Travel guide · Mexico
Yucatán: what to see and when to go
The Yucatán Peninsula is the heartland of the Maya, with Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, freshwater cenotes and colonial cities such as Mérida and Valladolid. It is one of Mexico's safest regions and made for a road trip.
What to see and do in the Yucatán
Chichén Itzá
The great pyramid of El Castillo, one of the New Seven Wonders; arrive at opening time.
Mérida
The colonial capital, with free music and dance in its squares almost every night.
The cenotes
Swim in sinkholes such as Ik Kil, Suytun or the cenotes of Cuzamá.
Uxmal
A Maya city in the elegant Puuc style, far quieter than Chichén Itzá.
Valladolid and Izamal
A colonial town close to the cenotes, and a city painted entirely in yellow.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Nov – Feb.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 hr | ≈ €550 · See flights |
| New York | 4 hr | ≈ €240 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 4 hr, 45 min | ≈ €280 · See flights |
| Dubai | 18 hr | ≈ €720 · See flights |
| Singapore | 22 hr, 30 min | ≈ €820 · See flights |
| Sydney | 18 hr, 30 min | ≈ €730 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- Mexican Peso
- Good for
- food · culture · calm
- How long to stay
- 5–8 days
- Where to stay
- Mérida as a base; Valladolid for Chichén Itzá and the cenotes.Find a place to stay in the Yucatán
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Yucatán, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €550 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Yucatán (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Yucatán and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Nov – Feb. Average highs range from 29° in January to 37° in May.
How many days do you need in the Yucatán?
5 to 8 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Yucatán cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €730 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 11 hr.
Where should you stay in the Yucatán?
Mérida as a base; Valladolid for Chichén Itzá and the cenotes.
