Articles with the theme cancun vacation
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?
Without rattling off a bunch of statistics, in a word, yes. I have been living in Cancun for eleven years and I finally feel the need to speak up.
I moved from Chicago to Cancun eleven years ago. Cancun was different then, smaller, less traffic, and not a pair of shoes in my size to be found, but was it any safer for tourists? I don’t think so. I think Cancun is just as safe now as it was then yet everyone is in an uproar about whether vacationing in Mexico is unsafe.
While browsing the travel boards recently, I noticed that the number one question asked in one form or another is “Is it safe to travel to Mexico? I keep hearing terrible things on the news.” Today I read this question (or one very similar to it) posted by someone in Detroit. I was mugged at gunpoint in Detroit 20 years ago. I would imagine the person who posted that question should feel pretty safe strolling down the white sand beaches of Cancun.
As I said, I used to live in Chicago, one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. If one walks down Michigan Avenue, only a few miles from the South Side of Chicago, which can be a very dangerous area, does one feel safe? Of course. If one walks down the sidewalk in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, only a few kilometers from the possibly dangerous areas of downtown, should they feel safe? Of course. Would a tourist wander through the South Side of Chicago? I would hope not. What about the possibly dangerous areas of downtown Cancun? I would hope not. By the way, I would encourage tourists to visit certain areas of downtown Cancun, even at night, but I wouldn’t encourage a tourist to visit most of the South Side of Chicago, even during the day. Let me just clarify here that I love Chicago, South Side and all!
On my last visit to the U.S., I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to visit my mother. I saw unbelievably horrendous things on the news. Interestingly enough, they don’t include them on the news here in Cancun and officials don’t discourage Mexicans from visiting the United States. However, when something happens in Mexico it seems to go viral and travelers are warned, and in some cases just assume, that all travel to Mexico is dangerous. Would you avoid visiting Tampa, Florida because there is danger and violence in South Central Los Angeles?
But don’t just take it from me. Here is the opinion of one of the most well-known and respected bloggers in Cancun, Kelly McLaughlin (Cancun Canuck) She is an expat from Canada.
“So, is Cancun safe for tourists? Yes. Crime happens here, sure, pick pockets, thefts from hotel rooms, etc., etc., but violent crime against tourists, no. The type of crime that happens here occurs in every city around the world, tourist attraction or not. Use your common sense and street smarts and you’ll be fine. I would venture to say that Cancun is safer than most big cities around the world. I don’t feel any different here than I did in Toronto or New York or Los Angeles. In fact, I probably feel safer. I am far from naive, I read the local and national Mexican papers daily so I know exactly what is going on, but it does not fill me with fear. I don’t associate with the bad guys, nor do I try to impede what they are doing, I don’t have any money nor do I involve myself with dangerous activities. I live my life the same way I did in Toronto, eyes open, head up and aware of my surroundings. If I felt that tourists were in any way in danger, I would shout it from the rooftops. I have no interest in lying about this, people’s safety is of far greater concern to me than the economy of the city of Cancun. If I felt that Cancun was THAT dangerous, I certainly wouldn’t continue to live here with my small child.”
We should all try to analyze what we read in the paper and see on the news, not just take it all in as absolute truth. Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and most of the other popular vacation destinations in Mexico are safe for tourists. You may even be safer here than you are in your hometown.
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
Punta Sur: Where Mexico Awakens | A Historical Overview
Punta Sur. It is the southern-most point on Isla Mujeres and the eastern-most point in the entire country of Mexico. It is where tourists today go to climb the lighthouse for a view of Cancun’s hotel zone or simply relax on the warm rocks by the water. But what most don’t realize is that Punta Sur and Isla Mujeres in themselves have long, extensive and fascinating histories.
Way before Mexico’s fight for independence began; Isla Mujeres was an island of transition. It began when the Spanish arrived and the Maya inhabitants of the island fled the to seek refuge deeper in the mainland. But the Spanish didn’t stay for too long. They had bigger conquests to carry out therefore, allowing the island to become a resting port for ships travelling to Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico from the region that we know today as Honduras. Post Spanish inquisition, the island became a safe haven for the suppressed indigenous that fled the enslavement of Spanish haciendas. With its constant evolution, Isla Mujeres grew to be an island inhabited by an extraordinarily-eclectic group of people, a group that consisted of the indigenous, foreign-ship captains and sometimes pirates.
