yucatec Maya to each other. This is an ancient Mayan language. 

Is the Yucatan Peninsula worth visiting?

Yes! The Yucatan is home to some of the most-visited regions in Mexico including Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is worth visiting for all travelers that want to see breathtaking beaches, experience some of the best diving reefs in the world, and go swimming in a cenote. 

What is Yucatan best known for?

The Yucatan is best known for being home to cenotes, beautiful beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Many people also come here for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Does Yucatan have nice beaches?

Since most tourists and travelers come to the Yucatan just for the beaches, you can be sure they are nice.

The best part about the beaches in Yucatan is they all have different things to offer. 

The beaches near Valladolid and Merida are much quieter compared to the beaches you’ll find in Quintana Roo State.

The beaches are not as well known so you can lay in the sand and go swimming without as many people around. 

What food is Yucatan known for?

Mexican food might be well-known all over the world, but some of the dishes unique to the Yucatan are not as famous. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth trying though. 

Huevos Motulenos is the perfect breakfast dish with fried tortillas, eggs, red onion, bacon, cheese, refried beans, and spicy salsa. 

Make sure to also try Papaszules which are very similar to enchiladas. Other famous dishes include Sopa de Lima, Queso Relleno, and Dulce de Papaya.

Final Thoughts: Complete Yucatan Travel Guide

While there are many regions to visit in Mexico, coming to the Yucatan is one of the best places for experiencing Mexican culture. Home to amazing beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins; the Yucatan is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. 

The Yucatan is very large making it a great destination for road trippers or others who are planning to spend a few weeks in Mexico. 

No matter how much time you choose to spend in the Yucatan, you’re sure to have a vacation you’ll never forget. 

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

The Best Time to Visit Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Yucatan Peninsula for ideal weather are

November 12th to February 18th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Yucatan Peninsula Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Yucatan Peninsula Travel Info

Weather in yucatan peninsula.

Average temperatures in Yucatan Peninsula vary little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for most of the year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 21st percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Yucatan Peninsula, the hottest months are May, June, and then July. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid May where highs are regularly around 101°F (38.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 74.2°F (23.4°C) at night.

Yucatan Peninsula Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Yucatan peninsula temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Yucatan Peninsula Perceived Temperature (F)

Yucatan peninsula perceived temperature (c), average yucatan peninsula temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Yucatan Peninsula are April, March, and then December. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late February and early March. For example, on the week of February 26th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late August to early September with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of August 27th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Yucatan Peninsula.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Yucatan Peninsula (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Yucatan Peninsula has some very humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is April (58% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (73.2%).

Wind in Yucatan Peninsula is usually moderate . The windiest month is May, followed by April and March. May’s average wind speed of around 9.7 knots (11.1 MPH or 17.9 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late May where average top sustained speeds reach 19.3 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Yucatan Peninsula.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to yucatan peninsula.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Mexico; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico is January, followed by February and March. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Yucatan Peninsula in September. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall yucatan peninsula travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 101°F (38.3°C) and 89.9°F (32.2°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 0 to 3 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 7 to 11 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Yucatan Peninsula, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 94.2°F (34.6°C) and 86°F (30°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 4 to 10 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Yucatan Peninsula to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 92.8°F (33.8°C) and 84.9°F (29.4°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 1 to 2 times per month. These times of year are the busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Mexico › Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

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2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

Are you visiting Mexico for the first time and looking for the perfect Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary?

We’ve put together a 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary that covers the popular attractions, Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), and some hidden gems.

Mexico is one of the best countries in the world, with its fascinating culture and history, heavenly food, ancient Mayan Ruins, mystical cenotes, and tropical beaches.

A Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip is the best way to explore Chichen Itza , the Yellow City of Izamal , the best cenotes near Valladolid, the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar, and Tulum’s Instagrammable places .

Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do. You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Hi! We are Dittus & Máté

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Where is the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is located southeast of Mexico, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

The Yucatan Peninsula is Mexico’s most visited area, a vast coastal region with many things to do.

Most people know the Yucatan Peninsula as just Yucatan, which is misleading as the Peninsula is made up of three Mexican states: Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

Recommended post → Best Places to Visit Yucatan Peninsula

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan, Chetumal is the capital of Quintana Roo and San Francisco de Campeche is the capital of Campeche.

Popular Yucatan Peninsula resort destinations, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum , are in Quintana Roo.

Did you know that the Yucatan Peninsula is home to Mexico’s famous Mayan Riviera?

Cancun is the perfect place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

See also → Best Things to Do in Bacalar

How to Get to the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is easy to reach, and there are several ways to get there. Depending on where you want to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary, there are a few international airports from which to choose.

International airports in the Yucatan Peninsula

• Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• Merida International Airport (MID)
• Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
• Chetumal International Airport (CTM)

TIP Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Mexico.

If you are staying in Mexico City or can get a cheaper connection from there. You can fly first to Mexico City International Airport (airport code MEX) and then to Cancun. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to fly from Mexico City to Cancun.

Most travelers to Mexico arrive at Cancun International Airport, as you can get cheap flights to Cancun. There are many direct flights to Cancun from Mexico City, Europe, the U.S., and other international countries.

If you like our content and we’ve helped you with our free travel guide, please consider supporting what we do. Thank you.

How to Get Around the Yucatan Peninsula

The best way to get around the Yucatan Peninsula is to rent a car or take an ADO bus. For nearby attractions or day trips, you can join a group or private tour, travel by taxi or Colectivo (shared minivan), or rent a bike.

TIP If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use  Bookaway.

Rent a car and make the most of your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary!

See also → Things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by car

We did this 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. We have a complete guide to safe car rental in Mexico, which includes how to avoid Mexican scams and some Yucatan Peninsula driving tips.

Recommended post → Before Renting a Car in Mexico, You Need to Know

The driving will make this Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary much easier and more flexible.

During our travels, we always use  Discover Cars  for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

Car rental will cost around 30-35 USD per day, which included full insurance.

Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability  HERE.

Public transport in Yucatan and Quintana Roo is excellent, and you can easily get from one place to another. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico.

The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.

Get Bus Tickets here.

TIP ADO buses are usually quite cold due to the air conditioning, so you should bring a pullover.

Best Time to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. February and April are ideal months for a Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

The best time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula is between December and April. This period is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and little rainfall.

However, these months are also the peak season in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, which means high prices and crowds.

TIP In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance.

Read more → One Day in the Yellow City

In May, the temperatures are hotter, and heavy rains can occur. But if you are traveling on a budget, it is the perfect month to visit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

The rainy and hurricane season usually starts in June and ends in October.

Good to know Plan your trip for early November if you want to enjoy the Día de Muertos celebrations (Day of the Dead in Mexico).

Do I need a Visa to travel to Mexico?

Probably not. Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Mexico.

When you arrive in Mexico and go through Customs and Immigration, you will be issued a maximum 180-day (6-month) FMM tourist card.

Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Mexico and apply for an e-visa online.

You can enter Mexico without a Covid-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test. However, always check the entry requirements!

Is the Yucatan Peninsula Safe?

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest destinations in Mexico. However , some areas of Mexico are still worth avoiding because they are not safe! We found driving in the Yucatan Peninsula safe and easy, so we highly recommend renting a car in Cancun, Mexico .

We did our 2-week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by car, and it was safe to travel in Mexico, but always be careful.

Small thefts can happen like in any other country. So take care of your valuables, don’t show your expensive camera, and don’t leave your smartphone or passport in the car!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose  SafetyWing  for our travels.

Mexican scams are common in popular cities such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. But the chances of kidnappings and drug cartel deals are minimal, so don’t worry about safety on the Yucatan Peninsula.

There are many checkpoints between cities, lots of police cars in the tourist areas, and unlike the city centers, there are few cars on the highways.

In our experience, Mexican people are very kind.

Good to know You shouldn’t drink tap water in Mexico!

Read more→ The most common scams in Mexico

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Yucatan Peninsula?

Mexico is a cheap country, but its popularity and luxury resorts make the Yucatan Peninsula more expensive than some other parts of Mexico.

Budget travelers will spend around 40-65 USD per day. Depending on the mode of transport you will be using to travel around the country, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants.

TIP Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

Recommended post → Best Cenotes near Tulum

Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary Map

The Ultimate 2-Week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in cancun.

Welcome to Mexico! Hola! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore the charming Yucatan Peninsula .

Cancun is the best place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary, as there are cheap and direct flights to Cancun.

Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

See also → How to Renting a Car in Mexico

Depending on when you arrive in Cancun, you can choose to continue your trip to Valladolid or spend one night in Cancun. We don’t recommend that you drive at night!

You can take a private or shared airport shuttle and taxi to reach downtown Cancun or the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone). It is good to know that Uber is not available in Cancun!

Book an airport transfer to Cancun Hotel Zone & Downtown Hotels.

The travel time is 40 minutes, and the shuttle starts from 11 USD per person.

As our flight arrived in Cancun in the evening, we decided to pick up our car on arrival. Then, we stayed at an apartment close to the airport and traveled to Valladolid the next day. In Cancun, we stayed in the Suites Rivera , only a 10-minute drive from the airport.

If you are traveling by car, you should download an offline map and get a local sim card to drive to your hotel without any problems. There is no SIM card vendor at Cancun Airport, but you can get one at any OXXO shop.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Mexico.

TIP We recommend you buy the Telcel SIM card as the internet was excellent during our 2-week trip.

Recommended post → How to Get from Cancun to Valladolid

Where to Stay in Cancun

Cancun has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Oleo Cancun Playa Boutique
• Mid-Range:   Cancun Plaza  or  Bed and Breakfast Pecarí
• Budget:   Suites Malecon Cancun

Day 2: Travel to Valladolid

Good morning! It’s time to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary! Check out from your hotel, have breakfast, and travel to Valladolid by car or bus.

From Cancun to Valladolid, the journey time by car is 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.

The 180D highway connecting Cancun and Valladolid is a toll road costing 385 MXN (21 USD). They don’t accept credit cards or dollars, so make sure you bring enough Mexican pesos! 

Read more →   Valladolid Guide

There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Cancun and the highway. This road is very well-maintained, comfortable, and safe to drive on.

The bus ticket from Cancun to Valladolid start from 22 USD.  Book your bus tickets  HERE.

Once you arrive in the colorful colonial town of Valladolid, check in to your hotel. Afterward, have lunch at one of the authentic restaurants or try the street food, which is delicious and cheap.

Then, explore the city of Valladolid, walk along the Calzada de Los Frailes, see the cathedral, visit the monastery of San Bernardino de Siena, and swim in the Cenote Zaci.

Where to Stay in Valladolid

There are many places to stay in Valladolid, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique or luxury hotels. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
• Mid-Range:   Hotel Waye  or  Meson del Marques
• Budget:   Hotel Casa Bamboo

Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza – A highlight of your Yucatan Itinerary

The most popular destination in Mexico is Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Plan your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary to allow enough time to explore the famous Mayan Ruins.

Chichen Itza is only a 50-minute drive from Valladolid. Alternatively, you can  book a bus  from Valladolid to Chichen Itza for just 10 USD.

We suggest arriving in the morning because you can avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy a stroll around the ruins without the burning sun.

Read the full post →   Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza

TIP Don’t forget to buy Mexican souvenirs! We visited many places on the Yucatan Peninsula, but Chichen Itza had the best souvenirs.

After Chichen Itza, you should visit Cenote Ik Kil, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

Cenote Ik Kil is a beautiful open cenote with long tendrils of vines and green plants that offer fantastic photo opportunities. Take a few photos from above and then go down and swim or jump into the turquoise water from the platforms.

For the best experience, book your Chichen Itza and Cenote day trips via  Viator  or  GetYourGuide.

Day 4: Exploring Valladolid

Valladolid was one of our favorite places on our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary. If you are looking for where to stay in the Yucatan Peninsula, the best choice is Valladolid.

Mexico’s magical town (Pueblo Mágico) is a great starting point to visit places like Chichen Itza, the Yellow City of Izamal, Cenote Suytun, Ek Balam, and Las Coloradas.

Recommended post → How to Spend 3-Days in Valladolid

Start your day with a short visit to Uayma, just 20 minutes from Valladolid. After that, you can visit the stunning cenotes around Valladolid. We recommend that after Uayma, you go to Cenote Suytun as it is less crowded in the morning.

Cenote Suytun is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Book your  Cenote Suytun entrance ticket.

Did you know that Cenote Suytun is one of the most photographed places in Mexico?

See also → Best Cenotes near Valladolid

Then go to the Cenote Oxman and have lunch there, then visit the other beautiful cenotes around Valladolid or spend your time in the town center.

Enjoy traditional Mexican dancing in Valladolid’s main square, shop from street vendors, and see the beautiful church.

See also → Things to in the Yucatan Peninsula

Day 5: Visit Izamal and Merida

It’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid and continue your Mexico trip. Our next destination on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary is the Yellow City of Izamal.

I zamal is only a 1.5-hour drive from Valladolid, and as you can explore in a few hours, it is well worth a visit.

Spend a short time in Izamal, climb the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, walk the yellow streets, visit the Convento De San Antonio de Padua, and shop in the local market.

Recommended post → How to Visit Izamal

After exploring Izamal and taking lots of Insta-worthy photos on the streets of Izamal, drive on to Merida.

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, the perfect place for digital nomads and budget travelers. But there is no shortage of expensive restaurants, trendy boutiques, parties, and popular events.

When visiting Merida, you’ll see that it mixes historic colonial buildings with modern neighborhoods, making it a different experience from Izamal or Valladolid.

Read the full post → Best Things to Do in Merida

Good to know You can get from Valladolid to Merida by bus. The bus tickets start from 14 USD.

Where to Stay in Merida

Most people only take a short visit to Merida, but for the best experience, it is worth spending 1-2 days there. These are our accommodation recommendations.

• Luxury: Más Palomas Concept House
• Mid-Range: Viva Merida Hotel Boutique or Hotel Santa María Mérida
• Budget: Hotel Caribe Merida Yucatan

Day 6: Travel to Bacalar

Are you ready for the best part of your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary? Bacalar is a stunning place in Quintana Roo. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and the Lagoon of Seven Colors, known as the Maldives of Mexico.

From Merida to Bacalar, the journey time by car is 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic. Since you’re about to take a long trip, read our driving tips for the Yucatan Peninsula .

Depending on when you arrive in Bacalar, try to catch the sunset at one of the docks (balnearios).

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Bacalar

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Bacalar has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Hotel Amainah Bacalar
• Mid-Range:   Hotel Aldea 19 Bacalar  or  Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
• Budget:   Xibalba in town hostel

Day 7: Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour

A sailing trip is the best way to explore the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon.

The Bacalar sailing tour takes about 3 hours, depending on the weather conditions. When we did the sailing tour, we had great windy weather, which was ideal for the activity.

The sailing tour starts from 42 USD per person.

You can book your Bacalar Sailing tours online through  Viator  or  GetYourGuide , where you can get the best prices.

On the way, we stopped several times at beautiful places where we could swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the boat.

After the sailing tour, have lunch and visit the most beautiful cenotes of Bacalar. Spend a few chilling hours at the Cenote Cocalitos, swim and snorkel, or enjoy hanging a hammock.

Book Bacalar Cenotes Tour.

Day 8: Los Rapidos – A popular place  on your Yucatan Itinerary

Visiting Los Rapidos is one of the best things to do in Bacalar. The crystal clear waters in different shades of blue and impressive stromatolites make it the best place to visit on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

You can swim in the beautiful blue lagoon, snorkel, and rent kayaks at Los Rapidos. There is a great restaurant where you can eat delicious Mexican food or reserve a sun lounger to enjoy the scenery.

Los Rapidos is about 15 minutes from the center of Bacalar, and you can easily visit it by taxi, colectivo, or car.

You can combine a visit to Los Rapidos with Laguna Bonanza, where you can picnic, swim, and snorkel in crystal clear water.

Recommended post → Guide to Los Rapidos

Day 9: Chilling Out in Bacalar

On this day, visit Fort San Felipe and then spend the day relaxing. At Fort San Felipe, you can learn about the Bacalar’s history and enjoy the fantastic views of the Bacalar Lagoon.

You can rent a kayak and paddle across the lagoon to the shipwreck at the  Piratas Channel  (Canal de Los Piratas) or chill out at one of the beach clubs in Bacalar.

The Blúe Beach Club offers delicious meals and drinks, tropical backdrops, and fantastic photo opportunities.

TIP Laguna Bonanza is a hidden gem in Bacalar, so don’t skip it on your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.

