The reason I have chosen to create this page is to share with the traveler those secret special spots that are located in my adopted country of Mexico. The Yucatan is full of a rich history. Beginning with the theory that 65 million years ago an asteroid hit the area of northwest peninsular creating the Chixculub crater transforming the Earth as the dinosaurs were killed off and the mammals were allowed to thrive. The mysterious Maya, indigenous race of the Yucatan left many cities and vestiges scattered around the region. The Yucatan was the first stop in the continental Americas where the Spanish throne stepped foot and began its conquest of the region. For more than two centuries Merida, the capital of the Peninsular, was under direct orders from the Spanish throne, and not under orders of the government of Nuevo España ( New Spain, also called Mexico currently Mexico city region). It is this rich history that has given the Yucatan such diversity that all visitors, young and old enjoy a trip around the region. The Yucatan Peninsular is made up of three of the states of Mexico: Yucatan state, Quintana Roo state and lastly Campeche state. There are basically four major roads around the region that connect Cancun to Merida, Merida to Campeche, Campeche to Chetumal and Chetumal to Cancun… The best way to explore this region is by rental car. Have a good map with you, a small pocket dictionary Spanish- English and smile and enjoy your adventure. Most folks will find that using Cancun as the entry/exit to the Peninsular is the most convenient of all area international airports. Flights from all over the globe are received each year in Cancun and all major car rental chains are located in or near the airport making this the idea place to begin your Yucatan adventure.
Highway MX 180 Q is the quota or pay road between Cancun and Merida. Hardly used, this goes through the dense jungle avoiding the small pueblos and villages. MX 180 D is the old road to Merida which goes through the different villages and towns.
Isla Holbox is a small sand bar island located west of Cancun in the water basin where the turquoise Caribbean meets the emerald Golf. Amigo's House Isla Holbox for lodging needs while on this fisherman's paradise!!.
Genesis Retreat is ideally located to explore the area's culture and ruins between Tizimin and Ek Balam.
Ek Balam Ruins located outside the road between Valladolid and Tizimin. in Maya, Ek Balam means “ black or dark jaguar” and is thought to be one of the most powerful Prehispanic cities and reached it’s height of power during the Late Classical period, 600-1000 AD. Tizimin moderately sized town, often the bus changing spot for many travelers. Two very interesting colonial structures are present, Church of the Three Kings and the former Franciscan monetary.
Valladolid, second largest city in the Yucatan state, was once the Maya ceremonial center of Zaci. Here you will find interesting colonial buildings and structures, convents and churches from the times of the Conquest. The church of San Bernardino de Siena and the Convent of Sisal are believed to be the oldest Christian structures in the Yucatan. In Valladolid you can enjoy various sausage type of meats all created here in this area. In the area surrounding Valladolid you will find several cenotes. Three nearby cenotes are Cenote Zaci, Cenote Dzitmup and Cenote Samulá.
Lodging options while in Valladolid include Casa Quetzal Bed and Breakfast
.San Felipe located north of Tizimin on the water’s edge, this area is known for large colonies of pink Flamingo birds. It is part of the Reserva Especial del a Biosfere (special Biosphere reserve) and is a protected area and registered in 1986 with the UN as an important international wildlife and wetlands sanctuary.
Chichen Itza Ruins the most famous of all the Mayan ruins, holds the Pyramid of Kukulcan and the Observatory.
Izamal called the City of Hills, and might actually be the oldest city in the Yucatan and has a history very much entwined with the Catholic religion. Pope John Paul 11 visited Izamal in 1993 . The town reflects the mixing of the cultures as the Franciscan convent stands on top of a Maya pyramid. While in Izamal, you can stay at Macan Ché Resort.
Progresso is a beach town just outside of Merida where you can get away from the city heat and enjoy the sea breeze while eating freshly caught sea food. Casa Isidora located in Progresso is somewhere to spend a night or two.
Dzibilchaltun ruins meaning the place where there is “writing on the rocks” is just 15 km from Merida. Here too you will find an interesting museum and a typical palapa, the hut home of the Maya.
Merida is the capital of the Yucatan. It was founded in the winter of 1542 by the Spaniard, Francisco de Montejo. The oldest Catholic cathedral on the American continent (Cathedral of San Idelfonso) makes its home in Merida. The capital of the state of Yucatan as well as the major area for the region regarding business, medical care, universities etc. Merida is known as "The White City". There are several lodging options for you while visiting this beautiful colonial capital. Theses include:
If the seaside village of Celestun. Celestun is part of your journey, perhaps Hotel Eco Paraiso will be the spot to say.
Flycatcher Inn Santa Elena. For a special way to see the magnificent ruins of Uxmal, and the 3 exquisite sites on the PUUC route, plus three large cave systems, market and convent towns, you couldn't do better than a stay at the beautiful Flycatcher Inn, located in Santa Elena, Yucatan. Situated in the heart of the central archeological ruin area, we offer you peace and quiet in a small Mayan village. Your chance to see various traditional celebrations, as well as talk to real Mayan people - one of them your host, Santiago.
Uxmal the home of the impressive Governor’s Palace and the grand Nun’s Quadrangle. There is a spectacular sound and light show every evening. Puuc Route meaning the Hills includes ruin sites such as Kabah ,Sayil, Xlapak, Labna and the caves of Lol Tun. Convent Route is a trip through the western part of the state deep in the heart of the Yucatan and includes visits to ruins, Mayan villages, colonial churches, cathedrals and convents, courtyards and cenotes dating back centuries. These towns include Acanceh,Tecoh,Telchaquillo, Mayapan ruins, Tekit, Mama, Chumayel,eabo, Tipikal, Mani and Oxkutzcab.
