Quintana Roo State In Mexico: Things To Do and See In 2020
Quintana Roo used to be part of the Yucatan Peninsula, but now they finally made their territory. Under the leadership of President Porfirio Diaz on November 24, 1902. They got their statehood within the United Mexican States on October 8, 1974. Quintana Roo is the youngest State in Mexico. As the latest State in Mexico, Quintana Roo makes it be the 32nd Federal State in the country. With 11 total municipalities and the capital city is Chetumal. The states of Yucatan border Quintana Roo in the northwest and to the west are the states of Campeche. It is on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Supreme Court of Justice tried to resolve the boundary between the disputed area. In 1997 the Municipality was siding Campeche, and it benefited Yucatan.
Quintana Roo is one of the famous tourist destinations in Mexico. Travelers from all walks of life can enjoy this place as it has a lot to offer. From luxury travel to the middle class and ordinary life. This State is home to a lot of Tourist spots that are world-class and is famous to other countries, including the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. The house of the renowned city of Cancun and the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. The town of Akumal, Playa Del Carmen, and Bacalar as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Chacchoben, Coba, Kohunlich, Muyil, and Tulum.
The colorful birds in Xel-Ha
The following are the popular stop for visitors to visit:
Cancun
Cancun is a 15-mile long sand bar with a number seven shape off the mainland and connected by the causeways. Along the beach, the strip is a hotel zone. A single, couple, and family travelers have many choices in visiting Cancun. Kukulkan Boulevard is the only road that runs the length of the hotel zone. The tourism infrastructure concentrate in this area from restaurants to food stools. From upscale shopping to Walmart and nightlife to pure Mayan culture.
Some of the workers here aren’t fluent in speaking English, so you might have a hard time communicating. However, most of the time we don’t have any problem getting around the hotel and in the city.
It’s one of the famous tourist spots in Mexico and one of the favorite places for young ones to visit. However, this place is also right for a family with younger kids. I traveled here when I was almost five months far for my second child, and I don’t have any problem getting around.
Cancun Mexico beach
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is for travelers who enjoy eco-tourism activities. The favorite activities in the Quintana Roo region for snorkeling and diving is here. Riviera Maya is home for Xel-Ha and X- Caret where everyone can enjoy and have a lot to offer and can make your vacation memorable. There are lots of accommodation in the area from world-class to the simple way of life of the Mayan culture. It takes you a total of 1.5- 2 hours to travel from Cancun to get here.
- Xel-Ha – is on the Caribbean coast of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. A commercial aquatic theme park and ecotourism development. There are many wide varieties of flora and fauna, including dolphins, birds, and many more. They also offer some of the exciting activities like zip-lining and riding a bike along the jungle. One of the many water activities you can do is snorkeling. After your adventure, if you wanted to relax, you can find an empty hammock that is hang around the area. Whenever you like, you need a boost to your adrenaline and need some drink and food to eat; you can get any time. Xel-Ha will make your vacation an unforgettable and memorable experienced. Whether your traveling solo, a couple and or as a family, this park needs to be in your lists. Read more here about Xel-Ha.
Nate poses for Xelha remembrance.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is in the municipality of Solidaridad, located along the Carribean Sea. Because of their geographical location, Playa Del Carmen is famous for its tourists. They offer a wide array of tourist activities.
- X-Caret– is an archaeological and ecological spot that is in Playa Del Carmen. There are lots of things to do here, but unlike Xel-Ha, they have more animals to see and experience. Perfect for a family, especially if you are traveling with small children, who are not very keen on water sports yet. There are lots of things to do in X-Caret, but it comes with costs, including their food. Read more about X-Caret here.
Tulum
Tulum is in the state of Quintana Roo, which serves as a major port for Coba. It is the ruins site of the ancient Mayan walled city that situated on a 12- meter ( 39 ft ) tall cliffs. Along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea. After the Spanish occupied Mexico, Tulum managed to survive for 70 years between the 13th and 15th centuries. The large stoned structure building is called El Castillo, meaning the castle. It is known for its pristine white sand and turquoise seawater. It is also near the coastal area of Parque Nacional Tulum, where there are mangroves and cenotes.
