How to Travel to Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is a large piece of land in eastern Mexico that borders the Caribbean Sea and is composed of the Mexican states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. There are numerous luxury hotels, ancient Mayan ruins and glistening, white, sand beaches along the water, thus giving the area the nickname of the Mayan Riviera. To arrive at the peninsula, visitors can travel by land, air or sea. Read on about a how you too can visit one of the most spectacular places in the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Paperwork

Things You’ll Need:

passport or other document approved by the U.S. State Department Mexican currency plane ticket, bus fare or cruise ship booking automobile (for those living in North or Central America)
passport or other document approved by the U.S. State Department
Mexican currency
plane ticket, bus fare or cruise ship booking
automobile (for those living in North or Central America)

Step 1

Acquire proper paperwork for entry into Mexico. For U.S. citizens traveling on public transportation or a cruise ship, this means a passport or similar document approved by the U.S, State Department (i.e. passport card, NEXUS card or SENTRI card).

Step 2

Travel by car to Mexico and you will have to bring additional items besides a passport. These include a valid drivers license, proof of registration or certificate of title, immigration papers and a international credit card or debit card. Also at the border you will have to acquire a Temporary Import Permit and a Vehicle Return Promise. These last two items will allow you to drive in Mexico for a limited amount of time. If you violate the allowed time period, your car will be confiscated.

Step 3

Bring a boat into Yucatan Peninsula and you will have to proceed to the nearest Port of Entry and clear your visit with the Port Captain, Immigration and Customs officials. Also you will have to show ownership of the boat. This is usually done with proof of state registration or Coast Guard documentation.

Public Transportation

Step 1

Fly to an International Airport on a commercial airline. The biggest airport is at Cancun, a popular resort and island located just off the coast from the mainland near the town of Puerto Juarez. Smaller airports in Merida, Cozumel (very close to Cancun) and Chetumal do handle some international flights. International passengers will have to go through Mexican Customs, when they arrive in the country.

Step 2

Take a ride on a cruise ship. With a cruise ship your itinerary is pre-determined, but most likely you will be visiting several ports of call on the peninsula, where you can spend time ashore. Don't forget that cruise ship passengers need to pass through Customs as well.

Step 3

Ride the bus. Mexican buses are modern, clean, fast, economical and safe, plus they make good time. They are a great way to travel, while in Mexico. Whether you enter Mexico from the United States, Belize or Guatemala, you will have to pass through Customs, when you first come into the country. In the case of those entering from Belize, you will be in the state of Quintana Roo, as soon as you cross the border.

Tips & Warnings

The exchange rate from US dollars to Mexican pesos is still a good deal for those who live north of the border.

When traveling overland through Mexico a money belt is a good idea. Be aware of Mexican morals and values. Don't bring illegal substances into or out of the country.

When traveling overland through Mexico a money belt is a good idea.

Be aware of Mexican morals and values.

Don't bring illegal substances into or out of the country.

Article Written By Henri Bauholz

Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.

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