About
Quintana Roo is a Mexican state on the Yucatan Peninsula, on the Caribbean coast of North America. It is best known for the beaches of Cancun and for the long stretch of coastline that has grown around them into one of the country's main areas for travel.
The state also holds some of the region's ancient Maya ruins. Chichen Itza is the most widely visited of them, and a trip to the archaeological site is a common reason to leave the coast for a day and head inland. The ruins give the visit a historical side that sits alongside the sea and sand.
What a visit offers
- Beaches and the Caribbean coast, with Cancun as the main base for most travellers.
- Maya ruins, including Chichen Itza, reachable as an excursion from the coast.
- A mix of pace, from lively resort areas to quieter stretches of shoreline.
Planning your trip
Most visitors base themselves in Cancun and arrange day trips from there, which suits those who want both the beach and the archaeology. Because the state covers a wide area, it is worth deciding early which parts you want to reach, so your time is spent on the places that interest you most.
