Articles with the theme Merida

A Day in Merida | Visit Tips

Merry Merida, Mexico tis merry indeed. Just a hop, skip and short-bus ride away from Mexico’s main tourist regions of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Merida captures the tried-and-true Mexican spirit of colonialism, extremely warm and welcoming people, a thriving culture and regional cuisine that can easily be found on one of many of the city’s street corners.

Merida is not for travelers seeking a beach-resort getaway. To travel to Merida and stay indoors would be an absolute shame. There are just too many beautiful sites to see! From the city’s heart and soul, ‘el zocalo’, walk in any direction to take in the brightly colored-colonial architecture, stop in an antique shop, have a coffee in one of many boutique cafes or restaurants or simply sit and watch as Merida’s culturally-enriched society goes about its day. Fortunately, Merida is located close enough to the Mexico Caribbean that those vacationing there can plan Merida as an overnight trip. So what is there to do in a day in Merida? Lots

Traveler Recommendations

1) Have a seat in one of the cafes that line ‘el zocalo’ and have a traditional tea, hibiscus tea, or as its known in Latin America tea de Jamaica. It’s a great way to take in the local flavor while observing the city surroundings.

2) Brush up on Mexican history and visit the top floor of the municipal building. There is no need to know Spanish; here Mexico’s major historical events are depicted in paintings.

3) Go to an antique store. Mexico’s history dates long before the existence of the United States and Canada. Imagine the historical significance of some of the country’s antiques.

4) Support sustainability and buy a jipijapa (pronounced Hippy Hoppa) hat directly from Mayan vendors. If jipijapa isn’t your thing, there are many other purchasing options such as jewelry and hammocks.

5) Just walk or hop on a bike…you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest and people that will help you find your way.

Some of the things you’ll see

Have you been to Merida? What do you like most of the “White City”? Please share your thoughts 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.

Food Creations of the Yucatan: Top 3 Mexican Recipes

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is Mayan country and that means all kinds of fascinating surprises, from ancient Mayan pyramids and tropical jungles to sacred cenotes and succulent food. Consisting of three Mexican states − Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo (home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya) − the peninsula has a colorful history with an impressive cultural mix making it an extraordinary place to visit.

Mayan Roots

For about 2,000 years, the Maya dominated an expansive region, including the Yucatan Peninsula, with their influential empire until the Spanish invasion of 1519. After Mexican independence from Spain in 1821, the Mayan territories were divided between various countries. Mexico retained the Republic of Yucatan, which comprised the Mexican states of Yucatan (achieving statehood in 1824), Campeche (in 1863), and Quintana Roo (in 1974).

As a primarily agricultural society supplemented by hunting and fishing, the Maya cultivated such foods as corn, beans, avocados, chile peppers, squash, guava, papaya, tomatoes, other fruits and seeds. They also discovered cacao and created a drink called "xocolatl" (chocolate). Their significant contributions clearly extend beyond mathematics, astronomy, architecture, language, and art to include the culinary arts.

Multicultural Influences

The multicultural presence of today’s Yucatan Peninsula has considerably influenced Mayan food, which was initially simple, peasant cooking with a diet consisting of mostly corn, eggs, fish, shellfish, and black beans. Evolving from foods and spices introduced to the Maya through trade and migration, Yucatecan cuisine is an exotic blend of Spanish, French, Lebanese, Cuban, Caribbean, and of course, Mexican and Mayan flavors.

Many traditional Mexican foods originated from the Maya, such as tamales and tortillas, but the following Yucatecan recipes have that extra special touch. Instead of just cooking, consider the Mayan way: Their sacred book, Popol Vuh, says that man was created from white and yellow corn cobs, which is why they believe ‘creating’ with food honors the gods.