Day 10: Travel to Tulum

Continue your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary to Tulum, one of Mexico’s most visited places. From Bacalar to Tulum, the journey takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. To make the most of your day, we recommend visiting the Muyil Ruins and Coba Ruins on the way.

Join Sian Ka’an and Muyil Ruins Tour.

Then, it’s time to get that famous Tulum vibe. Stroll around the charming streets, and in the afternoon, visit Palma Central for a fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, and cold drinks.

Read our → Tulum Guide

Where to Stay in Tulum

When you have a car, we suggest you book your hotel outside Tulum. For those who want to enjoy the nightlife or explore Tulum without a car, we recommend staying near the town center or Tulum Beach.

Tulum has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

• Luxury:   Casa Malca
• Mid-Range:   Maka Hotel Boutique  or  Coco Tulum Zen Zone Hotel
• Budget:   Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum

Day 11: Discover Tulum Instagram Spots

Good morning Tulum! One of the best things to do on the Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary is to discover the best Instagram spot in Tulum.

Join a Tulum Instagram Photo Tour.

You can rent a bike and discover the most beautiful places in Tulum. Bike rental at Tulum Beach is 15 USD for 24 hours.

We don’t recommend visiting Tulum Beach by car, as parking is expensive and spaces fill up quickly.

We’ve put together a complete guide to Tulum’s best Instagrammable spots , with tips and a map to help you plan your Tulum Itinerary.

Day 12: Best Cenotes near Tulum

Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary gives you a full day to explore the most beautiful cenotes in Tulum.

If you want to visit them all, probably 1 day is not enough, as they are all so gorgeous (and some are expensive), so it is not worth taking a short time.

Join a Cenotes Tour.

• Gran Cenote
• Cenote Aktun-Ha
• Cenote Calavera
• Cenote Azul
• Cenote Dos Ojos
• Cenote Zacil-Ha
• Cenotes Casa Tortuga Tulum

Recommended post → Best Cenotes in Tulum

Day 13: Chill Out in Tulum

As this is your last day in Tulum, we recommend you visit the attractions you missed or spend the day relaxing on Tulum’s beautiful beaches.

Our favorite beach in Tulum was Playa Xpu-Ha. But Akumal, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Paraiso are also worth a visit.

Go to a restaurant and eat delicious Mexican food, or go shopping. Tulum has many places to shop for fashionable dresses, handcrafted gifts, and souvenirs.

See also → Top Things to Do in Tulum

Day 14: Return to Cancun or Continue your Yucatan Itinerary

It’s time to leave Mexico! Our Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Cancun Airport, return the car, and fly home.

TIP If you want to book bus tickets or transfers from Tulum to Cancun, use Bookaway.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Mexico. This Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary includes many things to do. But you cannot visit all of the Yucatan Peninsula attractions in two weeks.

However, if you have more time than 14 days in Mexico, here are some additional destinations you can add to your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary!

• Playa del Carmen
• Isla Mujeres
• Isla Holbox

We hope our two-week Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com Car Rentals – Discover Cars Flights – Skyscanner Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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2 thoughts on “2 weeks in mexico: ultimate yucatan peninsula itinerary”.

Very impressive detailed itinerary. For a 14 day road trip. I plan to print it out and take with me. Along with printing out information about all the details of the towns and side trips

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Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

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After spending a winter living in Mérida and years of trips traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula, I’ve finally put together the best itinerary for two weeks in Mexico.

Most travelers go to Mexico to lie on the beach for a week, maybe go on an excursion to a ruin or a cenote, and head straight home.

And yes. That can be fun. But you can do SO MUCH better than that!!

Mexico is one of my favorite countries. It’s absolutely brimming with culture and music and fantastic food and the nicest, kindest people. It’s diverse in experiences and it’s so much more than what most people think it is.

You might look at this itinerary and think to yourself, “You know, I’ve been to Playa del Carmen before. I’ve done Chichén Itzá, too. Is it worth it to go back to the same region?”

Yes. It’s worth it. Because the Yucatán is SO much more than just beaches and ruins. Plus, when you do it on your own — on a road trip or even by public transportation — it’s so much more satisfying than staying in a resort and traveling on tours.

Even if you’ve already been to a resort in the Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum area, I encourage you to give road-tripping around the Yucatán Peninsula a chance. This is a fantastic part of Mexico.

You can download this as a printable itinerary here!

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Two Weeks in Mexico

If you’ve got two weeks in Mexico, you could go in lots of different directions. Honestly, I’ve spent months in Mexico and my list of places I still haven’t been (Baja! Guanajuato! El Chepe!) is miles long.

But Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is great because it’s easy for all kinds of travelers, yet diverse and fulfilling enough for experienced travelers.

You’ll fly into Cancún International Airport, which is well-connected with lots of flights. You’ll drive on good roads. You’ll visit destinations that are accustomed to tourism — but not too overtouristed.

What does this part of Mexico look like? In two weeks in the Yucatán Peninsula, you could see places as varied as these:

Unusually, this Mexico itinerary does NOT include Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Almost every Yucatán road trip itinerary includes at least one of these destinations as a stopover. Not this time.

Why don’t I include them? Because there are better places to go.

My goal, today and always, is to ensure that you have the best trip possible. Those three destinations are overcrowded and expensive. You don’t have to go there just because everyone else does — but you’ll still pack in some beach time.

This two week trip to Mexico packs in so much! One of the coolest islands around, a big city with tons of great restaurants, ancient Mayan ruins, underground neon-blue cenotes, soft white sand beaches, and the Lake of Seven Colors.

Cenotes, in particular, are the best part of traveling the Yucatán, in my opinion.

Read More: 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Definitely don’t miss the vibrant city of Mérida , the lake of seven colors in Bacalar , and magical, bohemian Isla Holbox !

If you spend it in the Yucatán Peninsula , you’ll have easy access to beaches, ruins, cenotes, cool cities, and color-changing lakes.

Yes! The Yucatan is an incredibly safe part of Mexico (and Mérida is safer than every city in the US). It’s a safe place to travel solo as a woman.

The best time to visit the Yucatan is between December and March , when the weather is gorgeous and it isn’t too hot or too rainy.

Yucatán Road Trip Map

On the map above, you can see the driving route you would take on this trip. The destinations in blue are where you would overnight; the destinations in orange are day trip options.

Here is the two weeks in Mexico itinerary I recommend:

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún Airport, drive to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-3: Holbox
• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Valladolíd
• Day 5: Valladolíd and surrounding area
• Day 6: Drive from Valladolíd to Río Lagartos
• Day 7: Drive from Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips
• Day 11: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 12-13: Bacalar
• Day 14: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Holbox

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to the town of Chiquilá (two hours). This town is where you get the ferry to Isla Holbox . Holbox is a car-free island (except for some local vehicles), so you’ll be leaving your car on the mainland for a few days. You can take a golf cart to your hotel!

Park in one of the many parking lots in Chiquilá — don’t worry, this is a safe place to leave your car! Plenty of tourists do every day. The rates are usually 100 pesos ($5) for 24 hours.

Head to the dock and hop on one of the ferries that run every half hour. The journey costs about 200 pesos ($10) for an adult.

Once you arrive on the island, walk or take a taxi to your accommodation (the taxis are all golf carts here!). Then just relax and stroll around the island, getting to know your new home for a few days. You’ll be spending three nights here.

Where to Stay in Holbox

Holbox is a small island, and I recommend staying within a few blocks of the main center. The western part of the island is home to lots of rentals, but there aren’t as many shops or restaurants.

If you want a luxury accommodation, I recommend Ser Casasandra . This is the best luxury spot on the island (and I stayed here on my first trip ). I love the beachfront area, the pool, the romantic design of the rooms, and the food is outstanding.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Para Ti . I stayed here on my second trip and absolutely loved this adults-only hotel. It has a great pool area, the decor is bohemian and fun, they are a perfect quiet location a few blocks from the town, and once again, ADULTS ONLY.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotelito Villas Holbox . This hostel is right in the center of town, and rooms are small and basic but clean. If you want to stay at a hostel, I recommend Tribu , but know it can get loud at night.

Find deals on Holbox hotels here.

Days 2 and 3: Isla Holbox

Take these two full days to unwind on Isla Holbox. You can spend your time idling on the beach or taking day trips around the island. Either way, be sure to have some great cocktails and catch a few sunsets.

Things to Do in Isla Holbox

Take a boat trip to Cabo Catoche. I loved my trip to Cabo Catoche! This inlet is further away from town, but it’s where you get the clearest, most beautiful water. An absolute must for people who want good photos of Holbox. This Cabo Catoche tour includes snorkeling and/or fishing.

See three islands on a boat trip. This popular three-island boat trip will take you to Bird Island, home to tons of interesting birds; uninhabited Pasion Island, where you can walk on a sandbar; as well as the mainland to swim in Cenote Yalahau.

If you’re visiting from June through September, you can swim with whale sharks ! One of the coolest activities you can do in Mexico! Peak season is in July and August.

Head to Punta Cocos for the sunset. Watch with a cocktail in hand! It’s a very long walk and I recommend taking a taxi, as it will be dark when you start walking back. Taxis wait around to take people back after sunset. Bring mosquito repellant!

Just hang out on the beach. Even if you don’t book a hotel with beachfront access, there are lots of beach clubs and restaurants where you can set up camp for the day.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico

Day 4: Holbox to Valladolíd

Take the ferry back to Chiquilá, pick up your car, and head out on the road. If you’re hungry, I recommend getting breakfast at La Sardina Enamorada on the mainland in Chiquilá.

Today you’ll be driving from Chiquilá to Valladolíd (just over two hours), crossing from Quintana Roo into Yucatán state.

Know that you will be crossing a time zone! As you cross into Yucatán state, time drops one hour earlier.

Valladolíd is one of the prettiest colonial towns in Mexico, and it’s especially nice in late afternoons and evenings, once the tourists day-tripping from all inclusive resorts go home. It feels gentle and welcoming. You’ll fall under its spell in no time.

Things to Do in Valladolíd

Take a dip in Cenote Zaci. Cenotes are all over the Yucatán, but Cenote Zaci is right in the middle of downtown Valladolíd! The water isn’t as clear as others but it’s a beautiful setting with waterfalls. It’s one of the deepest cenotes in the region, too, and hosts free diving competitions.

Note: Cenote Zaci closed for renovations in mid-2022. We hope it reopens soon. Their restaurant.

Enjoy the zócalo. Valladolíd’s main square is a lovely place to sit and people-watch.

Get gelato at Wabi Gelato . Good gelato is very hard to find in Mexico — this is a special place for a treat. Flavors are limited but inventive and change frequently. I loved their rosemary gelato.

Stroll down Calzada de los Frailes. This is arguably the prettiest street in Valladolíd, if not all the Yucatán, decorated with flags and lined with cafes, bakeries, shops, and hotels. I had a great pay de limón (lemon pie) at a cafe called ConKafecito .

Visit the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena. At the end of Calzada de los Frailes is a former convent that you can visit. There is a sound and light show in the evenings. This is also where you’ll find the town’s Valladolíd sign.

Where to Stay in Valladolíd

Valladolíd is a small, cheap city and you can enjoy it on a budget, but spending a bit more money can get you a much nicer hotel. I recommend staying within a few blocks of the zócalo, the main square, to maximize your time here.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Le Muuch Hotel . This may be the most beautiful property in town with chic, colorful rooms and a beautiful outdoor area with hammocks and a pool.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Tia Micha . This is a mid-range property that feels luxurious, from its classy stone bathtubs to its elegant carved wood furniture, but it’s well priced and central.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Zazil-Maj . Here the rooms are simple but clean and recently renovated, just a few blocks from Cenote Zaci.

Find deals on places to stay in Valladolíd here .

Day 5: Valladolíd, Chichén Itza, and Cenotes

Today it’s all about seeing the surroundings of Valladolíd! First thing in the morning, head to the Chichén Itzá ruins (45 minutes). They open at 8:00 AM and I recommend being there as early as possible to get a good parking spot and avoid the tourist crowds from the resorts.

The Chichén Itzá ruins are some of the largest and most impressive ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, is an enormous and impressive pyramid, but I found that some of the most enjoyable sites are those further afield.

Keep in mind that Chichén Itzá allows merchants to sell direct on site, and it can get annoying having men constantly ask you to buy things. They sell devices that make a jaguar noise, so you’ll hear constant jaguar shrieks throughout your visit. Be ready for that!

Note: I do not recommend visiting Chichén Itzá on a Sunday. This is the day Mexicans get free admission. As a result, the site is even more insanely crowded and parking is a nightmare. If Day 5 is scheduled on a Sunday, I recommend going to Chichén Itzá on the afternoon of Day 4 instead.

After the ruins, backtrack a bit to enjoy a cenote. One of my favorite cenotes is in this region: Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman . I love this cenote because it’s visually spectacular, large, not too touristed, the grounds are lovely, and the food is surprisingly good. It’s solid all around and a great place to visit.

You do drive back toward Valladolíd for this cenote (50 minutes), but trust me, it’s best to visit Chichén Itzá in the morning when it’s less hot and crowded and then cool off in the cenote after.

Another option is Cenote Ik-Kil , which has a similar look and style, but this is much more popular with Chichén Itzá tourists and it gets more crowded.

You might want to head back to Valladolíd and have a relaxed, chilled out afternoon and evening.

But if you want to continue ruins-hopping, consider visiting Ek Balam, which is about a 30-minute drive north of Valladolíd. Ek Balam only gets a fraction of the tourists that Chichén Itza receives!

There are tons more cenotes surrounding Valladolíd, including Cenote Suytun, the Instagram-famous one with the platform. Be sure to check out the “cenotes near Valladolíd” section of my cenote guide .

Day 6: Valladolíd to Río Lagartos

Today you’re getting an early start and driving north to Río Lagartos. This is a short journey — just 90 minutes by car — but this is the only day that you have here.

Because of that, I urge you to book a Río Lagartos tour before you leave on your trip. It can be hard to jump on a tour same-day.

If you’ve dreamed of visiting pink lakes, that’s the star attraction of this region. Those pink lakes are called Las Coloradas.

In Río Lagartos there are several tour operators in town who have both private and group tours of the landscapes and the neon pink salt flats. I don’t have a specific tour operator recommendation, but be sure to ask around and see just how much time you spend at the lakes. Some tour operators will whisk you by quickly without much time to enjoy them.

Keep in mind that you may not see as many flamingos as you’d like — peak season is from March to June and climate change has impacted the number of flamingos that make their home here. But the pink lakes? Spectacular.

Important note: Since Las Coloradas became an Instagram hotspot in the last decade, people are no longer allowed to get into the pink lakes or use drones at the lakes. Please respect the rules.

Where to Stay in Río Lagartos

Río Lagartos is a very small town and there isn’t a huge variety of accommodation — at least not yet! All of these properties are located within the center of town.

If you want upscale accommodation, I recommend Hotel Río Lagartos . While not super luxurious, this is one of the best properties in town. It has a nice pool and swim-up bar, as well as views over the water.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Tabasco Rio . This stylish property offers great value for money and has hot, powerful showers.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Mercy Inn’s . This hotel is simple but clean and comfortable with beds that are a step above the usuals in budget Mexican hotels.

Find deals on places to stay in Río Lagartos here .

Day 7: Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal

You’ve got two options today. You can spend the morning on another tour in Río Lagartos, or head off as soon as you get up.

There’s a lot to see between Río Lagartos and Mérida, so I recommend figuring out what you want to do the most. The Ek Balam ruins and Cenote Sac-Aua (1 hour, 15 minutes from Río Lagartos) make a great pairing.

If not? Head straight to Izamal (two hours from Río Lagartos, 1 hour 45 minutes from Ek Balam). This town, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos , is famous for its color — everything is painted bright canary yellow!

While some people say that it was painted yellow for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993, the town was actually yellow for quite some time beforehand. It’s a cute town and great for photos.

If you’re low on time, you can axe Izamal if you want to — it’s easy to visit from Mérida.

Finally, it’s time to drive from Izamal to Mérida (1 hour), where you’ll be staying for the next four nights.

Where to Stay in Mérida

My top recommendation in Mérida is to stay in Centro. Mérida is a huge city of many neighborhoods, and some of these neighborhoods are popular with expats, but I recommend Centro because you’ll be able to walk everywhere (or take a $1 Uber), the best restaurants are located here, and it’s filled with lovely colorful buildings and nice parks.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel . Every inch of this beautifully restored villa hotel is drool-worthy, from the outdoor pool area to the elegant, classy rooms. It’s located right on the best restaurant street in Mérida, literally the best location possible, and is close to everything.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Viva Mérida Hotel Boutique . When you see this hotel, you’ll think it’s luxury — but it’s actually great value for money. The hotel is colorful and very Yucatecan in style, and it’s a few blocks from Mérida’s zócalo and the center of town.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel La Piazzetta . Located on the eastern part of the Centro on Parque de la Mejorada, this hotel is small and simple with comfortable rooms but they bring out cute creative touches wherever they can.

