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Meredith Peters

12 Exciting Places to Experience on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula: From Pink Salt Lakes to Ancient Pyra

Nothing beats sitting on white sandy beaches that meet perfectly clear blue-green waters with gently rolling waves crashing against the shore. That’s one of the many reasons people from all over the globe head to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula every year. But, aside from enjoying the stunning beaches, there are other places you can’t miss out on while visiting. Continue reading below to learn about 12 of The Yucatan Peninsula’s most exciting places to experience.



Ria Biosphere Reserve Yucatan Peninsula travel  LAs Coloradas Pink Salt Lakes
Ria Biosphere Reserve - Las Coloradas Pink Salt Lakes

1. Head to the far corner of the Ria Biosphere Reserve to see the ever-popular Las Coloradas pink salt lakes. These lakes are used for industrial salt production, and as the water evaporates, an overwhelming growth of red algae occurs. Plankton and brine shrimp also habitat in these bright pink waters.






Sea Turtles Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico Vacation
Sea Turtle

2. If you’re fascinated with sea turtles, go to Akumal Beach to swim in the shallow waters where three different varieties of sea turtles live. A lifejacket is required, and lifeguards are always on duty since the waters have recently become a preserved area to protect the turtles.







3. To fully experience the culture and history of the peninsula, go to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state. The rich culture and history will undoubtedly make your trip memorable. Then, head to the city center to buy a brightly woven hammock. Hammock weaving has been a tradition on the peninsula for more than 700 years.

Merida Mexico Yucatan Peninsula travel vacation
Merida

Isla Holbox Whale sharks Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico vacation
Whale Sharks

4. If sharks don’t scare you, go to Isla Holbox to see the lightly speckled whale sharks. But, beware, these whale sharks are named appropriately, weighing up to 20,000lbs and reaching almost 30ft long!








Yellow Town Izamal Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico Travel
Yellow Town in Izamal

5. The peninsula is no stranger to loud colors, as you may have noticed immediately. So if you love color as much as the natives, head to the Yellow Town in Izamal. You will even get to see pyramids.








6. For a quick dip to cool off, visit the Dzitnup cenote outside Valladolid. This cavernous pool of fresh water is majestic and perhaps the purest water you will ever see since the limestone helps filter it through the underground rivers.

Dzitnup cenote Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico vacation
Dzitnup Cenote

Valladolid Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico Vacation
Valladolid

7. While near Valladolid, go into the colonial city built atop ancient grounds to view the colorful (of course) architecture, including the San Gervasio Church. Then try some of the great eats at restaurants in the area.








Cozumel Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico vacation

8. Go to Cozumel to snorkel and scuba dive or hike through the luscious green jungle.










9. If you need to relax for a day, go to Tulum for sunbathing and yoga on the beach. The area contains healthy food options, spas, and other great activities.


Tulum Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico
Tulum Beach


Bacalar Lagoon  Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico Travel Kayaking
Bacalar Lagoon

10. Grab your sunscreen, rent an inflatable kayak, and head out on the Bacalar Lagoon to feel like the pirates of the 17th Century.











Chichen Itza Yucatan Peninsula travel ruins vacation
Chichen Itza

11. For thousands of years, Chichen Itza has been known as one of the great cities of Central America. Here, you can view some of the massive ground stone buildings that were once Mayan Ruins on the nearly 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of land full of archaeology and thick forest surroundings.





12. Last but not least, hike the Calakmul Mayan Ruins that border Guatemala. You certainly won’t miss the two gigantic pyramids reaching 165ft high.


Calakmul Mayan Ruins  Yucatan Peninsula travel Mexico Vacation
Calakmul Mayan Ruins

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most diverse and exciting places to travel in all of Mexico. From the stunning landscape to the vibrant culture, the Yucatan has a little something for everyone.


Are you ready to experience the Yucatan Peninsula for yourself? Just click the link below to get started!


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