Lawless pirates, ship captains and indigenous refugees sound like a mismatched group of people and it probably was but overtime, the island eventually settled into tranquility with a population that lived peacefully amongst each other and thrived off the island’s fishing and forestry industry. It was this population that began the Isla Mujeres New Years tradition on Punta Sur. Because Punta Sur is literally where Mexico awakens (i.e. the portion of Mexico that receives the first rays of sun light), the people of Isla Mujeres would celebrate by gathering on the island’s southern-most point to await the sunrise, bringing in the New Year and ridding themselves of the past. Some say this tradition began well before the 1800s when reaming awake all night was necessary to keep watch of the horizon for any incoming invasions.
Today, travelers that visit Isla Mujeres can stand in the same point that thousands did before them at ‘Punta de Amancer’, or in English, ‘The point of sunrise.’ and imagine what life was like on the island over 2,000 years ago when the Mayas roamed the island or 200 years ago when the New Years tradition began. If only the island could speak… Oh, the stories it could tell.
Isla Mujeres Facts:
1) The original Mayan ruin that was lost at sea contained engraved messages in its walls from pirates and ship captains to make their presence and domination known during the island’s earliest of days.
2) The Spanish and subsequent cultures used Punta Sur as an observation point and the Mayas used it to study the cosmos.
3) Jose Martí, a Cuban figure and an important figure in Latin American literature, visited the island during his country’s bid for independence from the Spanish.
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About the Author
Kristin McCollum is a travel writer and photographer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. After living in the Yucatan Peninsula, she found inspiration in every person she met and in the natural beauty which surrounded her.
Talking about Safety in Mexico
Finally, someone says it like it is. Mexico’s violence, although problematic for the country as a whole, the country as a whole is not war torn or suffering from non-stop violence. The jobs of journalists are to report their findings in an objective manner but it seems that with major-media corporations, objectiveness is far too often pushed aside and replaced with personal opinions and, possibly, agendas. And according to this article from August, 2010, this just may be the case with the media both north and south of the border being equally guilty.
Very few people hear that facts and very few people know how to separate fact from fiction. It seems that only those who are deeply interested or invested in the subject of Mexico’s drug-related violence are the ones that are able to produce hard facts and back up their findings. Some of these people include researchers from the University of San Diego and Vanderbilt University. Not someone that read, seen or heard something in the news later to post it on the internet.
So the question remains, what is being said and not heard and are what are some the hearty facts that we can pull from this article that relate to perspective travelers?
‘The state with the lowest murder rate is Yucatán, the Gulf of Mexico state known for its beaches and Mayan ruins. Its murder rate of 2 per 100,000 was comparable to Wyoming and Montana.’
What do most not know?
Next door to the state of Yucatan is the state of Quintana Roo, the state famous for all-inclusive resorts, the island of Cozumel and so much more. It is a state equally as safe as Yucatan.
‘The horrific violence that is jacking up the national death toll is largely in nine of Mexico’s 31 states’.
What do most fail to mention?
All of these states are states either bordering the United States or in the western region of the country. None of these states include the Yucatan Peninsula, a region that is roughly the size of Oklahoma.
"There is a disconnect between the statistics and the perception of the public."
This statement in itself may be an indication that all of us must start using our critical thinking skills and always ask for facts before jumping to conclusions. It is also important to remember that those who are being targeted by the violence are those that have ties to the drug trade or unfortunately got caught in the crossfire in a region they should not have been, a region in which there were already previously-placed advisories.
Read the full story in USA Today or take a look at a really good article by Candice Walsh Why I’m not afraid of Mexico
Have you been to Mexico? What is your opinion on safety matters? Please let us know in the comments below.
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About the Author
Kristin McCollum is a travel writer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her.
