Discover the Hidden Gems of the Yucatán Peninsula with iBestTravel

Magnificent Mayan ruins, dazzling beaches, perfect turquoise waters, and vibrant Mexican culture and food… what’s not to love about the Yucatán Peninsula? The crowds. Every year, millions of visitors descend on the Riviera Maya, making the stretch of coast from Cancun to Tulum feel, shall we say, overappreciated.

Fortunately, it’s a large peninsula, with many equally enticing but lesser-traveled places waiting to be discovered. Therefore, it’s time to change it up. Bypass the most popular stops and explore what more the Yucatán has to offer at these alternative destinations.

Give Cancun a Miss, Go West to Mérida

For a city experience, bypass the built-up coastal resort of Cancun and head to the vibrant capital of the Yucatán state. Mérida is a gracious city filled with grand plazas and colonial architecture, featuring world-class museums and beautiful parks. The star attraction is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, the region’s premier venue for Maya history and culture, showcasing artifacts from nearby archaeological sites.

Colonial culture is also on colorful display in Mérida, particularly around the central Plaza Grande, where you can marvel at impressive architecture like Casa de Montejo and Palacio de Gobierno. Moreover, we haven’t even mentioned la cocina, surely one of the city’s main attractions. Sample fantastic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya or Ku’uk; sip mezcal at Fundación Mezcalería; and congratulate yourself because this is not what you would be doing in Cancun.

Take a Break from Tulum, Opt for Artsy Valladolid

If you are set on vacationing in a sophisticated, artsy town filled with artisanal shops and boutique hotels, you might be tempted to follow the crowds to Tulum. However, consider opting for Valladolid, a barely discovered, pastel-colored colonial gem that is 60 miles inland.

Here, the magnificent Casa de los Venados houses the country’s largest private collection of Mexican folk art – more than three thousand pieces. Nearby, Calzada de Los Frailes stretches from the central Parque la Mestiza to the ruined Templo de San Bernardino. Along the way, the charming, walkable street is lined with upscale boutiques offering nature-inspired fragrances, handmade chocolates, and haute fashions.

No need to forgo adventure in this artistic enclave. Just nine miles out of town, Chukum-Ha is a cenote (newly accessible in 2019) that is perfect for rappelling, zip-lining, and high-diving. The underground swimming hole is completely enclosed and scarcely visited, so you can’t shake that feeling that this really is an entrance to the underworld.

Escape the Chichen Itzá Crowds, Explore in Solitude at Ek’ Balam

Let’s face it: the magic of exploring an ancient archaeological site is slightly diminished when you’re doing it with thousands of your closest friends. Chichen Itzá is a sight to see, for sure, but it’s worth seeking out lesser-known Maya ruins to contemplate the majesty and mystery of this legendary culture in more peaceful surroundings.

The ruin of the 8th-century city at Ek’ Balam is a fantastic option, located in a lush jungle setting 18 miles north of Valladolid. A dozen or so structures include the centerpiece Acrópolis, where you can explore the chambers in the ‘gallery’ at the base of the pyramid, and climb to the top for endless views. Consequently, this experience is something that you can’t have at Chichen Itzá! Afterwards, you can take a pedicab to cool off in X’Canche Cenote, where you might have the crystal clear waters all to yourself.

Avoid Overdeveloped Akumal, Walk on the Wild Side in Sian Ka’an

The turtle nesting beach and fish-filled lagoon attract visitors to fashionable Akumal, but excessively large crowds and construction are scaring off the sea creatures. Therefore, for a truer nature experience, continue 50 miles south to the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an, a one-thousand-square-mile reserve that is home to hundreds of species of fish and birds.

The best way to explore the reserve is by boat tour, where you might see dolphins, sea turtles, and even crocodiles and manatees. The local Community Tours Sian Ka’an offers a superb, sustainable choice. Most tours include swimming, snorkeling, and picnics on deserted beaches. In case you’re wondering, the beach in Akumal is never deserted.

Like Isla Mujeres? You’ll Love Laguna Bacalar

Travelers flock to Isla Mujeres to escape the Cancun heat and revel in the gorgeous, jewel-toned waters. She’s a beauty, no doubt, but being so close to the city sometimes makes her feel overrun by day trippers. Not so at Laguna Bacalar, a picturesque lake located 200 miles south.

You still have your charming town, Bacalar, with remarkably diverse and sophisticated dining. You still have myriad swimming spots, where the water (fresh!) manifests the richest range of aqua tones, from vivid green to sparkling turquoise to deep indigo blue. What you don’t have is crowds of tourists. It’s a long journey to the so-called Lake of Seven Colors, which means not many people make it down here. Moreover, those who do are in no rush to leave.