Yucatán, with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, is a fantastic destination for travelers of all ages. For senior visitors, finding locations that offer ease of access, comfort, and a relaxed pace is key. In this article, we highlight destinations and experiences that ensure everyone can enjoy the wonders of this beautiful region without worry.
Cenotes Santa Bárbara
Cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with groundwater—are abundant in the Yucatán Peninsula and are a must-see when visiting (especially in the hotter months!). Important to the Maya for water and rituals, cenotes are now beautiful spots for relaxation and cooling off, but they aren’t exactly accessible in their most natural state. That’s why Cenotes Santa Bárbara is a great option for seniors and folks with more limited mobility. Plus, it is the perfect place to experience several different formations in one location: Cenotes Santa Bárbara features four cenotes—open, closed, and semi-open—allowing you to appreciate their distinct beauty. It's an easy-to-navigate site, with an elevator at one cenote to provide wheelchair access. Life jackets are available, and lifeguards are on duty. On-site amenities include a restaurant and bathrooms. Your entry fee covers all cenotes and transportation between the entrance and cenotes via a small train.
Cenotes Santa Bárbara, Homún
Tel. 999 116 1512
FB: Cenotes & Restaurant Santa Bárbara
Daily, 9 am - 5 pm
Entry: $350 pesos
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
The Henequén Tour at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón offers a unique cultural experience. This three-hour tour immerses you in the history of henequén production. The journey begins with a welcome drink and a visit to the Main House, followed by an exploration of traditional methods like manual corking and raspa (scraping fibers from the henequen plant). You’ll also see the museum, showcasing the evolution of machinery, and visit a Maya House. A truck ride through the estate leads to a cenote, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Access to the cenote does require going down a wooden stairway; while it isn’t as long, narrow, or steep as some others in Yucatán, the seniors in your party might not want to risk it. If that’s the case, there is a palapa where anyone not wishing to see the cenote can wait. The experience concludes with a delicious Yucatecan meal, with an option to upgrade to a four-course menu. This engaging tour is perfect for everyone aged 0-100, and offers an unforgettable look at Yucatán's heritage.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Tel. 999 175 9923
Daily Tours at 9 am, 11 am, & 1 pm
(Reserve in advance)
Playa Viva Beach Club
Located in Telchac Puerto, Playa Viva Beach Club is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the beach. The day pass includes comfortable lounge chairs and access to bathrooms, showers, and towels. The sunsets are incredible here, and a couple of times each month, live jazz music accompanies the evening. The on-site restaurant, Amanecer, offers a selection of fresh seafood, tender meats, tacos, and salads. Whether you want to spend a quiet day by the water or enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view, Playa Viva is the perfect place to unwind.
Playa Viva Beach Club in Telchac Puerto
Tel. 999 354 3335
FB: PlayaViva
Daily 10 am - 6 pm (restaurant open until 8 pm)
Day pass: $350 pesos
(Reserve in advance)
Native Honey Tasting
Explore the fascinating world of bees at Miel Nativa Kaban, where you’ll learn about the Melipona Beecheii, a native stingless bee revered by the Maya for its medicinal honey. The guided tour introduces you to the bees and their essential role in the ecosystem. You’ll also get to taste a variety of honey types and learn about their antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Every project at Miel Nativa Kaban promotes sustainability and supports local communities.
Miel Nativa Kaban in Plaza Carmesi
Calle 53 x 62, Centro, Merida
Tel. 999 642 6206
Tue. - Sun. 9 am - 9 pm
Tour: $470 pesos
(Reserve in advance)
Uxmal Pyramid + Chocolate Museum
Uxmal, one of the most stunning ancient Maya cities, offers a fascinating look into the Maya civilization. The site is large but well maintained and manageable to explore. If you get there early, you can beat both the crowds and the heat. Uxmal has plenty of shaded areas and ledges to sit and rest, as well as handrails at a few of the stairways. At the entrance, you'll find a small museum, snack bar, gift shops, restrooms, and local vendors offering handmade crafts.
After exploring Uxmal, head to the nearby chocolate museum. Here, you’ll learn about the history and importance of cacao in Maya culture, with the added bonus of sampling delicious chocolate.
Uxmal archaeological site
Todos los días / Daily 8 am - 4 pm
Entrada / Admission: $556 pesos visitors/ $252 pesos mexicanos
Choco-Story Museum in Uxmal
Tel. 999 289 9914
Daily 9 am - 7:30 pm
Entry: $280 pesos
From ancient ruins to natural wonders, in this beautiful region there’s plenty of experiences seniors can partake in—and they’re all waiting to be explored!
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