Mexico offers travellers a tantalising smorgasbord of nature, history, cuisine and culture. Aztec and Mayan archaeological treasures, tequila, charming colonial cities, Mexican food and beach culture, all these features and more make up this tourist and historical hub. The culturally curious will be bowled over by the impressive sites of ancient civilisations that moulded Mexico’s great pre-colonial history. Nature lovers will be in their element on the pristine beaches that stretch along its 10 000 kilometre coastline or exploring the country’s rainforests, mountain peaks and mangrove lagoons. Gourmands gorge on the distinctive and flavourful cuisine that has become famous worldwide.
Located 72 kilometres east of Merida, in southern Mexico’s Yucatan State, Izamal is a historic village known as The Yellow City for its ochre-yellow buildings. The town features incredible Mayan, colonial and modern architecture. The Spanish colonial Convento de San Antonio de Padua is a grand building of arched terraces built on the flattened top of an ancient Mayan pyramid dedicated to the god Itzam Na, a tiny part of what was once a sprawling Mayan city. An incredible sound and light show takes place there regularly which gives insight into the ancient culture. Other highlights include: a wonderful cultural centre selling beautiful local crafts, excellent traditional cuisine, and restored Mayan pyramids, which can be seen as part of a horse-drawn-carriage tour of the city.
Merida, de hoofdstad van de Mexicaanse provincie Yucatan, ligt in de buurt van de Golf van Mexico en de boeiende Pueblos Mágicos (magische steden). Vanwege de geïsoleerde geografische ligging heeft de hoofdstad Yucatan een unieke culturele en politieke identiteit bevorderd. Merida werd gebouwd op de plaats van de oude Maya-stad T'ho, maar veel van de bestaande Maya-piramides werden door de Spanjaarden neergeslagen om de grote koloniale gebouwen te bouwen die je vandaag ziet. De stad is het op een na grootste historische centrum van Mexico, na Mexico-Stad zelf, en heeft een groot aantal trendy musea, kunstgalerijen, restaurants en boetieks. Mis geen bezoek aan de beroemde avenue Paseo de Montejo om de prachtige sculpturen langs de weg te bekijken. De beeldinstallatie verandert elk jaar.
Often overlooked by travellers to the Yucatan peninsula, quiet Campeche offers a plethora of hidden treasures. Pristine, deserted beaches stretch across the coastline; the Tereminos Lagoon offers protection to an abundance of bird and sea life and a day can be spent cruising its mangrove inlets; and the capital of the state is an elegant colonial city. The fortified old town, now a World Heritage Site, was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadores. Bright traditional homes of Andalucían and Caribbean influence line narrow cobbled lanes. Just outside town you’ll find Edzna, an ancient Mayan city, and further afield, the Mayan settlements of Calakmul, Uxul and Xicalango.
Situated in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula southwest of Merida, Santa Rosa is famous for its stately, romantic heritage hotel, the Hacienda Santa Rosa; two intriguing and refreshing cenotes; and the nearby Mayan ruin of the Santa Rosa Xtampak Ruins. Visitors flock to experience the world underground where they can cool off in the waters, snorkel, and marvel at the unusual rock formations. Cenote Tza-Ujun-Kat features a large hole in the ceiling letting in natural light, a bottomless hole, and shallower areas, making it ideal for a family outing. Cenote Santa Rosa is a darker, more mystical location lit up spectacularly by multi-coloured lights. The Hacienda Santa Rosa offers a stunning turquoise pool surrounded by lush, flowering gardens in a 17th century villa. History enthusiasts can marvel at the incredible Santa Rosa Xtampak Ruins nearby, which date back to 300 BC.
Situated to the east of the bustling city of Merida on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula in southeast Mexico, Tixkokob is one of the little Mayan villages dotting this scenic peninsula. Deep in Mayan country, the village is encircled by butterfly-filled tropical jungle and offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Mexico. Visitors can experience a luxury stay at a private hacienda, enjoy cultural day trips, sample delicious traditional cuisine, discover the surrounding colonial villages as well as visit several nature reserves to view an array of indigenous wildlife inhabiting the peninsula.