A Day on Isla Mujeres | Photos & Tips
Isla Mujeres, “the island of the women”, is a small island off the coast of Cancun. It is 5 miles long and a half a mile wide at its widest point. While there are plenty of hotels and hostels on the island, it’s also a great place to visit for the day. Of course, since it is an island, you must travel to “Isla” as it is lovingly referred to by residents, by boat. The ferry is reasonably priced (about 15 U.S. Dollars roundtrip) and runs every half hour.
Once you get to Isla, there is plenty to do. You can choose to relax or you can explore and go, go, go all day! Here are a few favorite things to do…
1. Relax on the Beach
Playa Norte’s white sand beach is magnificent. There are many beach clubs and restaurants on Playa Norte where you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella (you’ll need it at midday). Sometimes the chairs and umbrellas are free with a drink or food order. All restaurants offer cocktails, soft drinks and food. Fresh seafood is abundant here. Try ceviche, a dish made from fresh raw seafood that is marinated in lime. Ceviche is served with tortilla chips and/or saltine crackers. It’s the perfect lunch on a hot day.
2. Rent a Golf Cart or Moped and Explore
You can rent a golf cart or a moped by the hour or for the entire day. You will need your vehicle for at least two hours if you would like to circle the entire island and stop at a few interesting places along the way. At Punta Sur, the southernmost point of the island, there is a Mayan temple which is devoted to Ixchel, the goddess of the moon and wife of the sun. Ixchel is considered a fertility goddess with healing powers and for centuries Mayan women traveled to Isla Mujeres yearly to seek her help. In 1517 when Spanish explorers discovered Isla they found many female shaped idols representing the goddess Ixchel, which is how Isla Mujeres got its name.
3. Visit the Turtle Farm
For many years giant sea turtles were killed for their meat and shell and their eggs dug up for food. However, they are now federally protected in Mexico and Isla Mujeres is their ancestral hatching ground. Every May through September the turtles lay their eggs in the soft sand. Here at the farm they are placed in protected areas to keep them safe from predators. The newly hatched turtles are placed in tanks and released into the sea by local school children.
4. Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla’s shore and close by are the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs. The calm clear waters are perfect for any level of diver. You will experience the vibrant colors of the coral reef and many different kinds of sea life. Other places to dive include the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks and the Underwater Sculpture Museum.
5. Visit Downtown
Downtown Isla is a charming, colorful place to explore. Have lunch at one of the many restaurants that serve food from a variety of different cultures. There are also many shops that sell a great variety of handicrafts and jewelry. There are even a few galleries featuring local artists. In the evenings The Plaza, located in the heart of downtown Isla, comes alive with dances, events and celebrations. Visit the cemetery where the pirate Fermin Mundaca’s empty tomb still awaits him. Mundaca settled on Isla Mujeres after retiring from pirating and slave trading around 1858. As legend tells it, he slowly went insane and died of a broken heart in Merida after his love married another man.
These are just a few of the many things to do on Isla Mujeres. A place you will like so much that you will want to come back the next day!
Have you been to Isla Mujeres? Can you think of anything else to do there?
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
New York Red Bulls MLS Soccer Team Visits Mexico
The New York Red Bulls, one of the most renowned soccer teams in the MLS (Major League Soccer) is about to arrive in Cancun to begin their two month preseason schedule for 2011. Yucatan Holidays, the Cancun-based travel agency, is the main sponsor of their preseason visit to Mexico.
Next Friday, February 4th, the New York Red Bulls 
will be arriving to Cancun’s International Airport and will stay for 10 days in Yucatan Holiday’s Riviera Maya Resort, Hacienda Tres Ríos. Their preseason visit to Mexico includes training sessions and media events, and on February 14th, the team will travel to Guadalajara for a friendly match against Club Chivas on the 15th.
The New York Red Bulls will visit Mexico with all their stars including Thierry Henry, 
Rafael Marquez and the young John Rooney, brother of Manchester United’s striker Wayne Rooney.
Soccer-specialized agency Gol Marketing is the organizer of this preseason in Mexico. Both GOL and Yucatan Holidays hope to create awareness and to promote sports by bringing international players to the country.
Yucatan Holidays will hold a big sweepstakes in order to give away VIP tickets to an upcoming match in New York City to it’s followers on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t you want to join us?