Top 3 Mexican Recipes

  #1. Tikin Xic (pronounced "teekin sheek") − Grilled Fish

Ingredients:

White fish fillets (6)
Achiote* paste, 18 ounces

Epazote** herb stems (6) or 1 teaspoon dried, chopped epazote

Sour orange juice, 1 cup
Whole white onions (2), sliced
Whole green peppers (2), sliced
Tomatoes (3), sliced

Banana leaves (6)

Instructions:

Marinate fish in achiote and orange juice with tomato, onion, and green pepper slices for 1-3 hours. Then lay each fillet on a banana leaf, baste with olive oil, season with epazote, and cover with tomato, onions, and peppers. Wrap each fillet in a banana leaf and grill on both sides for 5 minutes, or bake wrapped in foil at 350° Fahrenheit (177° Celsius) for 40 minutes. Serve with rice and purple onion slices marinated in olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme.

* Achiote paste: a marinade of slightly bitter, earthy flavored red annatto seeds, spices, and tomato.

** Epazote (Skunkweed): a pungent, slightly bitter herb with a hint of lemon flavor.

Both can be obtained at Mexican grocery stores.

#2. Sikil Pa’ak − Toasted Pumpkin Seed Dip

Ingredients:

Roasted tomatoes (3)
Roasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), 1 cup
Roasted large white onion, 1/2 sliced
Roasted, seeded habanero chile (1), may substitute jalapeno or Serrano chiles for less heat
Fresh cilantro leaves, 1 handful
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Roast the tomatoes, onion, and chile on the grill or griddle. Roast the pumpkin seeds in a heavy skillet, stirring often to prevent burning, and remove when brown. Place the pumpkin seeds in a blender or food processor, and grind until fine. Add the roasted tomatoes, onion, chile, and cilantro, and blend into a smooth, thick paste. Salt to taste. Serve with corn chips and fried or toasted tortillas, or use as a sauce on chicken and tacos.

#3. Mayan Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

Milk, 4 cups

Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup

Flour, 1 teaspoon

Brown sugar, 1/4 cup

Crushed cloves (3)

Nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon

Cinnamon stick (1), broken in small pieces

Dried, crushed chile peppers, 1/4 teaspoon

Powdered confectioner’s sugar, 2 teaspoons

Vanilla extract, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons

Corn starch (optional)

Instructions:

In a double boiler, heat milk on medium-to-low heat. Sift the cocoa powder and flour together, and add only enough milk to make a paste. Add the brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and dried chile to the paste. Mix paste with the hot milk, stirring frequently to prevent burning. For a thicker consistency, gradually add corn starch. Once smoothly blended, remove the floating spices with a slotted spoon. Then add vanilla and powdered sugar. Stir and sip.

After creating these delicious recipes, tell us how you liked them.

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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.

Cancun – The Pleasure’s All Mayan

 by Sharon Drechsler

CEO and president of Cancun-based tour and excursion-providers, Yucatán Holidays, Erika Garcia is pretty excited: “We just learned that Orbitz has listed Cancun as the number one, top global destination!” she exclaims.

“Earlier in May, Cancun had already been listed in the Orbitz Index as second of ‘Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations for 2010,” adds Jesus Almaguer, director of the city’s visitors bureau. This comes as no surprise to Cancun’s Secretariat of Tourism Dario Flota. “We survey the 6 million visitors per year here all the time who say they’ve had unforgettable vacations,” he says. “Visitors from all over the world return to Cancun year after year. And they tell us they feel 100 percent confident about security throughout their stay.”

I know Flota feels the need to mention security due to recent negative press concerning border unrest. But with the tender care afforded us by a special security unit assigned solely to assist tourists, I felt more comfortable than at home! Plus, where else in the world can you find such perfect ingredients for an ideal holiday? Unspoiled, white-sand beaches; warm, Caribbean climate; exceptional hospitality…. Check. But wait. There’s more! “Sure, most of Yucatán Holidays’ guests are coming for a beach vacation,” says Garcia. “But with our vacations, they have so many additional options! You should see a kid snorkeling over the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the longest reef on the continent. Or talk to a couple after they’ve gotten out into the community, learned about the history of the Mayan people and viewed how we live today.”