As far as hostels go, Nomadas Ecohostel is a classic.

Find deals on Mérida hotels here .

Days 8, 9, and 10: Mérida

I visited Mérida for the first time in early 2019, and I loved it so much, I came back to live there for two months a year later! Four years since that first trip, it’s still one of my top five favorite places in Mexico (along with Oaxaca , Guanajuato , Mexico City , and Bacalar ).

This city is low-key, welcoming, and cheap. It wasn’t on tourists’ radar for a long time, but it’s becoming more popular over the last five years. It seems like everyone who comes here loves it.

By this point, halfway through your Yucatán road trip, you’ll be looking to relax a bit, and Mérida is the perfect place to do so. Come here to explore the surroundings. I hope you’re ready to eat.

Mérida is a great place to hang out, but more than that, I’m convinced it’s the best base for day trips in all of Mexico. You can go to so many cool places within a short drive of Mérida.

Best Restaurants in Mérida

You can eat extremely well on the cheap in Mérida. Honestly, I’m including a whole restaurants section here because there are so many good ones. I miss the restaurants in Mérida so much!

For breakfast, my #1 recommendation is to get the molletes at SOCO . SOCO is a bakery and everything they make is scrumptious. Molletes are a very simple dish — just bread topped with beans, cheese, and pico de gallo — but SOCO makes them SO much better than anyone else. You can also pick up a loaf of sourdough to take back with you.

For lunch and dinner, my absolute favorite restaurant is Micaela Mar y Leña , which specializes in seafood but also has a lot of good meat dishes. This is a high-end restaurant and if you’re into design, you’ll love the interior. I want my future home to look like Micaela!

My favorite dishes are the smoked oyster dip appetizer (if you’re a New Englander missing chowder, this will scratch your itch), the fabulous grilled shrimp, and the whole octopus, which is a showstopper. The cocktails are sensational.

Another superb restaurant, and the one I visited most frequently while living in Mérida, is Hermana Republica (the location on Avenida Colón, which is central to Mérida). This is a local brewery with excellent beers. My favorite is the Belgian Blonde.

It may just be a casual brewery, but the food is SUPERB — Yucatecan and Mexican specialties that are just phenomenal, from sopa de lima to salbutes de cochinita to tostadas de atún . They also serve the best tortilla chips I’ve ever had.

Those may be my absolute favorites, but I have a few others to recommend. I love Chill-Akil for customizable chilaquiles for breakfast (you can also go to Chilakilez if you like them with crispy pork belly). La Casita del Cheviche is great for ceviche and especially the shrimp aguachile. Merci is where you go for fancy breakfast or lunch.

Mercado 60 is a trendy food hall with a huge variety of food, not just Mexican, and makes for a fun night out. El Catrín can be hit-or-miss, but the atmosphere is fun — go when it’s dark for a mezcal margarita, guacamole, and their light show.

My friend Nathan lived in Mérida for a few years and is the ultimate expert on the best restaurants in Mérida .

And if you love high-end coffee, Manifesto is phenomenal, with the best coffees in town. They roast in-shop. Márago Coffee is also nice and they’ll make coffee in lots of different ways, from Chemex to French Press to Aeropress.

Things to Do in Mérida

Honestly, I spend my time in Mérida hanging out, eating, or doing day trips outside the city. But if you’re looking for things to do within the city, here are a few great options:

Stroll down Paseo Montejo. Many people consider this one of the most beautiful streets in Mexico, lined with mansions, shops, museums, and cafes.

Experience a magical Mayan ancestral ceremony . My sister and I did this when she came to visit! This ceremony is an interesting look into Mayan culture right in Mérida. After receiving the ceremony from a Mayan shaman, you spend time soaking in several herb-scented tubs. It’s unusual, peaceful, and I recommend it.

Go on a design walk. Mérida is becoming one of the big design hubs for Mexico, and you can go on a few different tours to see how people have renovated these homes. The Mérida English Library puts on free walking tours ( see schedule here ).

Check out El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya . This phenomenal museum is one of the most comprehensive guides to Mayan culture, and has lots of interesting displays. It’s on the way out of town.

Visit the cantinas. Two of Mérida’s most fun casual bars are La Negrita and La Fundación Mezcalería , which are owned by the same people and both feature great drinks, live music, and dancing. La Negrita is open until 10 PM, making it an early spot; La Fundación Mezcalería goes until late.

Best Day Trips from Mérida

Where Mérida really shines is its day trips. It’s a huge advantage over other Mexican cities. If you’re eager to explore, take two of those Mérida days and spend them exploring the surrounding region. Here are some of my recommendations:

Celestún. This low-key beach town with powdery white sand just might be the next-next-next Holbox. You can also explore the mangroves. While flamingoes used to dominate the landscape, their population has dwindled in recent years due to climate change. Celestún is a great day trip, and a one-hour drive from Mérida. You can also visit on a tour from Mérida .

Progreso. Want a wilder Mexican beach town? Progreso is a true local experience with blasting music and beers on the beach. Is it pretty? Eh, it’s all right. But is it fun and authentically Mexican getaway? Hell yes.

Progreso is a 40-minute drive from Mérida. If you plan to drink on the beach, consider taking an Uber instead — it should take 40 minutes and cost around $15 each way.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes. The Mayapán ruins are close to Mérida (45 minutes — be sure not to drive to the town of Mayapán, which is a different place and further away) and one of the nice things is that you can actually climb them! Even the giant pyramid.

Mayapán is close to several of the best cenotes in Mexico , including Cenote Noh Mozon and Na Yah Cenote, both near the town of Pixyá. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and the cenotes of Homún.

If you skip Izamal on your drive from Valladolíd to Mérida, some of my friends think that Izamal makes the perfect addition to a Mayapán and cenotes trip.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate museum, and cenotes. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins are better than Chichén Itzá, in my opinion, and get a fraction of the visitors. This tour from Mérida includes the ruins, the chocolate museum next door, and a cenote visit.

Homún or Cuzama cenotes. There are SO many cenote options in this part of the Yucatán! The towns of Homún and Cuzama are famous for their high concentration of cenotes, both hacienda cenotes and wild cenotes.

If you want a more developed and organized cenote with a restaurant on site, head somewhere like the Santa Barbara Cenotes . But if you want something more rough and wild, there are plenty of motorbike drivers who will take you to some off the beaten path sites. You can also book them on a tour from Mérida .

Campeche. This town is so pretty. Campeche has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and it’s prettier and more put together than Mérida’s. At 2 hours and 15 minutes, it’s one of the longer day trips from Mérida, but it can be done. See my full Campeche guide here.

Alternatively, you can spend three nights in Mérida instead of four and spend the fourth night in Campeche.

Day 11: Mérida to Bacalar

Bacalar , a town set on a lagoon in Quintana Roo, is one of my absolute favorite places in all of Mexico. They call Lake Bacalar the Lake of Seven Colors and it genuinely lives up to its name, shimmering in every color from cerulean to aquamarine to ink.

Bacalar is unique and special, and juuuuust starting to get popular. My advice? Go as soon as you can; it may not always be as peaceful as it is now.

Bacalar is just over a four-hour drive from Mérida. If you eat pork, I have the BEST lunch stop for you: it’s a place called Carnes Asadas “Mr. Samy’s” in the town of José Maria Morelos, about halfway between Mérida and Bacalar. Samy and his wonderful family served me and my friends on the way there and back, and the food is SO good.

Most likely you’ll get to Bacalar in the late afternoon. Take it easy after your long drive: get settled in at your hotel and enjoy some drinks and ceviche while overlooking the beautiful lake at sunset.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

If you want luxury accommodation, there are two options depending on the kind of trip you want. I recommend Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa if you want an isolated luxury spa getaway on the lake. If you want to be central, and able to enjoy the town, Hotel Carolina is one of the nicest properties in Bacalar town with nice rooms and swings right in the lake.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Chukum . This beautiful, environmentally friendly hotel has colorful rooms and a chlorine-free swimming pool, and the complimentary breakfast includes eggs.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend The Yak Lake House Hostel . This classic Bacalar spot has both dorms and private rooms, and it’s a great place to meet new people or just relax at its lakefront location.

Find deals on Bacalar hotels here .

Days 12 and 13: Bacalar

You should spend a minimum of two full days in Bacalar, because one should be spent on a boat tour of the lake, and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. Trust me on this one. They’re both wonderful activities and I wouldn’t want to go to Bacalar without enjoying both to the fullest.

Things to Do in Bacalar

A boat tour is the most popular activity to do in Bacalar, and booking this should be your top priority. You can join a boat tour (this one has an open bar) — or hire your own boat if you want a private trip — and explore the lagoon, from the shallow waters of Pirates’ Canal to the dark cenotes within the lake itself. Many boats turn into a party!

Spend a day at Los Rapidos. Los Rapidos is a riverside beach club about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar. You can sit by the river, lie in Instagrammable hammocks right in the water, and enjoy food and cocktails — but the best part is jumping in the river and letting it whisk you downstream! Insanely fun.

I highly recommend water shoes for Los Rapidos, as the pavement is sharp and painful to walk on, but the river carries you downstream so you can’t get out in where you left your shoes. Water shoes solve that problem. They’re also good for wearing in Lake Bacalar.

Check out the Cenote Azul. This is a good place to stop on the way to Los Rapidos, as it’s on the same road out of town. This giant open cenote is a nice place to stop for a morning swim.

Go stand-up paddle boarding. If you’ve never tried SUP before, a lake is the perfect place to learn. It’s a great core workout that doesn’t feel like a workout, and a gorgeous way to explore the lake. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here.

Hang out on the docks and at the beach clubs. Throughout Bacalar town there are docks where you can just go and sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Many belong to hotels and guesthouses, but several are open to the public, too.

Read More: Guide to Bacalar, Mexico’s Lake of Seven Colors

Day 14: Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Sad times — it’s time to head home. The drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport takes about four hours.

If you have an early flight departing from Cancún, it might make more sense to drive up from Bacalar the night before and spend the night in a hotel close to the airport like the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport , which is good value for money and just a four-minute drive from departures.

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

A lot of people get intimidated about driving in Mexico — but it’s not as scary as you think, especially here in the Yucatán Peninsula. This is a safe and easy region of the country. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive alone in this part of Mexico!

If you’re driving in Mexico for the first time ever, the Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect place to start. Most major roads are in good condition. Yucatán state has exceptionally low crime; Quintana Roo state’s crime is mostly concentrated in the resort towns you’ll be avoiding. The landscape is flat for the most part and you don’t have to deal with treacherous mountain passes.

In other parts of Mexico, like remote areas of Chiapas, locals frequently shut down roads due to protests or ask passing drivers for money; this is very uncommon in the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

If you’re looking to get good value for money, I recommend comparing car rental rates at RentalCars.com . Keep in mind that the cheapest rates are often for manual transmissions — if you need an automatic car, specify that when you book so there are no surprises.

Obviously, you’ll need a license to drive in Mexico. Mexico recognizes English language licenses, regardless of country. If you don’t have an English or Spanish language license, you may want to bring an international driving permit (which is essentially a translation of your license that you can get in your home country).

Mexicans drive on the right side of the road.

If you’re nervous, you may want to do all your driving during the day. I planned out this Mexico road trip itinerary so that you could do all of your driving during the day if possible. The longest driving days are about four hours. A lot of people feel more comfortable driving during the day, when more people are out and the light is better.

Speed bumps are a continuous annoyance while driving in Mexico. They are everywhere — in the middle of towns, on smaller roads, on busy roads, and sometimes even on the highway. While sometimes they’re painted yellow and have signs, sometimes they appear out of nowhere and are hard to spot. Keep an eye on the road continuously.

There are lots of toll roads ( cuota roads) in Mexico, and they add up. Still, I recommend taking toll roads when you can, as they tend to be in far better condition with fewer potholes and speed bumps. Keep money on you — both bills and change — to pay these tolls. You may have to pay as much as 200 pesos ($10). Trust me, it’s better than the regular roads.

There are checkpoints throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, especially when crossing state lines. Sometimes they will wave you straight through; sometimes they will ask you where you’re going. One time, when driving into the town of Hecelchakán in Campeche, a local cop asked me why we were heading there. “Cochinita,” we replied — we were there for the famous slow-roasted pork. He grinned and waved us in.

Gas stations are easy to find throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. I’m a fairly cautious person and tend to refill when I get down to half a tank; you won’t need to worry about this, as there are plenty of stations. Gas stations in Mexico are full-service — the attendant pumps your gas for you. Be sure to give him a small tip (10-20 pesos is fine).

You should keep in mind that many rural areas of Mexico have no phone signal, and that includes along the highways. Much of the time you need to get to a town before you get phone signal.

Finally — Mexico is not nearly as dangerous as the American media would have you believe. Just like the US, there are very safe areas and not-so-safe areas. Much of the drug violence is concentrated in pockets of the north. The Yucatán Peninsula is a very safe area of Mexico — in fact, Yucatán State and Mérida are frequently cited as the safest state and city in Mexico.

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?

Alternative Yucatan Road Trip Itineraries

Want a slightly different two week Mexico itinerary? No problem! You can customize this Yucatán itinerary to your needs.

Would you rather take public transport than drive? You can do that!

Would you rather change accommodation less often and stay longer in fewer places? Indeed you can.

Do you only have 10 days or a week? We can absolutely work with that.

Do you have more than two weeks to travel? Lucky you. I have suggestions.

Traveling in the Yucatán by Public Transportation

Don’t want to drive? That’s okay! With a few adjustments, you can do this trip by bus. You won’t have the freedom to come and go as you please, and you’ll have to plan ahead for scheduling your time, but for some people, not having to drive makes it worth it.

The buses in this part of Mexico are very safe and comfortable. I’ve taken them many times as a solo female traveler and I wouldn’t hesitate to take them again.

Here is the two-week Mexico itinerary I recommend, using public transportation:

• Day 1: Get a shuttle from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá , then get the ferry to Holbox
• Day 4: Ferry to Chiquilá, bus from Chiquilá to Río Lagartos via Tizimín
• Day 5: Book a day trip to Las Coloradas from Río Lagartos, then bus to Valladolíd later
• Day 6: Colectivo from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá and back
• Day 7: Bus from Valladolíd to Mérida
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips (include Izamal here)
• Day 11: Bus from Mérida to Bacalar
• Day 14: Bus from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

A few notes: You may want to switch up the order of Río Lagartos and Valladolíd. If you’re traveling from Río Lagartos to Mérida, you’ll need to change buses in Tizimín.

You technically can get a bus from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá to Mérida, but you probably don’t want to drag your luggage around the ruins, so I recommend doing Chichén Itza as a day trip from Valladolíd and catching a bus to Mérida the next day.

While in Mérida, you’ll be better off doing organized day trips that include the transportation.

Here are a few easy and fun day trips from Mérida where you won’t have to drive:

Progreso beach: Head to Progreso by public bus from Mérida (20 pesos, or $1, each way), or take an Uber for about $15 USD each way. The drive is just 40 minutes.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes: The Mayapán ruins are close to several top cenotes. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and some great cenotes nearby.

Homún cenotes: Take a colectivo from Mérida to Homún (1 hour) and upon arrival, hire a motorbike driver to either take you to Santa Barbara Cenotes (resort-like hacienda experience) or hire a driver for the day to take you to several wild cenotes in the area. Alternatively, take a tour to the Santa Barbara Cenotes direct from Mérida.

Another similar option is taking a colectivo to Cuzama, another town close to Homún that has its own collection of cenotes.

Celestún beach and mangroves: I recommend booking a tour for this as the public bus takes 2.5 hours but it’s just an hour’s drive from Mérida. This Celestún tour from Mérida includes time in the biosphere reserve and free time on the white sand beach.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate, and cenotes: This Uxmal tour from Mérida includes a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins, a trip to the chocolate museum, and a cenote visit.

A Slower Two Week Mexico Itinerary

Do you prefer not changing hotels often, with longer stays in fewer places? I totally get it. It’s the best way to have a relaxing trip. If that’s the case with you, I recommend basing in three places during your two week trip to Mexico: Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar.

This can be done either as a Yucatan road trip or with public buses (though keep in mind the bringing your luggage to Chichén Itza issue — you may want to go there and back to get your bags before heading to Mérida).

