Explore the Yucatan

From beautiful colonial cities to modern day Mayan villages, the Yucatán Peninsula has a multitude of cities and towns to explore along the way.  Unlike the Aztecs of central Mexico or the Incas of Peru, the Mayans are a living culture, speaking Mayan among themselves and following centuries-old customs. As you explore the villages of the area, you can see women embroider elaborate floral borders on huipile blouses. You will pass clutches of sleepy towns lined with rectangular homes that have scant furniture and no beds --  only hammocks hung between the narrow walls. 

Colonial cities such as Mérida and Valladolid, have beautiful architecture and will bring you back in time to the Spanish colonial days of this area.  Mérida  is the capital of the state of Yucatán, and a good base for exploring the region.

Even coastal ports such as Progreso to the north and Celestún to the west hold treasures of flocks of vibrant pink flamingos or piers that seem to extend endlessly.

Rustic haciendas and convents from the 1600s and 1700s dot the outlying areas to the east. So do caverns of stalactites and stalagmites and cenotes which are underground sinkholes formed from the porous limestone of the region.

Look for timeless villages in the small Yucatecan towns along the Convent Route of l7th century churches south of Mérida  or the Ruta de Puuc near Uxmal, about 90 minutes south of Mérida .

If you decide to take a side-trip from Cancun to explore the Yucatán Peninsula, don't miss the numerous haciendas from the 1600s and 1700s that are strewn throughout the Yucatán. These haciendas were once home to sprawling ranching operations, but today stand empty and often hidden deep in the jungle. There are a few of these haciendas that have been rescued from dilapidation and tastefully transformed into luxury, exclusive hotels.  We have online reservations for some haciendas here.

Yucatan Towns and Villages

Merida  Merida Hotels
Worlds away from the tequila slammers and mega-resorts of Cancun lies a city in the Yucatán peninsula full of old world charm and a strong sense of identity. Mérida , declared a world cultural landmark in 2000, embraces its past, present and future graciously. Yucatán state's capital prides itself on centuries of Mayan, Spanish, French and Moroccan influences. Archaeological sites such as Uxmal and Chichén Itzá point to a heritage rich in legend and a tumultuous past, a past often overshadowed by tales of human sacrifice, Spanish conquistadores, uprisings and "green gold" or henequen, a cash crop that proved a boon and a bane for the Indians who live in the area.

Catholicism and Indian religions coexist in harmony, as do nearly 2 million people. Amid tree-lined boulevards and ornate cathedrals are internet cafes, museums, theaters, and universities. On Sundays, the main plaza, or Zócalo, plays host to a daylong festival with traditional dance and music.
The city complements a Cancun vacation wonderfully and should be strongly considered for a 2-3 day side trip. Mérida  is about three hours west of Cancun on an excellent four-lane highway. There is regular bus service to Mérida from the Cancun bus station.

Valladolid  Valladolid Hotels
Valladolid is a interesting city located 40km from Chichén Itzá on highway 180. Valladolid is a very charming small town. It offers good local crafts, and a taste of Old Mexico. You will know when you arrive in downtown by the main plaza. The now open-air Cenote Zaci, located 3 blocks from the main plaza is a must see for all visitors to Valladolid. This enormous and quite scenic cenote was covered by a roof of stone as little as 200 years ago. In the 1600s Mayan warriors spoke of this hidden spring, which also provided cover from the Spanish. During the war of the Castes in 1847 Mayan invaders convened here to discuss battle plans and eventually ran the Spanish out of town.

Izamal
Only an hour's drive from Mérida , and 30 minutes from the ruins of Chichén Itzá, Izamal is the reigning colonial jewel of Yucatán. Izamal has the world's largest enclosed arched courtyard, the Convento de San Antonio de Padua. This charming village is home to a number of ancient ruins.

Dzitya
Dzitya is located 10 km from Mérida on highway 261. One of its main attractions is the Temple of San Diego, with its beautiful belfry.

Poxila
Poxila is a picturesque town located 27 km from Mérida on highway 180. Poxila is distinguished for its excellent handicrafts based on pieces embroidered in macrame for its delicious regional gastronomy, and for its beautiful spa Che.

Progreso
Progreso is situated only 40 km (35 minutes drive) from Mérida . Progreso is a bustling beach town with an amazing 6 kilometer long pier. Progreso is a beautiful port with wonderful beaches of gentle waves which make it ideal for swimming, boat races, and sailing. Fishing and tourism are Progreso's most important industries.

Tizimin
Many traveler's on their way to Rio Lagartos have to change buses in Tizimin, the third-largest city in the state of Yucatán. The tree-filled central plaza is pleasant, particularly at sundown when birdsong fills the air and children in school uniforms play tag and other games. Two great colonial structures - the Convento de los Tres Reyes Magos and the Convento de San Francisco de Asis - are worth a look.

Puerto Telchac
Puerto Telchac is a picturesque town situated on the coast 56 km from Mérida on highway 281. Puerto Telchac is known for its beautiful beaches of fine sand and gentle waves. One great spectacle in Puerto Telchac is the flocks of flamingos that frequently fly overhead.

Tikul
Tikul is located 17 km from the caves of Loltun on federal highway 184. Tikul is one of the most important towns of the State of Yucatán. Among Tikul's main attractions are: The Temple of San Antonio, built in the XVII century; the Chapel of La Mejorada; and the Chapel of San Miguel. Nearby is the Cenote of Kukuyache. Local crafts are made of pottery. Regarding the regional cuisine, try the delicious poc-chuc (roasted pork).

Sisal
Only 53 kilometers separate this legendary port from the state capitol of Mérida . Sisal, located in the eastern part of Yucatán, was at one time the main port of entry and exit to the rest of the world. The formidable walls raised by ancient settlers as protection against pirates are well worth a visit. Not to be missed is the "Castillo de Sisal", an old castle from the colonial times built to protect against pirate attacks. The beaches, the quiet sea, and the exotic scenery are Sisal's warmest welcome. This is also the destination of beautiful migratory birds who arrive each year, among them the Canadian goose. This is also a fishing village and the main catch is the grouper. You may rent a boat directly with the fishermen.

Pisté
Pisté is a small town near the Chichen Itza ruins. The town is used as an accommodation solution for tourists visiting the ruins in Chichen  Itza. In Pisté you have the chance to swim in one of the many Cenotes.