“I can’t tell you how many people have told me this trip has changed their lives! One couple called me the other day and said, ‘Erika, we can’t go home yet!’” laughs Garcia. “I told them to relax; we can help them.” “Yucatán Holidays makes it easy to add on days to their stay. We do what it takes to protect our resort clients’ interests. With us, their special guests never need to go online, call another resort provider or a travel agent.” The Yucatán Peninsula has supported a sophisticated level of civilization since as early as 1,000 B.C. “We’ve found that visitors want to explore the local history, culture and heritage,” she adds. “Yucatán Holidays is the first local tour provider to incorporate our rich heritage into a sustainable tourism portfolio.”

One of their steps in meeting this commitment is to partner with an alternative tourism agency called Kanché. “Visitors interested in science and nature can take a Kanché tour through protected jungles and mangrove forests and learn about the fascinating history and culture of the region,” adds Garcia. “We are a major supporter of this non-profit, non-governmental group.”

But this is just one layer of the Yucatán Holidays onion I peeled back on a recent trip there. Fresh off the plane, my first stop is to Ocean Spa Hotel in the heart of Cancun.

Day 1: Sensations massage, sensational meal
After checking in, I am treated to an 80-minute-long Sensations massage that turns me into pliable puddles of joy. Lia at Ocean Spa Hotel’s Ya’ax Ché spa uses four different techniques including acupressure, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and body stretching – decidedly therapeutic – to send me to a different plane. Soon I’m humming a restful “Om.”

The next morning I visit the buffet table of the all-inclusive Ocean Spa Hotel’s indoor/outdoor restaurant, where I make the day’s toughest decision: Should I go native with Mexican-styled refried beans, huevos rancheros and tortillas or stick to a made-to-order omelet? Instead, I opt to sample one of the Ocean Spa’s juice therapy concoctions. Wellness is a common theme at Ocean Spa, from activities promoting exercise to restorative spa treatments and healthy food choices. The menu promises that my choice, the ‘Purify,’ an elixir of pineapple, lime, pear, kiwi and even a touch of cactus and parsley leaves, will rid me of unwanted toxins. It sounds perfect.

Thus detoxed, I believe I’m ready for the resort’s morning Latin dance class. Along with several other women and one brave fellow, we all cha-cha, hip-swivel and shimmy through an hour of salsa, bachata, merengue and mambo. (Relax. It isn’t as hard as it sounds.)

Later in the evening, my Yucatán Holidays pals and I attend an impressive evening show at the Hacienda Andalucía. An old-time hacienda that’s been converted into an equestrian venue is a weekly draw for locals and tourists alike. While we enjoy a truly sumptuous buffet, we are entertained by Mexican folk singers and dancers. After we’re suitably fortified, we watch the show as horseback riders demonstrate their skills, balancing precariously on their galloping steeds while performing intricately choreographed feats.

Hacienda Tres Ríos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
“What is your favorite resort in Mexico?” the couple from Pennsylvania asks when they hear how much I travel. There is no hesitation on my part, “This one!” By my second day, I am checked into the five-star Hacienda Tres Ríos, an all-inclusive, luxury hotel located on the edge of 326 acres of jungle and mangrove forest and bordering a strand of beach on the Gulf of Mexico in the Riviera Maya.

I dare any top-rated hotel, anywhere, to beat Tres Ríos for luxury. It would be tough. Plush bedding, tastefully decorated suites, fine amenities, extraordinary service and haute cuisine – Tres Ríos is ready for royalty, Mayan or simply mine. Not to mention, the property was the first-ever purpose-built green resort in all of Mexico and is held to be the model of sustainability, earning top awards from Green Globe, the World Travel Awards and others. (Based in Los Angeles, Green Globe sponsors independently-audited certification that supports Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, an agreed upon international standard for the sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.)

Maybe Hacienda Tres Ríos means endless luxury in Mayan?
On a tour of the hotel’s kitchen, award-winning Chef Oscar Orbe shows us how he keeps his seven operations (plus room service) running at top efficiency. We tour through a sparklingly clean, climate-controlled, glass paneled facility as Orbe points out the prodigious division of pastry, salads, sides, meat, poultry and fish. Preparation of each of these is compartmentalized in rooms that surround and pump completed masterpieces into a final plating area that fairly hums with activity. (And, speaking of humming, Norah Jones’ gentle tones are piping throughout the hundreds of square feet of kitchen. Happy people/happy food.)

