Yucatán

The state of Yucatán is located in southeastern Mexico, along the Gulf of Mexico in the north section of the Yucatán Peninsula. The region boasts both a coastline of pristine beaches and interior sections rich with natural preserves. Yucatán is home to several designated UNESCO World Heritage sites including the well-preserved Mayan towns of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, as well as two “Magical Towns“ – the former Spaniards regional capital of Valladolid and the colorful Colonial-era town of Izamal. The state’s capital, Mérida features a vibrant culinary scene, modern museums, and historical attractions, while its main port city of Progreso is a popular cruise ship destination famous for its pier that extends an impressive four miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Yucatán has become an increasingly popular tourism destination for its diverse attractions that include natural underwater swimming pools, world-famous archeological and historical locations, unique luxury hacienda accommodations, and diverse natural wildlife.

Destination Highlights

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Chichen Itza

  
  

  One of the most awe-inspiring, and most famous of the mayan cities, Chichen Itza is a marvel of the ancient world, featuring extraordinary architecture in beautiful natural surroundings, and is a must-see for an unforgettable insight into this fascinating civilization.

  
  

  Chichen Itza is dominated by Kukulkan’s Temple or El Castillo, the central pyramid that stands 90 feet high and is topped by a temple.

  
  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Cuisine

  
  

  Yucatecan cuisine is recognized in Mexico and the world. It is largely a result of its former isolation from the rest of the country, and its constant interaction with Europe, Cuba and New Orleans via its ports.

  
  

  A combination of condiments and spices like pumpkin seed, oregano, purple onion, sour orange, achiote, sweet pepper, cilantro, habanero and xcatic peppers, produces famous Yucatecan cuisine.

  
  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Mérida

  
  

  The state capital, is an elegant city of Colonial-era houses. The Plaza Mayor is a vibrant place of rendezvous for the locals, especially in the early evening when the heat of the day has let up, and the ideal place to sit and drink a sorbet, a local specialty.

  
  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Celestún

  
  

  A beach town on the northwest of the peninsula, that still maintains the laid-back, fishing village ambiance. Take a boat from here to see the flamingos on the nearby lagoon, and the so-called petrified forest.