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Yucatán Peninsula

Mexico

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City Hall in Mérida.

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Overview

Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. Actually, there's only one – the Yucatán Peninsula. The peninsula comprises parts of Belize and Guatemala, as well as three separate Mexican states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Quintana Roo is probably the best known thanks to the tourism mega-destinations of Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where millions flock annually to get their share of vitamin D on brochure-perfect beaches or resort infinity pools. But head just a couple of hours west and you hit Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state, whose colonial architecture and contemporary restaurants are a satisfying change of pace, not to mention the many cenotes (freshwater springs) nearby. Neighboring Campeche state is home to mind-blowing Maya ruins galore. This entire compact peninsula holds wonderful, varied and accessible travel surprises.

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  1. 1See Frida Kahlo’s masterpieces in their place of origin at Casa Azul
  2. 2Taste Mexico City beyond its trademark tacos on a street food tortilla crawl
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Discover the Yucatán Peninsula’s Maya ruins, cenotes, colonial cities, pristine beaches, wildlife and vibrant Yucatecan culture.

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