• Day 1: Drive from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-4: Holbox
• Day 5: Ferry to Chiquilá, drive to Mérida via Valladolíd and Chichén Itzá
• Days 6-9: Mérida
• Day 10: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 11-13: Bacalar

If You Have More than Two Weeks

If you have longer than two weeks for your Yucatan road trip itinerary, you can add extra days to any of the previously mentioned destinations. Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar in particular would be great places to add extra days. Here are some other things you can do.

Spend a night in Campeche . Or maybe two. Campeche is lovely — its old town is smaller, cleaner, prettier, and better put together than Mérida’s. There’s also a nice malecón , or path along the seafront. I wrote about my time in Campeche here.

Spend a night or two in Mahahual. This beachside town on the Costa Maya is on the verge of getting super-popular — the way Tulum was 15 years ago. The time to visit is now, while it’s still a bit low-key, before the major developers arrive.

If you REALLY want to, spend a night or two in Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, or Tulum. I’m not going to stop you. Just go in with measured expectations. They’re popular resort towns. Like I said, there are far better places to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula, and you’ve been to lots of them. (I’ve heard Isla Mujeres is quite nice, though.)

See the Coba ruins. The Coba ruins are about 45 minutes west of Tulum and like the Mayapán ruins, you can climb them! The Gran Cenote makes a good stop on the way back (there are turtles swimming in it!) but know it’s much pricier than the cenotes near Mérida and Valladolíd.

If you have the budget for a night or two in a resort, you’ll probably want to do it around the Riviera Maya. This part of Mexico is not lacking in resorts! Relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand can be a nice way to end your two-week Mexico road trip.

10 Days in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have 10 days in Mexico, I would make a few cuts on the places that excite you the least. If if were up to me, I would cut Río Lagartos out of your itinerary, limit Valladolíd to a short drive-by visit, and remove one of the days in Mérida.

Day 4 is going to be a LONG day. I recommend starting early to make the most of it.

• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Mérida via Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, possibly a cenote
• Day 5-6: Mérida and day trips
• Day 7: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 8-9: Bacalar
• Day 10: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

One Week in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have one week in Mexico, I would split your time between two destinations: either Holbox and Mérida or Bacalar and Mérida. I know it’s tempting to add in lots of destinations, but trust me on this one.

In 2019 I spent a week in Mexico split between Holbox and Mérida and it was perfect. (And it definitely whet my appetite for more — a year later I came back to live in Mérida for the winter!)

You may want to consider a one-way car rental from Cancún to Mérida. One-way rentals can often be more expensive, but it saves you hours of driving in this case. Once again, RentalCars.com will give you an idea of the pricing.

But a car isn’t necessary for this weeklong trip. You can easily do this itinerary by public transportation on the ADO buses, as I did in 2019. If you go to Holbox, take one of the many shuttles from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá — it’s faster and easier than the bus.

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Chiquilá and get the ferry to Holbox (or drive to Bacalar)
• Days 2-3: Holbox (or Bacalar)
• Day 4: Drive from Chiquilá (or Bacalar) to Mérida
• Days 5 and 6: Mérida
• Day 7: Depart Mérida

There is a lot more to see on the drive from Chiquilá to Mérida — Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, some cool cenotes, Izamal — than the drive from Bacalar to Mérida.

So which place is better, Holbox or Bacalar ? Wow, that’s a tough one! Having spent time in both places recently, I would give the edge to Bacalar. It’s more unique and I think it has a better vibe.

Mexico Travel Tips

When you arrive in Mexico, you’ll fill out a form on the plane and present it at immigration. You’ll be given part of the form back. This needs to be presented when you leave Mexico — do not lose it! If you do lose it, there are places in the airport where you can pay for a new one.

If you want to get a SIM card for your phone when in Mexico, I recommend Telcel. Remember to bring your passport to the store for ID. If you run out of data, you can top it up at an OXXO drug store, which are all over Mexico.

Quintana Roo and Yucatán states are in different time zones. According to this itinerary, you’ll cross these time zones when you go from Holbox to Valladolíd on Day Four and when you go from Mérida to Bacalar on Day Ten. Keep that in mind.

Keep small change for using the bathroom. Many public restrooms charge you to use them. It’s usually 5 pesos (25 cents).

Keep in mind that an “M” on the bathroom means it’s for women! I have made that mistake before! M is for mujeres, or women. Sometimes bathrooms are labeled Mujeres and Hombres , or Damas and Caballeros .

The water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Your accommodation will often provide you with drinking water, and I recommend a LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle to cut down on your plastic waste. That said, there’s nothing wrong with brushing your teeth with Mexican water.

If you get sick in Mexico, consider visiting a Farmacia Ahorro. I learned this when living in Mérida — several pharmacy chains, including Farmacia Ahorro, have a doctor working in the pharmacy who can examine you! Ask the pharmacist and they’ll give you a ticket for the doctor. Tip the doctor when you’re done (100 pesos, or $5, is fine).

Best Time to Visit Mexico for a Yucatán Road Trip

The absolute best time to visit the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is during the winter months: from December to March. This is primarily for weather reasons: nice sunny days, it rarely rains and temperatures are at their most pleasant.

This is especially important because Mérida is brutally hot for most of the year. The winter months are when Mérida is at its most pleasant, but even in winter, you’ll occasionally have some days at 95 F (35 C).

Outside of these months, it really heats up in Mérida. Mérida’s hottest month is May, and late April and early June are also brutally hot. It stays hot through November.

The other destinations on this itinerary, like Holbox and Bacalar, aren’t QUITE as hot as Mérida, thanks to their location by the sea, but the heat can still be unpleasant. Plus, so much of this itinerary is dependent on outdoor weather conditions and I know you’d rather not risk being rained out.

Consequently, this winter months are when Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula gets the most tourists, and when places tend to be most expensive. But I encourage you to visit at this time because weather really can make or break your visit.

Plus, visiting Mexico when it’s cold at home is the point! You need a warm weather escape, and Mexico is one of the best possible places you could visit. Your friends are going to be jealous of your photos…

What to Pack for a Mexico Road Trip

The good thing about Mexico is that you can often buy what you need there. Still, you should pack wisely, just in case.

In terms of clothing, you can wear whatever you want in Mexico — just nothing grotesquely revealing, and keep swimwear to the beach. Light fabrics help you breathe. I tend to wear dresses, skirts, and tank tops with sandals, plus some athletic wear for active days. You might want to bring a sweater and jeans for cool nights or bus rides.

(Like my bag in the photo above? I got it at Poshería , my favorite shop in Mérida, right on Paseo Montejo. Such a great, useful souvenir!)

Here are some items that are smart to pack for a trip to Mexico:

Biodegradable sunscreen . Leave your regular sunscreen at home — it can be harmful to delicate areas like cenotes, Lake Bacalar, and the waters surrounding Holbox. Stick to the biodegradable or reef safe brands.

Earplugs . Mexico is loud . Even in small towns. Even in luxury hotels. Even on a Monday night. Earplugs are essential to get a good night’s sleep in Mexico.

LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle . This lets you drink water safely in Mexico without creating more waste from bottled water.

Pacsafe Travelsafe . Lock up your valuables to something sturdy in your accommodation. I consider my portable safe  the most important thing I pack .

Mosquito repellant . Mosquitos can be incessant in this part of Mexico, especially at sunset.

Travel towel . Cenotes don’t provide towels — you’ll need to bring your own.

Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf . These scarves have a hidden pocket for your passport or cash, and some come in light fabrics perfect for Mexico. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ).

Sports sandals . Sports sandals are ideal for climbing ruins and exploring the outdoors while leaving your feet room to breathe on hot days.

Flip-flops . I wear mine everywhere in Mexico. I can’t wear most flip-flops due to arch issues but I ADORE my  Abeo flip-flops with arch support .

Water shoes . I don’t usually recommend these, but they are extremely useful in Bacalar, especially at Los Rapidos, where you alternate being in the water and walking on painful ground.

GoPro . You are going to want to take photos in the water in this part of Mexico — especially cenotes and at Bacalar.

Travel Insurance for Mexico

One last note — it’s absolutely vital to have travel insurance before traveling to Mexico.  If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home for more care, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin.  I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Mexico.

Travel insurance will help you in your hour of need if you come down with appendicitis in Mérida or trip and break an ankle while climbing the pyramid at Mayapán, and if your flights get canceled due to hurricanes, you can get accommodation and new flights paid for.

As always, be sure to read your policy carefully and make sure it’s a fit for you.  See what World Nomads covers here.

You are going to LOVE your Mexico road trip.

Mexico is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. I love this country fiercely, and I will always come back to it. The more time I spend in Mexico, the more places I keep adding to visit someday!

So many people go to Mexico and see nothing more than beach resorts, when the country has SO much more to offer, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula. I know your trip will be so much better when you focus on areas outside the resorts.

And please don’t forget that you can put your own spin on whatever you want to do. Maybe you’re not a fan of ruins. That’s fine! You don’t have to go to any! And if you don’t like swimming in deep water, know that you don’t have to swim in any if you don’t want to. (Plus, they all provide lifejackets.)

This is your trip. You go do Mexico the way you want to. I’m just here to help you along the way.

Have the best time in Mexico — then come back and tell me all about it!

Planning a Trip to Mexico:

• Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?
• What NOT to Do in Mexico

Places to Visit in the Yucatán and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast:

• Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico, The Lake of Seven Colors
• Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico’s Most Magical Island
• 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Places to Visit in Inland Mexico:

• The Absolute Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Best Mexico City Neighborhoods to Stay In
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico
• How to Visit Sumidero Canyon from San Cristobal de las Casas

Places to Visit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast:

• 24 Fabulous Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico
• Guide to Bucerías, Mexico, an alternative to Puerto Vallarta

Have you been on a Yucatan road trip? Where do you recommend going? Share away!

Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico [Month by Month Guide]

Planning to visit Merida, Mexico?

Smart choice — though I’m biased, as I live in Merida! That aside, you’re probably about the best time to visit Merida Mexico, so you get the best weather.

You’re in the right place to find out with this month-by-month guide to the weather and temperatures in Merida.

As Merida is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, this article actually covers what you can expect from the weather in Yucatan, Mexico, as well.

In general, this part of the world has a tropical climate, so you can expect cooler, sunny days in the winter months and hot, humid, rainy summers.

10 Best Hotels in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local]

If you’re wondering, What’s the best time to visit Merida? For the hands-down best Merida Mexico weather — you’ll want to visit in the cooler months, from November to March.

Now, if you’re visiting during any other month, you can still have an amazing trip.

The key to visiting during the Merida slow season, from April to October, is to be prepared.

By the end of this article, you’re going to know everything you need to about the weather in Merida, Mexico. Ready to get to it? Let’s start with the annual Merida temperature forecast.

What’s the best time to visit Merida Mexico?

For the best weather, you’ll want to visit Merida in December to March .

The one exception I’d say is if you’re planning to attend the Hanal Pixan festival (AKA Mayan Day of the Dead) from late October to early November. It will still be a bit hot, but the festival is worth it.

What’s the worst time to visit Merida Mexico?

As someone who’s lived in Merida since 2019, I always tell people to avoid the months of May to September entirely! May is known as the most humid and hottest month in Merida — and even locals dread it. 🦟 Besides the weather, the mosquitoes are also bad during this time.

MERIDA WEATHER IN YUCATAN

Merida yucatan weather forecast.

As you can see below in the weather chart, Merida is HOT, and yes, it’s not uncommon for 100°F temperatures during the summer. Also, keep in mind that there’s humidity, so it can even feel 5-10°F hotter than the number says 🥵 Regardless of when you visit, you need to stay hydrated in Merida’s heat.

You’ll want to pack a reusable water bottle, like this Water-To-Go Bottle . This eco-friendly bottle also filters your drinking water to lessen your chances of getting sick while traveling to Merida! 💸 Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15 at checkout!

🌡️ Merida Mexico weather

Merida Wet Season & Merida Dry Season

The Merida rainy season is from about May to October, and the dry season in Merida runs from about November to April.

As with all weather, Merida weather is no different — it can rain at any time and it can be sunny during the rainy season — so don’t let the projections deter you. The good news about the Merida rainy season is storms tend to pass quickly.

It does typically rain every day during summer in the afternoon for about 1-2 hours, so you just have to carry a reliable travel umbrella, ☔️ like this one , for the afternoons if you’re going to be outdoors.

Atlantic Hurricane Season

The final thing to keep in mind is Hurricane Season in Merida Mexico, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Located in the Yucatan, with the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Merida is susceptible to intense thunderstorms, tropical storms, and even hurricanes.

RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 50 Best Things to do in Merida, Mexico + FREE Map

Merida in January — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 80°F Day | 70°F Night
• ☀️ Rainy Season: No

Merida weather January is a great time for a Merida trip, especially if you’re planning for a lot of time outdoors.

It is one of the cooler months of the year, and if you’re visiting some Merida beaches , or Mayan Ruins near Merida , you should have nothing but cool, sunny days.

While there are many great things to do in Merida itself, January is a great month for all the amazing Merida day trips .

The easiest way to visit all the amazing places in the Yucatan is if you get a Merida rental car from the airport when you arrive in the city. 

RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 Merida Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know + 10 Driving Tips

Merida in February — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures : 80°F Day | 70°F Night

For me personally, Merida weather February is the best weather Merida Mexico has.

Well, it’s not just the weather, as Merida weather in winter is just pretty great in general, but February is the first nice month of the year when the tourism crowds start to die down. If you’re visiting all the big tourist sites in Yucatan, like Chichen Itza, on a Merida day trip , you should have perfect weather and smaller crowds in February.

After January, hotel prices drop a bit also, so you can splurge on a gorgeous Merida hotel like the Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP .

Merida in March — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures : 85°F Day | 75°F Night

March feels like the last month with “perfect” Mérida Mexico weather.

By the end of the month, the humidity will start to return a bit, and so will the warmer temperatures, though March is still a great month to visit — but the earlier in the month, the better.

Even if you’re planning to visit in late March, you can cool off at the Merida beaches, with options located 30-90 from the city. There are also many amazing Merida cenotes, which are swimmable sinkholes with cool, fresh water.

Merida in April — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 90°F Day | 75°F Night

April can be hit or miss in terms of Merida and Yucatan Peninsula weather predictions, as it can still be quite nice, or it can be starting to feel hot and humid.

As you’ll see in the next section, May is the hottest month in Merida, and April can sometimes be the warm-up to that.

April in Merida may be warming up, but it’s usually still not rainy yet.

This means it’s the best time to visit Yucatan to explore all the amazing outdoor activities and great day trips, like a Merida to Campeche day trip or a weekend trip to Campeche City, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site just two hours away.

RELATED ARTICLE 🚗💨 Merida to Campeche City: How to Take the Ultimate Day or Weekend Trip

Merida in May — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 100°F Day | 80°F Night
• 🌦️ Rainy Season: Maybe

While a guaranteed prediction about the weather forecast for Merida Mexico is impossible, there’s one certainty: May is the hottest month in Merida 🥵.

Quite frankly, even locals dread May and often avoid being outside in the afternoons unless it’s to swim in the Merida cenotes .

For this time of year, consider paying a little extra for a Merida Airbnb/VRBO or a Merida hotel that has a pool.

It is really nice to have a pool for the extremely hot afternoons in Merida or to take a dip at night after a long day of walking and sightseeing. Even for people used to warmer climates in the U.S., Mexico is closer to the Equator, so it’s still hotter.

Make sure to stay hydrated with your Water-To-Go Bottle , pack light-colored, breathable clothes, a sun hat , eco-friendly sunscreen , and even a misting fan .

RELATED BLOG 🇲🇽 50 Best Things to do in Merida, Mexico + FREE Map

Merida in June — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures : 97°F Day | 77°F Night
• ☔️ Rainy Season: Yes

As you just learned, May is Merida’s hottest month, though June isn’t much different. As far as weather, Yucatan Peninsula summers are pretty rough in general.

As everywhere has those few “bad” months, summers in Merida are hot, humid and buggy (so don’t forget your bug spray !)

What separates Merida from places like Tulum or Cancun is that Merida is about 30 miles from the nearest beach, Puerto Progreso , so you won’t get a sea breeze.

If you want to do what the locals do, just plan any indoor activities for the afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day. June is also the beginning of the Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1-November 30.

While Merida very rarely gets a direct hit (the last one was Wilma in 2005), it does get tropical storms, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains — so keep your travel umbrella on you at all times!

Merida in July — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 95°F Day | 75°F Night

July is another hot and humid month in terms of weather. Merida, Yucatan really won’t start to see cooler temperatures until late October, but again, you can be strategic with your visit to maximize comfort.

