Angeliki Katsoulaki, UNRIC Brussels
I am certain that some of you readers paused for a moment as your mind traveled to this region of the world, with its green-turquoise, Caribbean waters, the astonishing ruins of Mayan civilization surrounded by lush jungle, the colonial cities, haciendas, white sandy beaches and one of the largest coral reefs in the world.
Yes! Mexico is an exciting and alluring place to visit. Join me now as I take you on an exciting journey around the famous Yucatan Peninsula for all the ‘’must see’’ and the ‘’must do’s’’ when visiting this country.Suitcases packed? We are off on our adventure. Due to the limited time we have on our hands we can only make stops in specific places along the way.
The climate is usually hot and humid so please do not forget to grab your sun-screen, your newly purchased, oversized sombrero and a good mosquito repellant. The rainy season runs from mid August to mid October. The region is hurricane prone from June to November. Although it is rare for large hurricanes to hit the area, you never know when another Dean or Wilma (hurricanes in 2005-2007) will come back to show Mother Nature’s power. Thus, the best period to visit Mexico is during the dryer months between November and March.
And now let the adventure begin, our first stop is Cancun!
Cancun is a coastal city in the Quintana Roo state on the Yucatan Peninsula. Before 1970, Cancun was nothing more than a little fishing village of one hundred inhabitants! The government of Mexico then decided to turn it into a resort and as such the development began. Today, what I would describe as ‘’the Las Vegas by the sea,” Cancun, is a bustling city with more than four million visitors each year. A city filled with mega-luxurious hotels, dazzling lights, crowded beaches and where everything possible can be bought. While most trips may start and end in Cancun due to its international airport, the city is not the place for you if you are looking for an authentic taste of Mexico or a relaxing sea-side resort. Fortunately, there are other places of this paradise that can be discovered by driving a short distance from Cancun.
As such, our next stop is Tulum! Tulum is 130 km South of Cancun. It is the most easy-going resort along the Mayan Riviera Coast (Yucatan’s East Coast). It has a spectacular, sandy coastline with beach huts, palm trees and the dramatically situated Mayan ruins. The Tulum ruins (meaning in Mayan, the wall) are positioned on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan ruins and a picture favorite. The city was an important port and was at the height of its power around AD 1200. It was eventually abandoned 75 years after the Spanish Conquest. Visit the ruins early in the morning before the large flocks of tourists start to arrive. Stand on the edge of the cliffs, gaze at the horizon and you will certainly feel that you are standing on the edge of the world, the world that the Mayans once saw. Do be on the lookout for the little creatures though, the iguanas, roaming around this site as if they owned the place!
Between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, do not miss the highly advertised Park Xel-Ha. For sixty euros (rather expensive compared to average Mexico prices) you might feel as if you are stepping into a big tourist trap. But after spending one day there, you will be surprised to discover that it was worth every peso. It is the world’s largest natural aquarium with an incredible variety of tropical fishes. You will spend the day snorkeling, basking in the sun, swimming or even sleeping in the hammocks. Unlimited cocktails and access to a vast choice of restaurants and mouth-watering buffets will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Next stop on our journey, Playa del Carmen!
Playa Del Carmen, 68 kilometers from Cancun, is the second biggest resort in the region. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling atmosphere of Cancun. The main street, Quinta Avenida, is filled with little shops, fresh fish restaurants and cocktail bars. For those you who like diving and snorkeling, take the 25-minute ferry from Playa
del Carmen to Isla
Cozumel. This island became popular when the late French marine explorer Jean-Jacques Cousteau led an expedition there, only to reveal to the rest of the world the dramatic landscapes with its colorful underwater coral gardens. In one word: fascinating! For your own sake and for the sake of your budget, avoid the guided boat tours that promise to take you to the best snorkeling spots. The best way to visit the island is to rent a scooter .The places to snorkel can be found on the western side of the island, and they can be easily reached from the shore. If you still haven’t had enough of your Robinson Crusoe’s island adventures, then Isla Mujeres is the place for you. This island is easy to get to (20 minutes ferry from Puerto Juarez in Cancun) and many people visit just for a day.
Only 8 km long, you can discover the island by renting a golf cart! The island remains quaint, contrarily to the building developments taking place in other places of the Mayan Riviera. The rich pirate history and warm waters will not make you want to leave. Playa Norte is the island’s main beach with a handful of welcoming beach bars and family restaurants. The daredevil travelers will surely succumb to the calls of swimming with whale sharks! Between May and September, the biggest fish in the world congregate near the island (Isla Holbox as well) to feed on the plankton. This experience of a life-time will lighten your wallet of around 80 euros but you should not think twice. You will journey with a small boat through the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean until you reach the spot where the whale sharks can be found. There is nothing to be afraid of, and these gentle giants will enchant you in a second. Plunge into the waters and discover the magic beneath. If you are lucky enough you might even encounter a few grey mantas scrapping the surface of the sea floor. Finish your day with a delicious Ceviche (traditional Mexican dish with raw fish) prepared for you by the captain. I strongly recommend that you take medication against seasickness before getting on board. The boat ride is long, the sea untamed and your stomach will complain.Let us now focus on the history of the region by touring around some of the most important archeological sites!
The grandeur of the pyramid of El Castillo rising into the sky is the first thing that will catch your eye while you enter the archeological site of Chichen Itza.
Located in the North center of the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is one of the most famous and best restored of all the Mayan sites, which righteously make it one of the seven new wonders of the world. Most of the ‘’time temples’’ situated here enable us to solve the mysteries surrounding the Mayan calendar, with El Castillo being first and foremost a massive calendar with a perfect astronomical design. In Chichen Itza you can walk through the largest and most impressive Ball Court in Mexico (a sport that had a ritual significance during that era) and the sacred natural well, which was used for human sacrifices. The main drawback is that it is flooded with tourists that may distract you from its history of power, fame, decline, slaughter and extraordinary scientific precision. On the way between Chichen Itza and Valladolid, a rather attractive colonial town, you can enjoy a break in one of the several underground cenotes. These cavern pools, decorated with impressive limestone formations of stalactites are usually open for swimming and this truly is a one of a kind experience.
Another interesting archeological site worth visiting is Uxmal.
Surrounded by lush jungle, it is one of the most harmonious and peaceful sites, and it will surely wake up the sleeping Indiana Jones inside you. Uxmal was an important city although most of its history remains unknown. Tall, steep and with an unusual base, the Magician’s Pyramid is the most striking monument. Legend has it that it was built by a dwarf in one night. The scarcity of water in the area was probably one of the main reasons for its decline. It also gives an answer as to why most of the temples are dedicated to the god of water. On the road to Uxmal, also pay a visit to Hacienda Yaxcopoil, where a welcoming old man will open the doors of this enormous estate and tell you the stories of the people who once owned the entire property. As we come to the end of our journey, let me remind you that Mexico has far more than crime-ridden cities, tequila, mariachis and Cancun. There are hundreds of other secret places that are nothing short of a perfect holiday destination. Add to this the amazing, friendliness and warmth of the Mexican people and you will surely want to return to discover more of what the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer. Chiapas, the Pacific Coast and the enticing Mexico City still awaits you!
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