From Wikitravel

Yucatán is a state in the western part of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico. To the east is Quintana Roo State, home of Cancun and Cozemel. It is where the Chicxulub Crater is located, buried underneath the Peninsula. Experts say that this crater which dates back approx 65 million years from the Earth's collision with a meteorite, is implicated with the extinction of the dinosoars. In the late 1800’s Henequen cactus was the “green gold’’ of Yucatan and was responsible for much of the wealth of Yucatan. Henequen made Yucatan into one of Mexico’s richest States. Today, one can still visit some of the henequen producing haciendas that reflect this wealth.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Cities

• Mérida - the state capital
• Cuzamá - home of three beautiful cenotes
• Izamal
• Motul - Pueblito, origin of the "Huevos Motuleños"
• Puerto Morelos - beach resort town
• Progreso - Port City on Gulf of Mexico with seafood and beaches.
• Valladolid

[edit] Other destinations

• Chichen Itza
• Ek Balam [1]
• Lol-Tun - an underground cave system, two hours south of Merida [2]
• Uxmal

[edit] Understand

Yucatan is a place of peace and friendly people, a place to explore the Maya culture, enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, underground rivers and cenotes, delight in sightseeing many ancient Maya archaeological sites, or flavor a great meal. Most people speak Maya and Spanish; English and German are also commonly spoken at tourist sites. Bird lovers will find Yucatan a great place for bird-watching, those that enjoy romantic places will find many in the Colonial cities of this lovely state; where people gather early at night in parks and plazas to enjoy a free concert or to dance some salsa.

[edit] Talk

In much of Yucatan some Maya is spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost everyone will have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish. The younger people are now learning English and will try to practice on you. A translation dictionary may not be as helpful as in other areas.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

The major airport in Yucatan State is located at Merida (Rejon) International Airport (IATA: MID). Another point of access to the State might be though Cancun International Airport (IATA: CUN), located at Cancun, Quintana Roo State, to the east of Yucatan State.

[edit] By Boat

The only option for approaching Yucatan State by boat would be cruise ships serving any ports within Yucatan State. Most cruise ships drop anchor to the east in Cancun or Cozemel, Quintana Roo State.

[edit] By Road

Yucatan has extensive well built highways, rural, state and federal roads that are safe for tourists to drive on. However, some of the more interesting paths are simply sand. If you have rented a vehicle, be cautious not to damage it or get stuck in beach sands. When driving the "libre" roads, keep an eye out for speed bumps. They are numerous, mostly at the beginning, end, and maybe middle of every village you pass through. It is not uncommon to find drains and water lines on top of the pavement, with a pavement patch on top of the pipe. Bus lines offer inexpensive first-class routes.

[edit] Get around

Renting a car is highly recommended. Main roads are in good condition and state maps are easily available at any "tourist information kiosk." There are lots of bus routes though the area but most will be slow and crowded. No train service is offered to this State. There is limited air service to outlying communities from Merida.

[edit][add listing] See

• Yucatan Today, [3]. The leading tourist guide to Yucatan - online and monthly print edition. Be sure to pick up a copy when in Yucatan for maps, information, and lots of articles. The web site has even more info and a weekly events column - featuring everything from the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra to the baseball schedule.  edit

[edit] Itineraries

Yucatan offers many areas of interest to visitors, including famous Maya archaeological sites, sandy beach towns, Colonial cities, Natural Reserves, and adventure loaded trips to'Cenotes', or fresh underwater sink-holes, Maya caves and small towns.

• Create your own itinerary with Chichen Services, [4]a Mayan vacation portal dedicated to promoting the Mayan cultural legacy of Yucatan.
• Read an article with suggestions for daytrips [5]

[edit] Birdwatching

Yucatan is a great place to visit for those that enjoy birdwatching. Places to visit are: Celestun, Rio Lagartos, El Cuyo, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal. Read more about birdwatching in Yucatan [6]. The VII Annual Toh Birdwatching Festival will be held November 13th through 16th, 2008. [7]

[edit][add listing] Do

Merida. Each night the City Hall sponsors many cultural events and regional dances through out the Historic Distric in downtown; most events are free and scheduled to start after 7:00 P.M. Carnival at Merida has evolved in recent years from a Maya/Catholic indigenous celebration to what they describe as The party of the year, every year in Yucatan. Lodging reservations suggested.

Archeology. Yucatán is home of several famous Mayan archaeological zones. The best known and most widely visited by tourists is Chichén Itzá, the site of the Kukulcan Pyramid, the Maya Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote. A contrasting cultural style can be observed at Mayan sites along the Ruta Puuc.

Cenotes. These natural underground lake and cave formations, found throughout the peninsula, are especially concentrated in the state of Yucatán. The highest concentration is to be found in what was once an ancient meteor crater. Many that can be toured are located along La Ruta de los Cenotes, an official network of secondary roads that is promoted by regional governments and tourist authorities.

