Beautiful beaches, lush jungle and delicious local food sound like your bag? A sunshine escape to Mexico is just the thing to shake off the daily grind!
In particular, the Yucatan Peninsula offers diversity, fascinating history and a whole load of fun activities, from snorkelling to wildlife spotting.
We’ve put together a list of highlights – time to get planning your Mexican getaway!
1. Visit Colonial Cities and Towns
The colourful buildings of Campeche are just what you’d imagine Mexican urban life to look like. Perched right on the coast, the seafood here is fresh and delicious. Meanwhile, Merida teems with culture and history – shop for your Yucatan souvenirs at the Plaza de la Independencia market stalls. On Sunday evenings, locals come together to dance in the setting sun – and plenty of visitors join in too.
2. Discover Fascinating Mayan Ruins
The famous sight of Chichen Itza is a great starting point and definitely one for the bucket list – however, there are plenty more Mayan archaeological sites to explore in the Yucatan. Sprawling Palenque is packed with fascinating ruins, and a local guide will be able to give you the Mayan history lowdown. Tulum offers a stunning seaside backdrop, and Uxmal is a lot less busy than some other sites, allowing you to embrace the atmosphere of its lush green backdrop. Lots of gap year tours visit these sites.
3. Get Up Close to the Jungle Wildlife
The Yucatan’s jungle environment is home to a whole host of fascinating wildlife. While some of these creatures are pretty shy, bright birds and fearless monkeys can be spotted making their way through the trees. A night time jungle tour allows you to get closer to the nocturnal wildlife, finishing the night in a wooden hut, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle all around you. If you would like to do more than just sightseeing you could apply to volunteer with wildlife.
4. The Colours of Bacalar’s Lagoon
The Lagoon of Seven Colours is the perfect spot for a relaxing boat trip, as you take in the beautiful blue shades of the water under sunny Mexican skies. Snorkelling and kayaking are popular activities here, as is spending some time relaxing in the sandy shallows.
5. Laid-back Beach Life in Mahahaul
If you’re looking to chill on white sandy beaches, you’re in luck – Mexico has plenty of ‘em. Away from the tourist-centric Cancun further north, the small town of Mahahaul has some of the best beach life the Yucatan has to offer. Grab a lounger and a margarita and soak up the sun; or hop aboard a boat to snorkel your way through the reef, with your eyes peeled for turtles hidden below the surface.
6. Party in Cancun or Playa del Carmen
If you’re looking for nightlife, Cancun and Playa del Carmen guarantee a fun night out. The famous Coco Bongo in Playa is way more than just a nightclub – it’s a whole show. Circus performers, tribute acts and big stage routines all feature heavily as you dance the night away. Think Las Vegas, but with a fiesta feel. There are also regular pool and beach parties held throughout the year. This is one of the most fun things to do on a gap year in Central America.
7. Swim in the Hidden Cenote Pools
If you have never comes across cenotes before, these are like hidden underground freshwater pools, with clear blue water. Most of the cenotes are in concealed locations around the Yucatán Peninsula. The water is often found in caves, or beneath the thick jungle vegetation. Lots of day trips and tours can take you to visit and swim in the denotes which can be a really fun experience.
The Yucutan Peninsula really is one of the best backpacking destinations, plan your trip today.