The Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan is in southeast Mexico. It sits between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

The peninsula covers about 197,600 square km (76,300 square miles). Most of it lies in three Mexican states: Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche. In the south, it also takes in large parts of Belize and Guatemala.

Three Mexican states make up most of the Yucatan Peninsula: Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Yucatan state covers the north, and Merida is its capital and largest city.

Quintana Roo runs along the Caribbean coast, from Cancun south to its capital, Chetumal, on the Belize border. Campeche faces the Gulf of Mexico on the west side. Its capital, also called Campeche, is a port with a fortified colonial center.

Yucatan is both a state and the name of the whole peninsula, so check which one a map or booking means.

The peninsula is a low, flat limestone plain that rises slowly toward the south. The rock is porous, so rain sinks into the ground. The north has almost no rivers above ground.

Water flows through underground caves instead. Where the rock roof falls in, the water shows as a cenote, a natural sinkhole. The Maya built their cities around these sinkholes and caverns.

The north is hot and dry, and rain increases toward the south, from about 460 mm a year to about 2,000 mm. The dry season runs from December to May, and May and June are the hottest months.

Daytime highs range from about 24 to 38°C (mid-70s to 100°F). Ocean winds ease the heat for much of the year. For advice by month, see our guide to timing your visit.

The main draws are Maya ruins, cenotes, old colonial towns and beaches on the sea. Most trips mix two or three of them, with the beaches on the coast and the ruins, cenotes and colonial towns inland.

The Maya built the old cities of the region, such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam and Coba. Maya people still live in towns across the region today.

Spanish sailors reached the coast in 1517, and Francisco de Montejo began the conquest of the peninsula in 1527.

After Chichen Itza, you can add a cenote swim, lunch in colonial Valladolid or a second Maya site at Ek Balam.

Ik Kil is the closest swim stop to the ruins, and our nearby cenotes guide compares other swims. Valladolid's main sights sit close together in its colonial center, with Cenote Zaci in town. Ek Balam is a smaller Maya site known for its Acropolis. The Sacred Cenote inside Chichen Itza is a viewing spot, not a place to swim.

Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum sit on the coast, while Merida and Valladolid are inland. Our departure guide shows hotel pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, the Riviera Maya and Merida.

A coast base suits beach days, while Merida and Valladolid put you closer to the inland ruins and colonial streets. The table gives direct drive times to Chichen Itza, without stops.

Most visitors get around by tour, rental car or ADO bus. The 180D toll road links Cancun and Merida, with an exit at Piste for Chichen Itza. If you plan to use the Tren Maya, check its schedule and the onward transfer before you book.