• Journey Mexico : Destinations : Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula

Covering three states, Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, the Yucatan Peninsula is among the most diverse in the hemisphere. With its eastern border complimented by the Caribbean Sea (the Mayan Riviera), the Yucatán Peninsula possesses ancient ruins, rain forests, underground caves, colonial cities, offshore islands with luxury resorts, and natural wonders that will satisfy even the most seasoned travelers. Bordering Belize and Guatemala, the Yucatan Peninsula maintains its close Maya ties, observed in its inhabitants dress, language, religion and cuisine. Until as late as the mid-1900’s, the Yucatan Peninsula was largely a cattle ranching, logging, chicle and henequen—crops used to make rope. Since the fall of the world henequen and chicle markets due to the production of synthetic rope substitutes, the Yucatan Peninsula has redefined its economy towards tourism. The peninsula is spotted with old plantations, “haciendas,” that were once the production centers for some of the country’s most profitable crops. Many of these haciendas have been converted into hotels, museums and tourist sites.

• Mérida- The major colonial establishment on the peninsula, known as T’hó to the ancient Maya, Merida offers a stark contrast to the seemingly untamed heartland of several ancient civilizations. The narrow streets and shady parks provide a feeling of the old-world, as horses and cars traverse the cobblestone streets.
• Campeche- Also the capital of the state of Campeche, the city itself boasts many restored buildings and colonial structures that helped it to become a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
• Maya Ruins- Housing some of the most finely restored ruins in world, the Yucatán Peninsula contains ruins still covered in dense jungle, waiting to reveal new hidden mysteries. Those unearthed offer a glimpse into the ancient Maya world as you walk in the footsteps of civilizations past.
• Henequen Haciendas- These haciendas, several now converted into luxury hotels, have become attractions themselves as they offer glimpses of what were once operational henequen plantations in the grand style and tradition of the period.