
Top 7 Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
With all that Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, it’s hard to narrow down a list of the best things to do while you’re there.
From sunning at tropical beaches, to watching the spectacular wildlife, to visiting tiny fishing villages, here are some of the best 7 things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Here are the best 7 things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

01. Enjoy Las Coloradas
Just three hours from Cancun, Las Coloradas are salt-filled lakes that are a beautiful shade of pink all year round.
Used for sea-salt production on an industrial scale, these lakes are a sight to behold. Enjoy walking the shore, taking in the sights, and snapping photos of these breathtaking pink lakes.
02. Snorkel with Sea Turtles
Just south of Playa del Carmen, Akumal Bay is home to a variety of sea turtle species, and the opportunity to swim alongside them!
You can either snorkel with these turtles on your own or opt for a guided turtle tour from one of the locals. Either way you decide, snorkeling with sea turtles is a once in a lifetime, can’t-miss opportunity.
03. See the Yellow City
In 1993, every major wall and building in Izamel was painted yellow in honor of a visit from Pope John Paul II. Even after the visit, the locals never painted their city back to its original colors, thus earning it the nickname ‘the yellow city.’
With lots of small shops for handmade crafts, restaurants, and bars to stop for a drink, this city is designed to be walkable for tourists to meander through and enjoy.
04. Explore Merida
Merida is an enormous city with lots of charm and endless opportunities for adventure. If you spent your entire trip here, you would still not have enough time to experience all that this sprawling city has to offer.
Take Sundays for example. Every Sunday there is an enormous fair filled with craft markets, food vendors, live performers, and drink stands. The streets are filled to the brim with tourists and locals alike enjoying their Sunday and seeing what the Yucatan culture has to offer.
05. Spend a Day in Tulum

When you’re exhausted from all the hustle and bustle of the Yucatan Peninsula, come and relax in Tulum. It’s a great place to take a break, kick off your shoes, and dip your toes in the water of some of the best beaches Mexico has to offer.
While Tulum has a reputation for being expensive due to its popularity with influencers and celebrities, a trip here does’s have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable restaurants, places to stay, and beaches that make Tulum accessible and enjoyable for all visitors.
06. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This reserve is a must-see for anyone spending time in the Yucatan Peninsula. There are an endless amount of trails to explore that are teeming with wildlife.
When you reach the water, you can rent a boat and set off on a self-guided tour of the lagoons and ancient waterways frequented by Mayans. If you’re looking for a relaxing experience rich with history, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must-see.
07. Appreciate the Lagoon of Seven Colors
The Lagoon of Seven Colors appears in seven breathtaking shades of the clearest turquoise blue you’ve ever seen. It’s located in the small fishing town of Balacar, reachable by car or bus.
While you’re visiting Balacar, you can also take part in the many activities offered there. Try your hand at kayaking on the beautiful lagoon or zip lining over the tops of their rainforest.
Final Thoughts on The Best 7 Things To Do In The Yucatan Peninsula
There are endless amounts of activities to take part in in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on your next vacation. Enjoy and thank you for checking out our list of the best 7 things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.