As in all things ‘Tres Ríos,’ careful planning has contributed to a health-oriented kitchen that’s won notice from the likes of Travel Weekly and Travel Age West. The resulting menus and buffets present diners with an endless variety of healthy choices. Guests are encouraged to experiment with their food selections, much like early hunters and gatherers – ‘molecular gourmet’ cuisine, if you will. Endless luxury is taking time to relish each bite. My friend and I are seated in the kitchen, Italian style, for our reserved private service at the Chef’s Table. While the eating establishments throughout Hacienda Tres Ríos are part of an all-inclusive system, you can reserve a special VIP seating here through the concierge.

Mentally, we gird our loins as three elegantly-dressed starters to a nine-course spread begin to appear in rapid-fire succession. First is a crispy shrimp cake, followed by tender filets of venison and tuna sashimi. Main courses follow: lobster, lamb and beef tenderloin carbonara. Like we could handle it by this time, the piece de resistance is a molten chocolate, phyllo dough basket filled with mamey (similar to passion fruit) sorbet and topped with caramel and chocolate-covered raspberries.

A Mayan view of nature
The next day finds me on the eco-friendly Jaguar Tour exploring the philosophy of Tres Ríos Nature Park – an immense nature preserve supporting 90 species of animals and 120 plant species. The resort has made ecological history by successfully reforesting mangroves, palms and other flora. We get a close-up look at how it’s done at the property’s own nursery where they plant palm trees, mangroves, herbs for the kitchen and other plants and flowers to repopulate the grounds. During planting season, a personal concierge can schedule an opportunity for you to learn how to replant one of these incredible trees and earn a certificate for your contribution.

There are 10 cenotes, or sinkholes, and three rivers. (Oh, as in tres ríos, do you think?) After being assured this one is crocodile-free, we take a plunge in its brackish water and later kayak down one of the rivers. Next, Yucatán Holidays has me signed up for the Sub See Explorer & Snorkel adventure at Aquaworld. Located on the main drag in Cancun, the venue offers everything from scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing, to swimming in Isla Mujeres. I am dutifully garbed in a bathing suit with a light pair of shorts and t-shirt, plus plenty of sun block. First from a glass-bottomed boat and later while snorkeling, we feel truly privileged to spend a day exploring the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. We pass coral garden after garden and see schools of angelfish, damsels, parrotfish, rabbitfish, wrasse and the occasional sea turtle. After swimming, sun and surf, the next day’s itinerary is distinctly inland…I mean, truly “in” land. Four years ago, a landowner was chasing an armadillo, which led him to unearth a rocky entrance to an underground cavern. His discovery, Río Secreto, turned out to be the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula. While most caves in the region are completely submerged and only accessible by scuba diving, this one is only partially filled by water.

Garbed in ‘shorty’ wetsuits, helmets and reef shoes, we follow as our guide Pablo explains how ancient Mayan priests and leaders would take hallucinogens, enter the darkest parts of the cavern and meditate in the watery dark. As we haltingly tread its Stygian depths, it’s like a mausoleum of those ancients. You can visualize a warrior donning the skin of a jaguar to become invisible, over here. Over there, a priest with a headdress of Quetzal feathers is placing offerings before a shrine.

The spiritual side of Mexico
Our trip west from the state of Quintana Roo to Yucatán’s capital city, Mérida, over featureless jungle-filled flatlands, induces us to snooze in the back seat. We apparently pass through a time warp and awaken several hundred years in the past to find ourselves in the region’s colonial period; only three hours later and we’re in the early 1900s! As we drive down the main boulevard, Avenida Montejo, we ogle dozens of elaborate turn-of-the-century mansions. We visit the city hall – Mérida Palacio Municipal – to view impressive murals relating the Mayan struggle for freedom.

Finally, it’s time for dinner at La Chaya Maya, just before being famished turns into really being famished. Fortunately, we arrive on the early side – 8 o’clock. Very soon waiters are scrambling to bring us lime soup, roast chicken-topped tostados called panuchos and the Mayan version of a corndog, joroches. By the time we finish, the line is almost out the door.