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve– is in the municipality of Tulum, and only a few hours travel from Tulum. You can go and rent a vehicle yourself. Alternatively, use the many tour guide from Tulum. Some fishermen live inside, and they can provide information about the area. It is one of the UNESCO world heritage site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Carribean. It is home to thousands of species, including fauna and flora, wild dolphins, and so much more. The tourists can explore by boat to see the various reefs and crystal clear, blue-green lagoons.
Cozumel
Cozumel is a municipality and the largest island in Mexico under the State of Quintana Roo. Scuba diving is the main tourist activity on the island due to its coral reefs on the western side. However, it doesn’t limit the laid back atmosphere in Cozumel. The following listed below are the things you can do in Cozumel.
- San Gervasio archeological site is worth a visit.
- Swimming to a cenote.
- Snorkeling in the coral reefs.
- Going and riding a boat to the rainforest.
Norwegian Cruise duck in Cozumel photo credit to my friend.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a perfect day getaway from the bustle and hustle of the city of Cancun. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the favorite things to do here. There are many accommodations to choose from luxury hotels to simple Mayan living. There is a turtle protection center. Mayan ruins, beaches in the northern Playa Norte, and the southern tip of Punta Sur, you can find a lighthouse. This small town is worth a visit, and here are the lists of things to do.
- Visit the El Meco archeological site.
- Garrafon Park
- Dolphin Discovery
- Parque Garrafon
Isla Holbox
- Snorkeling, Swimming and watching Whale Shark in Cabo Catoche.
- Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Playa Holbox, Punta Cocos, and Punta Mosquito. You can lounge on the beach away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Chetumal
Chetumal is the capital city of Quintana Roo and is situated on the western side of the State. The political and administrative side of the state is the border in Belize. Exploring the city will make you understand the history of the Mayan culture.
The Landmarks Are:
- The Flag Promenade obelisk
- Dot waterfront Boulevard Bahía.
- In the North of Chetumal Bay, is the Manatee Sanctuary is home to manatees, crocodiles, and turtles.
- To the west are the Mayan ruins of Kohunlich, Dzibanché, and Kinichná.
Things To Do In Chetumal:
- Museum of Mayan Culture
- Museum of Chetumal
- Zoo Payo Obispo
- Planetario Yook’ol Kaab
- Oxtankah
On our way to Cancun Mexico
When is the best time to go?
I would recommend visiting the area during the high season of November to April. The sea current of the Carribean Sea can be strong even in regular days how much for the rainy and monsoon season. The two peak periods that attract visitors to come to visit the area is during Winter and Spring Break. Both international and domestic tourists love to visit during this time of the year. For the wintertime, it is during Christmas and New Year Eve, and in the Springtime, it is the week before and after Easter. If you like to visit during rainy and moon soon season because that’s the only time you can travel, it’s ok but be warned that the hurricane season is June to November. However, most hurricanes come from August to October. We can’t predict the weather, so it’s risky to travel during these months.
Itineraries:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Pene
Lisa
Fun post with some great information. I’d love to hear about where you ate and what was the easiest way to get around!
April
Hi Lisa, when we venture Cancun we ride a bus every couple minutes they’re a bus running along the highways. We ate mostly in the hotel as we were staying on an All-Inclusive Stay but the reason I didn’t mention it as we were not happy with the quality of the food. We’re on tour most of the days. Our tour package included lunch and breakfast. Senior Frogs is one of the best in Mexico but never tried it instead I tried the cheaper version across the street it’s called the Surfin Burrito is my favorite in Mexico, and I even look for it and make a special trip in Los Cabos to find a Surfin Burrito. 🙂 It’s a simple place, but the food is excellent! I hope this helps.
Laura Pedlar
The only place you mentioned in this post that I’ve visited before is Cozumel. It’s a busy cruise port but I really liked it and would definitely return. I’d like to visit Chichen Itza as I would really love to see some Mayan ruins on my next trip to Mexico.
April
I love to see Cozumel…Our next trip I plan to stay in Tulum area and make it to Cozumel. Thanks for visiting Laura.
Evan Petzer
Seeing new places full of history is definitely a must when it comes to traveling. Love your blog and always enjoy reading your #content. Mixico is on my bucket list, the list just keeps growing thanks to you. 🙂
April
It’s true! Thanks for the sweet comment Evan and I’m glad I helped you make your bucket lists grow! So is Mexico is in the top 10 for International travel?
