Merida City
The charming and magical city of Merida is located in the state of Yucatan, Founded upon the ruins of the Mayan city T’ho, which was constructed with white limestone and means "Face of Infinity," Merida is known today as the White City. It has beautiful and solidly built colonial buildings that house the city’s history, art, traditions and culture. In the downtown Historic Center, you can visit the city cathedral, an impressive 16th century construction. Or you can go to interesting museums, such as the Yucatan Museum of Archaeology, which you’ll find in Palacio Canton, an elegant building dating back to the Porfirian era. You can also take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage down the city’s main avenue, Paseo Montejo, which is lined with 19th century mansions and well-known hotels. It’s a pleasant tour blending sights of old and new.
Chichen Itza
The ancient Mayan capital of Chichen Itza is an archaeological zone in the eastern region of the state of Yucatan. This place, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, will take you back in time to the pre-Hispanic era as you discover the secrets awaiting you in the most important structures. At El Castillo (also known as the of Pyramid of Kukulcan), a natural phenomenon occurs each year during the spring equinox: the sunlight creates a shadow image of a plumed serpent descending down the pyramid?s stairs. This unique experience draws hundreds of tourists from all over the world. Another important structure is the Juego de Pelota, the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. It measures 168 meters (554 feet) in length and 70 meters (231 feet) in width. There?s also the Observatorio (Observatory), or Caracol (Snail), called that because of the interior?s round spiral shape.
Uxmal
Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Mayans. Like the other Puuc sites, it flourished from 600-900 A.D. The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Pyramid of the Soothsayer, as the Spaniards called it, dominates the ceremonial center. Its rulers are said to have presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labna and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture.
Cenote Simbala
This beautiful sinkhole with waters of intense blue offers surroundings where you can observe a variety of plant and animal species. Located in the town of Motul on 43rd Street and 26th Street off Highway 281. It lies about 45 km (28 mi) from Merida.
Jardin Botanico Regional
A botanical garden with an important variety of indigenous vegetation: agave, orchids, aquatic plants, palms, cacti and other species. It also has a patch of low jungle. Along the tour, you’ll come across information about the plant species, making it an educational experience as well. Located at the Centro de Estudios Cientificos de Yucatan in Puerto Progreso, 36 km (22 mi) north of Merida along Highway 261.
Dzibilchaltun
One of the oldest Mayan cities in the northern Yucatan region. It’s most important structure is el Templo de las Siete Munecas (the Temple of the Seven Dolls). This archaeological zone, which covers about 17 sq. km (nearly 7 sq. mi), also has an ecotourism park and the Museum of the Mayan People. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00. Located 14 km (9 mi) north of Merida on Highway 261.
Ake
From the middle of a huge square known as the Gran Plaza, you can gaze at the main buildings where the ruling class once lived. Particularly impressive is a limestone road, called a sacbe, which stretches 32 km (20 mi) and used to link the city to Izamal. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Casa Montejo – Located on 63rd Street, this Plateresque-style building is considered one of the country’s most important representations of 16th-century architecture. Its façade stands out for its stone engravings. Open daily from 7:00 to 7:00. |
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