Yucatán

Catedral de San Gervasio at Valladolid

Yucatán is a state in the north western part of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico. To the east is the state of Quintana Roo, home of Cancun and Cozumel; Campeche is to the south.

Yucatán is where the Chicxulub Crater is located; geologists say that this crater dates back approx 65 million years from the Earth's collision with a meteorite, and it is implicated with the extinction of the dinosaurs. Around 1000 AD, Yucatán was one of the centers of the Maya civilization. While their big cities and temples have fallen to ruins long before the arrival of the Spaniards the Maya people still make up much of the state's population. The Spanish came to conquer in the 1500s, and their descendants stayed and contributed to the historic heritage of Yucatán. In the late 1800s 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.

Cities

• 1 Mérida — the state capital and largest city, and the cultural center of southern Mexico
• 2 Celestún — fishing and beach community famous for the flamingos in the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve
• 3 Cuzamá - home of three beautiful cenotes
• 4 Izamal — a small city with a rich ancient Maya and Spanish Colonial past
• 5 Maní — 4,000 year old Mayan community with a checkered past
• 6 Maxcanú — Colonial town built over an existing Maya community, near several Maya archaeological sites
• 7 Motul — a pueblito, origin of the "Huevos Motuleños"
• 8 Progreso — a port city on Gulf of Mexico with seafood and beaches.
• 9 Sisal — historic port and colonial fortress, a Pueblo Mágico
• 10 Valladolid — Spanish Colonial era architecture dominates this small city.

Other destinations

Lol-Tun caves

Sacred Cenote

Archaeological sites

Yucatán is home to hundreds of archaeological sites, including several very famous Mayan ruins.

• 1 Chichén Itzá – Yucatan's largest and most famous ancient Maya ruins
• 2 Ek Balam – Maya ruins just north of Valladolid
• 3 Kabah – Maya site famed for its masks of the rain god, Chaac
• 4 Mayapan – the last great Maya city, built by Chichen Itza's heirs
• 5 Uxmal – beautiful Maya site south of Merida. A bit south Uxmal are a collection of smaller but impressive Maya ruins: Kabah, Labnah, and Sayil.

Natural sites

• 6 Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve - Breeding ground for pink flamingos. Near site of Las Coloradas, famous pink lagoons.
• 7 Cuzamá – home of three beautiful cenotes
• 8 Lol-Tun – an underground cave system, two hours south of Merida, known for 1,000 year old cave drawings
• 9 Arrecife de Alcranes - Atoll in Gulf of Mexico, 125 km off the Yucatan coast, five islands (one of which is inhabited and allows camping), this is a Mexico national park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and a Ramsar wetland. It is known for huge frigate bird populations, sport fishing, and scuba diving (reef sites as well as the 1857 shipwreck of the British steamer Tweed)

Itineraries

• Ruta Puuc – itinerary of several Maya sites exemplifying Puuc architecture
• Cenotes of the Yucatán – itinerary that visits some of the region's most beautiful underground pools and rivers

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 (sinkholes or caves originating from limestone erosion in a Karst area), delight in sightseeing many ancient Maya archaeological sites or enjoy a great meal. 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.

Talk

Spanish is the official language. Knowing at least a few simple phrases of basic Spanish is helpful, but locals are very forgiving of visitors who are not fluent as long as you make an effort to be polite. 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. English, at least simple English, is widely understood with merchants and guides at major tourist destinations and in more upscale hotels.

Get in

By plane

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

By train

The Tren Maya] is a modern intercity railway connecting cities, airports, and major tourism destinations throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

As of December 2023 the first section is complete, running from Cancún International Airport to Palenque. Stations in the state of Yucatán are Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Izamal, Merida (Teya-Merida), and Uman. Ticket prices range from M$1100 to M$1800 and can be purchased at ticket counters in the train stations or online through the official Tren Maya website.

By boat

The main option for approaching the Yucatan Peninsula by boat would be cruise ships serving locations of Yucatan State, or the State of Quintana Roo. Most cruise ships drop anchor to the east in Cancun or Cozumel, Quintana Roo State. Some cruise ships anchor at Progresso, in Yucatan State. Progresso has one of the longest causeways in the world.

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 companies offer inexpensive first-class routes.

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 is a good coach and bus network in the state. First class coaches are normally available between tourist-destinations (e.g. Merida and Valladolid) and these are fast and comfortable. However, to explore smaller towns and villages and to get out of the cities, local buses and collectivos are often the only public transport available, and can be slow, hot and uncomfortable. Tren Maya trains cross the state with several stations near major cities and archaeological sites. There is limited air service to outlying communities from Merida.