Danik
Ahhh. Mexico. Where do I start with you? he he. I havent been to the country yet but the more and more I read different regions, its getting harder and harder for me where to decide and you have given me some more food for thought. Would love to check out the temple but I also like to chillout on the beach also.
April
Mexico is love! Too many to explore! I’m glad I helped narrow the option!
Nitin Singhal
Thank you for creating the guide and sample itinerary, It would be helpful to me when I decide to travel to Mexico.
April
You’re very welcome, Nitin. I’m glad I can help someone!
Brianna
I’m glad to see there’s so much more to do in the area than just Cancun! Thanks for sharing!
April
Yes, there are, and you’re welcome!
Ketki
Mexico is so climbing my charts to visit! This is lovely post with a great itinerary.
April
Thank you, Ketki glad you find it helpful and can’t wait what you come up with for Mexico!
Lou
Ah love Mexico and love the Yucatan especially Tulum and Chichen Itza. Not made it to Cancun yet though so will add it to the list!
April
Quintana Roo is an excellent State and has a lot of things to do and see! I wish this article able to help you with your planning itinerary! Thanks, Laura!
The Holidaymaker
I have been to this area many times over the past decades. It brought back some wonderful memories. Thank you.
Jamie
Weve been to this area at a resort three times BUT we have not actually ventured out. You’ve got some great suggestions for really enjoying the area!
April
Thank you Jamie for reading it! I’m glad you find it helpful.
Smita
Such an informative post! The only place I had really heard of was Cancun. It was so interesting to read about so many other amazing places. I need to add Mexico to my list!
Josy A
Great post! I love that you explored the area and immersed yourself and your family in history, rather than just staying within the resort.
The beaches do look amazing, but I would be itching to explore further!!
April
Yes, I always love to know the history of the place, so even if I’m showing off, it doesn’t stop me from going to these places! Thanks, Josy
Vijayanta
Cancun looks like a beautiful place especially the beach. Good collection of places to visit.
April
Thank you!
Natasha
I was just watching videos about this place! It’s so beautiful there! I can’t wait to visit!
Patricia - SavvyExploring
I’m not much of a beach person, but I love snorkeling and ancient ruins. Which one of the archaeological sites did you like best?
April
Chichen Itza is my favorite!
Ann
I loved Xel-ha! The biosphere looks amazing and somewhere I’d love to visit!
April
Yes, I enjoyed it there too! I wanna comeback someday!
WanderlustBeautyDreams
I’ve been to Mexico so many times throughout my life but I need to go back and see more of the quintana roo area!
April
Yes, me too! I wanted to go to Isla Mujeres and Tulum.
Mirela | The Travel Bunny
Riviera Maya sounds like the place for us. We’d love to go on a holiday at the beach in place that promotes ecotourism.
April
Yes, I love Ecotourism too!
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John and Susan
Nice post with a lot of great information. We were in Tulum and Holbox in May/ June this past year as well.The entire Mexican Riveira along that part including Cancun there was an ongoing horrific sargassum bloom. The beaches were loaded with dying sea weed and the water was chocolate brown, not fit to go in. The sulphuric smell was over whelming. The locals told us that this was the worst and longest year. Hotels were offering incredible deals and not informing the guest of the problems. It became national news and took a while for the clean up. We went to dive in the Cenotes and learned that a lot of environmental damage is occurring there with the Mexican government letting development go out of control. There is a lot more that we reported on in our blog. Very surprised if you found the opposite. Holbox had none of these issues This is a world wide problem and only getting worse.
People should be highly aware of this and make sure there is no algae blooms going on there or anywhere else they travel to in warm coastal areas. Shame on the hotels!
April
I completely understand your concern, and I feel you here. Being a sales agent before we felt guilty every time it happens. We are not allowed to say something to the guest because all they care about is making money. They don’t care if the guest will have fun during their stay. I’m glad you left a comment and inform us of this one. But one blogger went to Holbox too, and they enjoyed their stay. And they didn’t have these problems. I just read his blog yesterday. Do you think it only during your visit?
John
It was not just during our stay. The sargassum bloom started way before our arrival in May of 2019. The loclas said somtime around January. Many news reports on it:
https://www.dw.com/en/biggest-ever-seaweed-bloom-stretches-from-gulf-of-mexico-to-africa/a-49480178
It was the worst ever and took to late July to clear up.
April
Thanks, John for the update.
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