If you come to Yucatan, get away from the beaches and see a bit more of the real Mexico. Mérida is the capital of Yucatan and is a vibrant, lively and interesting place to visit, with great food, hotels and much to see. It combines colonial and native heritage and has great buildings, museums and markets. It's also easy to reach the great Mayan ruins to the south which are just as impressive but not as busy as Chichen Itza.

Further to the south and west is Campeche, a lovely little town you
can spend a relaxing day or two walking around. Much better than the
crowded Caribbean beaches...