As mentioned, Merida rentals with a pool — like these Merida VRBO options and these Merida hotels — are worth paying a little extra for.

Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored, comfy clothes ( that don’t show sweat! ), wear a sun hat , and stay hydrated with your Water-To-Go Bottle .

RELATED ARTICLE 🏡 12 Stunning Airbnbs in Merida Mexico [Picked by a Local]

Merida in August — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 📍 Average Temperatures: 93°F Day | 73°F Night

If you’re following month by month, you might be wondering, Is the Merida Yucatan Mexico weather ever nice?! Yes, it is… but not during the summers.

You know how every place on Earth has those few “bad” months? Well, summers in Yucatan are, quite frankly, rough.

Unfortunately, August is still one of the hotter and more humid months in terms of weather for Merida, Mexico, making it one of the worst time to visit Yucatan Merida.

Remember, you can always do as the locals do, and plan all your indoor activities, like visiting these Merida museums , for the afternoons to avoid the midday sun.

Merida in September — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 93°F Day | 73°F Night
• ☔️ Rainy Season : Yes

While the temperatures have started to cool down, September is still not out of the rainy season yet.

As mentioned, it will often only rain for about an hour in the afternoons, so carry your travel umbrella at all times, just in case you get caught in the rain.

Remember the tips from the previous months, like planning your indoor activities for the afternoons when it tends to rain, and you should be fine.

If you want to have a Merida beach day, just head to the beaches near Merida early in the day to get the most sun possible.

The great thing about September in Merida is the temperature Merida has begun to cool down, but it’s not yet high season, so hotel prices are still on the low side.

With only four rooms available, September is a great time to book one of the best Merida hotels — Rosas & Xocolate .

Merida in October — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 90°F Day | 70°F Night

Finally, some good news for the Merida Mx weather forecast! Merida will start to cool off in October, especially late October.

This is a fun time to visit, as it coincides with Hanal Pixan (pronounced ha-nawl pick-shawn), the Mayan Day of the Dead celebration. 

If you want to attend Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead in Merida, book a place early — like one of these Merida Airbnbs or best Merida hotels .

The celebrations take place from Oct. 31-Nov. 2, with the main event being the Paseo de las Animas (Parade of Skulls, see above ⤴) on Nov. 2 at night.

Even if you aren’t coming for Hanal Pixan in Merida, October is a great month to visit!

By now, we’re entering the dry season, and the temperatures, humidity and mosquitoes have let up. It’s also right before the high season in Merida starts, so you may find great hotel deals.

Merida in November — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 85°F Day | 70°F Night

The weather in Merida Yucatan really starts getting great in November.

Though it’s still technically Atlantic Hurricane Season until Nov. 30, there’s rarely heavy rains in November. In fact, it’s usually pretty sunny and pleasant, though rain is possible.

Merida in December — Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

• 🌡️ Average Temperatures: 77°F Day | 70°F Night

Merida weather in December is generally considered the coolest for weather in Merida Yucatan Mexico.

It’s also the busiest month for tourism, but given how hot Merida summer is, the crowds are an OK trade-off for cooler temperatures on the Mexico Merida weather forecast.

With the city decorated in festive holiday lights, December is a pretty time in Merida.

Noche Blanca , the Merida White Night festival, takes place on the weekends in mid-December.

During the festival, Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) turns into a giant street party with live music, posadas , culture and dance performances, shopping, street food vendors and more.

Merida Mexico Travel Guide & FAQ

Where is merida mexico located.

Merida is the capital of Yucatan state, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , along with Quintana Roo and Campeche states.

🗺 Merida Map

Many think Merida is on the beach, but it’s actually about 45 minutes from Puerto Progreso , the closest Merida beach. There are actually several beaches near Merida , but Progreso is the closest beach to Merida.

Hanal Pixan Merida Mexico

Where to stay in merida for hanal pixan.

The vast majority of visitors will want to stay in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida), especially if you aren’t renting a car in Merida , because downtown is walkable.

Check out the guides below, which highlight all the best Merida accommodations:

• Best Merida Hotels
• Best Merida Boutique Hotels
• Best Merida Airbnbs & VRBOs
• Best Merida Hacienda Hotels
• Best Hotels in Merida

Flights to Merida, Mexico

Wondering what’s the best way to get to Merida? There’s actually an airport about 20-30 minutes from downtown — Merida International Airport (code: MID).

There are direct flights to Merida from only a few United States cities, like Miami and Houston, with more expected to be added in the future as the airport expands.

If you can’t get a direct flight from the U.S., you can fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara International Airport. From those, you can take a short, connecting flight into MID.

From the MID Airport, you can drive your rental car , take an Uber or taxi, or private transport service (see below) to your Merida accommodation .

Depending on where you’re staying, the drive is usually no more than 30 minutes, though it can be a little bit longer during rush hours.

✈️ Best Merida Airport transfers

Is merida mexico worth visiting.

Yes — Merida is one of the best places in Yucatan to visit because it has something for everyone.

La Ciudad Blanca (The White City of Merida) is known as the Culture Capital of Yucatan for its rich Mayan history, only one of many reasons to take a Merida vacation.

While there are so many things to do in Merida itself, if you’re getting a Merida rental car , you also have a lot of great day trips from Merida .

Here are just a few things to do near Merida:

• Swim in the Merida cenotes
• Marvel at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
• Check out the Yucatan haciendas
• Visit the Pink Lakes at Las Coloradas
• Laze on the best Yucatan beaches

Is Merida Mexico safe?

Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, Merida is safe. That’s not to say “bad” things don’t happen in Merida; they do. However, Merida is widely known as the safest city in Mexico .

As safety is a complex topic, check out Is Merida Safe for Travelers? for a deep dive into Merida safety.

Final Thoughts: Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

As someone who’s been living in Merida since 2019, I know first-hand that the weather can be less than ideal at times. However, that is the case with every place on Earth — as each city, state, country and region has ideal times to visit.

For visiting Merida Mexico, the ideal time to visit is from November to March, when the temperatures are cooler and the humidity’s at bay.

Located in the tropics, Merida’s on the warmer side all year, which makes its tepid winters ideal for escaping the cold weather in the U.S.

Merida Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Merida?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Merida?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?

For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb! ( Read more )

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

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Mexico / When To Visit

When is the best time to visit mexico's yucatan peninsula.

The Yucatan's high season runs from the start of November to the end of April

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a genuine year-round holiday destination although, invariably, certain times of year are more favourable to travel than others. As with the Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula’s high season runs from the start of November to the end of April. During these winter months, the weather tends to be drier, cooler and less humid than the hotter, wetter, more humid summer months which run from May through October. However, it’s important to stress that the weather in the Yucatan is anything but predictable with rain showers not uncommon during the dry season and long, dry spells no great surprise during the wet season. Deciding on when to visit the Yucatan Peninsula will also depend on one’s reasons for visiting. Due to the cooler temperatures during the winter months, this is much the most popular time of year to ‘tour’ the region. For clients looking to extend their stay with time at the beach, there is no wrong time to do this although, occasionally, it can get slightly too cool in December & January while you are more likely to experience grey sky and rain showers during the summer months (generally in the afternoon). In terms of variations across the region, the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula tends to be cooler and wetter than the coast on the Gulf of Mexico while temperatures in the region’s interior can be significantly higher in April, May & June. Another meteorological consideration that many visitors perhaps should take into account is variations in daylight. As the Yucatan Peninsula is in the northern hemisphere, the weather may be ‘better’ during the winter months but visitors will enjoy longer days (by up to 2 hours) during the summer months. However, just to really complicate matters, during winter months the Caribbean coast is one hour ahead of the Gulf coast, a deliberate policy designed to maximise daylight hours at the beach! A final, and no less important consideration, relates to crowds and pricing. As with pretty much anywhere one travels, high season means bigger crowds and higher prices with hotel rates in the high season often being double those for travel in May, June, September & October. Due to higher demand, and a scarcity of accommodation, clients looking to travel during the high season (and especially Christmas, New Year & Easter) should book as far in advance as possible.

When to visit Yucatan

Month by month.

January is one of the coolest months of the year in which to visit the Yucatan Peninsula and is ideally suited to touring holidays, especially clambering around Mayan ruins. Beach extensions are still very much an option although, on occasion, it can get a little too cool.

The temperatures begin to gradually rise and the weather become more settled as the Yucatan Peninsula enters the busiest time of the year. Apart from the growing crowds and high hotel rates, this is a great time of year to visit the region.

March is almost identical to February but, if anything, even better with a near perfect combination of warm days and comfortable evenings, not to mention extended daylight hours. Our favourite month to visit the Yucatan.

Temperatures continue to rise and can become distinctly hot in the Yucatan’s interior although the Caribbean coast still enjoys near perfect conditions, especially as daylight hours extend still further into the early evening. Depending on annual variations, flight and hotel rates rise sharply over the Easter holidays.

May marks the official start of the summer and it can get very hot in the Yucatan Peninsula’s interior. Touring the region is still very much an option although its pays to avoid doing too much exploring in the late afternoon. On the plus side, hotel rates tend to drop significantly.

As the summer begins to take hold, humidity builds up and rainfall increases although generally in the afternoons. On the plus side, visitor numbers and hotel rates are relatively low and daylight hours are at their peak.

Temperatures and humidity remain high throughout July & August. Despite this, and because of the school holidays, air fares tend to be high and hotel rates also rise. Families and teachers aside, these are two months you might want to avoid.

The weather remains hot and humid and, if there is to be a hurricane, this is statistically the most likely month of the year for it to happen although it is less likely here than in Cuba and you’d be very unlucky to be caught up in one.

Into the tail end of the hurricane season, the weather slowly begins to get cooler and drier making this is popular time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula while avoiding the often significantly higher hotel rates over the winter months.

There is no sudden, overnight change in the weather as the Yucatan Peninsula enters its winter / high season but, as the month progresses, temperatures continue to gradually fall. Although there is no seismic change in the weather, many hotel rates jump from 1st November.

Together with January, December is the coolest time of year to in which to visit the Yucatan Peninsula and ideal for exploring the region. For the first half of the month things are generally quite calm before, in the build-up to Christmas and New Year, both airline and hotel rates reach their peak.

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When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here .

Make your next holiday Beyond The Ordinary

Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.

Merida   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Mehdi33300 | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Merida

The best time to visit Mérida is between December and March if you're looking for dry weather and lots of things to do. Opt for a January trip to experience Mérida Fest, a huge annual celebration that honors the founding of the city. Temperatures in April and May are some of the hottest of the year (around 100 degrees every day), but you'll still find many festivals and celebrations around the Easter holidays. June through November is humid and rainy, but you may want to brave the wet weather to experience Mexico's renowned Día de los Muertos festival at the beginning of November. Just be sure to purchase some travel insurance to keep hurricane season from raining on your parade.

Weather in Merida

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Yucatan Peninsula

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Getting Around
• Visitor Information
• Special-Interest Vacations
• Staying Healthy
• Tips on Accommodations
• Calendar of Events
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Getting There
• Tips for Families
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Tips for Senior Travelers
• Tips for Student Travelers
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
• Tips for Women Travelers
• Staying Connected
• Regions in Brief
• Active Pursuits
• Suggested Itineraries

When to Go in Yucatan Peninsula

High season in the Yucatán begins around December 20 and continues to Easter week. This is the best time for calm, warm weather; snorkeling, diving, and fishing (the calmer weather means clearer and more predictable seas); and for visiting the ruins that dot the interior of the peninsula. Book well in advance if you plan to be in Cancún around the holidays.

Low season begins the day after Easter and continues to mid-December; during low season, prices may drop 20% to 50%. However, in Cancún and along the Riviera Maya, demand by Mexican and European visitors is creating a summer middle season.

Generally speaking, Mexico's dry season runs from November to April, with the rainy season stretching from May to October. It isn't a problem if you're staying close to the beaches, but for those bent on road-tripping to Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, or other sites, temperatures and humidity in the interior can be downright stifling from May to July. Later in the rainy season, the frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes increases; such storms, of course, can put a crimp in your vacation. But they can lower temperatures, making climbing ruins more fun, accompanied by cool air and a slight wind. November is especially ideal for Yucatán travels. Cancún, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres also have a rainy season from November to January, when northern storms hit. This usually means diving visibility is diminished -- and conditions may prevent boats from even going out.

Villahermosa is sultry and humid all the time. San Cristóbal de las Casas, at an elevation of approximately 2,100m (7,000 ft.), is much cooler than the lowlands and is downright cold in winter.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Oct 8, 2023 • 5 min read

There's something wonderful awaiting you in Mexico no matter the season © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

As diverse as it is enchanting, Mexico is a year-round destination. This 32-state nation boasts glistening coastlines, numerous microclimates and an astonishingly varied terrain.

For 365 days a year, the sun reigns supreme on the pristine beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula, while inland city gems like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende , located in the temperate highlands, provide respite from scorching summers.

Over in the state of Chihuahua , adventurers relish the grandiose and gobsmacking Copper Canyon in spring and fall, and the country’s cultural heartland, Mexico City , is perennially bustling with life.

Whether you're a beach lover, culture maven, history buff or foodie, Mexico has a perfect time for you to experience its countless treasures. In this guide, we'll dissect the seasons, local festivals and regional nuances to help you pinpoint the best time to go to Mexico, ensuring your trip is as unforgettable as the country itself.

December to April is the best time for dry weather and party crowds

High season in Mexico coincides with the dry season from November to March (the rainy season is from June to October). These pleasantly dry months bring numerous winter escapees from colder countries, and it is the best time to travel to Mexico if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors and in nature.

On the Baja Peninsula , flowers bloom, things get green, big waves delight surfers, and swimming with whale sharks is possible (from October through April). In the Northern Central Highlands , it's a fantastic time for excursions to waterfalls and rivers, while in Oaxaca , these are the best months for hiking.

Bring a sweater for high-altitude destinations like San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas , which can be chilly at night and in the morning. In the Western Central Highlands , the forests of the Reserva de la Biosfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve) turn orange as millions of large monarch butterflies winter there from late October to mid-March.

November, December and January are the most expensive months to fly to Mexico. Expect crowded attractions and population swells in destinations like Tulum , which is particularly busy before New Year’s Eve and on the first week of the year when massive electronic music festivals fill the calendar.

February is the best month for whale-watching around the Baja Peninsula, and March is the Vernal Equinox when visitors mob Chichén Itzá (it happens in autumn as well) to see shadows that resemble a serpent ascend or descend the  El Castillo pyramid . Archaeological sites like Teotihuacán north of Mexico City and Guachimontones west of Guadalajara are also popular spring equinox pilgrimages.

In March and April, many US students spend their spring break in coastal hotspots, including Cancún, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas , for days of over-the-top partying. Whether you wish to join or avoid the revelry, take note of potential fare increases during this time.

Semana Santa (Easter Week), which can be in March or April, is Mexico’s major holiday week of the year, with tourist accommodations and transportation packed – many businesses also shut down in inland cities. Along with Christmas, Easter fares in Mexico can be as much as double the typical rate.

May to June is the best time for sunseekers, fewer crowds and low prices

Mexico experiences two low seasons: May and June, and then September through November. If you’re looking to score great travel deals, these might be the cheapest months to vacation in Mexico.

In May, temperatures reach annual peaks in cities such as Mérida (average daily high 95°F), Guadalajara (87°C), Oaxaca City (86°C) and Mexico City (79°C). You might be surprised to learn that Cinco de Mayo is not observed with zealous fanfare throughout Mexico, though it is a public holiday. The main destination for celebration on May 5 th is Puebla , where a battle between the Mexican army and French soldiers is re-enacted.

June is the start of the rainy season in Mexico, as well as the hurricane season, which lasts until November. The highest chance of encountering a hurricane, however, is between August and October.

July and August are the best months for surfing and wildlife encounters

It’s hot nearly everywhere in Mexico during the summer. Countless spots in the Mexican Riviera (Mexico’s Pacific coast region), including Puerto Escondido with its legendary Mexican Pipeline, enjoy superb swells from April/May to October/November. June to August generally sees the biggest waves.

If you love turtles, the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is from July until December, when you can attend one of many baby turtle releases held by a handful of hotels. For whale shark spotting, these gentle giants gather off the coast of Cancún and Riviera Maya towns between mid-May and mid-September, but the best time to see them is July or August.

The summer might not be the best time to visit Riviera Maya or Cancún, though – not only is it oppressively hot, but many beaches are covered in sargassum (brown seaweed). Vacationing Mexicans from the rest of the country also flock to these beaches, which makes hotel rates rise. Beaches on the Mexican Riviera are never affected by sargassum.

