Quintana Roo offers a range of themes to explore on a trip: Maya sites with different stories, protected areas with diverse ecosystems, and reefs suited to scuba diving and underwater photography. The places below show how varied these themes are across the state.
Maya Sites and Their Stories
Cobá was an important ancient Maya city between lakes. It was surrounded by five lagoons, and 50 raised sacbé roads led to ceremonial, administrative and residential complexes. These roads connected the different functions that shaped the urban area. San Gervasio was also an important place: it was the most important Maya city on Cozumel. The excavated complexes include residential and sacred areas, shrines and pyramids.
One distinctive building in San Gervasio is Manitas. Imprints of human hands remain on its interior walls. The building was constructed in the Costa Oriental style during the Late Postclassic period, between 1250 and 1550. Kohunlich offers a different perspective on the passage of time: the site was continuously inhabited from approximately 500 BCE to 1100 CE. In the Temple of the Masks, figures retain traces of red paint; they represent real people with solar attributes.
The architectural groups at Dzibanché can be distinguished by their names: they include the main Dzibanché group, the Central Complex, also known as the Lamay group, Tutil and Kinichná. In Muyil, a coastal city and its architecture come together: its construction style is linked to the Petén tradition, and its temples feature finely crafted edges. Chacchobén is considered the most important Maya city in the lake region of present-day Quintana Roo.
Architecture and Landscape
Xcaret brings together several historical aspects. The site was a pre-Hispanic embarkation port for pilgrims traveling to Cozumel and an important Maya trading city. Cenotes, rejoyadas and caves were associated with water collection, cultivation and ritual use. In Xcaret, natural landscape features sit alongside traces of human activity passed down through the ages.
El Meco also offers a striking view of CancĂşn: from the summit of El Castillo, the tallest building in the archaeological zone, the view stretches across the city and its surroundings. Current visitor conditions may change, so check the applicable conditions before your visit.
Protected Areas and Reefs
Sian Ka'an is one of Mexico's largest protected areas and is located in the state of Quintana Roo. Its area of 528,148 hectares encompasses interconnected marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems. The reefs of Sian Ka'an are suitable for scuba diving and underwater photography. Those interested in island ecosystems and seabirds will find a different focus in Isla Contoy National Park: it preserves largely intact Caribbean island ecosystems and provides refuge for various seabirds.
The Arrecife de Puerto Morelos protected area has colonies of elkhorn coral that are among the best preserved in the Mexican Caribbean. The state's nature themes are therefore quite distinct: Sian Ka'an represents interconnected ecosystems and reefs, Isla Contoy is known for its island nature and seabirds, and Puerto Morelos for its coral colonies.
Cuisine as an Additional Travel Theme
Cuisine can also be part of your choice of travel themes. The travel guide “Bocados de Mar y Tierra,” published on August 28, 2026, takes readers through twelve destinations in the state. It introduces dishes, ingredients and traditional knowledge that shape the traditional and contemporary cuisine of Quintana Roo. As the guide and the listings it includes may change, check the latest information if you plan to use it in your trip planning.
Whether you are interested in Maya architecture, protected areas or cuisine, these themes offer different starting points for planning your trip. Use your preferred focus as a first guide when searching for hotels in Quintana Roo, then choose accommodation to suit your specific itinerary.
Discover more destinations: CancĂşn, San Miguel De Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Akumal, Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Palmul, Chacalal, ChumpĂłn, Cobá, Calderita, Punta Allen, Majahual, Chetumal, Xcalak, Bacalar, Playa Del Carmen, Tepich, Leona Vicario, Estero Franco, Boloyuc, Puerto Aventuras, Xul-Ha, VigĂa Chico, JosĂ© MarĂa Morelos, Holbox Island, Blanca Flor, ChunyaxchĂ©, Isla Mujeres
For the broader travel overview: Mexico.
