Mérida
The cultural capital of the southeast: colonial mansions, markets, galleries and one of the country's most acclaimed dining scenes. The perfect base for Uxmal, the Puuc Route, the cenotes and the haciendas.
YUCATÁN AND Campeche
The Maya world, from pyramids to haciendas
The Yucatán Peninsula is the heart of the Maya world. Here you will find Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the Maya cities of Uxmal and Calakmul; thousands of sacred cenotes; henequen haciendas turned into luxury retreats; colorful colonial cities; and a one-of-a-kind Yucatecan cuisine. Mérida, its capital, has become one of Mexico's most compelling cultural and culinary destinations.
Accolades
- Chichén Itzá: one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- UNESCO World Heritage: Chichén Itzá · Uxmal · Historic Fortified Town of Campeche · Calakmul.
- Michelin Guide Mexico 2026: Yucatán joined the guide in its 2026 edition and earned its first stars, in Mérida and the surrounding area.
Destinations
Chichén Itzá
The great Maya city, with the pyramid of Kukulcán and the Sacred Cenote. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site.
Valladolid
A Pueblo Mágico of colorful streets, surrounded by cenotes, minutes from Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam.
Ek Balam
A Maya city in the jungle near Valladolid, famous for its Acropolis and its extraordinary stucco frieze, surrounded by cenotes.
Izamal
The yellow city: a Pueblo Mágico with one of the largest Franciscan convents in the Americas, built atop a Maya pyramid.
Las Coloradas
Pink lagoons by the sea on Yucatán's north coast, near the Río Lagartos Reserve.
Progreso
Mérida's port and beach, with its pier stretching more than six kilometers into the Gulf of Mexico.
Celestún
A biosphere reserve where thousands of pink flamingos feed in the estuary.
Campeche
A World Heritage walled city on the Gulf, gateway to the rainforest and the Maya city of Calakmul.
What to experience
- Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Ek Balam and the Puuc Route with archaeologists.
- Private cenotes, at sunrise or sunset.
- Stays, dinners and celebrations at henequen haciendas.
- Yucatecan cuisine: cochinita pibil, recados and market visits with local chefs.
- Flamingo watching in Celestún and the pink lagoons of Las Coloradas.
- Calakmul, a Maya city deep in the rainforest.
Ideal for
- FIT
- Groups
- MICE
- WeddingsYucatán's haciendas are among the most sought-after settings for destination weddings
Best time to visit
From November to March, the most pleasant season, with warm days and cool nights. April and May are the hottest months. From June to October there are afternoon rains and it is hurricane season.
Events in the region
Cultural festivalHappening nowFeatured
October 24 – November 2, 2026
Festival of the Souls (Festival de las Ánimas)
Mérida
The Mérida city government's program for Hanal Pixán, with illuminated souls, night tours and the Paseo de las Ánimas from the General Cemetery to San Juan park on October 30.
Cultural festival
October 31 – November 2, 2026
Hanal Pixán (Maya Day of the Dead)
Mérida · Riviera Maya
The Maya celebration of the departed on the Yucatán Peninsula; its name means “food of the souls.” October 31 is devoted to children, November 1 to adults and November 2 to all the faithful departed.
Public holiday
November 1 – 2, 2026
Day of the Dead
Nationwide
Celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1 and 2, with offerings in homes and visits to cemeteries; it is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Music
November 19 – 22, 2026
Mérida Jazz Festival
Mérida
The second edition of the Mérida city government's jazz festival, with local, national and international artists, workshops and talks.
Religious
December 12, 2026
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Mexico City · Nationwide
Every December 12, millions of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin. The celebration includes the midnight Mañanitas on the 11th, masses and Concheros dances in the atrium.
Cultural festival
January 5 – 24, 2027
Mérida Fest
Mérida
The Mérida city government's cultural festival, with music, theater, dance and performing arts at venues throughout the city. Its main date is January 6, the anniversary of Mérida's founding.