Visit the Official New York Red Bulls website
Must-Know Spanish phrases (for your next Mexico trip)
Traveling to Mexico soon? There are some things we recommend you carry with you for an unforgettable vacation: your camera, city maps, and this list of must-know Spanish phrases.
1. “Disculpe. ¿còmo llego a ___?”
“Excuse me, how do I get to___?”
Cancun is easy to navigate, but in case you get lost and need directions, grab your city map and a pen and let the natives point you in the right direction.
2. “¿Cuánto cuesta esto?”
“How much does this cost?”
Vacations are about splurging, but everyone travels with a budget so before you say yes, use this phrase. Remember most prices will come in Mexican pesos!
3. “¿Qué hora es?”
“¿What time is it?”
Even if you’re on vacation and have decided to forget about time and dates, you don’t want to miss a bus, tour, or a plane!
4. “No hablo español.”
“I don’t speak Spanish.”
Chances are the person you are speaking with speaks English. Give our Spanish guide a try, but for more complicated things, use this helpful phrase.
5. “¿Dònde queda el baño?”
“Where is the bathroom?”
No matter where you are, this will always be a handy phrase to have around.
6. “¿Qué es esto?”
“What is this?”
In your travels, you will run into many new experiences and things. This phrase will never leave you wondering what that unique Mexican souvenir is or what is in your food.
7. “¿Puede tomarme una foto?”
“Can you take my photo?”
Be ready to pose for those perfect vacation photos you will upload to Facebook. You want to be in some of them, right?
8. “Buenos dìas.” “Good morning.”
/ “Buenas noches.” “Good evening.”
It is a major tradition in Mexico to say good morning, afternoon (and all its variations) to friends, strangers, and even foes.
9. “Muchas gracias.”
“Thank you very much.”
It never hurts to say a heartfelt “thank you” when someone has served you, given you directions, or any amiability.
10. “Disculpe, no lo sabia.”
“Excuse me, I didn’t know.”
It is possible you can make mistakes or break some cultural norm. No problem, just apologize. A variation to this is also “lo siento.” This literally means “I feel it,” but it’s taken as a “sorry.”
11. “¿Cómo se dice…?”
“How do you say…?”
This phrase comes in handy when you’re a fluent speaker or just a curious traveler who wants to learn the language during his travels.
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About the Author
Pamela Acosta is a Mexican travel photographer and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels. Follow Pamela on Twitter.
Top 10 Reasons to Take a Mexico Vacation
There’s no better time to start planning your 2011 vacation than in the beginning of the year during the cool, winter months. With so many tropical, travel places available combined with the over publicity of drug-gang violence in northern Mexico, vacation planning has become more complicated.
Many travel destinations in Mexico are still safe, among them the Yucatan Peninsula in the southernmost part of the country. Mexico is full of cultural attractions and natural wonders that are too good to miss. Consider these top 10 reasons for taking a Mexico vacation:
1.) Cheap Vacation
There has never been a better time in history to vacation in Mexico − despite negative media coverage − without risking your safety. As a result of the worldwide economic crisis, vacation packages in Mexico are at an all-time low, but value is at an all-time high. Affordable rates are now available at luxury resorts and beach hotels throughout Mexico.
2.) Beautiful Beaches
Mexico beaches draw travelers both near and far for their incomparable beauty. From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, Mexican oceans are among the most popular places for tanning, swimming, and practicing water sports because of the waves and warmth. Some of the most exquisite beaches in Mexico are the Caribbean beaches along the Riviera Maya and Cancun coast.
3.) Snorkeling & Diving
The oceans of Mexico contain many fascinating tropical fish and marine life, such as endangered sea turtles and coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Part of the world’s second largest reef − the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System − lies in the Caribbean Sea near Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen. Nearby Punta Nizuc National Marine Park contains an underwater museum which acts as an artificial coral reef for natural reef conservation.
4.) Archaeological Sites & Ruins
Mexico has a long and diverse cultural heritage dating back to Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica with the Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations. Over time, many of their ancient cities were discovered and preserved as archaeological sites now accessible by tour. The Yucatan Peninsula features many incredible Mayan ruins, temples, and pyramids in Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza.
