Quintana Roo: A Complete Guide to Mexico’s Most Beautiful Region

The eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo is a microcosm of the larger Yucatan Peninsula. There are dozens of Mayan ruins and white sand beaches, but visitors will also find wildlife-rich jungles, hidden cenotes, and islands surrounded by tropical coral reef systems.

Archaeological sites such as Tulum, Coba and Muir are excellent options for the crowded Chichen Itza in neighboring Yucatán. Compared to Cancun’s busy transport hubs, Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed stay in town.

Quintana Roo is also a paradise for nature lovers. The Mesoamerican barrier reef system is the second largest in the world and offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and swimming with whale sharks. The vast Si’an-Ca’an Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers unique encounters with Mexican wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Quintana Roo

With so much to do in Quintana Roo, it’s hard to narrow down the options for your travel itinerary. Here are some of the best places to explore in Quintana Roo.

Olvox Island

Skip the popular Isla Mujeres and head to a small island off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. This car-free paradise is full of stunning beaches, amazing restaurants, and natural wonders.

Many people choose to head for a swim with giant whale sharks between May and September, but there are also bioluminescent beaches and mangroves teeming with crocodiles and birds. The island’s obvious lack of WiFi, boutique beachfront hotels, and international and local cuisine for all budgets makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

Puerto Morelos

Located just a 40-minute drive south of Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a great place to stay for a night or two after arriving in Quintana Roo. Avoid the crowds of Spring Break and Cancun’s high-rise resorts and head to this quaint fishing village-style coastal port town.

Explore offshore dive sites, watch breeding turtles, or explore freshwater sinkholes. An excellent introduction to Mexican wildlife is the Croco Cun Zoo, home to crocodiles, snakes, Mexican hairless dogs, turtles, and semi-wild monkeys.

All animals are rescued from captivity or the illegal pet trade, and visitors are encouraged to interact and learn about the animals in a unique guided tour. If you rent a car, spend the day exploring the off-the-beaten-path cenotes on the Ruta de los Cenotes just outside Puerto Morelos.

Cozumel

Cozumel is only a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, but the atmosphere is even colder. While cruise ships frequently shop and sightsee in the port, tourists elsewhere on the island are slow-paced.

One of the most common reasons tourists come here is the world-famous scuba diving. It is the gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), with vast coral reefs and free-flow dives to see extraordinary marine life.

Thrill seekers can even dive with bull sharks between November and March. The Mesoamerican marine area, also commonly known as the Great Maya Reef or Great Maya Reef, stretches for more than 11,3 kilometers as far as Honduras. It is second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef system.

Playa del Carmen

If visitors want to be close to amenities like doctors, pharmacies, nightlife, and shopping on the main street of 10 Avenida, Playa del Carmen is a great place to stay in Quintana Roo.

However, sometimes it feels like a resort town that sees hordes of tourists during high season. Around 30 Avenida off the main road, there are trendy cafes, small boutiques and more affordable accommodation options.

There are plenty of day trips to choose from Playa del Carmen. While parks like Icaret Park and Sheha Park are popular with tourists, there are plenty of ways to experience local culture and wildlife viewing without involving exploitative tourism.

Akumal Beach

Akumal means “land of turtles” in the Mayan language, and this seaside town lives up to its name. Every corner is decorated with graffiti art, lodges, and street food, making it a great place to visit for visitors on a budget in Quintana Roo.

The beach has been privatized by local businesses, so visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of 100 pesos ($6) ($not uncommon in this part of Mexico), which includes access to showers, toilets, and lockers.
In order to protect resident sea turtles, strict regulations are enforced in some areas, such as the use of life jackets and local guides. It’s not just Akumal’s turtles that are worth stopping to see. At the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, travelers can meet rescued and recovered monkeys and help support the vital work of conservationists in the area.

To use the beachside restaurant without paying a beach fee, enter through Hotel Akumal Caribe (just let the security know the name of the restaurant).

Aktun Chen

Set within a 400-acre reserve of virgin forest, Aktun Chen is one of the most underrated attractions in Quintana Roo. It is a Mexican wholly owned company and 90% of the reserve is reserved for nature, so visitors can truly feel the true face of the Mayan jungle.

