Yucatán boosts its tourism promotion with a unique cultural, historical and gastronomic offering

What are Yucatán's objectives in participating in the Cancún Travel Mart?

As Quintana Roo is our neighboring state, it is very important for Yucatán to be present at this event, which brings together numerous tour operators, travel agents, and tourism promoters. It is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of our offerings, which combine history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. For those visiting Quintana Roo, taking a few extra days to explore Yucatán enriches the traveler's experience, allowing them to discover sites steeped in history and gain a much deeper cultural immersion.

What makes Yucatán a tourist destination within Mexico?

Yucatán is a state steeped in centuries of history. Mérida, its capital, is a modern and vibrant city, yet it preserves the blend of pre-Hispanic heritage, colonial heritage, and 19th and early 20th-century architecture, marked by the hacienda era. Many of these former haciendas are now luxury hotels. For example, one will open next year under the Six Senses brand, and another will become a Belmond Hotel in 2027. These investments demonstrate how major international brands are setting their sights on Yucatán.

Here, Mayan culture lives on: visitors can visit communities, interact with embroiderers, artisans, and traditional cooks, and experience the world-renowned local cuisine. They can also experience unique nature experiences, such as meeting the Melipona bees or visiting the Mayan milpa, where corn is preserved in its purest form.

How has Yucatán's tourism performance been in 2025, and what are the prospects for 2026?

Last year, we closed with just over 2.5 million visitors, and we expect to surpass that figure in 2025. We don't have the final figures yet, but we estimate slight growth. Our main markets are Mexico, followed by the United States and Europe, particularly France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. In Latin America, the markets of Colombia, Peru, and Argentina are showing steady growth. Furthermore, the cruise segment continues to expand: last year we welcomed 152 cruise ships, and we expect an increase, driven by the expansion project at the Port of Progreso.

The quality of our hotels, the hospitality, and the safety of Yucatán set us apart. It's one of the safest states in the country, providing peace of mind for visitors exploring, driving, or walking at night in cities like Mérida, Valladolid, or Izamal.

What would be the ideal route for someone visiting Yucatán for the first time?

A seven-day trip allows you to explore the essentials of the state. We recommend dividing your stay between Mérida, the capital, and Valladolid, the second most popular destination for accommodations.

From Cancún or Mérida airports, you can easily reach Valladolid, stay a few nights, and visit Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas, famous for their pink waters and flamingos. Then, continue to Izamal, the "yellow city," with its impressive convent and colonial charm. Finally, in Mérida, enjoy three or four days to explore the historic center, Paseo de Montejo, the museums, and the archaeological site of Uxmal, as well as explore Celestún Beach.

The combination of culture, history, nature, and gastronomy makes Yucatán a truly unforgettable destination.