Tulum is a great starting point for understanding the Yucatán Peninsula. In less than two hours, you go from a Mayan city facing the sea to a protected forest, an inland lagoon or an ancient city hidden in the jungle.
The archaeological zone of Tulum
A Mayan walled city built on a cliff above the Caribbean. El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the morning light make up one of the most memorable visits to the coast.
Coba
A vast archaeological site in the heart of the vegetation, traversed by ancient Mayan routes. The distances between the groups give an idea of the scale of this historic city.
Sian Ka’an
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve brings together tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, lagoons and a section of the Mesoamerican reef. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded there.
Muyil
A more confidential Mayan site, near the lagoons of Sian Ka’an. The visit is naturally combined with gentle navigation in the canals and the discovery of the mangroves.
Bacalar Lagoon
Further south, the lagoon impresses with its shades of blue and its stromatolites. It deserves a night there rather than a quick return trip.
Valladolid
A colonial town in Yucatán ideal for a change of pace: colorful facades, market, regional cuisine and urban or nearby cenotes.
Rather than accumulating stops, choose one large cultural site and one natural space per day. The heat and the distances make morning visits much more pleasant.
← BACK TO THE GUIDE