We’re pretty proud of ourselves for having beaten the crowd and head back to our abode for the night – a  contemporary, boutique hotel housed in a beautifully renovated hacienda, the Hacienda Sacnicte just outside Mérida. Hipsters of the ilk of Sting, The Police and others have rented this exclusive hideaway. Owned by an Italian architect and his wife, the two have remodeled the 17th century stone manse into an unforgettably serene vacation home to which Yucatan Holidays has access.

Here, they have restored the massive, centuries-old stone remnants of the home and outbuildings of landed Spanish gentry, reverently intermixing antiquities with the contemporary. We ogled all six of the boutique hotel’s suites with their 20-plus-foot-high ceilings, admiring the eclectic décor and noting the designer’s acute attention to detail. Bathrooms are enormous caverns with stonecrafted spigots and huge, sunken stone tubs under open sky. Bedrooms are quiet temples of muted colors with beds swathed in fine linen and walls adorned with unique contemporary art.

A continuous theme of spirituality threads throughout my visit to this part of Paradise and is tied into a bow (or maybe a love knot) in Izamal. Pope John Paul II paid a visit here in 1993 to beg forgiveness for the Church’s wrong doings throughout Latin America. In his honor, Izamal’s buildings are painted Vatican-yellow. Bicycle driven pedicabs and horse-drawn buggies trace streets encircling the Convent de San Antonio de Padua, the first church to have been completed in Mexico in 1549.

Yucatán Holidays’ slogan, “The Power of Paradise,” is appropriate in a multitude of ways, not the least of which is signified by hundreds of ancient Mayan ruins dating from the years 300 to 900 AD. We decide to save the most famous, Chichen Itza, for another day. Instead, we visit Tulum, a collection of lofty stone remains cresting a craggy, 39-foot-high cliff that has shot up out of the Caribbean Sea. Looking down at turquoise and azure waters from this promontory puts me in a worshipful mood.

I’m reminded of all the ways my Yucatán Holidays adventure has touched me. Yes, they’ve all been powerful…uplifting spiritually, engaging experientially. But visitors may need to hurry! According to experts, the Mayan calendar ends in 2012. I pay a parting visit to the ever-gracious Erika Garcia who embraces me and tells me, “Mi casa es su casa. Bring your husband next time and stay longer!”

Original Article: Perspective Magazine

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About the Author

Sharon Drechsler (DrechslerCommunications.com), lives aboard a Catalina 470 sailboat, S/V Last Resort, which is currently moored in Los Angeles, California. In addition to operating a public relations firm, Drechsler has recently co-launched SocialMediaServicing.com, content-providers for clients engaged in online networking.

Dreams Come True in Yucatan

by Paola Sofia Moreno

Why pick Yucatan for your next vacation trip?
I’ll tell you why…
Yucatan has everything for any kind of traveler.
Let me put it this way…… Your dreams come true in Yucatan.
From the simplest backpacker get-away trip to the most luxurious livable experience, unique for the endless adventurer and enchanting for the most demanding taste; Yucatan is for all and for everyone that craves for that unique escape that will stay in your mind and your heart for ever.

Whether you are looking for colonial architecture, walking down the most beautiful street in Merida City (Paseo Montejo) or visiting Valladolid City and getting transported to that colonial time, you will be able to taste a piece of Mexico’s history, or even way back in time, because you are more attracted to one of the most advanced pre-Hispanic cultures, the Maya and their majestic architecture which will astound with its ruins from the coast in Tulum, through all the Yucatan Peninsula, with endless archeological sites to be visited. Guided by experts, you will walk through the time and era of the Mayas.

Perhaps you are looking for a culinary experience? Picture unimaginable exquisite flavors, unique in ethnicity and preparation, from a little palapa in the beach to the most sophisticated restaurant, the variety is out there.
But maybe you are just awed by the most amazing nightlife and endless fun and party with live shows, exclusive night clubs and wide variety of contemporary music in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Or maybe, just maybe, you are just like me, and just can’t get enough of Yucatan: from its white sand beaches to the natural reserves such as Sian Ka’an, from the mystical cenotes (sinkholes) like Dzitnup and underground caves (Balankanche), Yucatan is all of this and much more for you and I to discover.

