Yucatan Peninsula
Mexico
- Coastline
- Crystal-clear Caribbean
- Coast life
- Back-to-nature sensuality
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the 16th century they found an idyllic Caribbean coast of white sand beaches and turquoise waters...
What the awe-struck adventurers hadn't expected was the mighty temples and sophisticated cities of the Mayans. The evocative ruins of these temples remain, as do many elements of Mayan culture. Its influence is evident in everything from fiery food to vibrant fiestas, giving the region an added sense of the exotic; even the limestone landscape of underground rivers and sacred pools exudes an aura of primeval mystery. The coast has seen new visitors in recent decades as tourists have been drawn in by the laid-back lifestyle, perfect climate and beautiful beaches. Like the conquistadors, they’ve found there’s much more to the region than they’d ever imagined.
Pictured: Esencia
Boutique hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
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Getting there
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
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Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
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Eating, drinking & dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Yucatan Peninsula.
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Smith Maps
Here is the map of Yucatan Peninsula; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.
moreLocal knowledge
- Taxis
- Hail them in the street in Playa del Carmen for shorter journeys, or alternatively your hotel can ring one for you. Establish a price for your trip before setting off, as few taxis have meters.
- Tipping culture
- Wages are low here, and most workers survive on their tips; 10–15 per cent is the norm, although taxi drivers don’t usually expect a tip.
- Siesta and Fiesta
- Shops generally open early and close at around 9pm, taking a siesta between 1–2pm and 4–5pm. Banks often close for the day at 1pm, but you can also change money at one of the numerous casas de cambio.
- Packing tips
- Insect repellent is particularly useful if you’re heading to the Mayan ruins inland. The tropical sun can be very strong, particularly out on the water, so bring a brimmed hat and plenty of sun cream.
- Recommended reads
- The Lost Chronicles of the Mayan Kings by David Drew; Beyond the Mexique Bay by Aldous Huxley.
- Cuisine
- Chillies are an important ingredient in Yucatecan cooking; they range from mildly piquant to eye-wateringly ferocious, but fortunately they are normally served separately so you can choose your own level of volcanicity. Marinades of lime juice and herbs such as coriander are popular, especially with the ubiquitous seafood. Maize tortillas are a staple, served with delicious guacamole.
- Currency
- Mexican peso (the US dollar is also widely accepted).
- Time zone
- GMT -6 hours.
- Dialing codes
- Country code for Mexico: 52; Playa del Carmen: 984; Campeche: 981; Merida: 999.
- Do go/don't go
- The climate is normally excellent all year round. August is really busy, as is Christmas, so the spring generally provides the best combination of good weather and less crowded beaches. Easter is a very popular holiday across Mexico, though, so book your hotel rooms well in advance if you plan to go then. August to October is hurricane season in the Caribbean, so be aware that this is a potential (but unlikely) hazard.