Best of Yucatan

Cancun è una splendida località turistica situata sulla costa caraibica del Messico. Con le sue lunghe spiagge di sabbia bianca, le acque cristalline del Mar dei Caraibi e il clima caldo e soleggiato tutto l'anno, Cancun è diventata una destinazione molto popolare per le vacanze al mare. Oltre alle attività in spiaggia, Cancun offre anche una vasta gamma di attrazioni, tra cui antiche rovine Maya, parchi tematici, negozi di lusso e vita notturna animata.

Chetumal is a city located in the southeastern part of Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula region, near the border with Belize. It is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo. The city is situated on the shores of Chetumal Bay, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is a relatively small city, with a population of around 150,000 inhabitants. Chetumal has a rich cultural history, with strong Maya and Caribbean influences. The city was founded in 1898 as a port for the export of timber and has continued to develop as a commercial center for the surrounding region. The city has several museums, including the Museum of Maya Culture, which houses a vast collection of artwork and artifacts from the ancient Maya civilization. The city is also home to the University of Quintana Roo and the Palacio de Gobierno, the seat of the state government. Chetumal is also a starting point for exploring the natural attractions of the region, including the ancient Maya ruins of Calakmul and the biosphere reserves of Sian Ka'an and Banco Chinchorro. The city is also a popular shopping and dining destination, with numerous restaurants offering local and international dishes.

Chicanná rises in the southern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It belongs to the State of Campeche, located in the Rio Bec region – an area literally brimming with archaeological sites. Chicanná takes advantage of the natural elevation found in the region so structures seem higher. Its ruins were discovered as late as in 1976. One of its highlights is the stucco mask that is very likely to depict the Mayan solar deity.

Palenque, at the heart of the forest, is considered the most beautiful Maya city state of the Archaic period. Excavation brought to light just a minor portion of this huge site; however, the magnificence of what has been dug out will inevitably leave the beholder speechless, awestruck at the splendour of this ancient religious and military centre. The civilisation of Palenque was outstandingly advanced in terms of architecture and engineering, and its artistic refinement was unmatched in the Pre-Columbian world. One example of this are the grave goods of Pakal, discovered in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route from Palenque to Campeche crosses a region of great natural beauty and rich history in the state of Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. From Palenque, famous for its jungle-immersed Maya ruins, the journey proceeds northwest through breathtaking tropical landscapes and picturesque rural villages. Continuing northwest, the landscape opens up to the plains of the Yucatán, with its stretches of tropical vegetation and coastal marshes. Along the way, one can stop in cities like Campeche, known for its charming historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can stroll along the ancient city walls, admire the colonial architecture, and savor the local cuisine in the traditional restaurants of the main square. Campeche – whose name is derived from the Maya name of “Ah-Kin-Pech”, “the place of snakes and ticks” – is a colonial seaside town, with matte-painted houses and massive walls built around the port: in the 17th century it used to be a sitting target to French, Dutch and English pirates. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey from Campeche to Mérida offers an experience through the Yucatán region, characterized by a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From Campeche, a colonial city rich in charm and historical heritage, you head towards Mérida, the lively capital of Yucatán. The route traverses varied landscapes, from ancient Maya ruins to lush tropical forests, with picturesque villages along the way. Along the route, you can make a stop at Uxmal, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, to explore the majestic pyramids and complex Maya temples. Arriving in Mérida, you immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city, with its streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, bustling squares, and traditional markets. Mérida is renowned for its cuisine, so be sure to sample local delicacies like cochinita pibil and pollo pibil. During the journey from Campeche to Mérida, you may come across a variety of attractions, including crystalline cenotes, historic haciendas, and traditional Maya communities. The capital of the Yucatán, Merida is a colonial town, full of pleasant parks and humming streets, and lively with its several open air concerts and its rich craft market. Stop off at the main square, overlooked by the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo.