Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan holidays
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan holidays at a glance
The states of Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo make up this huge, forest-covered wedge of south-eastern Mexico, and it’s here that some of the Maya ruins Mexico is best known for turn up at almost every turn. Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Tulum are the best known sites, well kept and easy to reach, but there’s plenty for those who venture further: Edzná’s ceremonial centre is topped by a 30-metre Temple of the Five Storeys, and Calakmul, the biggest archaeological site in Mesoamerica, holds around 7,000 buildings rising out of untouched jungle.
The colonial side of the region is just as rich. Izamal and Mérida both centre on arched colonnades and grand old churches, and Mérida in particular buzzes with markets, music and impromptu theatre across its central plazas.
Along the coast, the Riviera Maya runs the length of the peninsula’s Caribbean edge, mixing resort hotels with small fishing villages, while the mangrove marshes of Sian Ka’an form a biosphere reserve that’s one of the best places in the region for Yucatán wildlife.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The Yucatán Peninsula offers one of the best combinations of history, culture, wildlife and beaches in Latin America.
When to visit Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
December to April tends to bring the driest weather and clearest skies, making this the best time to visit Yucatán for sightseeing. May to July brings high humidity, and storm and hurricane risk builds from August through to around November, though temperatures rarely drop below 25°C at any time of year. Carnival takes over towns across the peninsula in February and March, and Mérida hosts the Festival de las Aves de Yucatán each November, a birdwatching festival built around the region’s migratory season.
These are the best months to visit the Yucatán Peninsula and Mayan Riviera, as there is plenty of warm sunshine and minimal rainfall. Water visibility in the sea is at its clearest, making this a great time to try snorkelling, diving and fishing.
This is the wet season, with stifling humidity between May and July, and a higher risk of tropical storms and hurricanes between August – October. Temperatures remain hot and there is still plenty of sunshine in between heavy downpours. Visibility in the sea is not as clear so this is not an ideal time for diving or snorkelling.
Top Things to do in Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
The Yucatán Peninsula offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. Whether you’re exploring ancient civilisations, discovering colonial heritage or spending time in nature, the region provides something for every type of traveller.
Combine the major Mayan site of Uxmal with visits to the lesser-known ruins that lie along the historic Puuc route.
Accommodation in Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
Accommodation across the peninsula has real range, from colonial mansions to hacienda hotels and beachside resorts. Casa Lecanda and Mansion Merida on the Park sit right in Mérida’s historic centre, while Hacienda Chichen puts you steps from the ruins and Hacienda Puerta Campeche occupies a converted colonial house in Campeche’s old town.
Sumptuous boutique property in a converted mansion, bringing together the best of old and new Mexico with bold and stylish décor, elegant terraces and top-quality amenities.
Enchanting 16th century hacienda with original Mayan stone carvings, perfect for history lovers, and a short ride from Chichén Itzá.
Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a romantic colonial hacienda with restored houses offering accommodation in an exquisite garden in the centre of the city Campeche. Please note: We are expecting the property to close for refurbishment during the course of 2024.
An elegantly restored 14th century belle-époque French mansion near the main plaza of colonial Mérida.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
Group Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Eagle: Aztecs, Mayas and conquistadores
Places visited: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
15 days from £4,598
Quetzal: The Best of Mexico and Guatemala
Places visited: Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Lake Atitlan and villages · Antigua and the highlands
from £3,999
Tailor-Made Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Luxury Mexico: Yucatan in style
Places visited: Mexico City · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
11 days from £5,850
Self-drive Mexico: Discover the Yucatan Peninsula
Places visited: Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
13 days from £2,320
Self-Drive Mexico: Highlights of the Yucatan
Places visited: Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
10 days from £2,250
Signature Mexico: Cultural heartlands to Caribbean coast
Places visited: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
15 days from £4,485
Treasures of Central America: Heritage of the Aztec and Mayan Empires
Places visited: Mexico City · Colonial and silver towns · Oaxaca · Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
19 days from £6,000
Value Mexico: Highlights of Mexico City and the Yucatán
Places visited: Mexico City · Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
11 days from £2,300
Value Mexico: Mayan Yucatan and coast
Places visited: Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan · Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
8 days from £2,050
FAQs about visiting Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Yucatan?
It’s hot and fairly humid all year round, with a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes Aug-Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Yucatan?
The main language spoken in the Yucatan is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Yucatan?
The Mexican peso is the main currency used in the Yucatan. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs in major towns throughout the peninsula using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise with your bank before you leave homefirst, and withdrawals are limited to about £100. There are also banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) here.
- What is the time difference between the UK and the Yucatan?
The time difference between the Yucatan and the UK is GMT -6 hrs.
- What other regions combine well with the Yucatan?
A visit to almost anywhere else in Mexico: the domestic flight network is comprehensive and roads are good. Mexico City is less than 2 hrs’ flying time away. Havana, Cuba, is also just 2 hrs away from Cancún, Tulum and the Caribbean coastline.
- What are the fiestas, cultural and sporting events in the Yucatan?
Carnival, many places on the peninsula, Feb-Mar annually, preceding Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Festival de las Aves de Yucatán, Mérida, Nov, annually. Bird-watching sessions, workshops, and exhibits. - Getting there
There are direct flights from London to Cancún (10.5 hrs) and routes to Cancún and Mérida via hubs in Europe and the USA.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.