There are zip lines through the canopy, ATV tours, semi-safaris, and underground cave systems with mirror-like waters and thousands of stalactites.

Ranked as one of the top ten underground walks by National Geographic, this walk through the underground system is unlike anywhere else in the world.

• The underground river tour costs $33 for adults and $27 for children. The zipline costs $44 for adults and $35 for children. Each activity lasts about 1 hour and there is a discount for the combo tour.
• Park opening hours: Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Take a taxi or colectivo from Akumal and a shuttle bus from the road entrance to transport visitors to the park reception from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Dos Ojos cenote

Quintana Roo is full of cenotes and underground cave systems filled with crystal clear water. Many of them are ideal for cooling off on hot days, and some are great for snorkeling or diving. They are usually filled with stalactites, small fish, and interesting rock formations that attract scuba divers from all over the world.

Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the best cenotes to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula. Located south of Akumal, about a 30-minute drive from Tulum.

Gran Cenote is another popular tourist attraction near Tulum, and if you want to swim in the more off-the-beaten-path cenote, visit Cenote Azul or Cenote Calavera, or swim with the locals in Laguna de Kaan Luum.

• Price: The entrance fee is 350 pesos (about $18).
• Activity: Snorkeling equipment rental for 100 pesos($7).
• A snorkeling or diving trip to Cenote Dos Ojos for $119.00
• Don’t bring valuables, but lockers can be rented to store dry clothes, or dry bags can be used if everyone wants to swim.
• Bathroom and fresh water.

In many cenotes and beaches in Quintana Roo, tourists are asked not to use harmful sunscreen because it can damage fragile ecosystems and pollute water. Shop for biodegradable, reef-friendly sunscreen and UV-resistant swimwear to avoid sunburn while swimming in cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tulum National Park

Coba and Muir are both fascinating ancient Mayan ruins to explore in the Yucatan Peninsula, while Tulum is unique for its sea views and easy access.

Not far from the town are the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, which was an important port town between 1200 and 1521 AD. The site is located on a stunning cliff overlooking the Great Reef and the Caribbean Sea.

The town of Tulum is a popular accommodation destination for backpackers, digital nomads, and diaspora. There is a diverse and multicultural food scene, and there are many cenotes with easy access. Unlike many places in the Yucatan Peninsula where beaches charge a fee, Playa Palaiso is a public (free) beach near Tulum.

• Tulum Tour: Delivered on-site by a certified guide, the cost starts from MYR 700 (US$40). The tour lasts about two hours and helps to learn about the complex and its interesting history.
• Tulum tickets: can only be purchased on-site and tickets cost MYR 80 (US$5) for adults. The site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.).
• The ruins of Tulum are very exposed, so arrive early, bring plenty of water and use sunscreen.

Xi’an Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Siancaan Biosphere Reserve is the largest in the Mexican Caribbean, but many people around Quintana Roo often miss it.

After becoming a Biosphere Reserve in 1986, Xi’an Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for protecting thousands of species of flora and fauna. The area includes tropical forests, mangroves, swamps and barrier reefs.

It is best to take a guided tour to minimize your environmental impact. Options include animal encounters, snorkeling trips, boat trips to Mayan ruins, bird watching and fly fishing; Visit Xi’an Ka’an Eco Tours for more information and to make a reservation.

Bacalar

Known as the “Maldives of Mexico”, Bacalar is famous for its stilt houses perched on clear turquoise waters.

The lake around the town is Laguna Bacalar and is known locally as “La Laguna de Los Siete Colores” (Seven Coloured Lagoon) because of its bright colours. The fantastic cottages around only make one feel that this place is closest to paradise.

Its remote location, close to the Belize border, means it receives far less attention than Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s a peaceful place to spend days in a hammock by the water, take a boat trip to the lagoon, or rent a SUP and paddle around the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit Quintana Roo

The high season (also known as the dry season) in Quintana Roo runs from December to April. Expect little rain or cloudiness during the day and pleasantly warm temperatures of around 80°F (26°C). The rainy season is from May to November, prices are lower and the number of tourists decreases. Downpours are usually short-lived, but there is still plenty of time to explore and enjoy the warm nights.

