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Yucatan Peninsula Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula was by the 19th century already world-renowned for
its archaeological treasures and for the War of the Castes, waged during the
second half of that century. The archaeological findings in the area have been
extremely important events and most of the tourists that come to
Mexico take the
opportunity of visiting Chichen Itza and Uxmal, perfect examples of the
development achieved by the Mayans in that region. The lowlands of Yucatan,
consisting of a plate of limestone rock, have many other attractions, such as
the limestone sinkholes and warm beaches with fine white sand, such as
Cancun
and the Riviera Maya that few would wish to miss. Those interested in exploring
the colonial era will find beautiful examples in Campeche and Merida. Its warm
climate, friendly people and sophisticated cuisine make this an extremely
attractive resort.
Campeche is part of the enormous plain comprising the Yucatán peninsula,
which it shares with Yucatán and Quintana Roo. It was inhabited by groups from
the ancient Mayan culture, traces of which can still be seen in places like
Edzná and Calakmul. On the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in what was once the
Mayan city of Ah Kin Pech ("place of the sun"), Francisco de Montejo el Mozo
ordered the construction of Villa de San Francisco de Campeche. Owing to its
strategic location, it suffered numerous pirate attacks, as a result of which a
defense system of walls and forts was built, traces of which still remain,
giving it its distinctive appearance. The state’s surroundings are tropical, and
unlike its neighbors on the peninsula, it has several rivers, in addition to
beaches, archaeological sites, colonial buildings, nineteenth-century haciendas
and nature reserves with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna.
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The silence of The city of Campeche is both
magical and moving. This city, guarded like a precious relic by its
inhabitants, is proud to celebrate its 465 years of existence. Possessing
one of the best preserved historic centers in Mexico, it was declared a
World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. What was once the fortress of the
Spanish crown in the Gulf of Mexico is now a delightful city that appears to
have been designed by the gods.
The City of Campeche is the westernmost of the three states
comprising the Yucatán Peninsula. It is covered by forest and enjoys a
tropical climate, with rains in the summer and autumn. The city of Campeche,
its capital, is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Its
historic center consists of three districts: the walled section whose
mansions were inhabited by the Spaniards during the colonial era; the San
Francisco district to the north of the fortification, where the Mayan
population lived and San Román in the south, where Mexican indigenous
peoples and mulattos brought in from the Caribbean Islands settled. The city
of Campeche, built on the site of the domain of Ah Kim Pech (Lord Tick) was
the first Spanish settlement on the Yucatán Peninsula. Founded on October 4
1540, it was initially called San Lázaro and subsequently renamed Villa de
San Francisco de Campeche. A few years later, the city became one of the
most important ports in America for shipping the immense wealth produced in
the inland forests. This era gave rise to the legend of the buccaneers.
Morgan, Lorencillo, and the Mulatto are the mythical names of the men that
besieged and plundered the city of San Francisco to seize the riches
transported by the vessels of the Spanish Crown. The colonial authorities
proceeded to fortify the city by erecting a massive wall, construction of
which began in 1686.
 Campeche
is a beautiful city built in an elongated checkerboard shape due to the
characteristics of the coast. The remains of the walls that encircled the
town in the 18th century can still be seen at various points in the city
today. Two of the four gates and seven bulwarks of incalculable
architectural interest have been preserved. As the Campeche historian Román
Pińa Chan remarked, "Campeche’s history is written in the stones, bulwarks,
doors and walls that speak to us of the past, of Spanish navigators and
bloodthirsty pirates. In Campeche, time goes by slowly and peacefully.
Although it is a maritime city, its residents encourage visitors to enjoy
its nostalgia, cuisine, long walks and intense cultural life that manages to
respect its traditions. The hospitable inhabitants of this state-the term "campechano"
is synonymous with goodness and simplicity- are probably the proudest of
their Mayan legacy of all those in the Mayan world. The state boasts a
wealth of archaeological sites, all within easy access of the city of
Campeche. Legendary Mayan settlements such as Edzná, Becán, Xpuhil and the
magnificent Calakmul are just some of the archaeological sites that no
visitor should miss.
Quintana Roo is one of the youngest states in the country as well as the
furthest east, meaning that it is the first Mexican state to see the sun come up
every day. It is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, which it shares with Campeche
and Yucatán, to the south it is separated from Belize and Guatemala by the Bay
of Chetumal and Río Hondo, and to the east it is washed by the Caribbean. This
state contains some of the most spectacular sites in the Mayan world, such as
Tulum, Cobá and Kohunlich. It also boasts modern beach resorts such as Cancún
and Puerto Aventura, rustic ones such as Isla Mujeres and Akumal and traditional
resorts such as Playa del Carmen. It makes up for its lack of surface rivers
with an intricate system of underground rivers and limestone sinkholes that are
ideal for diving. In fact, Cozumel is one of the best places in the world for
diving and Banco Chinchorro’s biodiversity is spectacular. Sian Ka’an is the
largest reserve in the state while Holbox is ideal for bird watching. It also
has theme parks such as Xel-Há and Xcaret. The Mayan Zone, in the center of the
state, is inhabited by Mayan communities descended from those that fought in the
War of the Castes that have managed to preserve their ancient rites and
traditions.
