Mexico: Yucatan beach & history

The capital of the Yucatán and the region’s cultural heart, Mérida is a charming city that dazzles with its elegant colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Its colourful streets house world-class museums, authentic restaurants, local markets and lively bars, and in the evenings the city’s bustling squares come alive with live music and traditional dance performances. Mérida also makes a great base for visiting the nearby archaeological site of Uxmal where you can marvel at some of Mexico's most incredible Mayan ruins.

The fortified city of Campeche is a historic jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula, its colourful colonial buildings, old city walls, charming cobblestone streets and laid-back atmosphere enchanting everyone who visits. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the city is home to a lovely Old Town where visitors can marvel at its pastel-hued houses, well-preserved mansions and Baroque cathedral, and nearby the hilltop fort houses an excellent archaeological museum that gives an insight into the region's Mayan heritage.

The city of Valladolid is one of the Yucatán’s most charming, characterised by its colourful colonial buildings and bustling main square. Valladolid also makes a great base for visiting the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chichén Itzá as well as numerous cenotes and the ancient archaeological site of Ekʼ Balam. Do as the locals and meander in the Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton, marvel at historic churches, enjoy authentic street food and soak up the rich culture of this delightful city.

Set on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is one of Mexico’s most incredible resorts. By day, relax on tropical white sand beaches and swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and by night you can enjoy Tulum’s bohemian atmosphere in its chic restaurants and bustling beach bars. The town also has a rich Mayan history, and nearby there are plenty of well-preserved ruins that will transport you back in time.