Beyond the wedding

Things to Do in Yucatán

Come a few days early, stay a few days late. Here's how we'd spend an extra week in the Yucatán.

Uxmal & the Light-and-Sound Show

The Yucatán's most beautiful Maya city, with an after-dark light-and-sound show.

~50 mi · 1 hr 15 min south

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the iconic Temple of Kukulcán.

~75 mi · 1 hr 45 min east

Our curated guide to the Yucatán's most beautiful freshwater sinkholes.

~30 mi – 1 hr 30 min · various

A magical colonial town painted entirely golden yellow, crowned by a vast convent.

~45 mi · 1 hr east

Mérida's easy Gulf beach town — a long malecón and superb seafood.

~22 mi · 40 min north

A wild, virgin stretch of coast — no restaurants, no amenities, just empty sand.

~27 mi · 50 min north

A community seahorse-conservation and mangrove experience in a quiet fishing town.

~25 mi · 45 min northwest

Boat through mangroves to see thousands of pink flamingos, then a quiet Gulf beach.

~55 mi · 1 hr 30 min west

Mérida's grand boulevard of henequen-era mansions, cafés, and evening life.

In the city center

The colonial heart of the city, home to the oldest cathedral on the American mainland.

In the city center

Mérida's sprawling main market — a loud, colorful, only-in-Yucatán feast for the senses.

In the city center

Our curated guide to the restored henequen estates you can tour near Mérida.

~15–35 mi · various

A striking modern museum and the best primer on Maya civilization before you see the ruins.

North Mérida · ~15 min

Grand mansions and free galleries — perfect for a hot afternoon.

In the city

The closest Maya ruins to Mérida, home to the Temple of the Seven Dolls.

~11 mi · 25 min north