The Yucatan Peninsula is a nature lover’s dream. With a coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico, outdoor adventure is varied and rewarding. The surrounding area is also rich with Mayan history and culture. In the latest post in our 100 Destinations series David Whitley picks out his five highlights of a trip…
100 Destinations-Yucatan
Cenotes
The Yucatan Peninsula¹s white sand beaches may be justifiably famous (although they have been plagued with seaweed this year), but the best places to swim are inland. A massive underground river system runs under the peninsula and sinkholes known as cenotes tap into it. This effectively means you¹re swimming in crystal clear water around caves. Diving trips are often available, but splashing around with a snorkel is still mind-blowingly good fun especially at the highly photogenic likes of the Cenote Dos Ojos near Akumal.
Mayan ruins
Chichén Itza is the most famous one its mathematically precise main temple and humungous ball game court are justifiably popular but the peninsula is dotted with ancient Mayan sites. Each has its own strengths, with the one at Tulum being most notable for its coastal position. The ruins sit on the clifftop, looking over the beach. Ek¹ Balam, meanwhile, is half-covered in jungle and the main Œacropolis¹ building is simply gigantic.
Tulum
Cancun has the big all-inclusives and nightclubs, Playa Del Carmen has the European-style hip factor, but of the big three resort areas, Tulum is the treat. More low key and small scale, slightly Bohemian and slightly backpacker-ish, Tulum feels like it embraces the jungle rather than fights it. There¹s also some excellent eating to be done there too restaurateurs have seemingly chosen it as their favoured place to open up and experiment.
The Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve
Just south of Tulum, nature has been allowed to have its way in this mangrove and rainforest-packed reserve that surrounds two lakes. Community Tours Sian Ka¹an is a cooperative tour company run by local Mayan families, and their trips include the Muyil Forest and Float, which includes a short walk through the forest, a boat trip, then an absurdly silly float down a channel running to the sea.
The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Another biosphere reserve, but with a very different vibe. At the northern end of the Peninsula, the Ría Lagartos reserve is all about the wildlife-watching. There are some crocodiles in there, but it¹s the flamingos people come to see. The pink birds hang out in pink flocks on sand bars and Rio Lagartos Adventures runs boat tours to go out and see them.
David Whitley is a freelance travel writer who contributes regularly to the likes of the Independent, National Geographic Traveller and the Sydney Morning Herald. He blogs at www.grumpytraveller.com and is @Mrdavidwhitley on Twitter.
