IS THE YUCATAN WORTH VISITING FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS?
When you think of the Yucatan, you might think about just Cancun. Visions of sun loungers, luxury hotels with swim up bars and maybe raucous nightclubs like Coco Bongo. It doesn’t exactly sound like the ideal destination for independent travellers i.e. those people who aren’t looking for a “fly and flop” style holiday. Yet, there’s so much to see and to in the Yucatan, that may surprise a few people.
Certainly when we decided to visit the Yucatan for one month, we were a little concerned about whether it would be our sort of place. Friends kept recommending expensive all inclusive hotels to us, which are not really our bag. We favour a backpack over a roller suitcase, a bus ride over a flight and a dive bar over a fancy cocktail bar. Was the Yucatan going to be for us?
We need not have worried – our trip to the Yucatan turned out to be one of our best. We think that the Yucatan is worth visiting, even if your idea of travel heaven is days spent exploring, rather than on a sun lounger.
This blog post will present the pros and cons of visiting the Yucatan Peninsular, as we see them. We hope that it helps you to decide if the Yucatan is worth visiting for you.
Pros of visiting the Yucatan Peninsular as an independent traveller
Here are seven reasons why we think the Yucatan Peninsular is worth visiting.
1/ The beaches are incredible
One of the main draws of the Yucatan is the spectacular coastline. And, whilst you may not be looking two spend your entire vacation on the beach, we expect you’ll want to visit the beaches a few times – especially once you see them.
The beaches are picture post-card perfect. Expect nothing short of sawing palm trees, white sand and turquoise waters. Our faves were in Tulum, Holbox and Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. You can find more about the best beaches in Yucatan in our blog post here.
2/ There are activities to suit most travellers
The best thing about visiting the Yucatan, in my opinion, is that there are activities to suit everyone. It’s not just about the beaches.
Adventure and nature lovers will enjoy paddle boarding in Bacalar, taking a boat tour in Sian Ka’an Nature reserve, or swimming in the cenotes around Tulum. Whilst anyone seeking cultural experiences, can also find it. The Yucatan is also a dream for foodies – head to the cities of the Yucatan for food tours, markets and upmarket restaurants.
3/ The Yucatan has cultural and historic sights
The Yucatan is brimming with history and culture. Of course, you’ll know about the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is a must visit. But you may not have heard of Ek Balam, Cobo of Uxmal.
Away from the Mayan world, you’ll also find colonial cities like Valladolid and Campeche. Here you can take it slow and explore the cities, checking out museums and the colonial architecture.
4/ The Yucatan is a safer area of Mexico
Comparative to other states in Mexico, the Yucatan has much lower crime rates. In particular Quintana Roo (like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum) has enhanced security measures to protect tourists. It’s not unusual to see military or police presence – in Tulum for example, we regularly saw patrols. It can feel a little alarming when you see them, but it’s worth remembering that they are keeping the area safe.
Away from Quintana Roo, in areas like Progreso and Merida, which are less frequented by tourists – you won’t see the same level of police presence, but the crime rates are still comparatively low.
5/ The cenotes are a unique Yucatan phenomenon
Cenotes are one of the most distinctive features of the Yucatan Peninsula. These natural sinkholes, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, expose groundwater and create stunning, clear pools. Around the Yucatan you’ll find different types – from open ones that look a bit like lakes, to closed ones inside caves.
Cenotes hold significant cultural and historical importance for the Mayan civilization. They were considered sacred and were often used for religious ceremonies and rituals. You’ll see one in the Chichen Itza complex – although not for swimming in!
For cenotes, Tulum is one of the best places to visit, with many nearby to the city. But you can find them across the Yucatan.
6/ The Yucatan is easy to get around
As we have travelled more over the last few years, we have started to see the value in a good transport system. It’s like discovering a diamond. When I was younger, I think I had a romantic idea that the harder it was to get somewhere, the better it would be. Something about the challenge of the chase, or the idea that remote areas would somehow be more authentic.
