Yucatán
The northern third of the Yucatan Peninsula is almost entirely occupied by the state that gives its name to the entire area. It’s a place full of history that combines some of the largest and most important cities of the ancient Maya civilization with some of the most picturesque colonial towns. It’s a priceless gift of nature, with such treasures as the mysterious cenotes. It’s a cultural paradise with truly delicious traditional cuisine, colorful traditions, and delicate crafts. History, nature, and culture make Yucatan a magical place!
As in the entire Peninsula, the roots of Yucatan go back in time to connect with its pre-Columbian past. The imposing city of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Wonders of the World. Uxmal and its spectacular Pyramid of the Magician, the only temple with an oval plan discovered in the area. The old city of Dzibilchaltun, with its famous sacbé (the ancient Maya “white roads”) and its massive open-air cenote. A long list of striking archaeological sites reminds us of the splendor of the time-honored Maya World.
Impressive traces of the past that intertwine with the old henequen haciendas of the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of them converted into spectacular boutique hotels and restaurants. As well as the beautiful “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magical Towns), such as Izamal, Sisal, Maní, and Valladolid, unique places that tell us the exciting history of Yucatan, from colonial times to the present day. Their architecture, cultural richness, and traditions will simply make you fall in love with all of them.
Of course, Yucatan is Mother Nature at its best. All sorts of natural treasures can be found throughout the state. Starting with its more than 3000 cenotes (of which less than half are open to the public): incredible natural pools or sinkholes that represent the outcropping of underground rivers that run throughout the Peninsula. Crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes filled with charm and mysticism.
There are also places as notable as the Ecological Reserve of Las Coloradas, with its impressive pink lagoon; the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, one of the major nesting areas for the Caribbean flamingo, or the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a complex wetland system including mangroves, estuaries, dunes, coastal lagoons, and karst caves, among many other wonders. Full of life ecosystems where you can enjoy all kinds of unforgettable adventures.
Merida, the “White City” is the state capital, a place full of charm in which, in a certain way, all the wealth of these lands is summarized. Founded in 1542 and built over the ancient Maya city of T´hó, Merida dazzles with its exceptional architectural heritage. From the colonial times portrayed by the San Ildefonso Cathedral (the oldest Cathedral in continental America) to the 19th century represented by the French-style mansions lined up in the splendid Paseo de Montejo, the city is an outstanding open-air museum. Its hotels, its bars and restaurants, its museums and art galleries, its theaters, shops, squares, park, and gardens end up making the city a must-see destination. It is no coincidence that Merida is recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of life worldwide.
Special mention deserves the wonderful Yucatan cultural expressions, led by its exquisite cuisine. The flavors of Yucatan are unique. So much so that its traditional cuisine has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yucatan since 2013. And in 2019, Merida, the state capital, became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the Gastronomy category.
Likewise, traditions such as the “Hanal Pixan” (the Maya version of the Day of the Dead), the Yucatan-style trova music, and the typical dance of the jarana are just some of the many artistic and cultural expressions that make this corner of Mexico such an interesting place.
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Discovering Chichen Itza, the heart of the Mayan World
Chichen Itza flourished for almost a thousand years. Today, eight centuries after its decline, the ancient city still is the beating heart of the Mayan World.
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What to see & do in Izamal, the city of the three cultures
Founded in the 16th century over an ancient abandoned Maya city, Izamal is a magical place that tells the extraordinary history of Yucatan.
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Uxmal, a jewel of Maya architecture
Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the ancient Maya city of Uxmal is an authentic jewel of pre-Columbian architecture.