The fastest route across the region (Cancun-Valladolid-Chichen Itza-Merida) is the divided four-lane toll road, the cuota (Highway 180). The toll between Cancun and Chichen Itza is approximately US$30 each way. The road is well-maintained but does not have nighttime lighting; occasional bicyclists and pedestrians create some road hazards, but fewer than on most other Mexican roads. There are few services available along the road, very few gas stations, few vendors or services, etc. so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available at some toll booth areas.

• "Yucatan Today" has lot of info and tips online. Pick up a copy of their monthly periodical when in Yucatan for maps, information, and lots of articles.

See

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 at Hacienda Chichen, where you will find an exquisite private collection of Dr. Greene's original rubbings display with utmost care and elegance.

Itineraries

• Cenotes of the Yucatán - Cenotes are freshwater underground sink-holes. There are several thousand cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, many open to the public for swimming and bathing. A route between Merida and Puerto Morelos is a relaxing day-trip drive with the opportunity to stop at several cenotes.
• Ruta Puuc – itinerary of several Maya sites exemplifying Puuc architecture

Do

Yucatán Hammocks The Maya 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 270 kg (600 lb) or more due to the unique Maya 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 3 km (2 mi) 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.

• Merida by night. Each night the City Hall sponsors many cultural events and regional dances through out the Historic District in downtown; most events are free and scheduled to start after 19:00 Carnival at Merida has evolved from a Maya/Catholic indigenous celebration to what they describe as The party of the year, every year in Yucatan. Lodging reservations suggested.
• Swimming in 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Buy souvenirs. The "guayabera" shirts for men and the "huipil" blouses and dresses for women are attractive and great for the climate and can be purchased all over.

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.

Yucatan makes excellent summer hats of the "Panama" or "Jipijapa" style. Even the highest quality fine mesh hand woven hats are fairly reasonably priced compared to what similar hats go for in most other countries.

Eat

Yucatan cuisine is well known throughout Mexico. Try the traditional "Pollo Pibil" (tender chicken) and "Sopa de Lima" (chicken soup with lime juice). "Poc chuc" is a tender slow cooked pork dish. Chilmole is turkey in a dark spicy sauce. Venison is no longer as common in Yucatan as it was a generation ago, but still sometimes appears on menus and is usually of good quality.

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 sold along the road in used whiskey bottles. It should be considered safe and will be quite tasty.

Drink

Some consider the water in Merida safe to drink (including people who don't drink the tap water elsewhere in Yucatan), but bottled water is available most places and is the safest choice, especially in the countryside the water can have microbes that can cause digestive problems.

Yucatan has some decent bottled beers. "Montejo" is a light pilsner; "Leon" is a Munich style dark. Some places you may see "Michelada" offered, which is cold beer with lime juice and spices. Especially for liquors you are not used to, be sure to drink in moderation. Yucatan makes several brands of rum. Tequila is popular at tourist heavy places, it is not really a big Yucatan thing; most comes from other parts of Mexico. There's Absinthe. Yucatan also has unusual local products such as "X'tabentun" made with anis and honey, and "Crema de nance", a tasty distinctive liquor made from a local fruit.

Fresh fruit juice is very popular in Yucatan and freshly squeezed orange juice can be found in most markets. Dairy products, including cheese, should be avoided, unless you are positive they have been made with pasteurized milk.

Sleep

Open air rooms around pool at motel on free road to Chichen Itza

The lodging in the Yucatan varies widely.

On the cheap range are places where you bring your own hammock (good quality inexpensive hammocks can be easily purchased at markets in Merida or larger towns). Sleeping in your own hammock is common for budget accommodation, often in rather primitive lodging with three walls, a ceiling and an open air front. Only a wash bowl and stool will be provided. Even some higher priced hotels in the cities have a floor of rooms that only accommodate hammocks. Other more conventional sleeping choices are also available.

In the moderate range, unless there is a big event in town it is usually pretty easy to find decent hotels or pensions with basic but clean rooms with the simple luxuries of bed, air conditioning and private bath, often only a short distance from historic sights or beaches which support high end hotels charging tens of times as much.

Larger cities and most popular attractions have luxury hotels with amenities and attentive staff who understand English and other major languages.

For a different type of Yucatan experience consider the numerous haciendas that are scattered throughout the State, offering outstanding amenities at reasonable cost. This will help you understand the rich history of Yucatan.

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 sight. 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.

Go next

• To the south of Yucatan is the state of Campeche, with more Maya ruins and the charming namesake capital city Campeche.
• East of Yucatan is the state of Quintana Roo, home to the popular tourist destination of Cancún, the ancient ruins of Tulum and Coba, beautiful beaches, and other attractions.