Top 10 things to do on the Yucatan peninsula. 

We were recently lucky enough to do a trip to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico with the kids and had an absolute ball. Mexico is such an awesome country to visit. You should definitely put it on the ole bucket list!!

This is just a few of the things we did which I can highly recommend as fun things to do with or without kids.

Tulum

Stay in beautiful Tulum, wander the powder white beach and swim in the crystal clear waters after you have visited the beautifully located beachside Tulum Mayan ruins. Try to arrive early at the ruins to beat the heat and the crowds. The town of Tulum is quite far from the beach but has some great places to eat and drink, it also has plenty of good shopping opportunities. We went budget and stayed in tents on the beach. Was a seriously awesome location!! There are plenty of top end budget options on the beach with fantastic views over the beach.

Cenotes

Go swimming in some the regions many beautiful cenotes. You can mix it up with beautiful clear open air cenotes, or venture underground with the bats and go cave swimming. The perfect way to cool down after a day on the beach or exploring ruins. 

Coba Ruins

Rent a bike and cycle through the jungle in the Coba ruins. Try to get there early to beat the heat and bus loads of tourists. Climb the pyramid at the end for great views over the jungle. 

Chichen Itza

Visit impressive Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage area. It's the largest and most accessible Mayan site and was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” 

Playa del Carmen

Go boutique shopping, and enjoy the hip vibes in Playa del Carmen. Loads of fantastic dining options, awesome bars, a great beach and you can shop till you drop. 

Isla Holbox

Get the Caribbean vibes on laid back Isla Holbox. Put away your shoes and spend your time in bare feet. All the roads are sand and your only form of transport is to either walk or go by golf buggy. There is not a lot going on, but with hammocks hanging in the ocean and beach side bars, what more do you need. Take a good book and kick back and relax. The street art is fantastic!

We were there out of season, but at the right time of year you can swim with whale sharks and go flamingo watching.

Merida

Check out live entertainment and beautiful architecture in the colonial city of Merida, considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. More live music than you can shake a stick at and loads of great eating options. A very cool city!

Izamal

Take a horse and carriage ride around the yellow town of Izamal. Izamal is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns). It's worth spending a few hours taking in the sights of this unique small town. Be warned that it's incredibly hot in summer!

Lake Bacalar

Definitely take a boat trip and go swimming in the warm shallow waters on beautiful Lake Bacalar which is reputed to be 7 different colours. We only spent one night here, but there is apparently quite a bit more to do in the area. 

Isla Mujeres

Rent a golf buggy and explore Isla Mujeres. This is such a fun thing to do. Get yourself an 8 hour buggy hire and enjoy the island. There are awesome crystal clear beaches to stop at. Take your snorkling gear or hire some locally. Visit the turtle sanctuary, use the facilities of some of the resorts when you stop off for lunch and a corona. Golf buggies are main form of transport on the island. In the evening hit the beach and go for a swim as you watch the sunset in front of you. Then hit one of the bars or restaurants situated in the sand on the beachfront. 

This list is only scratching the surface of the many awesome things you can do on the Yucatan. We just rented a car and drove, but there is plenty of public transport, and the buses are great. Renting a car certainly gave us the freedom to really go exploring and the roads are mostly pretty good. Just remember to stay on the right hand side of the road!!

We have never felt unsafe in Mexico, but just make sure you use common sense. The Yucatan is really geared up for tourism, and you may choose to avoid it during the American spring break time!! 

Take a sense of adventure and get off the beaten track whenever you can to really get the feel of wonderful Mexico. 

Adios Amigos :-)