Each of the 31 states of Mexico is unique. Laws, customs, nature, and society are different. We have seen stereotypes about gangsters and crime in this country in many films. That’s why sometimes people think it’s dangerous here. And, indeed, it is better not to visit some areas for tourism purposes. However, Mexico has many quiet regions that help you get to know this country from its best side.
The resorts of the Yucatan Peninsula are popular among Russians: Cancun and Riviera Maya. In addition to wonderful hotels and white beaches with turquoise water, there are cultural monuments and entertainment facilities that introduce you to the legends and immerse you in the magical atmosphere of Mexico.
How to get there
The cost of flights from Moscow to Cancun and back on OneTwoTrip starts from 60,000 rubles*. There are both direct flights and options with one or two transfers. To enter, you do not need to be tested for COVID-19, you just need to fill out a special form. From the airport to the beaches of Riviera Maya you can take a regular bus, taxi, or rent a car (from 6,800 rubles* per day). There are regular and tourist taxis in Mexico. The latter are marked with green numbers and are much more expensive, but are considered safer.
Where to stay
Cancun is suitable for those who like to move with the rhythm of the city. There are significantly more accommodations in the three-star category and below than on the Riviera Maya. Therefore, in general, this vacation in Cancun will be cheaper. For example, a night at Suites Cancun Center will cost from 2,700 rubles* for two.
The Riviera Maya will appeal more to those who want to retire to nature. Bungalows and villas of local hotels are drowned in the greenery of the jungle, where raccoons and roaches run, and pelicans fly to the beaches. It is not easy to get to civilization from this oasis, and tourist life is concentrated in huge hotel areas. The cost of a room at the five-star Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa starts from 23,000 rubles*. There are also discounts, such as at Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort & Spa, where you can now book a room for 12,400 rubles*.
Things to do
Day one
Archaeological complex of Chichen Itza
This political and cultural center of the Mayan civilization is located away from the coast. On the roads of Yucatan there is often a speed limit of 40-50 km/h, which is important to consider when planning your route. It is important to arrive in the ancient Indian capital before the opening in order to have time to buy tickets, enter the territory first and take a walk before the crowds of tourists rush in. There is a lot to see in the large area of the ruined temple complex. The partially restored pyramid of Kukulkan with snake ladders – one of the symbols of Mayan culture – served as a place of sacrifice. For the same ritual, teams met in mortal combat on the ball field. Astronomers observed celestial bodies from a huge snail observatory. And many cenote wells were considered portals between worlds.
Cenote Ik-Kil
The reservoir is located next to the pyramids. The porous land of Yucatan is dotted with underground caves. Their vaults often collapse, forming holes that fill with groundwater and sediment. This unique natural phenomenon is called a “cenote”. Today you can swim in this clear water under the vines hanging from the ground. Bring your swimwear and try to get here early so you can be alone. Due to its high popularity, within an hour after the start of work, the cenote becomes like a swimming pool.
Mayapan Plant
A place where agave is grown and tequila is produced in the traditional natural way. The backdrop of bright yellow buildings and huge cacti makes for the most “Mexican” photographs.
Coordinates: 20.72539100,-88.20633500
Valladolid
When all the tourists reach Chichen Itza, we return towards the coast and on the way we stop at a picturesque medieval city. Founded by the Spaniards during the Conquest, it has preserved colonial architecture.
Day two
Akumal beach with large turtles
Easily accessible via the coastal highway. The main local entertainment is watching giant waterfowl turtles. They graze like cows, collecting algae from the seabed.
You will need fins and a mask with a snorkel. And the beach itself, with its snow-white sand and palm trees leaning over the water, looks like a dream from a Bounty advertisement.
Tulum
The ancient pre-Columbian Mayan port city on the Caribbean coast of Yucatan is located next to Akumal Beach, making it a great place to spend the middle of the day. The visiting card of the archaeological zone is the El Castillo castle on the very edge of a high cliff, through the window openings of which you can see the sun rising.
There are other ruins in the historical complex, as well as a beautiful garden with intricate plants, where you can find iguanas. And from the observation decks on the steep cliffs, breathtaking views of the turquoise sea open up. By the way, the Ahau Tulum hotel is located here, which is very often found on social networks, thanks to its unusual anthropomorphic “living” sculpture. Tree trunks and boards are woven into the torso of a man, which grows out of the sand and forms an arch-entrance.
Pyramid of Koba
Life hack: it’s worth coming here closer to closing, because organized excursions happen here in the first half of the day. In the evening there is a chance to climb the pyramid alone. Yes, you can climb the ruins of the oldest city of the Mayan civilization, although this requires good physical training, the steps of the second highest pyramid in Yucatan are very steep! But from above you can see the endless sea of jungle. Several other objects have been preserved in the park. You can travel between them on foot, but it is much faster and more fun on rented bicycles.
Day three
Merida
If in your imagination Mexico is associated with sultry beauties in lush dresses with lace in resinous hair and voluminous fans, then you will definitely like it in this city of colored houses and stone arched galleries.
The large business center and colorful illustration of the Conquest era is quite far from the coastal resorts, so plan a whole day for the trip.
Day four
Park Xcaret
After you have seen all the sights of the peninsula, it’s time to get acquainted with the culture and history of Mexico in detail in a grandiose eco-archaeological park in the jungle. You can get to it from Playa del Carmen by city bus, special shuttle or taxi. On the vast territory you can try national cuisine and take part in folk games.
Visit the island of jaguars, swim with dolphins, see zebu, crocodiles, noses, pumas, agoutis and other animals without cages, play with large parrots. View models of traditional churches, residential and commercial buildings, and even visit a specific stylized cemetery, where copies of the most intricate graves are collected. The Mexican “gay” attitude towards death is a very curious experience. Actors work in the park and there are several theatrical venues where vivid performances about the life of the Mayan Indians are shown. And in the evening, a show with special effects, large-scale battle scenes and stuntmen begins at the stadium. The performance ends with a concert of popular mariachis. And since the park is visited by local tourists, you can hear the stands singing along to your favorite performers.
Our “Where to Go” project will help you with ideas for your upcoming vacation. You choose the month and city of departure, and we offer the most interesting and affordable options – with ticket prices and information about restrictions for tourists.
*Prices valid at time of publication
