After an unforgettable trip to Vietnam, which set the bar incredibly high, I was thrilled to explore Mexico for the first time. My destination was the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its captivating beaches and rich history. Initially, I traveled there for the wedding of my friends Tim and Trevor and decided to extend my stay to soak in all that this region could offer.
My first night in Mexico was spent in Cancun, where the beaches immediately captivated me with their expansive stretches of sand and warm, inviting weather. Despite being a well-trodden tourist destination, the charm of the turquoise waters and lively atmosphere is undeniable. Also, being on the plane for 11 hours, the beach offered perfect grounding for my system.
The adventure continued in Playa del Carmen, where a beautiful wedding celebration took place at a resort. Although the beaches in Playa del Carmen were lovely, I found the hues of blue in Cancun’s waters—ranging from turquoise to dark blue—to be even more striking. The joyous occasion, filled with love and surrounded by friends at a great venue by the serene beach, made my time in Mexico incredibly special. These moments truly embodied the saying, “It’s not so much about where you are, but who you are with,” deepening the meaning of our time together.
Next destination was Conrad Riviera Maya in Tulum, a decision influenced by my friend Mike. I am so glad he insisted we stay there, because — it was magical. The architecture of the resort and the quality was amazing. After a perfect two-night stay, I ventured solo into the heart of Tulum, opting for the Coco Unlimited Hotel near the beach. While pleasant, I noticed that this area was somewhat overrated in terms of quality and price.
One of my most memorable days involved renting a bike and pedaling to the Tulum National Park, home to the famed Tulum Ruins. Biking through the lush surroundings was exhilarating. The Tulum Ruins are one of the few archaeological sites located along the eastern coast of Mexico. These ruins are unique because they served as a major port for Coba, another ancient Maya city. The main structure, known as El Castillo, sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and was used as a watchtower. The site is relatively compact but offers a lot of history and fantastic views of the coastline.
On my way back, I stopped at various beaches and had the best vegetarian tacos at Mezzanine, a restaurant that doubles as a bar and hotel. The highlight? Fried avocado tacos, a delicious treat that was a first for me and absolutely delicious.
Choosing between visiting Chichen Itza and Coba, I opted for Coba ruins and was not disappointed. The Coba ruins are less than an hour from Tulum, nestled deep in the jungle, are less crowded and more enveloped by nature compared to their more famous counterparts. I biked around the site for hours, and randomly met a tour guide willing to share the history of this place during our bike ride. Coba is known for its large network of stone causeways, known as sacbeob. These roads connect clusters of residential areas to the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which is one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan at 42 meters high. Unfortunetely, climbing is not alowed anymore but the view would provide a stunning surroundings of the jungle. As I wandered through the ruins, I took a moment to absorb the peacefulness, letting my imagination drift back in time to envision the life and vibrancy of this ancient city. It was a profoundly spiritual experience, feeling connected to the history and spirit of the Mayan civilization, which is believed to have originated around 2600 B.C. in the Yucatan and encompassed a vast region including today’s Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and parts of Mexico.
Tulum is undeniably touristy but also brimming with great vibes. For influencers looking to snap cool photos, places like Ahau Sculpture and Azulik are must-visits. However, I chose to wander along the beach, enjoying a more laid-back experience. Another thing that would be on the bucket list are the cenotes that I did not have a chance to experience. Which one to choose? There is plenty around but the people at the hotel recomended Cenote Encantado.
While Tulum has a great vibe with plenty of trendy spots (Holistika Tulum), good restaurants (Posada Margerita) it lacks the unique hospitality I experienced in Asia, setting a high standard that wasn’t quite met here. Why do I say that? It was my first time in life that I walked out of the massage – it was supposed to be a traditional Mayan ritual but it was just a no go for me.
For anyone traveling in the region, I recommend arranging transportation in advance, especially for longer journeys. Hiring a driver was invaluable for efficiently visiting various destinations, as taxis can be surprisingly expensive.
While I’m not sure if I would return to this particular region, given its highly touristic nature, the Yucatan Peninsula certainly offers a slice of paradise with its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural scenes. If you’re seeking sunshine, history, and a lively atmosphere, this part of Mexico might just be the perfect getaway.