5.) Nature Parks
Natural wonders ranging from mountains and woods to cenotes and rainforests exist in Mexico, but many are diminishing from human development and pollution, making nature conservation and species conservation essential. Mexico’s nature preserves and conservation programs are not only inspirational but also practical, such as Tres Rios Nature Park, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, mangrove reforestation, and sea turtle rescue.
6.) Cuisine & Cocktails
For delicious cuisine, Mexico is the place to go. Authentic Mexican food combines a creative blend of flavors, from sweet-spicy to sour-savory, such as Mole Poblano which contains chocolate and chile. The Yucatan Peninsula’s Yucatecan cuisine is a unique mix of European, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Cuban, and Mayan styles. Mexico’s various types of tequilas are also a tasty treat.
7.) Family Vacation Fun
In a country that officially honors its youth on Children’s Day (El Día Del Niño), April 30th, it has many fun things to do. Most Mexican resorts offer supervised kids’ programs with daily activities for children and families, including beach and water sports. Mexico’s many geological and cultural attractions, such as Xcaret eco park, Xel-Ha, and Xplor adventure park, provide tons of family fun.
8.) Shops & Markets
Variety is the spice of life, and Mexico has both variety and spice. Brimming with diversity from Indian origins, Spanish colonization, and foreign migration, its rich cultural heritage is reflected in traditional Mexican art and Mexican pottery, such as the renowned Talavera. Many cities also contain trendy shopping malls, upscale international boutiques, and authentic jewelry stores.
9.) Mexican Architecture
Mexico’s cultural legacy is reflected in its historic architecture, from ancient Aztec and Mayan temples and pyramids to Spanish colonial cities. Spanish rule influenced a uniquely Mexican style of haciendas, cathedrals, and monuments, found primarily in Merida (Yucatan), Chiapas, Queretaro, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca, with cultural museums and cultural performances throughout Mexico.
10.) The People
The Mexican people are nearly always identified as one of the top reasons why travelers enjoy a Mexico vacation − and for good reason. After centuries of oppression, these resilient people are among the friendliest, most appreciative, helpful, and hospitable in the world. If Disneyland is considered "the happiest place on earth," then Mexico is definitely "the friendliest place on earth."
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism. Follow her on Twitter
The History Behind Paradise: How Cancun was Born
It’s hard to imagine, but there are still many people who haven’t experienced what a fantastic resort town Cancun is. Part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Cancun is rich in cultural influence and ripe with tropical nature.
Cancun before Cancun
Before Cancun became a tourist town and before the Spanish occupation, the Yucatan Peninsula was inhabited and dominated by Mayan civilizations until most of the local sites were abandoned by the15th century. For centuries, this region was mostly wetlands, mangroves, jungles, and virgin beaches. The Maya originally called the area “Kan Kun” meaning den of snakes, golden serpent, and abundant low-lying areas, which later evolved into “Can Cun” by the Spanish.
Cancun − Tourist Resort Town
It wasn’t until 1968 when the Mexican government recognized the potential of this strip of land or peninsula − known as Cancun island − between Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea to grow into a popular tourist destination. Development began immediately, establishing a connection between Cancun island and the Cancun mainland. 
The Cancun resort project began on April 20, 1970, with the construction of many hotels and tourist establishments that would extend across 150 kilometers (93 miles) along the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea, through Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and beyond. The wider region included lush tropical rainforests, cenotes, underground cave systems, white sand beaches, and archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins.
Cancun Centro (Downtown Cancun) 
Cancun was designed in two sections: Cancun city or El Centro (downtown) to the west and the hotel zone or tourist area to the east. Cancun Centro is the part of the city where most residents live and consists of the normal institutions of daily life, such as banks, schools, churches, hospitals, markets, restaurants, foreign consulates, and homes.
Cancun Island (the Hotel Zone) 
The tourist area or hotel zone is east of Cancun Centro on a peninsula that runs between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. This area consists of tours, attractions, and water activities, handicraft shops, classy shopping malls, gourmet restaurants, trendy cafes, fun bars, and popular nightclubs, such as Coco Bongo, among others.
