One of the largest countries in Latin America, located between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, attracts visitors with a mix of culture, turbulent city life, endless beaches and coastal landscapes.

The most famous coastal stretch of the Yucatán Peninsula is the Riviera Maya, which stretches south from Cancun to the Mayan site of Tulum. On a trip to Mexico you will get your money’s worth: swim in the crystal clear sea, explore Mayan temples, discover colonial cities, experience Mexican fiestas as well as taste traditional Mexican dishes.

Today, about four million inhabitants live on the approximately 140,000 km² Mexican part of the peninsula, a quarter of them are descendants of the Maya. Mérida, capital of the state of Yucatán and with several cultural monuments, is considered the “gateway to the Mayan world”.

Cancún

The city is especially known as a tourist destination because of its 23 km long beach. Off the Caribbean coast, the second largest coral reef in the world invites you to dive and snorkel. Excellent restaurants and a lively nightlife offer the best entertainment.

Playa del Carmen

In 1970, Playa del Carmen was still considered a small fishing village between Cancún and Tulum, from which the ferry connection to the island of Cozumel started. Within a few years Playa del Carmen developed into a sought-after seaside tourist resort. The heart of Playa del Carmen is Quinta Avenida, where souvenir stores, restaurants and bars line up.

About 5km from the city, there is the park Xcaret, an amusement park. The park is set in a tropical landscape and all the buildings are built according to the Mayan style.

Tulum

Visit the archaeological site of Tulum (which means fortress or mountain in the Mayan language), which is located directly on the sea and thus offers a fascinating backdrop. Due to this very location, Tulum was an important trading center for the Maya. In the past, the city was surrounded by a 715m long wall, which was supposed to protect the inhabitants from attacks. Today you can still admire many buildings in Tulum such as the Castillo Castle, the Temple of the Descending God, the Temple of the Wind as well as the Temple of the Sea. Near Tulum you can marvel at another ruined site, Chichén Itzá, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Isla Cozumel

With the ferry from Playa del Carmen you can reach the island within 30 minutes (costs about € 18,- per person for the round trip). The island is 45km long and 16km wide. Tip: Rent a scooter and explore the island on your own. The capital of the island is the lively town of San Miguel de Cozumel on the west coast, home to over 90,000 people. Tourists can relax on white, fine-sand beaches or take advantage of the diving opportunities on the offshore 65 reefs.

Tip: Without hesitation, you can explore the area with the public transport (Colectivos) at a reasonable price.