 

About the Author

Paola Sofia Moreno Ordorica AKA Sofia Quast is a 32 year old Mexican Biologist is passionate about outdoors and travelling around the world. She enjoys good food, good wine and good company and loves long walks with her husband.

Travel Writers’ Quest | Vote for your favorite.

The second phase of the Yucatan Holidays Travel Writers’ Quest has begun and now that we have chosen the 20 finalists it’s YOUR turn to help these superb writers and bloggers win a 5-day / 4-night Cancun vacation. What do you have to do? It’s very easy:

A) Go to the Yucatan Holidays Facebook Page. If you are not a “LIKER” (formerly, a FAN), please, go ahead and LIKE our page

B) Then, take a look at our wall and scroll down to the 20 notes from the finalists OR go to the NOTES tab on the upper part of the Facebook page and read the travel articles.

C) Click the “LIKE” button on the bottom of the selected note and feel free to leave a comment.

There are some amazing articles and stories! Don’t hesitate to take a look at some of them! Remember, the number of "LIKES" will determine the winners and also the three lucky travel writers that will be published in our GUIDEBOOK.

Here are the names and titles of the 20 finalist entries:

1. The Passion of the Art in Playa del Carmen by Kirsten Alana
2. The Oldest Mexican Fishing Village by Martin Christopher
3. ‘Twas the Night Before Mexico by Tonya Mitchell
4. A Confined Lane to Secret Beaches by Kay Walten
5. Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen with My Mom by Angelines Villarreal
6. Nothing Can Compare to When You Visit by David Vance
7. Mexico: Beauty, Magic, Hospitality by Nicki Laycoax
8. Dreams Come True in Yucatan by Paola Sofia Quast
9. Yucatan Enchantment by Matthew Long
10. Finding Love in Mexico by Stacey Marcus
11. The Magnificence of the Pyramid of the Magician by Samantha Morley
12. Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen: A favorite in the Riviera Maya by Joshua Hinsdale
13. Hidden treasure in the Riviera Maya: Paamul by Susie Albin-Najera
14. World-Class Meets World Heritage by John C. Jack Tyler
15. Adventures are Awaitin’ by Sarah Dowdy
16. The Quest for the Riviera Maya by Isabelle Kenis
17. In Search of Yucatan’s Heavenly Hammocks by Nancy Birnbaum
18. Merida: A dream of Paradise by Dianne Avery
19. You Can Do It All or Nothing At All by Stephanie Diehl
20. Uxmal and The Ruta Puuc by Jillian R. Bedell

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part One

Although the white sand beaches and blue turquoise oceans of Cancun draw thousands of visitors each year, this corner of the world has a few more hidden treasures in the depth of the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The mysticism of the Mayan culture is combined with the architectural beauty and cultural history left behind by the Spanish conquistadores, making these colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula a jewel worth discovering.

We must visit the enchanting city of Merida, Yucatan. This architectural and cultural gem only 4 hours away from Cancun was built on the remains of a Mayan town called T’ho—“city of the five hills,” which refers to five pyramids. It is now the capitol of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The stunning richness of its architecture makes it the second largest historic center of any city in the Americas, surpassed only by Mexico City. For a brief period of time, the city of Merida was said to house more millionaires than any city in the world. This wealth left its mark in the city where large, gorgeous colonial homes line the city streets. The elaborate, detailed homes form the Paseos de Montejo, a long avenue that has been transformed in a major tourist attraction with restaurants and bars along its corridors. Merida is also a cultural magnet where art and culture play an important role in the day to day life of citizens and tourists alike. The White City, as it is often referred, combines a rich historical background with a vivid cultural life, which is only made better by the praiseworthy hospitality and warmth of the Yucatecos.

