Travel Guide Yucatán Peninsula
Extraordinarily diverse, rich in every respect, the Yucatán Peninsula, one of the most beautiful and touristic regions of Mexico, can be apprehended in multiple ways, depending on the tastes and interests of each traveler. Its doors of entry are numerous and by following the indications of the tourist guide on the Yucatan Peninsula you will quickly see that the stays can be varied and rich. If you are looking for the pleasures of the sea, you can only be satisfied by the many dream beaches of the peninsula, in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or on the pretty little island Isla Mujeres. Those who are more attracted by art and architecture will prefer the colonial cities like Merida and the archeological sites like the unmissable sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza. The region will also delight those who are interested in fauna and flora and love beautiful natural landscapes.
What to visit Yucatán Peninsula?
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When to go to Yucatán Peninsula?
The year in Mexico can be divided into three periods. The best time to go to Yucatan, and to Mexico in general, is from April to June and from September to November. The intermediate period is due to the school vacations in July and August. The period of the tourist "boom" extends from December to March or April, according to the dates of the holy week. The boom means higher prices and reservations, but also a wider range of activities for tourists. Mexico is a very festive country. Many religious and popular festivities take place every month. Among the most important ones, which also take place in Yucatan, is the National Independence Day, September 15-16, when the scene where Miguel Hidalgo called for the uprising in 1810 is re-enacted throughout the country. Also not to be missed is the Day of the Dead, November1 and 2, when all families celebrate their dead and unite with their departed loved ones; nothing to do with All Saints' Day... Here, the Feast of the Dead is a colorful celebration.
Weather at the moment
Mexico, including the Yucatan, has a hot and humid climate. From May to September, it is particularly hot and humid, and in general, the weather is better in the interior of the country where the climate is more temperate. The high tourist season in Mexico, and in Yucatan, is concentrated in the months of July/August and December/January.
Although considerably more expensive than Guatemala and Honduras, Mexico remains a relatively inexpensive country despite inflation, but rates are somewhat higher in the Yucatan. However, some of the higher quality hotels offer very good rates. The currency is the Mexican peso, which is easily exchanged and paid for with a credit card in town. The tip is 10% of the final bill at the bar or restaurant.
European Union citizens do not need a visa to travel to Mexico, including the Yucatan. The only formality to enter the Mexican territory is to fill out the Mexican State Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple/FMM), provided upon arrival at the airport in Mexico. This card gives you the right to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days. You must be careful not to lose it because it is required at the time of departure. You must also be able to show a return ticket and have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
In Mexico, including for stays in the Yucatan, it is recommended to get vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, except for travelers coming from an exposed area in Africa or Latin America. Beware, insect bites are easily infected in tropical environments and you should be careful with minor injuries. Be sure to avoid bites mainly by wearing proper clothing and using repellents. Finally, the most common health problem you may face in Yucatan, and in Mexico in general, is diarrhea... If you decide to eat in the markets or on the street, be aware that hygiene is often poor. Make sure that the food is well cooked and avoid raw vegetables in these places. In a more formal restaurant, there are no more risks than elsewhere.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Yucatán Peninsula? Our advice & tips
Most tour operators systematically include the Yucatan in their tours because it is truly one of the country's must-sees. But you can opt for a stay only in Yucatan which will integrate at the same time the major pre-Columbian sites like Chichen Itza or Tulum but also a seaside part to benefit from the paradisiacal beaches on the spot. The prices of tours in Yucatan increase with the level of comfort of the hotels. The more luxurious the hotel, the more expensive it is.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationWell-served, Mexico, including the Yucatan, is generally safe for solo travelers. The wave of violence related to drug cartels and the context of social repression generally spares tourists. However, tourists can be easy prey, especially in Cancun, on public transportation and on the streets after dark. The usual rules of caution apply: do not show your camera, your "banana" or your wallet.
It is very easy to get around Mexico by plane, as most cities have airports. There is also a very good network of long-distance buses with cheap fares. You can travel all over the Yucatan by bus and take a tour to discover all the major pre-Columbian sites. However, it is better to rent a car, because you can travel very early in the morning or late in the evening, without having to adapt your schedule to the restrictive bus schedules!
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