Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is a treasure trove of incredible destinations, with a perfect mix of colorful towns, pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and otherworldly cenotes. There’s a LOT to see here—so much so that you’re definitely not going to be able to squeeze EVERYTHING into one vacation. 

However, the best way to experience TONS of things in one short period of time is by road tripping around the Yucatan. Here’s the perfect Yucatan road trip itinerary, including everything you need to know to make your time as epic as possible.

Tulum, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is known for its pristine beaches, lively nightlife, and plethora of otherworldly cenotes. Cenote Calavera is one of its most bucket list-worthy swimming holes, with tons of options for adventurous travelers to jump into its cool waters—plus it’s a bit more under-the-radar than some of Tulum’s most popular cenotes, meaning you’re more likely to enjoy it without as many crowds. Here’s everything you need to know about Cenote Calavera, the best cenote in Tulum for thrill seekers. 

Sayulita is a sleepy beach town along the Pacific coastline, known for its colorful streets, bustling nightlife, and laid back surfer vibes. It’s the perfect destination for a beach getaway—but there’s plenty of other activities here, other than soaking up the sun, from visiting the so-called “Galapagos Islands” of Mexico to ATVing through the jungle! Here’s 9 of the best Sayulita tours offering some serious adventures in this vibrant corner of Mexico!

While Nayarit, found along the Pacific coastline of Mexico, is primarily known for its beaches, you can also find charming and colorful colonial villages tucked away in its green mountains in the central part of the state. The town of Jala in Nayarit is one of Mexico’s beloved pueblo magicos (or magical towns)—and one of the country’s biggest hidden gems. In this sleepy town, you’ll find cobblestone streets, brightly-colored buildings, and a massive volcano. Sounds intriguing? It definitely is! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Jala in Nayarit, one of Mexico’s best kept secrets.

Tulum, Mexico is known for its stunning white beaches, vibrant nightlife, and boho chic vibes. But one of the most unique aspects of this part of Mexico is its proximity to cenotes, which are otherworldly underground caverns filled with crystal clear, cool water. Here’s the 7 best Tulum cenote tours from both Tulum and around Cancun and Playa del Carmen, so you can experience this amazing part of the Yucatan Peninsula all for yourself!

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure in Mexico, you can’t beat Islas Marias, an archipelago of tropical islands located 60 miles off the Pacific coastline, near Puerto Vallarta. This former penal colony is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to several species of animals found nowhere else on the planet, and is officially open for visitors to explore! Sounds intriguing? It definitely is! So here’s everything you need to know about Islas Marias, home to beaches, epic wildlife, and an incredibly unique history.

Tulum, Mexico is an incredible place for a beach getaway, perfectly mixing boho chic vibes with a bit of luxury. But if you’re looking to dive a bit deeper into Mexico’s culture and history, you’re luckily just a few short hours away from one of the most important cities in the ancient Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza. Here’s 10 of the best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum, so you can explore Mexico’s Wonder of the World for yourself!

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of Mayan history and culture, including the incredible Coba Ruins. Conveniently located near Tulum, these ruins allow you to live out your best Indiana Jones life and get a glimpse into this fascinating ancient civilization—without all of the crowds of Chichen Itza. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Coba Ruins, from exactly what sites to see to the best cenotes to cool off in afterwards. 

There’s few things that pair better with a day of exploring Chichen Itza under the hot Mexican sun than heading to a cenote afterwards to cool down in its clear, blue water. Better yet, there’s plenty of incredible cenotes close to Mexico’s Wonder of the World, where you can enjoy this colorful country’s unique geological beauty and get a glimpse into its rich history and culture. Here’s 8 incredible cenotes near Chichen Itza for the most epic adventure in the Yucatan Peninsula.