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///// home – travels – mexico ///// ::
M E X I C O :: The United Mexican States – or simply Mexico
– is the fifth largest country in the Americas. Geopolitically, Mexico
is usually not considered a Central American country. However,
physiographically, the Yucatán Peninsula and the lands east of the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec lie within the region of Central America. The Yucatán Peninsula in south-eastern Mexico
separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for
Caribbean white-sand beaches, off-shore reefs and Mayan Pyramids. The
peninsula’s three states, Quintana Roo, Yucatán and Campeche is
not like the “real” Mexico as the region has developed its own
identity, its own cuisine and its own character, still embedded in the world
of the Maya. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the areas (the
Pre-Colombian era), Yucatán was populated by the Maya civilization. Of
the New World’s three biggest Pre-Colombian civilizations (Aztec, Inca
and Maya), Maya is usually considered the greatest. At its peak, the civilization
encompassed more than 10 million people living in stone cities of up to
200.000 inhabitants. Even today, some people only speak Mayan languages, e.g.
Yucatec or Tzotzil, and will not react on anything in Spanish but buenos días. :: Caribbean coast of
Quintana Roo: Cancun & Tulum ::
Cancún and Tulum are known
for their Caribbean locations, especially in terms of white sand beaches.
While Cancún is famous for its debauchery as it is Mexico’s most
visited resort, however, Tulum offers a far more tranquil atmosphere. Also,
the Parque National Tulum offers well-preserved Maya ruins in one of the most
perfect and beautiful settings in the world, for any temple-like structures.
Majestic, cliff-top ruins overlook vast stretches of pristine beach and azure
waters towards east, in the direction of the Spanish conquest in the 16th
century. :: Interior
Yucatán: Valladolid & Chichén Itzá::
Valladolid is a fine
colonial city with an easy pace of life, once the Mayan ceremony center of
Zací. Near Valladolid, you’ll find the most famous and one of
best restored Maya site, Chichén Itzá, meaning Mouth of the
Well of the Itzáes. Around year 250-900, the Maya produced the Western
Hemisphere’s most brilliant ancient civilization, including
Chichén Itzá.There are pyramids, plazas, a time temples,
columns, an observatory, a nunnery, and several houses. Future places to go
in Yucatán Peninsula - Isla Holbox:
Whale shark site and not yet overwhelmed by tourists - Reserva de la
Biósfera Banco Chinchorro: Untouched diving, pristine beaches Future places to go
in Mexico - Trekking and
mountaineering in the trans-Mexican volcanic belt: Orizaba (5.700m),
Iztaccíhuatl (5.286m) and Nevado de Toluca (4.691m) Fast facts
and hints on the Yucatán Peninusla Daily budget: On the cheap: 25-30 US$;
more activities: 40-60 US$; Diving not included Pros: White sand beaches; easy to get around fast; better food than in other
Latin American countries... Cons: Really expensive
compared to other nearby countries... In a nutshell: Mayan temples;
Chichén Itza is at the “New Wonders of the World” list...
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