However, there is something so great about planning a trip to an area when the transport just works! As I sat down to plan our Yucatan Itinerary, I could see that it was easy to make connections from the very south of the Yucatan in Bacalar, to the other side in Merida for example. Every tourist destination in Yucatan that you could possibly think of is well connected by buses.
The reality on the ground also turned out to be as good. Our connections were smooth, buses were on time and comfortable. And transport is inexpensive. There’s a lot to be said for that.
7/ The Yucatan is family friendly
Finally, we recongise that not all independent travellers are young backpackers! Plenty of families also choose to take adventurous trips. When considering whether the Yucatan is worth visiting, we wanted to give a shout out to how family friendly it is.
During our trip, which happened to coincide with Christmas, we saw so many families, with young kids and older children. It is very much a family friendly destination. What with regular flights from the US, the UK and Europe and ease of transport.
Accommodation is plentiful and families are welcome in hostels or upmarket hotels. There are also tonnes of amazing day trips in the Yucatan, so families can choose one base for the whole trip and still get to explore.
Cons of visiting the Yucatan Peninsula as an independent traveller
Here are four reasons why you may want to re-consider travelling to the Yucatan Peninsula.
1/ The Yucatan can be expensive
One of our concerns about travelling to the Yucatan prior to our trip, was whether it would be prohibitively expensive. Tulum, Cancun & Holbox have a reputation for being on the pricey end of things.
Whilst we did find evidence of upmarket cocktail bars and eye wateringly expensive hotels in these areas, we often found affordable alternatives – even in Tulum. That said, budget travellers may be best visiting areas like Bacalar, Merida and Progreso which have thus far avoided the price hikes seen in other areas.
Accommodation in the Yucatan is generally a little more costly than in other areas of Mexico, like Oaxaca or Mexico City – but I’d say this is marginal. Perhaps an extra $10 per night for budget hostels. Or $30 per night for a budget room.
2/ It’s hard to find the “off the beaten track” feeling
When visiting the Yucatan, it is hard, but not impossible to find the “off the beaten track” feeling. I’m talking about the joy of discovering a place with unique charm. Somewhere that is not crowded with tourists.
Visiting the Yucatan may not provide as many opportunities for undiscovered gems, but there are some less crowded and more authentic places that you can visit.
An example is Merida, a city in the heart of the Yucatan. Yes, tourists do visit Merida, but the number of tourists doesn’t outweigh the locals – meaning that the city feels real. Another great place to visit is Lake Bacalar – close to the Belize border. Tourists are starting to discover it, but being a little out of the way, means that not that many travellers decide to visit.
3/ Parts of the Yucatan are full of resorts
There are certain areas of the Yucatan that independent travellers will probably want to avoid. For example, Cancun. The promenade and beach area around Cancun is lined with high rise hotels. Although many of them are luxury, Cancun beach area certainly doesn’t have that authentic Mexican vibe that you may be seeking. That said, go to downtown Cancun, and there are little bursts of real character.
Tulum has a similar set up. The beach front is where the tourist resorts are found, compared to downtown, which has a little more laid back charm.
If you’re really keen to avoid anywhere with “resorts” then head to Progreso, Merida and Campeche. You can find details about this in our two week Yucatan itinerary.
4/ There are signs of over tourism in places
Signs of over tourism were most obvious to us during our visit to Holbox island. Firstly, I should say that I adore Holbox island. We spent quite a while there and I could have quite happily set up camp there for much longer. Secondly, I realise that it is a little bit rich as a travel blogger to complain about over tourism.
That said, when considering whether the Yucatan is worth visiting for independent travellers – I think it is worth mentioning that some areas of the province are simply visited too much. Independent travellers to the Yucatan may wish to consider visiting quieter areas, such as Progreso, if they wish to avoid the overly “touristic” areas.
A visit to Holbox is totally worth it – but I feel I need to call out the issues caused by too many golf buggies and taxis running up and down streets collecting tourists. If you do travel to Holbox, perhaps consider avoiding being part of this issue if you can.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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