There is a risk of hurricanes during the rainy season from September to November, so it’s important to do some research and understand what to do in the event of a strong storm.

The Best Way to Get Around in Quintana Roo

Most visitors will arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN), from where they can easily rent a car or take the frequent ADO air-conditioned buses to most of the major tourist destinations in Quintana Roo.

Although renting a car may be the most convenient option, it is possible to visit Quintana Roo without driving. Taxis are common in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but expensive long distances, so be sure to negotiate prices first. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify can give you peace of mind when negotiating longer distances.

Colectivos (local shared vans) are very affordable and a convenient option for short trips between destinations. Trips are often shared with local staff traveling to and from the resort.

Colectivos is not a travel agency, so it’s recommended that you know the local language and keep an eye on your trip on Google Maps.

One of the greenest ways to visit Quintana Roo is by renting a bike. Bike rentals are common and sometimes free in hotels and homestays, especially in seaside towns, where they are a great way to save money and can be explored further afield than on foot.

Where to Eat in Quintana Roo

Dining out in Quintana Roo is a wonderful experience. Here are some of the best restaurants to try in the area.

Breakfast

For an authentic breakfast away from the crowds of Fifth Avenue, La Jungla de La Riviera is the perfect place for breakfast in Playa del Carmen. With tree-lined outdoor seating and reasonable prices, it quickly became one of the most popular attractions on trips here.

Lunch

Street food is one of the most affordable ways to lunch in Quintana Roo. Try Tacos, Al Pattor, Panuchos, and Salbutes for just $2 each. El Fogón is one of the best places to enjoy traditional tacos in Playa del Carmen, with colorful spaces offering rotisserie plates with plenty of seating.

Another local restaurant is Asadero el Pollo, a humble restaurant that serves fresh grilled chicken as a quick and convenient lunch spot.

Dinner

Located in the heart of the busy Playa del Carmen, Las Hijas de la Tostada is a popular place to sample fresh seafood and healthy Mexican cuisine. Be sure to try traditional dishes like Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and tikin xic (cured fish).

Another place to try is La Vagabunda, where the alfresco dining table and live music make it a great place to soak up the evening atmosphere, or head to La Ceiba de la 30 for healthy and fresh ingredients; It’s right next to the DAC organic market.

Drink

For drinks, Playa del Carmen has some of the best nightlife in Quintana Roo. Head to Zenzi Beach Bar at sunset for a cocktail on the beach, then every evening a live DJ brings the party to life.

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Quintana Roo

Days in Quintana Roo are best spent lazing on the beach, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or getting out and out to see the local wildlife. To ensure you can see the animals, head to the sanctuary and help support the important conservation efforts underway in this amazing region of Mexico.

Swim with whale sharks, dive into cenotes, or snorkel in the world’s second-largest coral reef system. Enjoy delicious tacos, try local street food, and enjoy a cheap and convenient meal. Or head to the trendy international restaurants of Tulum and Olvox for some of the best food on the peninsula.

Visit the main sights like Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, but also set aside time to get lost a little and see a different side of the Yucatan Peninsula. Relax in sleepy Bacalar, swim with turtles in Akumal, and explore deep underground caves in Aktun Chen. No matter where tourists choose to visit, Quintana Roo has no shortage of amazing attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Quintana Roo famous for?

Quintana Roo is a state in the eastern Caribbean region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, with resort towns such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Mayan ruins of Tulum’s seaside. It is known for its stunning beaches, amazing diving, and ancient archaeological sites.

Q: Which quiet beach town in Quintana Roo?

It’s hard to find a remote beach to visit in Quintana Roo. One of the best is the small island of Olvox, located off the north coast of the state. With a small resident population and a low-key hotel, it provides a tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy Mexico’s off-the-beaten-path destination.

Q: Why visit Quintana Roo?

There are many reasons to visit the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Avoid the crowds of Chichen Itza, visit the many archaeological sites in Quintana Roo, swim in stunning cenotes near Tulum, and experience the diversity of wildlife in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Take a break after exploring the stunning palm-fringed beach, party in a multicultural town, and eat as many tacos as you can!