Ek Balam is one of those places that look like something out of an adventure movie... but without the crowds or Hollywood cliches. Here you won't find souvenir stands every five meters or guides with megaphones. Instead, you’ll walk among almost intact Mayan temples, with the jungle embracing the structures and the birds in the background making the perfect soundtrack. The star of the place is the Acropolis, a pyramid you can climb to feel like Indiana Jones (but with less danger and more epic photos). The best thing is that, unlike other archaeological sites, here you can still climb and explore at your own pace, without feeling that you are being chased by a group of tourists with selfiesticks. Ek Balam is history, nature and peace... with a dash of adventure for curious travelers who prefer to discover secrets rather than follow crowds.

The Hubiku cenote is as if nature had said: "We're going to make an infinity pool... but for Mayan gods." It's a giant hole in the ground with water so crystal clear that even fish feel Instagram models. Down the stairs to the cenote is like entering another world, where light filters through an opening in the cave and creates a magical effect that makes you question whether you are still on Earth or if you teleported to a fantasy movie. The water is cool, perfect for getting the heat off your back after exploring ruins. Plus, if you’re feeling brave, you can jump off the platform and feel like a true explorer... or just float while practicing your best photo pose. Hubiku is not only for swimming, it is to disconnect, refresh and feel that you deserve that cue that comes next.

Valladolid is that magical little town where every street seems to be taken from a postcard and the pace of life is going at the perfect speed to forget about stress. Here, time moves slower, as if even the roosters have a nap scheduled after lunch. Colourful houses, murals and colonial churches make you feel like you travelled back in time... but with Wi-Fi. Central Park is the perfect place to sit, eat a marquisita (a kind of crispy crepe that will probably change your life) and watch local life pass you by. But the best thing about Valladolid is its food: tacos, panuchos and cochinita pibil that taste better than any diet you were thinking of starting. Here you not only eat, you live the Yucatecan culture with every bite.