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 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 Zací 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 macramé, 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 Tizimín, 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 Asís
- are worth a look.
Puerto Telchac
Puerto Telchac Hotels
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 Loltún 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 Chichén
Itza ruins. The town is used as
an accommodation solution for tourists
visiting the ruins in Chichén Itza.
In Pisté you have the chance to
swim in one of the many Cenotes.
Campeche
Campeche
Hotels
Campeche State is the
westernmost of three states
forming the Yucatan Peninsula.
Located along the Gulf of
Mexico, 487 kms from Cancun and
165 kms from Merida, there are
over 525 kms of coastline lined
with beautiful beaches with
little or no development. A
perfect Mexico vacation
destination. Campeche has a rich
historical past. The state was
founded over 2000 years ago and
was settled and developed by
ancient Mayan civilizations
which were mostly destroyed
during the Spanish Inquisition
during the 1500s. Today,
Campeche gives tourists a wide
variety of activities and places
to visit. Visitors can enjoy
historic forts and garrisons
built as protection from pirates
and foreign enemies, beautiful
churches, colonial homes and
archaeological zones located
throughout the state. For
more information visit
www.campechetravelguide.com
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