If you're planning a vacation to the Yucatn, you may very well be feeling overwhelmed at the vast array of activities, sights, places, hotels, and adventures available to you. With all of the scenic beauty and rich history this tropical paradise has to offer, it's only natural to be left wondering how on earth to narrow down the list of possibilities into an itinerary you can accomplish within the time you have allotted. This guide will attempt to highlight some of the things you can see, do, and experience on a trip to the Yucatn, which will undoubtedly be the highlights of any vacation there.
History lovers will be delighted to know that the Yucatn peninsula was the center of Mayan civilization. For more than a millennium, these amazing builders, farmers, warriors, and astronomers looked out over their Mesoamerican kingdom from atop massive pyramids like the El Castillo at Chichn Itz.
If you only have the chance to visit one city of the Maya, Chichn Itz is an excellent choice. It's sheer size, long history, and unusual diversity allow visitors to sample a large cross-section of Mayan culture and history. A wide variety of structures are present at the site, including ball courts, giant pyramids, many temples, an even one of the earliest astronomical observatories. Guided tours of the site are available, and ongoing restorations aim to preserve this historical treasure for many generations to come; any visit to the region should at least consider making a stop at this one-of-a-kind example of human achievement.
For those who prefer nature over anthropology, the Yucatn will prove to be an equally delightful destination. One of the last true wildernesses in the western hemisphere, the abundance of plant and animal life is unmatched anywhere on earth . You can set out into the forest on a guided trek, and visit beautiful bioreserves like Sian Ka'an which protect the bounty of the natural world, which is under constant pressure from expanding human habitation and development.
As an example, over 300 species of tropical bird inhabit this region, many of which can be glimpsed in only a few locations over the globe. One such rare species is the blue-crowned motmot, which has a bright turquoise head and iridescent green feathers covering its back. This hard-to-find specimen often nests in the Yucatn near cenotes and wells. Also native to the area is the quetzal, a beautiful bird with similarly jewel-like plumage which was so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that it shares an appellation with one of their most important gods. If you want to see amazing rare birds like, the blue motmot, Yucatn jay, and quetzal, the jungles of the Yucatn are the best place to do so.
Dive into a Cenote
Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of an underground cave structure's roof. They were important sources of fresh water for ancient civilizations, as the Yucatn suffers from a general lack of streams and rivers, and the Mayans used them for everything from irrigation to ritual sacrifices. Many cenotes are interconnected, and act as gateways to underground rivers and caverns. Today, many guided tour groups stop at these remarkable natural formations, and some full-day tours will allow you to swim, explore, and even scuba-dive.
Pleasure and Relaxation at Yaxkin
One of National Geographic Magazine's top picks for eco-spas and wellness centers in North America, the Yaxkin Spa is a great place to relax and unwind after a long few days hiking and trekking around the jungle. Bringing the ancient Mayan blessings of the four elements Water, Fire, Air, and Earth, the historical traditions and modern comforts will leave your skin, soul, and mind feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to head back into the jungle for more fabulous adventures in the Yucatn.
History lovers will be delighted to know that the Yucatn peninsula was the center of Mayan civilization. For more than a millennium, these amazing builders, farmers, warriors, and astronomers looked out over their Mesoamerican kingdom from atop massive pyramids like the El Castillo at Chichn Itz.
If you only have the chance to visit one city of the Maya, Chichn Itz is an excellent choice. It's sheer size, long history, and unusual diversity allow visitors to sample a large cross-section of Mayan culture and history. A wide variety of structures are present at the site, including ball courts, giant pyramids, many temples, an even one of the earliest astronomical observatories. Guided tours of the site are available, and ongoing restorations aim to preserve this historical treasure for many generations to come; any visit to the region should at least consider making a stop at this one-of-a-kind example of human achievement.
For those who prefer nature over anthropology, the Yucatn will prove to be an equally delightful destination. One of the last true wildernesses in the western hemisphere, the abundance of plant and animal life is unmatched anywhere on earth . You can set out into the forest on a guided trek, and visit beautiful bioreserves like Sian Ka'an which protect the bounty of the natural world, which is under constant pressure from expanding human habitation and development.
As an example, over 300 species of tropical bird inhabit this region, many of which can be glimpsed in only a few locations over the globe. One such rare species is the blue-crowned motmot, which has a bright turquoise head and iridescent green feathers covering its back. This hard-to-find specimen often nests in the Yucatn near cenotes and wells. Also native to the area is the quetzal, a beautiful bird with similarly jewel-like plumage which was so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that it shares an appellation with one of their most important gods. If you want to see amazing rare birds like, the blue motmot, Yucatn jay, and quetzal, the jungles of the Yucatn are the best place to do so.
Dive into a Cenote
Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of an underground cave structure's roof. They were important sources of fresh water for ancient civilizations, as the Yucatn suffers from a general lack of streams and rivers, and the Mayans used them for everything from irrigation to ritual sacrifices. Many cenotes are interconnected, and act as gateways to underground rivers and caverns. Today, many guided tour groups stop at these remarkable natural formations, and some full-day tours will allow you to swim, explore, and even scuba-dive.
Pleasure and Relaxation at Yaxkin
One of National Geographic Magazine's top picks for eco-spas and wellness centers in North America, the Yaxkin Spa is a great place to relax and unwind after a long few days hiking and trekking around the jungle. Bringing the ancient Mayan blessings of the four elements Water, Fire, Air, and Earth, the historical traditions and modern comforts will leave your skin, soul, and mind feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to head back into the jungle for more fabulous adventures in the Yucatn.
About the Author:
Duende Tours is a tour oprator with a great number of Yucatan adventure tours that visit Biosphere Reserves and other amazing places. For more specific information on the Yucatan Peninsula see the Yucatan Travel News section.
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