From the minute that their aircraft lands at the Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport, tourists will be entranced by Yucatan, the Mexican State situated on the Yucatan Peninsula that offers everything from archeological treasures to zoological wonders.
Yucatan is the cradle of the ancient Mayan civilization and thus sings a siren song to all those interested in learning more about this venerable culture, traces of which can still be found in, for instance, the local architecture and the language. This state is, in fact, subtly different from the rest of the country, and this is most noticeable in its language – with Maya and German being spoken in addition to Spanish and a little English – and in its food. No-one who visits the state should miss out on tasting tempting local delicacies like, for instance, the famous Cochinita Pibil – banana-leaf-roasted pork seasoned with annatto seed and citrus juice – the ever-present Habanero chilies and the pumpkin seed, tomato and egg tortillas known as papadzules.
There are several fascinating cities in Yucatan – and all present compelling reasons why they should form part of every visitor’s Mexico holidays itinerary – but it’s perhaps the state’s natural attractions that should be on top of everyone’s must-see list. From the Loltun Flower Stone Caves with their hand-painted prehispanic Mayan paintings that date back at least 10,000 years to the breathtaking natural sinkholes – known as cenotes – that offer cave diving beyond compare and the nature reserves like the Rio Lagartos Biosphere with its 388 different bird species, Yucatan is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in Northern America.
Yucatan’s cities, of which the most well known is the capital, Merida, offer visitors historical and architectural wonders, exotic dining, fascinating museums and eclectic shopping. The Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, situated just outside of Merida, houses a restored sisal plantation and is well worth a visit as are the picturesque twin-towered Catedral de San Gervasio in Valladolid and the Jardin Botanico, with its infestation of spider monkeys, in the resort town of Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos is also the place to stock up on all things Yucatan, and metalwork, clay art and handmade hammocks all come highly recommended.
It is, however, Yucatan’s archeological sites that take the most credit for making this state unique, and nowhere is the Mayan culture more elegantly and eloquently displayed as in Chichen Itza with its stunning Kulkulcan Pyramid, El Castillo, and Uxmal, famous for being home to the Pyramid of the Magician. Also not to be missed is the site at Ek Balam, where visitors can gaze in awe at the ruins of the Acropolis with its magnificently preserved stucco sculptures.
Yucatan is no doubt one of Mexico’s most enchanting and mysterious provinces, but those who visit should plan their trip wisely as the region features a tropical wet and dry climate, which sees extremely dry seasons alternate with the tropical storms usually experienced in the Mexican monsoon season that runs from June through October.
