| Yucatán | |
 | |
Location .svg/250px-Yucatan_in_Mexico_(location_map_scheme).svg.png) | |
Coat of arms and flag   | |
| State | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Capital | Mérida |
| Surface | 39,612 km² |
| Inhabitants | 1.955.577 (2010 census) |
| Institutional website | |
Yucatán is a state in the Yucatán peninsula of the Mexico
To know
Yucatán is a place of peace and friendly people, a place to explore Mayan culture, to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, underground rivers and cenotes (sinkholes or caves from limestone erosion in a karst area). Here you will have the pleasure of visiting many ancient Mayan archaeological sites, or savoring a great meal. Bird lovers will find the Yucatán an ideal place for birdwatching, those who love romantic places will find many in the colonial cities of this enchanting state; where people gather early in the evening in parks and squares to listen to a free concert or to dance some salsa.
The name Yucatán derives from the word (in Nahuatl language) "Yukatlàn", "the place of wealth".
Geographical notes
It borders to the north with the Gulf of Mexico, to the east with the state of Quintana Roo and to the southwest with the state of Campeche.
Background
Buried under the Yucatán is the Chicxulub crater, a huge crater that most likely formed 65 million years ago with the fall of the meteorite that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The crater, although buried, can be glimpsed due to the signs left by the terrible impact of the celestial body.
Before the Spanish conquerors landed in the region, Yucatán was one of the most prosperous regions of the Maya empire and preserves some archaeological remains dating back to more than three thousand years ago. The Mayan cities of the region continued to grow after the decline of the cities of the central Maya area. Some of these continued to be inhabited until the arrival of the Europeans. Others, such as Izamal is Mérida (the state capital, formerly called, T'ho) are still inhabited today.
The Spaniards they came to conquer its territory in 1500, and their descendants remained here contributing to the historical heritage of Yucatán. At the end of the 1800s thehenequen (a kind of agave) became the "green gold of Yucatan and owes much of the wealth of Yucatán to it, making it one of the richest states in Mexico. Today, you can still visit some of the haciendas of cultivation of henequen which still show the vestiges of this wealth.
Spoken languages
The Spanish it's the official language, so it's helpful to know at least a couple of basic basic phrases, and locals are very forgiving of visitors who aren't fluent, as long as you make an effort to communicate politely. In much of the Yucatán territory some Mayan dialects are spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost all people will have at least a basic knowledge of Spanish. Young people are learning theEnglish and will try to practice it with those who have difficulty with Spanish. English, at least at a basic level, is widely understood by traders and guides at major tourist resorts and in the most exclusive hotels.
Territories and tourist destinations
Yucatán: full screen map.Urban centers
- Cuzamá - Village with three beautiful cenote (natural pools).
- Izamal - Small town with a rich past of Mayan antiquity and Spanish colonialism.
- Motul - Village origin of the popular dish Huevos Motuleños (Motul style eggs).
- Mérida - The capital of the State of Yucatán.
- Progreso - Important fishing and tourist center.
- Puerto Morelos - A seaside resort.
- Valladolid - The architecture of the Spanish colonial era dominates this small town.
Other destinations
Yucatán is home to several famous Mayan archaeological sites. The best known and most widely visited by tourists is Chichén Itzá, the site of the pyramid of Kukulcan, the Mayan observatory, and the sacred cenote. A contrasting cultural style can be observed at Mayan sites along the Ruta Puuc.
- 1 Chichén Itzá - Important Mayan archaeological complex, heritage ofUNESCO.
- Cuzamá - Hosts three handsome cenotes.
- 2 Ek Balam - Mayan archaeological site about 30 km north of Valladolid, a few kilometers from the homonymous rural village. In the Mayan language the name means "black jaguar".
- 3 Lol-Tun - A system of underground caves, two hours south of Mérida.
- 4 Uxmal - Important Mayan archaeological site about 78 km from Mérida. The site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Ruins in the archaeological site of Uxmal
Caves of Lol-Tun
Yucatán - Pyramid of Chichén Itzá
Sacred cenote of Chichén Itzá
How to get
By plane
The main airport in the State of Yucatán is the international airport of Mérida (IATA: MID). Another access point could be the international airport of Cancún (IATA: CUN), located in the State of Quintana Roo, east of the state of Yucatán.
By car
The Yucatán has wide rural, state and federal roads, all of which are well constructed that are safe for tourists to drive. However, some of the more interesting routes are simply on sand. If you have hired a vehicle, be careful not to damage it or get stuck in the sands of the beach. When driving on the roads "libre"(free), watch out for the numerous bumps. It is not uncommon to find drains and streams on top of the pavement, with patches on top of the pipe.
The main alternative for approaching the Yucatan Peninsula by sea is by cruise ships that land in both the State of Yucatán and in that of Quintana Roo. Most cruise ships drop anchor east to Cancún or Cozumel in the state of Quintana Roo. Some cruise ships anchor at Progreso, in Yucatán, which has one of the longest elevated roads in the world.
By bus
The bus lines offer first-class inexpensive journeys.
How to get around
Yucatan Today has a lot of information and curiosities on its site. Grab a copy of their monthly journal upon arrival in Yucatán which contains maps, information and loads of articles.
By plane
There is limited air service to outlying communities from Mérida.
By car
Renting a car is highly recommended. The main roads are in good condition and state maps are readily available at any tourist information kiosk.