September to November is excellent for cultural showcases and inland city escapades

The second low season, from September to November, is a terrific time for inland explorations and tastes of culture. Mexican families feast on Chiles en Nogada  (chilies in walnut sauce) to celebrate Día de la Independencia (Independence Day), which ushers in lively patriotic celebrations on the 15 th and 16 th of September.

Over 10 days in September, Guadalajara hosts the charming, colorful and delectable International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, when more than 500 mariachis perform and the National Charro Championship takes place ( charrería is Mexico’s national sport).

With the hurricane season in full swing on the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico’s coasts, it’s rainy in most places, with poor visibility for Caribbean divers in September. However, inland Mexico tells a different story.

There are spots of rain in Mexico City , but the mild weather is perfect for wandering around the city. October, along with November and March, is one of the best months to visit northwest Mexico’s spectacular canyon country, with temperatures not too hot at the bottom of the canyons, nor too cold at the top.

At the start of November, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) brings parades, floats, altars and all-night vigils to cities and towns all over Mexico. As the jubilant epicenter of this celebration, this is one of the best times to visit Oaxaca City .

This article was first published March 2021 and updated October 2023

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Digital Nomad Tips, Guides & Resources

Best Time To Visit Merida Mexico: When To Go & When To Avoid

Category Merida , Mexico Updated on January 6, 2024

“When is the best time to visit Merida Mexico?”…

…is a question we asked ourselves when we planned on becoming Merida digital nomads . You want to get it right because we’ve heard some horror stories of people going when it’s been TOO hot and it’s just been unbearable.

After spending a month living in Merida , we got a good feel of what the weather is like, when the crowds of tourists swarm in and when the best events are held.

Here’s everything you need to know about the weather – when to go and when to avoid Merida.

Quick Answer: When’s The Best Time To Visit Merida Mexico?

The best time to visit Merida, Mexico is between late November to March if you want great weather. The worst time to visit Merida is from May to August because the humidity can quickly become unbearable for some people.

6 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico

We had such a fantastic time in Merida and we honestly picked one of the best months to go, in our opinion.

While the sunshine might be on your mind, it’s not the only thing you need to think of. Here are the 6 factors to think about when choosing the best time to visit Merida.

• Hurricane/cyclone season
• Sargassum season (it’s a thing)

The way you like to travel will ultimately decide when the best time to visit Merida is. What do I mean?

For example, Matthew and I love to visit digital nomad destinations during the shoulder months. We would sacrifice a couple of days of rain or miss some events to get better apartment deals and fewer crowds.

When we were Playa del Carmen digital nomads , we arrived during the shoulder months. I’m not kidding when I tell you we experienced not one but two hurricanes while we were there! While it might not have been the best time to visit Playa del Carmen , we did get insane rental deals and there were fewer crowds. We were still pretty happy!

If you’re struggling to decide when the best time to visit Merida is, ask yourself these questions to help guide your decision:

• Will a few days of rain ruin my trip?
• Can I handle humidity?
• Am I planning to spend a lot of time on the beach?
• Are there any events in Mexico I want to go to?

If you make a list of your preferences, this could make it an easier choice for you. Once you choose the best time to visit Merida for yourself – you can start booking, planning and organizing your trip to the beautiful Yucatan state of Mexico.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Merida Mexico?

The best time to visit Merida Mexico is in November, December, January, February, March and April. You’ll get a good amount of sunshine, a couple of rainy days but cool nights. While these aren’t the hottest months with the most hours of sunshine, the Merida summer might be too humid and hot to handle!

Best Months To Visit Merida

The best months to visit Merida are from November to April. The average temperature during these months is between 72°F to 90°F (23°C to 33°C). These months also have the least amount of rainfall so you can enjoy your days out exploring the beautiful Yucatan peninsula.

Events are a big attraction when choosing a place to visit. For example, lots of people travel to go to a festival or to experience a popular holiday in that country. One of Mexico’s biggest and most famous celebrations is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is in early November.

A popular month for tourism is April because there’s another holiday in Mexico called Semana Santa (Holy Week) in which thousands of tourists flock to different states to join in and experience the holiday. The crowds can get overwhelming during these times but it’s up to you if you want to experience the celebrations still.

When Is The Worst Time To Visit Merida Mexico?

The worst time to visit Merida is from May to September. Locals also try to escape Merida during this time because of the intense heat, humidity and increase in mosquitoes buzzing around.

If you’re looking to have a great time exploring the beautiful colonial city of Merida, you might want to avoid going during the rainy season.

Worst Months To Visit Merida

The worst months to visit Merida are May, June and July. Why?

4 words: Hot flashes. Intense humidity.

The summers are brutal in Merida and sometimes it becomes unbearable to be there. If you don’t have air-conditioning in your Airbnb, it’s going to be an even worse time for you.

Try to avoid going to Merida during the humid months so you don’t melt while you’re on vacation or living there as a digital nomad. Especially avoid going in May, it has an average high temperature of 97°F (36°C – remember, that’s the average!) and it’s the warmest month!

Stats on Merida Weather & Seasons

Here are some quick stats to help give you a better idea of the general weather in Merida:

• Hottest month in Merida: May (97℉ | 36℃)
• Coolest month in Merida: January – (64 °F | 18°C)
• Rainiest month in Merida: June
• Driest months in Merida: February & March
• Most crowded months in Merida: December & January
• Least crowded months in Merida: June, July & August

Temperature Year-Round

Is the temperature a big factor when choosing to visit a place? Then you’ll find the chart below very helpful. The annual average temperature in Merida is around 79°F (26°C).

If you’re trying to escape the cold – Merida is a great destination to get away! A lot of people (sometimes called snowbirds) actually do this and spend their winter in sunny Merida instead of staying in their home country for the winter season. A great choice if you ask me!

Precipitation Year-Round

The rainiest month in Merida is June. Tropical storms tend to hit around June and July which is why there’s so much rainfall. If you love outdoor activities, it might not be the best time to visit Merida for you.

The month with the least amount of rainfall is February. If you get easily worried about the rain ruining your activities, February has cooler temperatures and only around 7 days of rainfall (if that).

Sunshine Year-Round

The best time to visit Merida for some sunshine is November to April. Summer in Merida is technically June to August, but we don’t recommend visiting that time because the sun and humidity are just way too intense. While we were living in Merida , we found a lot of locals telling us that the summer was way too intense for them too.

June and September receive the least amount of sunshine in a month. While both months have a maximum temperature of 93°F (34°C), they experience the most amount of rainfall too. If you love the sunshine, don’t go during those months and you’ll be fine!

The 2 Weather Seasons In Merida: Wet and Dry

Merida has 2 seasons: wet season and dry season. The wet season is when there is the most rainfall and the possibility of hurricanes coming through the Yucatan peninsula. The dry season in Merida means it’s a little cooler during the nights and pretty warm during the days.

The best time to visit Merida specifically is during the dry season. This way you can spend your days exploring the Centro Historico, maybe have a day trip to Chichen Itza and lounge on the beautiful Merida beaches.

Dry Season In Merida, Mexico

The dry season in Merida is from November to April. These months typically receive the least amount of rainfall and you’ll get more sunshine days (who doesn’t want that?!).

The only thing that might stop you from visiting Merida during the dry season is the crowds of tourists that roam the city.

Best things to do in Merida during the dry season:

• Visit and swim in cenotes (Cenote Santa Barbara was our fave)
• Watch the free events in Plaza Grande (there’s something almost every night)
• See a live game of Pok-Ta-Pok on Wednesday @ 8pm
• Take a free walking tour around the Historic Center
• Take a leisurely stroll along the Paseo de Montejo Avenue
• Day trip to Chichén Itzá

Pros of visiting Merida during the dry season:

• Less likelihood of rain interrupting your day
• Good weather to walk everywhere
• Most activities are open
• Lots of events happening in town

Cons of visiting Merida during the dry season:

• Overwhelming amount of domestic and international tourists
• Prices might be higher for accommodation, flights and activities
• Group day-trips tend to be more crowded

Wet Season In Merida, Mexico

If you visit during the wet season, you will have fewer crowds of tourists and possibly better deals – you just have to deal with the humidity and rainy days.

Best things to do in Merida during the wet season:

• Visit El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and see Mayan artifacts
• Take a food tour around town
• Take a cooking class and learn how to make Yucatecan food

Pros of visiting Merida during the wet season:

• Fewer crowds to battle with
• Cheaper prices for flights, hotels and activities
• Attractions/group trips won’t be as busy

Cons of visiting Merida during the wet season:

• Higher chance of precipitation (rainy days)
• Fewer outdoor activities you can do in the rain
• Possible tropical storms can keep you inside the hotel

When Can You Get The Best Prices In Merida?

If you’re looking for great deals on flights, accommodation (hotels/Airbnbs) or just a couple of bucks off a day trip activity – the best time to visit Merida is in the months of May to September. This is the rainy season which is why you’re able to save some real money across the board.

The Best Time To Visit Merida Mexico In Our Opinion Is…

November, February and March!

To narrow it down even further, we think the best time to visit Merida is during the shoulder month of November. You might get a couple of rainy days but we barely had any and we got pretty good deals on flights and our Airbnb. There were also fewer crowds during this time and it made seeing cool events like Mexican traditional dances or Pok-Ta-Pok (the Mayan ball game) pretty chill.

While we don’t really visit places during the high seasons because we don’t like crowds – February and March are still great times to visit. You get the best weather and Merida isn’t usually crowded during that time as there aren’t really any events happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit merida mexico.

The best time to visit Merida is in November, February, March and April. These months have the most amount of sunshine, the least amount of rain but are less busy than December and January.

What is the rainiest month in Merida Mexico?

The wet season in Merida is from May to October, with the rainiest month being June (19/30 days of rainfall). Lots of rain and high humidity during this time make Merida a pretty hard place to be, unless you can handle the weather and want to save some money with cheaper prices.

Which is the most crowded month to visit Merida?

Tourists flock to Merida in early November and the month of December. This is because of holidays like Dia de los Muertos and Christmas/New Year's vacation.

When is it the most humid in Merida?

The highest humidity is during September and October (around 78% humidity).

How safe is Merida Mexico?

Merida is actually considered one of the top 5 safest places in Mexico . While living in Merida as digital nomads, we always felt really safe wherever we went.

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These are the best times to visit Mexico

The holidays are a distant memory, and it's just, well, winter in the U.S. First there was the cyclone bomb and now with prevailing icy winds and frigid temperatures comes the call of azure waters and sandy beaches, perhaps with a margarita and a taco.

And while Mexico plays the winter card very well, it turns out winter isn't always the best time to go to Mexico.

Have an upcoming vacation in mind? See how close you are to paying for it with points when you download the free TPG App !

The ideal time to visit Mexico for good weather — it depends

Don't be mistaken, it's a great time to head south. But Mexico is a land of microclimates and its topography is one of the most diverse in the world. You could be on the beach in the morning and, by evening, be bundled in a blanket sipping a hot mug of Chiapan hot chocolate up in the highlands. So the answer to the question, "when is the best time to go to Mexico?" is simple: it depends.

"The best time to go to Mexico is dependent on the location within Mexico," said Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico, a luxury destination management company specializing in highly customized Mexico vacations. "Remember that Mexico is a giant country. The best time to visit is very much dependent on destination, location and time of year."

Mexico has more than 5,800 miles of beaches, but the interior is made up of desert, jungle lowlands, highlands and mountains that surpass 18,000 feet above sea level. To make it easy, we have broken down the best times to go to Mexico, depending on all of those factors Rabinor described, and more.

The best time to go to Mexico City

Surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 7,300 feet, Mexico City enjoys temperate weather year round. As long as you dress well and prepare for inclement weather, it's a great destination regardless of the season. Summer is the rainy season with temperatures reaching around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and afternoon downpours a common occurrence from June through October. From December through March, winter brings light jacket weather with temperatures dropping to the 40-degree Fahrenheit range at night.

Mexico's answer to cherry blossom season occurs late February through March, when the city's purple jacaranda trees begin to bloom.

The best time to go hiking in the mountains

The Sierra Madre mountain range essentially runs the entirety of the country north to south, down the center. The mountains extend approximately 700 miles from northwest to southeast, with summits on average above 6,000 feet and many peaks reaching 10,000 feet.

The climate here typically features cool nights and dry days. There is a rainy season, from June through October, but the mountain topography tends to mitigate it so that it is less intense than in lower-lying regions.

You should visit the mountains if you're interested in adventure travel, including trekking, climbing, mountain biking and hiking. The best time to visit would be the dry season to maximize the outdoor time, but you're risking lower temperatures.

The best time for exploring the Lowlands

Mexico's lowland jungles, like the Lacandón jungle, which stretches from the southern state of Chiapas into the Yucatán peninsula and down to Guatemala, has a much more tropical, rainforest-style climate compared to the mountains. The lowlands have more intense rainy seasons from June through October, as well as a treacherous hurricane season, from mid-August through mid-October.

Visitors to the lowlands will be exploring the jungles of Chiapas and its archaeological sites, such as Palenque or Bonampak, the national wildlife preserve within the state of Campeche or the Mayan sites within the Yucatán or Quintana Roo states. The best time to visit the lowlands is in the winter, when it will still be hot and humid, but much drier compared to the summer.

The best time to visit the Northwest and Baja Peninsula

These two regions, while different in topography, are similar in climate. The Northwest is a mountainous plateau that stretches down to the desert region encompassing destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Copper Canyon and Mazatlán.

The Baja peninsula, across the Sea of Cortez, is a desert-style environment similar to southern California. This region is much cooler, especially in the winter. The best time to visit is June through October, when the destination will be drier. But beware of hurricane season in Baja, which is susceptible to severe storms.

The best time to visit Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya

The absolute best time to visit the Riviera Maya hotspots of Cancun and Tulum is after hurricane season, specifically November, when the weather switches to the dry season, and lasts until around March or April. This is when the coast is at its most beautiful, with lower humidity, warm days and cooler nights. Unfortunately, this is when the rest of the world is also heading to Mexico's coast, so you'll find more crowds and higher hotel rates.

The summer on the coast is hot and humid, oppressively so. However, this is when you're most likely to get beaches all to yourself and insane hotel rates to boot.

The best time to go to Puerto Vallarta and Pacific Coast

Similar to Cancun, the southwestern coast of Oaxaca and up the entire Pacific Coast of the country through Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta, are travel hotspots during the dry winter and spring season from late November through April.

In the summer you can expect higher humidity and more rain. The sultry summer months, in contrast, are a bargain hunter's dream, as long as you don't mind the heat and more frequent rainy days.

The best times to visit Mexico to avoid the crowds

Even though Mexico is a vast and spread-out country, there tends to be uniformity, for the most part, when it comes to crowds. A general rule of thumb is that school holidays, like Christmas, Easter and the summer months are when both international as well as Mexican families like to travel, so hotels tend to be crowded. Mexico has a lot of national holidays — many more than the U.S. — So it's a good idea to consult this list of public holidays to know if you're traveling over a Mexican vacation time.

The cities, like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, work under a different set of rules. Weekdays will be more crowded, especially at the hotels, as this is peak business travel time. The weekends in the major cities will have fewer crowds and better hotel rates. That said, weekends are also when international travelers are jetting in for short visits.

March and April also tend to be crowded with spring breakers and during Semana Santa (the week leading up to Easter and one of the most celebrated times among Mexicans), leaving beach destinations packed to near gridlock status.

Shoulder season — May, June, September and October — are a bit rainier and more humid, but will have the fewest crowds, so if you're planning a trip to the coast consider these months. This is also when you'll get the best hotel deals.

The best time to go to Mexico for whale watching

The Sea of Cortez is one of Earth's most biologically diverse locations, a sanctuary for some 1,000 species of fish and sea mammals and some 5,000 species of marine invertebrates, much of it protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From December to March, several species of whales migrate to the warm waters of the Gulf of California. Tour boats allow for close encounters with eight different species of whales, including orca, humpback, gray and blue whales.

In towns such as Guerrero Negro, where gray whales migrate from northern seas to give birth from January through April, the whale watching is outstanding.

The cheapest times to visit Mexico

Theories abound that certain days are better for finding flight deals. According to Hayley Berg, leading economist at booking app Hopper, that's a myth which can be applied to less than 2% of routes and there really is no golden rule of when to book .

That said, for flights to Mexico, and really any international destination, it's safe to say that booking early will save you money, with three to five months before travel being the sweet spot. Booking midweek will also likely yield more availability and therefore more economical fares.

Hotel rates will soar during major holidays (especially Christmas and Easter) as well as June through August when children are out of school. Right after the holidays and at the tail end of August are generally when demand drops off and prices are more palatable. September is the peak of hurricane season and hotel rates will certainly reflect that.

