One of the richest states in the country due to its countless attractions is undoubtedly Yucatan; and if you travel by car, you will be able to better appreciate all that it offers. For this reason, we propose a travel route to discover it kilometer by kilometer, with all the security of ANA Seguros. Let’s start!
First stop: Merida
Also known as The White City, the state capital falls in love at every turn. Plus, there are enough lodging options for any budget, and out-of-town attractions are relatively close by car. This is the route that we suggest leaving La Ciudad Blanca.
Peanut, Magic Town
Distance from Mérida: almost 92 km and travel time: one hour 7 minutes.
Its name means “Place where everything happened” in Mayan, and it is one of the oldest towns in the state, ideal for discovering that ancient culture and enjoying the tranquility of its people and its streets.
To do:
- Visit the Convent of San Miguel Arcángel.
- try the Little Chucconsidered the best in the entire state.
- Get to know their artisan workshops.
- Dive into the cenote Xcabachen.
- Go to the meliponarios and savor the delicious honey they produce.
Chichen Itza and Valladolid
Distance from Mérida to Chichén Itzá: 121 km. And from there to Valladolid: almost 42 km. Travel time: one hour 34 minutes. And from there to Valladolid: 40 minutes.
These two points can be visited on the same day. Our suggestion is to leave in the morning to tour the archaeological zone avoiding the afternoon sun. Then, travel to Valladolid to taste the local gastronomy and explore its colorful streets with a colonial flavor.
What to do in Chichen Itza:
- Visit the impressive Kukulkan pyramid.
- Get to know the Ball Game, the largest in Mesoamerica.
- Tour the Group of the Thousand Columns.
- Admire the Observatory or Caracol.
And in Valladolid:
- Taste some of its specialties: the oriental escabeche, the turkey sack koolthe smoked sausage and the pork loins.
- See the Cathedral of San Gervasio.
- Acquire leather and henequen handicrafts.
izamal
Distance from Mérida: almost 68 km and travel time: 55 minutes.
Following the route to the east, you will arrive at the beautiful city of Izamal, which can be seen in yellow, enjoying the harmony of its large houses; carriage rides and neighborhoods full of history.
To do:
- Tour the Convent of San Antonio de Padua.
- Discover its archaeological zone.
- Visit the Cultural and Craft Center.
- Rent a carriage to walk through the Main Park.
Celestun
Distance from Mérida: 107 km and travel time: one hour 19 minutes.
All those nature lovers must visit this ecological paradise. The road route from Mérida requires going to the western tip of the state to visit the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
To do:
- Rent a boat ride to enjoy the sighting of the flamingos.
- Go through the Isla de los Pájaros to admire exotic birds.
- Tour the Ojo de Agua and appreciate the vegetation.
The Coloradas
Distance from Mérida: 233 km and travel time: two hours 49 minutes.
This is the only pink beach in Mexico. Its waters turn that color in March and August, thanks to the effect of the sun on salt and halophiles, organisms that live in high concentrations of this mineral.
To do:
- Arrive at the community of Río Lagartos, where you can complement the trip with other tours.
- Already in Las Coloradas, sunbathe while admiring the pink tones of the waters.
- Hire a boat tour to spot flamingos.
- Take a Mayan mud bath.
Scorpion Reef
Distance from Mérida to Progreso: 173.3 km (land and sea travel) and travel time: between four and five hours.
To get to the Arrecife Alacranes National Park, you have to go by road to Progreso (about 40 minutes) and there take a motor boat to reach your destination in about three or four hours. We recommend leaving at dawn.
To do:
- Visit Perez Island, where the historic lighthouse is located.
- Practice reef fishing.
- Snorkeling and diving.
uxmal
Distance from Mérida: 83.4 km and travel time: one hour 4 minutes.
Now you have to head south to discover this magnificent Mayan city, declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. A must!
To do
- Admire the Pyramid of the Adivino.
- Tour the Quadrangle of the Nuns.
- Photograph the Governor’s Palace.
- Visit the Labná arch and the Sayil Palace.
Ready to tour the Yucatan? Travel comfortably by car, with all the security of ANA Seguros. Wherever you are, you have at your disposal a personalized unlimited Roadside Assistance service through its app or via WhatsApp, as well as extensive coverage that includes:
- Medical expenses.
- Property Damage: from flat tires, door opening, gasoline refills, to total loss.
- Roadside Travel Assistance: gasoline, power supply and tow truck.
- Repairs.
- Legal assistance.
- Civil Liability.
Discover how beautiful Yucatan is by road with ANA Seguros and #ViajaEnBuenasManos.