Before we reach Merida, first we need to stop in Valladolid, Yucatan. This small, beautiful colonial town was built with the same stones of a Mayan town called Zaci after it was dismantled to build this 16^th Century city. This historical quality bares significant symbolism because approximately 300 years after its foundation, the city was the battle ground for the Caste War of Yucatan. The war was ignited with the revolt of native Mayans of Yucatan against the population of European descent who had political and economical control at the time. Valladolid also houses two large cenotes Zaci and Dzitnup. Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is also located 28 miles from Valladolid. About 20 minutes north of the city, is another impressive Mayan archeological site called Ek Balam. Another must-see is the 16th century San Bernadino Convent. The historical ties that bind ancient Mayan civilizations, to modern Mayans, to the Spanish and Mexican history become truly alive in Valladolid with the brightly colored colonial buildings, the Mayan women who sell their crafts in front of the cathedral downtown, and the Mayan ruins sitting in the abundant, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A brief stop must be made in the small city of Izamal, Yucatan, which was declared a “Pueblo Magico”—or “Magic Town” in 2002. Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 3 hours from Cancun, the city is also called “The Yellow City” for most of its buildings are painted in yellow. It is also known as “The City of Hills” for its landscape. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of the city once formed part of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization where more than 163 important Mayan ruins have been found. One of the most important attractions in the city of Izamal is the large Franciscan Monastery that sits on top of a mayor Mayan pyramid. Completed in 1561, the atrium of the Monastery was second in size only to that at the Vatican. Despite its strong ties to the Mayan civilization, Izamal is now a major pilgrimage within Yucatan for the veneration of Roman Catholic saints. However, the Mayan culture continues to have a strong influence in the town as the majority of people consider Maya their first language and most signs are both in Spanish and Mayan. A third name is given to Izamal—“City of Three Cultures”—as a combination of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern architecture, religion, art, and customs make Izamal truly unique and picturesque.

Our next stop—but certainly not the last—is the state of Campeche, lying just south-east of the Mexican Republic next to the state of Yucatan. Besides the city of Campeche—which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—the state is also the home to several other small, important cities and many Mayan ruins. Campeche as a whole is distinctly painted with the rich and vivid colors of a constant celebration of tradition, history, and the love of the arts. Several cultural festivals—including the annual Carnival of Campeche—enrich the streets of this important state where art and tradition collide. In a celebration of life, Campechanos and their guests participate in parades, activities, and attractions that breathe happiness and ease into city life. Like many colonial historic centers in Mexico, Campeche’s streets are surrounded by the strong historical influence of the Spanish while at the same time preserving the strong ties to the Mayan civilization. The brightly-colored homes rich in architectural detail make it seem as if the walls of museums and art galleries have spilled unto the streets.

Mexico is a country that is alive with a strong sense of tradition and history drawing from both the indigenous civilizations that first arrived to the territory and the Spanish influence that governs much of the culture today. These colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula are a true testament to the strong bonds that make Mexico so colorful, unique, and a pleasure to explore. Discover what is waiting for you in the Mexico Caribbean with Yucatan Holidays.

Stay tuned for the second part of our series as we explore the Yucatan Peninsula.

Chichen Itza and the Spring Equinox | Yucatan Holidays

Visit Chichen Itza next March 21st to witness the magic of the Spring Equinox.

Seen in different indigenous cultures throughout Mesoamerica as a feathered snake, Kukulkan, will make its descend on the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula this March 21^st during the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

Kukulkan–or Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec tradition–represents a mystical deity surrounded by a number of legends and stories. In the Yucatan Peninsula, Kukulkan ruled over Chichen Itza during the 10^th Century.

One of the many legends that surround the feathered snake is that of Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs who arrived to the Yucatan Peninsula after he was exiled from the Toltec capitol of Tula. After promising the Aztecs to return, he arrived on a bed of snakes to rule the Mayans of the Gulf of Mexico.

Every year, thousands of people travel to Chichen Itza—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—to witness the symbolic descent of the deity. This incredible example of the Mayan’s architectural intelligence is created when the sunlight bathes the western part of the pyramid’s main stairway. Seven isosceles triangles are formed and compose the body of the 37 yard-long serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. Kukulkan—the feathered snake—descends twice a year during the spring and autumn equinox.