When to visit Mexico for events

As mentioned earlier, Mexico is a country that loves to celebrate, and has a ton of public holidays on which to do so. There are festivals all throughout the year and some of them are pretty spectacular. Keep in mind, festivals tend to be the most expensive and most crowded times to visit, but you'll be in for some remarkable memories.

Winter events

In the days from Christmas to New Year's, Mexico is in full holiday mode. The best New Year's Eve parties are in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende and Los Cabos. While it is one of the most expensive (and crowded) times to be in Mexico, New Year's is certainly one of the most colorful and explosive holidays, as it is in most parts of the world.

Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies make the journey from Canada and the US to Mexico for their annual migration . Their final resting spot is among the oyamel fir trees in the state of Michoacán, around the month of February. It is one of the most spectacular sights to behold as massive swaths of brilliant orange flicker across the blue winter sky, turning the forests of Michoacán into a veritable fairyland.

Caveat : Michoacán has a history of cartel activity and the State Department has issued a Level 4 (do not travel) warning for that state. While travelers usually will not have a problem, it is best to consult an expert or local destination management company to get the most recent update on the situation, or through which to organize your travel. Journey Mexico, for example, can be an excellent resource.

Spring events

Easter time (and the week leading up to it) is one of the holiest times in Mexico. Semana Santa — as the Holy Week is called — is when thousands of Mexicans make pilgrimages or take their holidays. The festivals are marked with parades, music, street food and cathedrals that are packed to the gills.

Fall events

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. (It's actually not even that big of a holiday, and few places in Mexico celebrate it.) The real Mexican Independence Day falls over Sept. 15 and 16, and celebrations, fireworks and parties are held all across the country.

For many lovers of Mexico, a visit to a Day of the Dead celebration is a veritable rite of passage, as it should be. One of the most sacred holidays in Mexico, Day of the Dead celebrates and honors ancestors who have passed on. Cemeteries flood with relatives who pray by candlelight and adorn the graves with bright orange flowers. In many cities like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, there are boisterous parades with colorful puppets, masked characters and lots of face paint and flowers.

The bottom line

There's no wrong time to visit Mexico. No matter the time of year there is a destination that is coming into its prime. "Overall," Rabinor told TPG , "it's dependent on weather, crowds, rates and what you're looking for."

The Ultimate Guide to Mérida, Mexico (Things to Do 2023)

Ready to discover the best things to do in Mérida, Mexico? As the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State, the vibrant cultural city is a major travel hotspot.

I had seen photos of Mérida years ago where the colorful pastel streets caught my attention. Little did I know that this city with Mayan and colonial heritage is one of the top places to visit right now. After exploring the city, I can tell you that it’s with good reason that travelers are flocking here.

You have this wonderful blend of history that meets creativity. You’ll walk through century-old streets that tuck away eye-catching boutiques, intimate cafes and courtyards, and a long list of restaurants you don’t want to miss.

What makes Mérida even more unique is that the location is one of the best in Yucatán. You’re only an hour or so away from the beach, close to cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins, and “Pueblos Magicos.” So for those looking to experience this special region of Mexico, Mérida is really the best place to stay.

I dove deep into Mérida, experiencing its markets by morning and its watering holes by night. I tried many cafes, ate my weight in cochinita pibil, and found myself inspired by the architecture. This guide is all of those things and more — your guidebook to exploring Mérida. Read on to find the best things to do in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Mérida:

• CIGNO Hotel , for the best adults-only hotel
• Kuka y Naranja , for the best design-for-dollar hotel
• Casa Olivia , for the best romantic hotel
• Decu Downtown , for the best design hotel
• NH Collection Mérida , for the best budget hotel
• Casa Pantera , for the best vacation rental

Mérida has a vibrant selection of boutique hotels, design-worthy vacation rentals, and haciendas. I’ve rounded up a full list of my favorite hotels in Mérida.

Things to Do

• Street Food and Market Tour
• Tour to Uxmal, Cenote & Kabah
• Tour to Chichen Itza, Private Cenote and Izamal

The Ultimate Guide to Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

What to know about visiting mérida, mexico.

As the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, Mérida is a culturally vibrant city. Its central location near the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula makes it a gateway to the best things to do in the region.

The Yucatán capital blends both colonial and Mayan history in its architecture, food, and atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the colorful streets that house some of the most incredible museums and local gems.

I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Mérida for time to do a day trip or two and see the city.

How to Get to Mérida, Yucatan?

The best way to get to Mérida is by flying into Mérida International Airport (code: MID) . Located just a 15-minute drive outside of downtown, you can take easily transfer by car into town.

Mérida Airport services direct flights from airports like Houston International Airport (DFW most common) and Miami International Airport. If not, don’t hesitate to take a connection through airports like Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Getting into the city is most easily done by prepaying for a taxi on arrival (just go stand in the taxi line inside the arrival terminal once you clear customs and pick up baggage) or by pre-booking a transfer. I would recommend having a transfer arranged for arrival for ease .

The Best Mérida Airport Transfer Options:

What is the best time of year to visit mérida, yucatán.

The best time of year to visit Mérida for the coolest temperature is mid-October to March. Mérida runs generally hot year-round as it is inland. You’ll find heavy rains, heat, and humidity during the months of June to November, but in exchange much lower rates on accommodations.

How Do I Get Around Mérida?

If you’re centrally based like in Centro, you can reach most sights and places on foot. Uber is widely available in Mérida. You will pay nearly double to triple if you hop into a local taxi, which I learned the hard way. Be sure to have data access and use Uber to get around Mérida.

Do I Need a Rental Car in Mérida?

If you plan to do any day trips from Mérida (which you should!), you will absolutely need to rent a car . You could consider hopping on a private or group tour ( a few are recommended below ) which would be your alternative option to renting.

Renting a car in Mexico is very easy and often very affordable. I rented a car while in Mérida to go to Izamal for two nights. My number one tip is to rent a car and pre-purchase full insurance with Discover Cars. Mexico requires local, comprehensive insurance (i.e. your credit card coverage won’t cut it, trust me I’ve tried). Discover Cars makes it easy to find rentals at a cheap rate with reputable companies like Hertz and Avis and be able to select comprehensive insurance.

Is Mérida, Yucatán safe?

Ranked as the safest city in Mexico, one could generally say Mérida is safe for the majority of travelers. Should you practice common sense when traveling? Absolutely. Consider where you go, when, and whether or not it’s best to be solo or with a group when traveling anywhere in the world.

Currency, Language, and Health

The local currency is Mexican pesos, which you could pull out prior to arrival or on arrival at a local ATM. You will need cash for smaller stores, food stalls, and markets. Credit cards are widely accepted at large institutions.

The local language is Spanish, and I always recommend having a handful of useful, everyday phrases to refer to if need be.

Travel Tip: It is not safe to drink tap water in Mérida. Stick only to bottled water and reliable sources.

Where to Stay in Mérida, Mexico

For a first-time trip, any location near Centro (Downtown Mérida) and near Paseo Montejo will be perfect as a central option. There are several barrios like Barrio de Santiago and Parque Santa Ana which are equally amazing depending on what you prefer.

CIGNO Hotel (Adults-Only)

I stayed at CIGNO Hotel for this trip, which had incredible amenities, food, and service. The photos didn’t do it justice, it looked and felt much better in person. The location was just out of Centro but close enough to walk. I did a lot of research, and these are my favorite finds in Mérida. Book the best rates here .

Other Hotels in Mérida to Consider

Mérida has a vibrant selection of boutique hotels, design-worthy vacation rentals, and haciendas. Check out my full list of my favorite hotels in Mérida for more.

Where to Eat in Mérida

You’ll find a vibrant range of dining options in Mérida from food stalls to formal dining. During the off-season, you can almost walk into any restaurant without a reservation, but come the high season, you do need to reserve.

SALÓN GALLOS

SALÓN GALLOS was the meal I talked about most. Set inside an old mill, this multi-functional space is insanely beautiful and inspiring. There is a restaurant, wine bar, small club, art room, cinema, and lounge all centered around an inner courtyard. I was there on a Monday so just dinner was open, and the food was amazingly good. Meditteranean-inspired take on Yucatán ingredients. If I was there on a weekend, I’d spend the entire night here.

Address: C. 63 459-B, Parque de la Mejorada, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

San Judas Tadeo Antojitos

San Judas Tadeo Antojitos was an absolute find that came recommended by a local for cochinita pibil tacos. This was one of my favorite “food stall” meals as one could say. Super simple and just amazingly delicious.

Address: Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

Mercado 60 is one of the most unique Mérida dining experiences. Set up like a market, you have several vendors here with multiple food options to choose from! They often have DJs and music going, so come the weekends it’s quite the place to grab a casual bite and drinks. My favorite food here was the blue corn empanadas!

Address: C. 60 461, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

SOCO Mérida

SOCO Mérida totally lived up to the hype for the best pastries in town, and great coffee. I would recommend going by here first for a pastry, or consider trying their breakfast menu.

Address: C. 51 492C, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Ramiro Cocina

Wonderfully elevated yet traditional take on Mexican food. It’s small plates with local and seasonal ingredients, and don’t forget to order something from their cocktail menu!

Address: Calle 41 x 58 y 60, P.º de Montejo 386 D, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Manjar Blanco

An institution for dining in Mérida, Manjar Blanco came recommended. The breakfast was traditional, I think it is more of a lunch spot. Do ask to eat out on the terrace as it’s very idyllic.

Address: Calle 47 496, entre 58 y 60, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

The Restaurant at CIGNO Hotel

I had brunch one day at CIGNO Hotel and it was my favorite chilaquiles of the trip. The restaurant is open to the public, just call ahead. I’d come in for brunch here or even dinner.

Address: C. 66 593, Barrio de la Ermita, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Coffee Shops in Mérida

Everywhere you turn in Mérida there is a hip and very charming coffee shop. My favorites from the trip were:

• Maria & Montejo (stunning!)
• Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese
• Arista Barista

Other Restaurants on My List

While I can’t eat everywhere, I always have an ongoing list of places. Those included:

• Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy
• Pipiripau Bar
• El Lagarto de Oro (a bar)
• Pan & Køf.feé
• Oliva Enoteca
• La Chaya Maya

Things to Do in Mérida

Peruse the endless museums.

What stroke me about Mérida was just how many museums there were to experience. If you’re planning a trip, one tip that I can give is to know that Mondays, most museums are closed, so be sure to keep this in mind.

Some of the top museums to consider visiting are Museo Casa de Montejo and Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Mérida). The Mayan World Museum of Mérida is one of the best options for learning about Mayan history and seeing artifacts. It’s only $150 pesos ($8 USD) to enter.

You’ll likely walk by Museo Casa de Montejo and be in awe of the outside. The details are stunning, but what is inside is a house that displays colonial art and has rotating exhibits. This is one of the only free museums in Mérida.

For a comprehensive list of museums to visit, check out this guide to the best museums in Mérida .

Shop Local Designers

Mérida is home to a vibrant art and design community, many local to Yucatán. Most of the time, you’ll be walking and find these little boutiques hidden off the streets. So many are worth stopping into, my favorite shops that I found on this trip were:

• CASA T’HŌ Concept House , multiple designers set around an internal courtyard
• Vernaculo Studio , local designer with incredible jewelry, clothing, and pottery
• Coqui Coqui Merida L’Epicierie , worth a look inside their hotel store!
• Taller Maya Santa Ana , the best home store, could have taken everything home

Stroll Centro and Paseo Montejo

If you wake up early one morning, head to the iconic Paseo Montejo for a scenic walk down the lush, grand boulevard. The street cuts through the center of town, where historic, posh mansions line the street.

Centro has charming pockets to explore, so one of the best ways to explore is just simply walking through town. The pastel and bright-colored walls were amazing to soak in before the city got busy.

Experience the Local Markets

One morning in Mérida I made my way to the local produce and goods market of Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and Mercado San Benito . These two markets are side by side, so you can easily meander through both.

There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from vegetables to leather goods — it’s an incredibly local experience. Also, I’ll note, this was one of my favorite authentic markets I have been to in my travels.

In hindsight, I really wish I had booked a tour with a local guide as I could have spent an hour or two getting to understand more about these markets. I found a few highly-rated food and market tours that I would consider. The first is this Street Food and Market Tour , the second is this Walking Food Tour , and this Market Tasting Tour.

Visit Mérida’s Historical and Iconic Sites

You’ll likely walk right by these sites if you go for a walk through Centro. Some to keep an eye out for or go out of your way:

• Plaza Grande : This is the main town square for Mérida, and has a bustling area to sit down and see the cathedral.
• Parque Santa Ana : A quieter park during the week with open-air food stalls and often festivals take place here.
• Catedral de Mérida : Don’t hesitate to go in and see this historic cathedral, well worth a look.
• Parque Santa Lucia : A wonderful park downtown where restaurants line around.
• Palacio del Gobierno : Pop in to see this beautiful building to see stunning murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.
• El Monumento a la Patria : Arguably the most recognizable monument in Mérida, this is at the end of Paseo Montejo. The intricate details are amazing and honor the Mayan history.

Best Day Trips From Mérida

I cannot recommend renting a car more to head out on a day trip from Mérida. You can easily self-drive to any of the below destinations. Now if you’re limited on time, I am also listing out several highly-rated tours that you could consider if you don’t rent a car.

Uxmal Mayan Ruins

An often overlooked UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby is the Uxmal Pyramid ruins. The historic Mayan site in the Puuc area has the famous Pyramid of The Magician (El Adivino) and the Great Pyramid. The pyramids have impressive esthetic carvings that the Mayans were known for.

The Uxmal Pyramids are also a part of the Puuc Route which has five archaeological sites along the 36-mile drive, which is worth considering seeing as it’s more of a hidden gem. Both of these experiences can easily be seen if you have a rental car or consider a tour below.

The Best Uxmal Tours from Merida:

Izamal, the yellow city.

Declared a pueblos magicos (magic towns) by Mexico, Izamal is one of the best nearby towns to visit from Mérida. Known as the yellow city, I ended up booking just two nights to get to experience this and nearby things to do. You can easily visit for the day since it’s only about 1.5 hours from Mérida.

The town itself is rather small but the stunning yellow-painted streets are worth the trek. In Izamal, you don’t want to miss a visit to the Convent of San Antonio de Padua right in front of the town’s  Zocalo or main square.

One other big draw to Izamal is its very famous restaurant named Kinich . This was the best meal of the entire trip (truly) and I would make the drive for this restaurant alone. It serves traditional Yucatan food but is incredibly elevated.

Afterward, go for a stroll and take a look at Zona Arqueologica de Izamal and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid which are just outside of the center of town. If you don’t have a car, consider these tours to visit:

The Best Tours to Izamal from Mérida:

Dip in one of the many cenotes.

Cenotes in the Yucatán are a one-of-a-kind experience. If you haven’t taken a dip in the cool, ancient waters of these sinkholes, I’d recommend carving out time to do so. There are hundreds of cenotes in the area, depending on how far you want to drive and where you want to go.

If I were planning an excursion, I’d consider doing an archeological site and combining it with a cenote afterward (there’s always one nearby!). Some of the best cenotes near Mérida are the famous Cenotes Santa Barbara (1 hr away).

Other popular cenotes are Ik Kil Cenotes near Chichen Itza (1.5 hr away) and Xcajum Cenote which I did on this trip as a day trip from Izamal.

Best Cenote Tour Options from Mérida:

Visit the famous chichen itza.

While many people think to visit Chichen Itza from the Cancun to Tulum side of the peninsula, it’s actually very easy to get to from Mérida. It takes around 1.5-1.45 to get there by car, and I highly recommend getting there as close to open as possible. You’ll beat both the crowds and the heat.

Chichen Itza is now one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Largely declared the most important Mayan archeological sites in the world, I’d recommend making the visit if you haven’t been. You’ll enter, walk the grounds, and soak in the historic site.

If you’re making your way to Chichen Itza, consider combining it with a stop at one of the cenotes. Nearby is the famous Ik Kil or consider Xcajum as well. Most tours combine a cenote with Chichen Itza as it’s a great way to refresh from the heat.

Best Chichen Itza Tours with a Cenote from Mérida:

Celestun biosphere reserve (with flamingos).

While I didn’t have time on this trip to make the journey to Celestun, I had bookmarked this incredible nature reserve not far from Mérida. It’s mostly known for its wild flock of flamingos and stunning natural landscape.

The Ria Celetun Biosphere Reserve is in the small town of Celestun, and during the months of November to February, there are thousands of flamingos. To see them you can kayak through the mangroves on a tour.

