Chetumal
Chetumal is located on the southern corner of Quintana Roo bordering Belize. Chetumal is a popular stop-over for day trips to Belize City. From here, you’ll be able to catch a direct bus to Belize city, which takes around 3 hours to get to.
The Museum of Mayan Culture in Chetumal is an absolute gem of museum with various floors showcasing many exhibits depicting Mayan life. If you wish to you can also arrange a guided tour at the museum with one of the English-speaking guides.
Chetumal is also one of the best places to visit in Quintana Roo because of its Duty Free Zone which boasts over 300 shops selling inexpensive local crafts like pottery items, paintings, liquor, etc.
Coba Ruins
Coba Ruins are one of the larger Mayan Sites in Yucatan Mexico since the Site is spread over a large area, so you can easily spend 5-6 hours at the Site. Coba Ruins boasts many temples and step-pyramids that you’re allowed to climb to get amazing views of the area around.
Muyil Ruins
The Muyil Ruins Site is located south of Tulum (around an hour’s drive), and it’s another of the few places to visit in Quintana Roo where you can explore off the beaten track Mayan Ruins.
Mauyil Ruins are one of the lesser known Mayan Sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, though they're worth checking out if you’re visiting the Tulum Ruins.
Unlike other Mayan Sites, Muyil Ruins boast well-preserved colorful stone carvings, a look-out tower and a couple of stunning lagoons with ancient waterways that lead out into the Caribbean ocean.
You can explore the lagoons by boat on a regular tour, or book an extensive tour from Chunyaxche Lagoon to Boca Paila. If you’re looking to learn more about Muyil history and its canals, you best bet is to book a guided tour with Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Tulum Ruins
Tulum Mayan Site was built atop a cliff so it provides a natural vantage point for getting great views of the sea. Once inside the actual Site, you'll be able to stand up near the top of the main temple to get great vistas of the area around.
To get the most out of your trip here, you’ll want to allow at least 3-4 hours in Tulum to explore the Site, visit the nearby shops and enjoy a dip on the sea.
Cancun
Cancun is certainly one of the most popular places to visit in Quintana Roo boasting beautiful white sandy beaches, amazing azure waters, luxury hotels, vibrant nightlife, spectacular wildlife and lovely weather all year round.
It doesn’t come as a surprise Cancun comes top on the list of warm winter destinations in the US and Spring Break destinations.
You can do loads of shopping in Cancun as well as water sport activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. However, you can also enjoy visits to a couple of Mayan ruins nearby. These include:
El Rey Ruins
El Rey Ruins (Zona Arqueologica El Rey) are located along Hotel Zone Strip; around 30 minutes drive south of Cancun.
El Rey Ruins aren’t one of the biggest ruins to explore but with a very cheap admission fee (around $3), they’re definitely one of the cheapest to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula, if you fancy a quick trip.
El Meco Ruins
El Meco Ruins are one of the two Mayan ruins located in the vicinity of Cancun. El Meco Ruins are located north of Cancun, on the way to Punta Sam ferry terminal (around 5 minutes drive).
Just like El Rey Ruins, El Meco Ruins draw very few visitors when compared to the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. This is, however, part of the charm since you will get a chance to explore the Ruins without the crowds.
Isla Mujeres
You can easily reach the island by hopping on a water taxi or catamaran which normally includes snorkeling tours as well as fishing trips.
See. most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
Best Colonial Towns in Latin America
Queretaro Mexico Travel Guide
Top Destinations in the Bahamas
Places to visit in Guadalajara Mexico
Things People do on a Vacation in Nicaragua
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Top 10 Vacation Spots in the Caribbean
Places to visit in Puerto Vallarta
