Chichén Itzá, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a bustling Maya metropolis, Chichén Itzá is now one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. While most tourists come to see the famous Temple of Kukulkán pictured above, there are many more must-see spots located in and around Chichén Itzá which showcase the city’s spiritual, cultural, and scientific achievements. In this guide, I’ll share how to plan the best day trip to Chichén Itzá.
Continue reading “Elle’s Guide to Chichén Itzá in Mexico”Coba, Mexico’s Climbable Pyramid
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its Mayan heritage, with world-renowned sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum drawing millions of visitors every year. However, hidden in the dense Yucatán jungle lies Coba, an ancient Mayan city that feels far more authentic and off-the-beaten-path. While touching the pyramid temple at Chichén Itzá is strictly forbidden, one can get up close and personal with the pyramids at Coba. Climbing the pyramids at Coba was banned in 2020, but this won’t be for much longer and you’ll see why soon. With that said, let’s dive into Coba: its history, main attractions and practical tips to tour this must-see site.
Continue reading “Coba, Mexico’s Climbable Pyramid”Steal My 3-Day Tulum Itinerary & Budget
As I explained in last week’s post, Tulum, Mexico is still worth visiting in 2025. That being said, it’s no secret that Tulum is one of the most expensive places to visit in Mexico so this wasn’t exactly a budget trip. I visited Tulum in August for my honeymoon, and the money we saved by having a micro-wedding was used to splurge on a slightly more expensive than usual vacation which was worth every penny. Read on to see what I did in Tulum for three days and four nights, and how much it costed.
Continue reading “Steal My 3-Day Tulum Itinerary & Budget”Is Tulum Worth Visiting?
Mexico is the most visited country in the Western Hemisphere after the USA, and for good reason. The country boasts an exciting constellation of ancient ruins, colonial cities, stunning cenotes, postcard-perfect beaches, rich culture, delicious food and endless tequila. Tulum, a former Mayan fortress and trading port, experienced a tourism boom in the past 20 years for its well preserved coastal ruins and impeccable beaches. In response, thousands of hotels, beach clubs and other tourism infrastructure sprang up; even an international airport which was opened in 2023! However, while researching for my visit to Tulum, I encountered several articles detailing the rise– and fall, of Tulum. According to these writers, mass tourism had ruined Tulum’s charm, but I ignored these warnings since Cancun’s party atmosphere didn’t appeal to me, and Tulum brought me close to three of Mexico’s best archaeological ruins. Contrary to those reports, I’m pleased to report that Tulum is still worth visiting in 2025. Here’s why.
Continue reading “Is Tulum Worth Visiting?”