An equinox occurs when the sun, in its orbit around the earth, passes directly over the Earth’s equator making the length of daylight and evening hours equal. The word equinox is derived from the Latin word for equal “aequus” and “nox” meaning night. The fall equinox happens on September 22. The snake descends from around March 19^th to the 23^rd, but its effects are most dramatic on the actual day of the equinox.

The Mayan archeological zone, Chichen Itza (on April 3rd, Elton John will be performing live from there.) is composed of a number of Mayan ruins, the most prominent and famous being El Castillo or the grand pyramid.

Kukulkan’s pyramid was built for astronomical purposes. The staircase on all four sides is made of 91 steps on each side totaled with the last step on top equal the 365 days in a solar year. The event is the most dramatic display of Mayan astronomical knowledge encoded into architecture.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience only has a 72-year time window—from 1976 to 2048—so book your vacation with Yucatan Holidays to witness the spring equinox in Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza International Airport

Few people know it, but besides the Cancun and Merida international airports, there is another “doorway” to the Mayan world.  This one is much more closer, actually.  Just 17 kilometers from the renowned archaeological site by the same name, Chichen Itza International Airport is located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.  With a 2.8-kilometer long and 45-meter wide runway, it has a control tower, plus a rescue and fire-control center.  Besides this, the airport is equipped with up-to-date facilities and is able to receive any type of aircraft.

Although it was closed in 2000 due to inactivity, the airport was opened again providing all services and new installations for the superb concert of the tenor, Placido Domingo, on 2008.  Some political, economical, and medical (the H1N1 hysteria) issues have unfortunately affected this hidden, yet well-located airfield.  Presently, it’s only receiving some local charter flights from Cancun, Cozumel, and Merida, but it is expected to start functioning on an international basis soon.  Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and the USA are some of the countries that may have direct flight connections to this region with one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico.

Airport Photos: Diana Eugenia

View Chichen Itza International Airport in a larger map

Yucatan Holidays & Sarah Brightman in Chichen Itza

We are only ten days away from the once-in-a-lifetime event: the British soprano Sarah Brightman, one of the most important in the world is performing for 5,000 lucky attendees at the Mayan ancient city of Chichen Itza, today one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and we can make you a part of it.  We’ve designed 4 different packages for you to live this moment and share it with your partner, your family or your friends. Let Yucatan Holidays to bring you closer

Sarah Brightman Hacienda Tres Rios VIP

• 2 VIP Platinum section tickets for the Sarah Brightman concert.
• Welcome Cocktail
• 3 days/ 2 nights All Inclusive in the Eco-Friendly / Endless Luxury Hacienda Tres Rios Resort in the Riviera Maya.
• Transportation from/to the concert
• Taxes

$2,110.00 USD

TO RESERVE THIS PACKAGE CALL US:

1 800 658 3141

OR SEND AN EMAIL

 

Sarah Brightman Hacienda Tres Rios

• 2 tickets in Yellow section for the Sarah Brightman concert.
• 3 days/ 2 nights All Inclusive in the Eco-Friendly / Endless Luxury Hacienda Tres Rios Resort in the Riviera Maya.
• Transportation from/to the concert
• Taxes

$1,187.00 USD

TO RESERVE THIS PACKAGE CALL US:

1 800 658 3141

OR SEND AN EMAIL

Sarah Brightman Ocean Spa Hotel VIP

• 2 VIP Platinum section tickets for the Sarah Brightman concert.
• 3 days/ 2 nights All Inclusive in the Ocean Spa Hotel in Cancun
• Transportation from/to the concert
• Taxes

$1,773.00 USD

TO RESERVE THIS PACKAGE CALL US:

1 800 658 3141

OR SEND AN EMAIL

 

Sarah Brightman Ocean Spa Hotel

• 2 tickets in Yellow section for the Sarah Brightman concert.
• 3 days/ 2 nights All Inclusive in the Ocean Spa Hotel in Cancun
• Transportation from/to the concert
• Taxes

$850.00 USD

TO RESERVE THIS PACKAGE CALL US:

1 800 658 3141

OR SEND AN EMAIL