Yucatán Peninsula
October 25-November 2/2016
March 14-22/2023
Yucatán Peninsula is the eastern part of Mexico, when the Spaniards arrived in the area legend goes that Francisco Hernández de Córdova asked the natives where he was. In their native tongue, they responded with uh yu ka t'ann which translates roughly to I don't know what you'r saying. Córdova thought their answer sounded like Yucatán named the region after this.
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For deals on tours check out https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/in-a-flash for some of my recomendations and favorite past tours!
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Tulum - Playa de Carmen
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Coba - Playa de Carmen
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Ek Balam - Valladolid
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Uxmal, Kabah - Merida
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Dzibilchaltun Ruins - Merida
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Spanish and English
Hi- Hola
Thank you- Gracias
Bathroom- Bano
How to pack
We didn't have any problems with what type of luggage we brought, bags with wheels helped more when we were traveling to multiple places. If you forget anything we didn't have problems going to the local Walmart and picking things up. We got souvenir shirts cheaper there as well! Picking up a towel or bringing a small one with is a good idea too when going on tours to cenotes they do not typically provide one.
How to dress
Light breezy clothes if you are going during the hot times. Layers if you get cold easily some nights the temperatures do drop down, or the rain finds you.
Essentials
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Sunglasses
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Sandals- we walk a lot while traveling good supportive sandals and comfy flip-flops are a must!
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Foldable backpack- that you can easily pack away or take out when wanted.
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Safari bag- things you need/ want throughout the day to keep with you or in the car. (or in the backpack)
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Refillable water bottle- Bringing a water bottle that was insulated really helped keep our water cold!
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Safety Tips​
Dont carry things with you that are valuable, especially at night. When taking out cash try to only take out what you need at that time so no one sees how much you have at once.
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No matter how safe it is where you are traveling it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and never leave your valuables unattended. Be careful of areas with lots of tourists they tend to draw pickpockets.
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Air tags are always a good idea, lots of travelers are dealing with lost or damaged luggage. It also helps if anything is taken when you are not expecting it, have air tags in your purse etc when going around town.
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Helpful tips
Sunscreen
Our ocean life is being ruined by more than just plastics and garbage, another way that tourists are harming marine animals is through what they do not realize they are bringing in with them. SUNSSCREEN! Reef-safe sunscreen is one of the most important things you can bring with you to the beach. Only biodegradable sunscreens are permitted on the Mayan Riviera. The most common brands of sunscreen have PABA, octinoxate, and oxybenzone are among the common ingredients that have been linked to damaging the coral reefs ecosystem as well as causing tumors on turtles and other ocean animals. Look for a sunscreen that is also "waterproof" so that your application does not come off in the water.
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Try to find your own to bring its much more expensive on the coast.
Shopping
La Isla - Open-air mall that is one of the most popular in Cancun, you can spend the entire day here with not only shopping but fun activities for everyone to do!
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Mercado 23 - A short and easy bus ride from the hotel zone mercado 23 is a street market with everything from food to souvenirs.
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Playacar Center Shopping Mall - In the center of Play del Carmen there are blocks of stores for souvenirs and more
Driving etiquette
We rented a car both times we have gone down to the Yucatan, driving down there is relatively close to the United Sstates. The biggest difference is that they have tolls in the most heavily traveled highways. Both times we had to pay in cash pesos to get across the tolls they do not take American money for this.