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Cancun is one of the most important tourist
complexes in Mexico and the world. Its superb location, shaped like an
island, its year-round mild climate, and its gorgeous, warm, sandy white
beaches washed by the Caribbean sea are ideal for water sports. The waters
of the bay sheltered by Isla Mujeres are calm and perfect for surfing,
sailing, underwater diving and boat trips; those facing the open surf have
stronger currents but are also suitable for fishing and snorkeling. Cancun
has a first rate tourist infrastructure and services. The most famous hotel
chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality and
all of them offer access to tennis courts and relaxing spas. Nightlife in Cancún’s hotel zone is extremely varied. You will find some of the largest
discotheques in the world and restaurants with some of the world’s most
famous chefs as well as fast-food outlets. If you are looking for a calmer
atmosphere, there are jazz or piano bars, as well as those with traditional
mariachi music.
The numerous marinas facilitate this type of activities in both the bay and
Laguna Nichupté where we recommend you try kayaking. Cancún has fascinating
Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. Its
excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most
impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring
Yucatán. However, Cancún also has plazas and malls carrying everything from
handicrafts from all over the country to an impressive array of imported
goods.
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The beautiful Island of
Cozumel is a
beautiful island and the largest inhabited Mexico. A paradise for divers
from all over the world. The island is surrounded by more than 25 reef
formations where divers of all ages and skills can enter into a completely
fascinating and different world: endless coral inhabited by immense shoals
of colorful fish. The possibilities are interminable for both beginners and
experts. East of the Yucatán Peninsula, on top of the age-old structures of
the Mayan coral reef, the second largest in the world, stands the Island of
Cozumel, the largest inhabited island in Mexico. Its name, derived from the
word Cuzamil, meaning "island of swallows" in Maya, conjures up memories of
its pre-Hispanic origin, the conquest of America and the pirates and
buccaneers that thronged its seas.
The Island of Cozumel measures 48 km from north to south but only 16 from
east to west. On either side of the island, beaches form a long, white sandy
coast. Gentle waves and transparent waters wash the western side of the
island, while huge waves crash against the eastern side. Its flora and fauna
have a number of unusual features and include certain endemic species, such
as the dwarf raccoon and the Cozumel wren. Cozumel’s greatest wealth,
however, lies underwater. Before the arrival of the conquistadors, the
island was a major commercial and ceremonial center. During the colonial
era, it was largely uninhabited, except for sporadic stays by pirates and
turtle hunters. In the mid-19th century, groups of settlers arrived from the
Yucatán Peninsula, fleeing the War of the Castes. The following years saw
the development of the chicle extraction business on the mainland and
Cozumel became a center for collecting and subsequently exporting this gum.
Jacques Cousteau’s declarations in 1960 about the richness of the coral reef
surrounding the island made underwater enthusiasts aware of Cozumel’s
existence.
Cozumel is encircled by over 25 reef formations, where divers of all ages
and levels can explore a fascinating world: endless colonies of corals
inhabited by enormous shoals of brightly colored fish. The possibilities are
infinite, for novice and expert divers alike. San Miguel de Cozumel, the
capital of the island, is a peaceful old village, with all the charm of the
Mexican Caribbean. The quality of its gastronomy, based on its excellent
seafood, is legendary throughout the region. Its provincial air does not
make it any less comfortable or modern. Its days are sunny and full of
unforgettable experiences, while its nights are ideal for those who enjoy
discotheques and bars. A wide range of accommodation is available, from
deluxe hotels, to small, inexpensive hostels.
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Playa del Carmen is the unofficial capital of
the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a small village of Mayan
pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the
country. Its natural features, beauty and long beaches, its enviable
geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination
on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from other
parts of the world. In this city, activities and imagination go hand in
hand: the coast lends itself to all kinds of water sports. There are diving
facilities both inland and in the sea, the deep waters separating it from
Cozumel are idea for sport fishing, the jungle invites you to explore its
lush, magical world while trips to nearby archaeological sites are extremely
gratifying. The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance
and shake off the insomnia caused by Caribbean nights, popular fiestas on
the beaches and lively bars.
Playa del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most
beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the place where ferries set
off to the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area of
Puerto Aventuras while the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha, is
just forty-five minutes away. The pace of life in Playa del Carmen varies
considerably. At times it reflects the gentle waves that bathe its shores
with their warm, white sands, and at others, it mirrors the rhythm of Quinta
Avenida, with its improvised artists, and dozens of languages blended into a
single murmur. Everything about Playa is surprising. Grand hotels and
resorts rub shoulders with small, traditional hostels, while dozens of
snack-bars and cafés jockey for space with elegant, first-class restaurants.
Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized by variety and diversity.
Until recently, Xaman-Ha, a meeting point for the Mayans to attend their
ceremonial appointment with the goddess Ixchel on the neighboring island of
Cozumel, was a small fishing village. It is now the second most important
tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Playa del Carmen lies halfway
between Cancun and Tulum on a coastal strip that combines jungle, mangrove
swamps and white sandy beaches. It is characterized by its diversity; the
porous soil of the Peninsula creates a variety of features such as natural
wells surrounded by jungle, bays where underground rivers blend with the sea
and extensive mangrove swamps.
Yucatan Peninsula Mexico
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