A universe of wonders awaits in Yucatán, a land with magic, natural beauty, culture, and tradition. Although we’re still amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been busy at work, getting ready to welcome you and show you the best our state has to offer, following all health and safety protocols to ensure your wellbeing.
Since September 1, Yucatán has been ready to reactivate different areas related to tourism and we’re here to tell you all about it. What do you need? Four fundamental things: A face mask, antibacterial gel, social distancing, and a desire to enjoy our home state.
Here’s the latest information that covers all the activities you can experience when you arrive…We’re already expecting you!
RESTAURANTS: All restaurants in Yucatán have been ready to welcome you since Monday, September 1, but hours of operation are limited: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 pm with dining room service at 25% capacity and social distancing regulations. Saturdays and Sundays you can order your meals through online platforms, to go, or pick up. Beginning on September 16, all restaurants will open from 8 am to 10 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays will be reserved for take out only.
HOTELS: Are operating at 30% capacity since September 1 for recreation and business tourism. You can enjoy common areas such as pools, open-air gyms, terraces, and room service. From September 28 on, hotel capacity will increase to 50%, provided the Ministry of Health approves of this measure. Although public beaches won’t be open to the public until October 1, if you’re staying at a hotel with beach access, you’ll be able to enjoy the sand. In other good news: Starting October 12, convention and party venues will be open in hotels – so weddings and Quinceaños are a go.
TOURISM ATTRACTIONS: Do you have your backpack, sunblock, and sense for adventure ready to go? As of September 1, nature and community tourism, as well as Mérida’s Centro Histórico is waiting for you. Here are a few options:
CENOTES: They’re crystal-clear water springs that inspire peace and magic. Swimming in a cenote means becoming one with nature. If you still haven’t had this experience, don’t miss the opportunity to do so during your next visit. The beautiful cenote in Hacienda Mucuyché opened on September 1 with pre-booked tours of 20 people maximum, from 10 am to 3 pm. The cenotes San Antonio Mulix and Yaxunáh begin operations September 4, and Santa Bárbara, in Homún, welcomes you starting September 28. The cenote Xcanché in Ek Balam – with its exciting adventure tourism featuring zip lining and rappelling – will reopen alongside the archaeological site, when the INAH determines it.
BEACHES AND TOURS OF THE YUCATECAN COASTLINE: Yucatán is home to one of the prettiest coastlines in México – and we say it with confidence! Although there won’t be public access which allows us to swim in the Gulf of México until October, if you stay at a hotel on the beach, you can swim freely.
The coastal town of Celestún, a biosphere paradise with its mangroves and flamingos, has a tourist center that is not open to the public yet. However, the boatmen can take you on guided tours through the mangroves as of September 1. Other beach destinations such as Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos are not open to tourism yet, but we’ll keep you informed as soon as that changes. If you go to Sisal, take into account that the hotel or tour you book has to let the local authorities know so they can let you through the roadblock.
Likewise, the Ejido de San Crisanto, with its cabins and mangroves, is ready to welcome you starting September 14.
HACIENDAS: These magical places known for their historical importance in the manufacturing and production of Henequén, await your visit as of September 1 (although not all of them open on the same day). For example, Hacienda Yaxcopoil will open September 15. Ask your travel agent beforehand.
TOURS OF THE CENTRO HISTÓRICO: The city of Mérida will inspire you with its colorful streets, buildings, and history. On September 1, Adventure México resumed operations of their walking city tour and culinary tours so that you can relish in home-cooked, regional, and ancestral cuisine. The Turibus – the red bus that goes all through the city – resumes operations on September 8, and the Carnavalito will do so on September 16.
MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES: Ancient history, culture from our state’s past and present, paintings, photography, and more is what you’ll find in Yucatán’s museums and galleries, which reopen September 1. There is an immense variety and you will find one to match your taste in art. Visiting our local galleries will allow you to explore the city’s neighborhoods such as Santa Ana, with its quaint church and market. In this traditional Barrio, you’ll find many art galleries to visit, and most of them are only a few blocks away from the Centro Histórico. September 14 the following will open: Museo Conmemorativo de la Inmigración Coreana, Museo Casa Quinta Montes Molina, and the Museo de la Canción Yucateca. September 17 you can visit the Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán, Palacio Cantón, and on October 5th, the MACAY.
COMMUNITY TOURISM: Co’ox Mayab is a company that groups 12 different co-ops in the state. Activities include visits to Maya communities where you can learn more about contemporary Maya life, tours around the Milpa, and meeting up with the locals. All of this makes for an amazing experience that will bring you closer to Maya culture. These co-ops open to visitors starting September 14. San Marcelino Aldea Maya is another option to get to know Maya communities near culture-filled Tekax. The town will accept visitors beginning September 25.
MOVIE THEATRES AND PLAZAS: These are open starting September 1 from 11 am to 8 pm.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: Chichén Itzá, the Puuc Route, Ek Balam, and other sites with their rich history and Maya culture are excited for your visit. Uxmal will open starting September 14 Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm (last access permitted at 4 pm). It will be allowed 250 visitors per day and the night show is suspended. In regards to the archaeological zones Xcambó, Izamal, and Ek Balamwill also open to the public September 14 between 8 am and 5 pm. Dzibilchaltún (and the Museo del Pueblo Maya inside) will re-open September 22 and will be allowed to have 150 visitors per day between 8 am and 5 pm. Groups of 10 people maximum (including guides) will be allowed. For the moment, the Noches de Kukulkán will not be taking place. All visitors have to wear a face mask, social distance (1.5 meters except kids), and avoid physical contact.
MOBILITY SCHEDULE: The mobility schedule will be extended starting September 17. The new restrictions will ask you to stay home between 11:30 pm and 5 am.
Editorial by Cecilia García Olivieri
Writer and reporter
