TEMPLES, PALACES AND CAVES
Beyond the capital and in the Yucatán Peninsula you’ll find a treasure trove of cultural and archaeological wonders. In this region of temples, palaces and caves, you’ll be able to unravel the fascinating history of ancient civilisations.
The ‘White City’ of Merida is the capital of Yucatan and the ideal base from which to explore the region. Built on the foundations of the ancient Maya city T’ho, Merida is full of fine colonial buildings and offers access to treasures like the Temple of the Turtles and the Governor’s Palace. You can even visit the world’s biggest nesting grounds of the pink flamingo at Celestun Flamingo Reserve.
Continue south and you’ll come to the ruins of Uxmal, dedicated to the rain god Chaac. A guided tour of the site, with its pyramids, temples and elaborate stucco work, will take you back to a different world. From Uxmal, you can visit Kabah, famed for its ‘Palace of Chaac Masks’, and the Loltun Cave with its intriguing wall paintings that date back to 600 BC.
Chichen Itza is one of Yucatan’s greatest archaeological sites and the most famous of all Mayan cities. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, today these splendid ruins are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Before being reclaimed by the Mayans in the 13th century, Chichen Itza was under the rule of the Toltec Empire, and the result is a fascinating blend of architectural styles visible in many fine temples, carved columns and the dominating El Castillo pyramid.
Blessed with a sensational, palm-fringed coastline, the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect place to add history and culture to a blissful beach break. Get in touch with any of our Mexico specialists to start planning your tailor-made trip.
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