Spas. Massages and treatments based on Mayan ritual practices are available at spas such as Yaxkin Spa at Hacienda Chichén, [8] near Chichén Itzá.

Museums. Many cities and towns in Yucatan offer visitors the joy of a good museum exhibit. Chichen Itza has a small exhibit at the main entrance of the site, within the Cultur complex; but don't miss the Merle Greene Gallery and museum [9] at Hacienda Chichen, where you will find an exquisite private collection of Dr. Greene's original rubbings display with utmost care and elegance.

Mayan Sacred Ceremonies. The Mayan Priests and Elder Healers' civil association: Kuch Kaab Yeetel J-Men Maya'ob A.C. offers a variety of sacred Mayan rituals and mystical ceremonies throughout the year at their Sacred Mayan Ceremonial Center within the Maya Jungle Reserve at Hacienda Chichen.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Yucatán Hammocks The Mayan hammock is a very light and sturdy resting instrument or piece of gear, considered a gift of the Gods by the Maya. Used as a hammock or backpack, and strong enough to haul a monkey, in some places. They come in a variety of colors, sizes and materials. A well made matrimonial version will easily hold up to 600 pounds or more due to the unique Mayan diamond-like weave. A tighter weave will give more comfort and support. In times past, they were usually made from fibers of the local henequen cactus. Today, they are usually hand made using over 2 miles of soft cotton or nylon, and may give over two years of continuous service when not exposed to sunlight for long periods. Tree hanger accessories or free standing frames to hold the hammock are available commercially. They can be hand washed and hung to stretch and dry. Hammocks should not be hung directly on hooks, as the friction will create wear. Loop a rope or a hook from a chain or rope and loop it through the loop end of the hammock and attach that to the hook. Keep in mind the instability of a hammock until you are used to it and children should not be left unattended in them.

Yucatan is well known for its exquisite and embroider "huipiles," silver "filigrana" jewelry, traditional "hammocks,", fine replicas of ancient Maya ceramic vessels and masks. One of the most sensational fine arts boutique is found in Valladolid's main square, Yalat it specializes in Mexican fine arts and unique Maya art-crafts; the store itself is a joy to visit. Merida also offers some good shopping, try its traditional main market or the open-market on many streets all week long.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Yucatan cuisine is well known throughout Mexico. Try the traditional "Pollo Pibil" and "Sopa de Lima." If you are lucky enough to be discovering Yucatan by automobile or even bus, a travel cooler of decent size comes in very handy in this climate. You will have opportunities to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables along the road. Pass up any that have already been peeled. Honey is usually found for sale along the road in used whiskey bottles. It should be considered safe and surely will be quite tasty.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Some consider the water in Merida safe to drink, however unless your body is used to the microbes in foreign water and on food, you can have problems anywhere. Bottled water is available most places and is the safest choice. It would be difficult for anyone visting this area, not to sample the Tequila, which should be used in moderation. For those more adventurous souls, Absinth is legal in Mexico, moderation is suggested. Fresh fruit juice is very popular in Yucatan and fresh squeezed OJ can be found in most markets. Ummm, good. Dairy products, including cheese, should be avoided, unless you are positive they have been made with pasteurized milk.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

The lodging in the Yucatan varies widely. It is not uncommon to find primitive lodging with three walls, a ceiling and an open air front. Only a wash bowl and stool will be provided. You will need to provide your own hammock. Sleeping in your own hammock is common, even in the higher priced hotels in the cities, you will find first floor rooms that only accommodate hammocks. Many other, more conventional sleeping choices are available. For a different type of Yucatan experience at the other end of the spectrum you may want to look into the numerous "haciendas" that are scattered throughout the State, offering outstanding amenities at reasonable cost. This will help you understand the rich history of the State of Yucatan.

• Hacienda Chichen Resort and Maya Spa,[10]. +52-999-924-4222, from US/Canada: 1-877-631-4005. Boutique Colonial hotel 16th-century Hacienda, eco-friendly witn land dedicated to the protection of local flora and fauna. Maya Nature Reserve and Bird Refuge. Dr. Merle Greene's "Rubbing Collection," Gallery and Yaxkin Spa are open to site visitors. US$120-160 (single/double), US$165-225 (master suite). No phones in rooms.
• Hacienda Yaxcopoil [[11]], Apartado Postal No. 1, Administracion de Correos No. 4, Merida, Yucatan, 97101 Mexico PH: (011-52-999) 900-1193

[edit] Stay safe

Yucatan should be considered a safe place to visit. It is common for locals to approach you to practice their English, although most are quite reserved and shy. Always keep your vehicle locked and valuables out of site. In the larger cities, parking is somewhat limited and it may be best to find secured parking. Never photograph military installations, Police, Federales or children without permission. The biggest danger to visitors may be on the roads. If not on toll roads, you are likely to encounter large buses, trucks, pedestrians, animals and such. Driving after dark can be dangerous and risky. In the tourist areas you may encounter some "machismo". It is best dealt with by pretending not to notice or humbleness.

[edit] Get out

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