The official language of the Yucatán Peninsula is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in popular tourist areas. Many people working in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies speak fluent English, and signs and menus are often bilingual (Spanish/English).
In tourist hubs along the Riviera Maya, English is the primary language used by tourists, and English-speaking staff are abundant. Popular archaeological sites often have English-speaking guides, and most tourist-facing signage and materials are available in both languages.
Outside of major tourist centers, English is less common, especially in smaller towns or when visiting more remote Mayan ruins like Uxmal or Ek’ Balam. Here, basic Spanish can be very useful when interacting with locals.
You can easily get by with English in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience, especially in smaller towns or with local vendors.