Alright Folks, this is the last post about my Mexico Trip. Continuing from the previous post. After exploring Puerto Escondido In Oaxaca, I took multiple buses to reach Campeche city in the state of Campeche while passing through the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco. It was my first stop in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico comprises the states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. From Cancun in Quintana Roo, I took a flight back to India. Thus, ending my year-long travels and Quarantine in Latin American Countries i.e. Mexico & Colombia. In this post, I will give you guys an idea about How To Explore Yucatan Peninsula In Mexico!
CAMPECHE CITY, CAMPECHE
After a long bus ride-cum-adventure, I reached the city of Campeche at the time of sunset. After checking into my hostel, I went for a walk along the seashore. There is a path constructed along the seashore known as Malecon de Campeche. It is a waterfront boardwalk perfect for Walking, Jogging, Cycling, witnessing sunset/sunrise. It reminds me of Marine Drive from my home city of Mumbai. There are two forts worth visiting in Campeche city i.e. Fuerte de San Jose and Fuerte de San Miguel. Really liked the museum at Fuerte de San Miguel which gives detailed insight into the Mayan Civilisation. Do not miss exploring the Old town and do catch a laser show on the Malecon de Campeche which takes place every night.
MERIDA, YUCATAN
After Campeche, my next stop was Merida. Merida is the beautiful Capital city of the state of Yucatan. It is also the largest city in Yucatan Peninsula. There are many museums to visit in the city like Merida City Museum, Museo de la Cancion, Mayan world museum, Museo Casa Montejo, Museum of anthropology and history etc. Things to do in Merida City are Walk through the beautiful street of Paseo Montejo, visit Plaza Grade, Catch a show at Jose Peon Theatre, Eat & Drink at Mercado San Benito, Horse Carriage ride, Explore the beautiful city centre of Merida. There are two places you can visit as a day trip from Merida i.e. Uxmal and Progreso. Progreso is a small beach town and Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city.
VALLADOLID, YUCATAN
After Merida, I traveled to Valladolid in the state of Yucatan. Love this place! You ask why? Well, I have one word for you: Cenotes! Cenotes are huge natural (very) deep wells. It is fed by the currents of Underground rivers. Best place to go swimming thanks to its warm waters i.e. 24-25ºC. It is a pure wonder of nature and there are many of them in and around Valladolid. I hired a bicycle and explore most of them during the day. Cenote Zaci is the one located right in the middle of Valladolid town. Other cenotes to explore are Cenote Xkeken, Cenote Dzitnup, Cenote Saamal, Cenote Oxman, Cenote Tekom, Cenote Suytun, Cenote SAC AUA, Cenote Xcanche. The entry fee to cenotes varies up to 100 MXN. Visiting Chichen Itza as a day trip from Valladolid is a must. It is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Chichen Itza is a large Mayan city from the pre-Columbian era. There’s a Cenote in Chichen Itza too but one cannot swim there. When in Valladolid, explore this colourful town by walk and do catch a light show at Parque Sisal.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QUINTANA ROO
COZUMEL, QUINTANA ROO
Do not miss visiting this absolutely stunning Island of Cozumel if you are visiting Playa del Carmen town. There’s a ferry every couple of hours from the terminal near Parque Los Fundadores in Playa del Carmen to reach Cozumel. One way ticket is 220-250 MXN depending upon which ferry company you choose. The best way to explore Cozumel island is to rent a bike and circle the Island. Loved it! Driving along the seashore was a goosebumps-inducing experience even though I hate driving. There are many beaches, viewpoints, attractions like Mayan ruins, cenote, castle on the way. My secret spot where I spend the most time was a shack on the Playa Bonita. Check the message I wrote on the structure above! Quite recently, I received a DM on my Instagram with the picture of this structure 🙂 The next day, I took a snorkelling tour. We went to several reefs like Colombia Reef, Palancar Reef, Paradise Reef followed by crystal blue waters of El Cielo Beach. Unfortunately, much of the Cozumel reefs have been damaged due to “white syndrome” disease. You can see the Snorkelling video here. Do visit Isla de la Pasion in the north end of Cozumel if you get a chance.
CANCUN, QUINTANA ROO
Alright, so after exploring Cozumel, I traveled to Cancun. My last stop of the Yucatan Peninsula, of Mexico and of my year-long travels in Latin America. I spend quite less time in Cancun. My favourite place in Cancun is Playa Delfines beach. Two reasons: Beautiful white sand beach with amazing blue waters and most importantly, free shade shacks! This should be mandatory at all beaches in my humble opinion 🙂 Things to do in and around Cancun are Visit stunning Xcaret park with underground rivers, explore Hotel Zone, take a ferry to Isla Mujeres Island, Eat street food at Parque de las Palapas. After exactly one year, I took a flight back to my home country India with many unforgettable memories!
More places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico: Isla Contoy, Holbox, Mahahual, Bacalar, Tulum, Izamal.