Cancun was first introduced in 1974, the same year that Quintana Roo became an official Mexican state, and welcomed travelers from all over the world. Known as the Mexico Caribbean, Cancun has become one of the most popular tourist destinations with thousands of visitors arriving from the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and of course, Mexico.
Hidden Treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with extraordinary natural wonders, such as Mayan ruins hidden in tropical jungles, white sand beaches, clear blue seas, enchanting cenotes, underground river and cave systems, and endangered plant and animal species. Beyond the resort towns where the Maya Indians once flourished, a tropical world of hidden natural attractions and cultural sites is waiting to be explored. While many are difficult to find, these three hidden treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula are more accessible and worth a visit.
Isla Blanca Beach, Cancun
A delightful escape from the tourist zone, Isla Blanca‘s section of white sand beach and turquoise blue Caribbean Sea is a hidden getaway on the outskirts of Cancun city. If a natural beach without tourist shops and commercial eateries sounds appealing, then Isla Blanca is the perfect getaway. A narrow peninsula with long, white beaches bordering the big blue ocean extends between the Caribbean Sea on one side and Chakmochuk Lagoon on the other.
Although frequented on Sundays, this beach is quite remote and can only be reached by car or taxi. Since no stores or services are available except for a snack shack, bringing a picnic basket with food and drinks is recommended. Located 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) north of Cancun Centro and south of Holbox Island, Isla Blanca beach has ideal wind conditions for kiteboarding and is a favorite place to go boat fishing or fly fishing for Barracuda, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, and Permit.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum
The Riviera Maya has many nature parks, eco parks, and nature reserves, such as Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 after being established in 1986, it is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and the largest protected coastal area in Mexico at 1.3 million acres (or 652,000 hectares). This remote jungle area consists primarily of tropical rainforests, wetlands, the Caribbean Sea, and coral reefs, which make it ideal for fly fishing, snorkeling, and nature tours.
Sian Ka’an is overflowing with biodiversity, including 1,200 plant species, 230 tree species, 345 bird species, 318 butterfly species; and puma, jaguar, manatee, crocodiles, tapir, spider and howler monkeys; hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles; and even 23 Mayan archaeological sites. Located 230 kilometers (143 miles) south of Cancun in the Mayan Zone (Zona Maya) of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is a 2-3 hour drive from Cancun along coastal Highway 307 through the Costa Maya and the jungle.
Cenote Yokdzonot, Yucatan
Thousands of cenotes (natural sinkholes or cavernous wells) exist in the Yucatan Peninsula, containing fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline or clear blue water. Once part of underground rivers and caves whose roofs collapsed, cenotes evolved after thousands of years of geological changes in the earth and are one of four different types: (1) completely below ground, (2) partially below ground, (3) at ground level, or (4) open but below ground level. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, most cenotes reach depths of 5 to 15 meters (16-20 feet).
Yokdzonot Mayan village contains a cenote said to reach depths of 35 meters (115 feet) at its edges, possibly connecting to an underground network of caves and rivers, and is estimated to reach depths of 45 meters (148 feet) at its center. As a sustainable tourism project, Yokdzonot cenote and ecological park were opened by local Mayan women in 2007. Located 300 meters off of old Highway 181, Yokdzonot is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Merida, 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Cancun, and 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor and with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
Summer Photo Contest | The jury and some news
Our photo contest is coming to an end. In a few minutes the finalists for the “I Love Mexico” category and the single winner of the “I Want to Love Mexico” category will be published. As we received numerous photos for the first category, we decided that 5 photos were not enough, so we will be publishing the best 10 photos. And that’s not all; we are giving the prize (5-night stay in Cancun) for the 3 most LIKED photos! Get ready to LIKE your favorite one, and tell your friends to join and LIKE too!
Now, if you are wondering, who those Yucatan Holidays jury members are, let me introduce them:
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Kristin McCollum is a (sexy) travel writer and photographer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her. Follow Kristin on 
I’m Jorge the community manager and destination marketing strategist of Yucatan Holidays. Always on If you have a complaint because your photo wasn’t picked, please, feel free to tweet Pamela and/or Kristin. Good Luck!
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