Best Celestun Biosphere Tours from Mérida:

Looking to explore more of mexico.

See  why Sayulita is a fun-filled adventure Explore  Mexico’s most beautiful city: San Miguel de Allende Dive deep into  Mexico City’s design and food scene

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Best Time to Visit Mexico: Month by Month Breakdown

Mexico is a vast country and there is a huge range of seasons and climates across the different regions.

The weather can be roughly split into a wet and a dry season, although this mostly counts in the tropical regions south of Mexico City.

The north has a more arid, desert-like climate, while the central regions are at high altitude and enjoy much cooler weather than the rest of Mexico. 

Mexico also has distinct low and high seasons when it comes to tourism, especially in touristy destinations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. These generally coincide with the wet and dry seasons too. 

To inspire your next trip, here’s our guide on the best time to visit Mexico!

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Mexico (Country Guide)

Table of Contents

Mexico Dry Season 

The dry season is the best time to visit Mexico, and it falls between November and April.

This is peak season, so you can expect things to be busy, especially over Christmas, but Mexico is such a vast country that you can always find a way to escape the crowds.

Here’s our month by month breakdown for Mexico’s dry season. 

Novem b er  in Mexico

November is the start of the dry season, and for travelers, this could be the best time to visit Mexico. 

Prices are still low and tourist numbers are still small compared to what’s going to hit the top destinations in December. This is a good time to visit popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta, as you’ll find some great deals on flights and accommodation. 

As the rainy season has only just ended, it’s not the best time for diving yet, but head to Baja California and you’ll catch the start of the Whale Shark season. 

Tropical Yucatan is getting much cooler and a lot less humid, so now is the time to explore the jungles and to visit those lost Mayan Ruins without working up too much of a sweat. 

December in Mexico

Weather-wise, December is easily the best time to visit Mexico. However, everyone else has the same idea too, and December is the worst time to visit Mexico if you’re looking for a quiet vacation away from the crowds! 

In December, especially over Christmas and New Year, the resorts of Cancun and the Maya Riviera are packed out and prices are at their peak. It’s no different in other popular tourist spots either, such as Puerto Vallarta or Baja California. 

The weather is crisp, sunny and dry though, and you’re not likely to have a single rainy day. If you’re not having a beach holiday though, then take a trip to explore the indigenous culture of Oaxaca or Chiapas where you can find beautiful weather. 

January in Mexico

January is just as busy as December, at least for the first two weeks. This is peak season across Mexico, especially in Cancun and along the Pacific Coast.

Travel to Mexico towards the end of January though and you can start to get a few good deals again, as the crowds start to thin out.

Weather-wise this is a great time to explore the south, so enjoy the dry weather along the coast, and visit Mayan archeological sites like Palenque or Chichen Itza.

Mexico City is lovely in January, as are the central highlands, although it can get chilly at night. 

February in Mexico

In February the weather starts to get hotter, especially in the tropical south. Up north and in the mountains it’s still very cool, however. 

You can expect the odd rain shower across the country but for the most part, this is still a beautiful time to travel around Mexico .

You’ll get lower prices in Cancun while the diving and snorkeling off the coast of Cozumel Island is glorious, with sparkling clear water. 

This is the perfect time to visit Baja California, on the Pacific Coast, where you’ll be right in the middle of the whale watching season, and you’ll have the chance to swim with Whale Sharks. 

March in Mexico

March brings a mixed bag when it comes to crowds and the weather. This can be the middle of Spring Break, so it’s a good idea to avoid the big tourist hotspots if this isn’t your scene. If you’re looking to party though, then head straight to Cancun or Tijuana.

Equally, if Easter falls in March then it can be busy everywhere, although this is a great time to soak up the local culture during Semana Santa, the holy week. 

Weatherwise, it can be a little more unpredictable. The south sees more rain while the north is heating up and seeing a few thunderstorms too. 

April in Mexico

Like March, it can be a little unpredictable in April too, so plan your trip in advance to avoid spring break dates or Easter holidays, which can both fall this time of the year. 

April is the last month of the dry season, although you will see the weather starting to turn. The colder winter months are over and summer is on the way, which means that along with the rain it’s getting much hotter, everywhere. 

This is your last chance to see the whales and Whale Sharks in Baja California before they move on for the summer, and it’s the last chance to get really good visibility and diving conditions around Cozumel Island and along the Maya Riviera. 

As the weather heats up, this is a great time to start exploring those high altitude destinations in Central Mexico, such as Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende, where you can escape the heat. 

Mexico Wet Season

Mexico’s wet season runs from May through to October, however, this varies across the country. The south sees the most rain, and hurricanes can lash the coastlines.

It’s cooler and drier in the north this time of the year, where the climate isn’t tropical. The wet season is not the best time to visit the south of Mexico, but there are still plenty of great deals and places to explore outside of this traditional tourist hotspot. 

May in Mexico

May is officially the start of the wet season, and you can guarantee that it’s going to be hot and it’s probably going to be rainy.

This is a good month for shoulder season travel though because you can avoid the high season crowds in places like Cancun or the Pacific Coast.

It’s fine if you don’t mind a little humidity and have a swimming pool to cool off in because you’ll only get a few hours of rain a day at most.

It’s even better in Baja California, where you can enjoy dry weather for most of May, while temperatures soar into the 30s. Mexico City has cooler weather, and it feels like it’s summer, making the capital a great option in May. 

June in Mexico

June is not the best time to visit Mexico, although you can get some cheap deals on flights and hotels.

The reason it’s cheap though is because it’s the start of hurricane season. While hurricanes are rare, it’s definitely going to rain, although if you don’t mind risking that for a few hours a day it might be worth it 

Instead of going to the coast though, stick to the central highlands, where it’s much cooler and there’s much less rain. 

July in Mexico

July is just as hot and rainy, and while you can get cheap deals at the resorts and great value flights across the country, it’s really not the best time to visit Mexico. 

Hurricanes can hit the Caribbean and Pacific Coast, while everywhere is hot, stuffy and humid. 

You get the best weather in Baja California, but make sure you have a swimming pool where you can cool off.

The other option is to stay at altitude, as you’ll find that while Central Mexico is hot, it’s not quite as hot as the coast – especially at night time.

August in Mexico

In August, it’s still going to be uncomfortably hot across Mexico, although temperatures will start to cool off slightly, especially in the higher altitude areas of the country around Mexico City.

This is still very much hurricane season, so be prepared for this if you’re traveling to Cancun or the Pacific Coast in August.

On the plus side, there are few other vacationers around in August and the prices can be very low, on both flights and hotels! 

September in Mexico

In September, things are starting to look up again when it comes to the weather. This is still the rainy season, but the worst is behind you, and September can be a great time to escape the crowds and score some good deals. 

It’s a good time to be in Mexico City, where the rain is slack anyway and the high altitude means cooler climes.

It’s also Independence day in September, so you can expect plenty of parades and fiestas. 

October in Mexico

In October, it’s the last month of the rainy season and the hurricane season, and actually this can be the best time to visit Mexico.

Rainfall will be minimal, but prices are still low, so head to the beaches and make the most of the deals before the high season crowds arrive in November and December.

As a bonus, the end of October is also when you’ll be able to celebrate Day of the Dead across Mexico.

Our Top Recommended Mexico Tours

• Mayan Adventure with G Adventures – 22 days
• Yucatan Discovery: Cenotes & Seasides with G Adventures – 7 days
• Classic Mexico Adventure with G Adventures – 14 days
• Mayan Highlights with G Adventures – 9 days
• Cultural Wonders of Mexico with National Geographic Journeys – 9 days

More on Mexico:

• Ultimate Packing List for Mexico
• Ultimate Baja Mexico Cruise: Sea of Cortex with UnCruise
•   Kayaking in Mexico: 4 Days on the Sea of Cortez
• Ultimate 3 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Mexico City: Best Districts & Hotels
• 12 Best Day Trips from Mexico City (That are Worth Taking)
• The Amazing Mexico City Pyramids of Teotihuacan
• Manzanillo Mexico Travel Guide: A Cancun Alternative
• 8 Amazing Things to Do in Cancun
• Best Time to Visit Cancun: Month by Month Breakdown
• 8 Things to Do in the Riviera Maya for an Epic Vacation
• Celebrating 15 Years of Travel with Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
• 9 Incredible Things to Do in Cozumel
• Isla Espiritu Santo in Mexico: Ultimate Planning Guide

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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Such a beautiful place! Mexico’s dry season is the best for me. Thanks for sharing this Anna

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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5 Best Archaeological Sites in Mexico

M exico is home to 179 different designated Archaeological Zones showcasing and preserving Mexican history and culture, especially Mesoamerican history. While a trip to any of these sites is worth taking during a vacation to Mexico, there are five that are known as some of the best in all of Mexico. 

Chichén ltzá, Yucatán

Chichén ltzá is one of the most recognizable names of archaeological sites in Mexico. Located in the Yucatán, the zone offers a great example of Mayan history and culture. It was once a regional capital between 750 AD to 1200 AD and offers a great site where visitors can learn more about Mayan culture.The site includes El Castillo, a religious temple structure; the Great Ball Court, where the Maya would play a game not too different from modern soccer; the Cenote, where the religious leaders of the city would make sacrifices; the Market; the Temple of the Warriors and many other structures. 

Monte Albán, Oaxaca

The Monte Albán Archaeological Zone is the most important in Oaxaca, showcasing the Zapotec people and history as their capital for about a thousand years. Today, it along with the city of Oaxaca, is a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire complex spans about four square miles, offering a great day trip opportunity for travelers visiting Oaxaca.The site offers plenty of structures to visit and learn about, from the Ball Court to the Great Plaza, the Palace and the mysterious square carvings called The Dancers, featuring a different art style reminiscent of the Olmec art style. The site also offers an indoor museum preserving artifacts, including those showcasing the Zapotec writing system. 

Teotihuacán, State of Mexico

Teotihuacán is probably the most easily recognizable archaeological zone for Americans, since it’s long been recognized as a must-visit destination when traveling in or near Mexico City, the capital city of Mexico.It was one of the most important religious and cultural centers of the Mesoamerican world, though was abandoned following a fire during the seventh century AD. It became a place of legend for the Aztec following its abandonment. 

Today, travelers visit the city to learn about the time before the Aztecs arrived in central Mexico. The UNESCO-designated archaeological site’s towering pyramids, like the often-photographed Pyramid of the Sun, are some of the largest in Mexico. 

Palenque, Chiapas

The UNESCO-designated archaeological site of Palenque in Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico, is a definite must-visit for any true archaeology and history lover. The city is thought to have been built around the AD 300s.The Mayan site boasts a stunning 1,400 buildings, only ten percent of which have been explored, giving it a mysterious atmosphere. 

Palenque is known for its incredible artwork and decoration. Notable buildings include the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temples of the Cross, the Palace and the Aqueduct. The site also has its own museum housing more sensitive artifacts from the site. 

El Tajín, Veracruz

Located along the eastern state of Veracruz is our last notable archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site: El Tajín . Famous as an important center following the fall of Teotihuacán, its most photographed structure is the decorative Pyramid of the Niches.The site offers a strong wealth of structures and archaeological remnants. It boasts 17 ball courts, 168 public buildings, 27 temples and 58 residences, along with 46 domestic houses. 

The city has been largely undisturbed for five centuries, leaving it in a great state of preservation, making it a perfect choice for travelers heading out on a day trip in Veracruz. 

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Senate rejects impeachment articles against Mayorkas, ending trial against Cabinet secretary

The Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and ending his trial before arguments even began.

In this image from video from Senate Television, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., presiding over the Senate acting as a court of impeachment, announces the results of the vote to adjourn the court of impeachment, at the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

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In this image from video from Senate Television, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., swears senators in for the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is sworn-in before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing on “A Review of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security” on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks during the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is sworn in to preside by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, during the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., presides over the court of impeachment and prepares to swear senators in for the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., signs the impeachment book for Secretary of the Senate Sonceria Berry during the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., signs the oath book during the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

In this image from video from Senate Television, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson makes the proclamation during the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and shutting down his trial before arguments even began.

Senators voted to dismiss both articles of impeachment and end the proceedings, with Democrats arguing that the articles were unconstitutional. The first article charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply” with immigration law and second article charged him with a “breach of trust” for saying the border was secure. The votes were 51-48 and 51-49, both along party lines.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House Republicans’ charges failed to meet “the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors” and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate’s integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today’s charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday’s session.

Senate Republicans had argued for a full impeachment trial after the House narrowly voted in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, stating in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, is an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Republicans argue that President Joe Biden has been weak on the border as arrests for illegal crossings skyrocketed to more than 2 million people during the last two years of his term, though they have fallen from a record high of 250,000 in December amid heightened enforcement in Mexico. Democrats say that instead of impeaching Mayorkas, Republicans should have accepted a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at reducing the number of migrants who come into the U.S. illegally.

House impeachment managers delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience. But they did not get a chance to present the case before the Senate dismissed it.

The historic nature of the trial — the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached — contrasted with the almost routine feel of the proceedings after senators have sat through two previous impeachment trials against former President Donald Trump in 2020 and 2021. And with a quick dismissal almost inevitable, the Senate never even set up the chamber for the occasion, which usually includes tables on each side for the impeachment managers and defense lawyers.

Still, there was a bit of the traditional pomp. As the trial began, senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an oath book that is stored in the National Archives.

Schumer called for the votes to dismiss the two charges after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt stood in the chamber and said Republicans wouldn’t accept Schumer’s offer because Democrats were “bulldozing 200 years of precedent” on impeachments by trying to dismiss the trial.

Angry Republicans called for several votes to delay the inevitable final outcome, but none of them passed as Democrats and three Independents held together.

Frustrated, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said “history will not judge this moment well.”

“This process must not be abused,” McConnell said. “It must not be short-circuited.”

At the same time, Republicans similarly moved to dismiss former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021, weeks after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. All but five GOP senators — including McConnell — voted to end the trial, arguing it was unconstitutional because Trump had already left office.

AP AUDIO: Senate will convene the Mayorkas impeachment trial as Democrats plot a quick dismissal.

AP correspondent Mary Clare Jalonick reports Democrats could quickly end the trial by calling for votes to toss out the articles of impeachment.

After Democrats dismissed the charges, Johnson and members of his House GOP leadership team said in a joint statement that “by voting unanimously to bypass their constitutional responsibility, every single Senate Democrat has issued their full endorsement of the Biden Administration’s dangerous open border policies.”

Even if the Senate had held a trial, Republicans would not have been able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they remained united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

Even some Republicans questioned the impeachment effort from the start. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney had said for weeks that he was considering voting with Democrats to dismiss the charges but ultimately voted with his own party. After the votes, he said he does not believe the charges rise to high crimes but he did not want to dismiss them because “it was important to engage in some level of debate.”

Mayorkas, who was in New York on Wednesday to launch a campaign for children’s online safety, reiterated that he’s focused on the work of his department. “The Senate is going to do what the Senate considers to be appropriate as that proceeds,” he said. “I am here in New York City on Wednesday morning fighting online sexual exploitation and abuse. I’m focused on our mission.”

Department spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg said after the votes that the Senate’s decision to end the trial “proves definitively that there was no evidence or Constitutional grounds to justify impeachment.”

Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on government funding legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he punted again after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

At a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday about President Joe Biden’s budget request for the department, some of the House impeachment managers previewed the arguments they would have made.

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, the chairman of the House Homeland Security panel, told the secretary he has a duty under the law to control and guard U.S. borders, and “during your three years as secretary, you have failed to fulfill this oath. You have refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress, and you have breached the public trust.”

Mayorkas defended the department’s efforts but said the nation’s immigration system is “fundamentally broken, and only Congress can fix it.”

The impeachment trial was the third in five years. Democrats impeached Trump twice, once over his dealings with Ukraine and the second time in the days after the Capitol attack. Trump was acquitted by the Senate both times .

Schumer said the charges against Mayorkas did not compare to those against Trump and were engineered to help the former president as he runs again this year. He said the Republican charges were policy disputes, not high crimes, and it was important to set a precedent.

“Secretary Mayorkas has not been accused of treason or accepting bribes or unlawfully attacking our elections or anything of the sort,” Schumer said. “He did not blackmail a foreign power to dig dirt on a political opponent. Nor did he incite a violent mob to wage an insurrection against the peaceful transfer of power.”

He called the Republican case “an illegitimate and profane abuse of the U.S. Constitution.”

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat, acknowledged that dismissing the trial was “a different Senate process,” but said the “risk of normalizing what the House did is bigger than the risk of establishing a new precedent in the Senate.”

Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego, California contributed to this report.