Skip Cancun. Unless you are a spring breaker looking for a week of cocktails, skip Cancun altogether during your week on the Yucatan. It offers little cultural value, and you will have to dodge drunken students in every possible venue.
Head to Playa del Carmen. When you arrive in the Yucatan, hop on a bus to Playa del Carmen, which is approximately one hour south of Cancun. Playa is an excellent introduction to Mexico without being overwhelming, and you will be able to settle in easily. The town is small and easy to navigate and there are countless number of restaurants, clubs and beaches. For an exciting evening, try one of the salsa clubs in town, where you'll be greeted with live music, dance instruction and guaranteed fun.
Try diving. The Yucatan offers countless opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, a small island famous for its dive sites. Talk to any of the dive operators in the area for equipment rentals and guided trips.
Sunbathe in Tulum. To escape the crowds of Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, head down the coast of the Yucatan to Tulum, a tiny town that lacks the frenetic activity. Wander through the shops, settle into your hotel, and then hop on a shuttle to the beach. The Tulum beach is made of pristine white sand along clear turquoise water with Mayan-ruin topped high rock cliffs at one end. The beach is generally uncrowded, and you won't have to deal with many vendors. Try dancing and drinks at one of the relaxed clubs along the shore, and enjoy a seafood lunch in the restaurants.
Hit the markets. The Yucatan Peninsula is replete with bustling markets that sell every imaginable kind of goods. Buy the ever-popular sarongs, brightly patterned Mexican blankets and colorful jewelry. Browse through fruit markets for delicious fresh fruit and be sure to barter for a good deal.
Enjoy Mexican cuisine. Mexican food can be heavy, so work up an appetite before dining on the Yucatan. Hit street vendors for authentic and cheap Mexican fare or head to one of the more upscale establishments for a more civilized experience. Don't forget to try the fresh fruit margaritas, which are unparalleled.
Meet the locals. Mexican residents of the Yucatan Peninsula are remarkably friendly and ready to chat. Brush up on your Spanish and strike up a conversation--you'll be sure to get an insight of the local culture.