Campeche City the capital of the state with the same name was originally the principal town of the Mayan providence Ah Kim Pech, meaning “serpent tick”. This city is a fort surrounded by walls build for the protection of its inhabitants. Several forts are scattered around the area and some even have a light and sound show and reenactment for you to learn about the culture and importance of this area.
Edzna Ruins was an important Maya city reached its peak during 600-900 AD as a grand regional capital. This spot houses an important hydraulic system of aqueducts, holding tanks and canals which allowed Edzna to be independent as they had the precious life sustaining liquid, water…
Rio Bec Dreams For your lodging needs while in the Rio Bec region of the southern part of the region.
Calakmul Major Mayan ruins located in the south of the state of Campeche within the UNESCO Biosphere of the same name. Chicane Mayan ruins occupied from 300-1100AD and is a combination of Chins and Rio Bec architectural styles. Bean Path of the Snake in Maya is a moated city that was occupied from 550 BC until 1000 AD. Rio Bec deep in the jungle several small structures are found in a 50 sq km region. Xpuhil small town lies on the junction between Campeche road 261 which leads to or comes from Hopelchen and Highway 186, almost midway between Chetumal and Escarcega. There are also Mayan ruins with the same name found nearby and were part of the late Classic period from 400-900 AD.
Amigo’s B&B Bacalar the perfect place to enjoy Laguna Bacalar. All guest rooms have private bathroom, terrace overlooking the spectacular lake, AC and remote control TV. Kayaks are available for exploring the specatular Lake of Seven Colors, as Laguna Bacalar is often referred to.
Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors and there is a town with the same name. Bacalar,
The fort of San Felipe overlooks the Laguna Bacalar and is in the center of town. There is a small museum you can visit in the fort.
Kohunlich site of impressive Stucco Masks set in a tropical palm forest.
For more on these ruins, Visit Kohunlich
Costa Maya the rustic slowly developing area south of the Sian Ka’an biosphere on the coast includes area such as Majahual and Xcalak. Balanku for your lodging needs while in the southern area of Costa Maya.Chinchorros reef is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere.
For lodgings and fishing down in the remote part of the Costa Maya in the town called Xcalak, you will find Costa De Cocos for your vacation. Another option is Tierra Maya Resort
Explore Sian Ka’an Reserve over 5000 sq km of tropical jungle, marsh, mangroves, islands that have been appointed in 1987 by the UN as a World Heritage Site—an irreplaceable natural resource.. Sian Ka’an means where the sky begins in Maya.
Tulum Impressive seaside Mayan ruins surrounding by a wall part of the Late Post Classical period 1200-1521 AD.
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Town by the same name. Ruins Beach
Coba One of the largest Mayan cities ever found, this site is mostly unrestored. It is a spread out site with several areas for exploration. Bicycles are available for rent within the park to facilitate getting around the place. Most of the architecture and stele resemble that of Tikal, several hundred kilometers away.
If you end up spending to much time at the impressive ruins and need a place to stay, in Coba, there is Hotelito Bocadito.
Cenotes there are several different sites to visit. These are large sink holes in the lime stone base that are filled with water. Some have interesting Stalagmite and stalactite Formations you can see while snorkeling.One of the lesser visited cenotes is called Cenote Escondido. One place close to the cenotes, on the ocean and a short distance from the mayan ruins of Tulum is Hotel Villas del Caribe Xpu-Ha.
If Fly fishing is your passion, don't forget to visit the Punta Allen region in the Sian Ka'an resreve where you can stay at Let It Be Inn. Prices here include fishing too!
Playa del Carmen,the fastest growing town in all of Latin America, has a vast range of lodging options, large selection of Mexican as well as international cuisine restaurants and some of the prettiest beaches in the region. One spot to consider staying at is MayaBric right in town with easy access to all.
Maya Echo for lodging needs while inPuerto Morelos. Once the home of the cargo ferry to Cozumel, this small fishing village is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days of sun. Perfect choice for a last night in the area as Puerto Morelos is just short ride to the Cancun airport.
A trip to the region would not be complete with out a visit to the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Meso American reef, Cozumel is prime spot to stay if considering several scuba trips or snorkeling on the reef. The major portion of this expensive reef system is located just off the south west side of Cozumel so a short boat ride, takes you to the facinating world Jacques Yves Cousteau introduced the world to back in the early 1960s..
Amigo’s B&B Cozumel Ideal for your Cozumel stay, all cottage style rooms at Amigo's have private bathrooms, complete kitchenettes, AC,ceiling fans, alarm clocks, cd-cassette players and night lights. The communal Palapa area is where you will find a TV, VCR, DVD,CD stereo player, games, magazines, books and more. Here too is where the complete breakfast is served. All this just 5 city blocks from the turquoise Caribbean sea on a residential street set in a large tropical fruit garden complete with a pool. Families and dive groups welcome!
Casa de los Suenos great lodging option for your visit to Isla Mujeres.
Cancun
El Patio Suites the perfect place to enjoy Cancun while traveling in the area.
More interesting sites for travel in the Maya World