The fastest route in the whole region (Cancún - Valladolid - Chichén Itzá - Mérida) is the toll motorway 180 (cuota) with four lanes. The Cancún-Chichén Itzá route costs around USD 30 one way. The road is in good condition but has no night lighting; Occasional cyclists and pedestrians can pose a risk to drivers, but less so than on most other Mexican roads. There are few services available along the way (very few gas stations, some vendors, etc.), so plan accordingly. Toilets are available in some areas at the motorway exit.
On the train
No train services are offered in this state.
By bus
There is a good bus network in the state. First class coaches are fast, comfortable and normally available between tourist destinations such as between Mérida is Valladolid. However, to explore the small towns and villages and to get out of the city, buses and collectivos locals are often the only means of transport available, which can be slow, hot and uncomfortable.
What see
- Museums - Many cities and towns in the Yucatán offer visitors the joy of museums with good exhibits. Chichén Itzá has a small exhibit at the main entrance to the site, within the cultural complex; but don't miss the gallery and Merle Greene museum in the Hacienda Chichen, where there is an exquisite private collection of Dr. Greene's original rubs exhibited with the utmost care and elegance.
Itineraries
The Yucatán offers many many ideas for themed trips, according to the areas of interest of the visitors, including: famous Mayan archaeological sites, Caribbean seaside resorts, colonial cities, nature reserves and adventure-filled travels at the flight of the cenotes or freshwater underwater caves, Mayan caves and small villages.
What to do
- Mérida at night - Every evening the municipality sponsors many cultural events and regional dances in the historic downtown district; most events are free and should start after 7pm. The carnival a Mérida has evolved in recent years from an indigenous Mayan / Catholic celebration to what they describe as the holiday of the year, every year in Yucatán. It is preferable to book accommodation in advance.
- Swimming in the cenotes - These natural underground lakes and caves are present throughout the peninsula, but are particularly concentrated in the State of Yucatán. The highest concentration is found in what was once an ancient meteoric crater. Many of them can be visited by moving along the Route de los Cenotes, an official network of back roads which is promoted by regional governments and tourism authorities.
- Spas - Massages and treatments based on Mayan ritual practices are available in the spas.
- Mayan sacred ceremonies - The Mayan priests and the civil association of the old curators: Kuch Kaab Yeetel J-Men Maya'ob AC offers a variety of sacred Mayan rites and mystical ceremonies year-round at their Mayan sacred ceremonial center within the Mayan jungle reserve at Hacienda Chichen.
- Birdwatching - Yucatán is a great place to visit for those who love bird watching. The places to visit are: Celestun, Rio Lagartos, El Cuyo, Chichén Itzá is Uxmal.
- Buy souvenirs - The shirts "guayabera"for men and shirts"huipil"and dresses for women are attractive and good for the weather and can be bought anywhere.
- Yucatán is well known for its exquisite "huipil"embroidered", jewelry made with silver "filigree", traditional "hammocks", excellent replicas of ancient Mayan ceramic vases and masks. One of the most sensational fine arts boutiques is located in the main square of Valladolid. Yalat specializes in Mexican fine arts and unique Mayan artifacts; the shop itself is a joy to visit. Also Mérida it offers some good shops for shopping, try its traditional main market or the open market which is spread over many streets and open all week.
- Yucatán produces excellent summer hats in the "Panama" or "Jipijapa" style. Even the highest quality hats made from fine woven and hand-made hats are found at fairly reasonable prices, compared to the prices of similar hats that can be found in many other countries.
At the table
Yucatán cuisine is renowned throughout Mexico. Try the traditional "Chicken Pibil"(tender chicken) and"Sopa de Lima"(chicken soup with lime juice)."Poc Chuc"is a tender pork dish, cooked slowly. Chilmole it's turkey in dark spicy sauce. Venison is no longer as common in Yucatán as it was a generation ago, but it is still occasionally found on menus and is usually of good quality.
If you are lucky enough to explore Yucatán by car or bus, you should have an adequate "cooling system" on hand to counteract the sometimes hot weather. You will have the opportunity to buy fresh fruit and vegetables along the way. Avoid anything that has already been peeled. Honey is usually found for sale along the road in recycled whiskey bottles. It is to be considered quite safe and certainly very tasty.
Tourist infrastructure
Accommodation in the Yucatán varies widely.
In the range of those cheap there are places where you can bring your own hammock (good quality low priced hammocks can be easily bought at the markets of Mérida or in the main cities). Sleeping in your own hammock is common in budget accommodation, often in rather primitive accommodation with three walls, a ceiling, and an open side. Only a bowl for washing and a stool will be provided. Even some of the more expensive hotels in the cities have a floor of rooms that can only accommodate hammocks. However, more conventional alternatives are available.
In mid-range, unless there is a big event in the city it is usually quite easy to find decent hotels or guesthouses with simple but clean rooms with simple amenities such as bed, air conditioning and private bathroom, often within easy reach of the historic area you want to see or beaches supported by high-end hotels with prices up to ten times higher.
Of course the big cities and the most popular attractions have luxury hotel with attentive speaking services and staff English and other major international languages.
For a different kind of high-end Yucatán experience we recommend looking into the numerous "haciendas", which are scattered throughout the state and offer excellent services at reasonable cost. This will help you understand the rich history of the state of Yucatán.
Safety
Yucatán should be considered a safe place to visit. It is common for locals to come over to practice some d 'English with tourists, even if most of them are very reserved and shy. Always keep your vehicle closed and valuables out of sight. In larger cities, parking is somewhat limited and it may be best to go to a secure car park. Never photograph military, police, federal or child installations without permission. The main dangers for visitors are represented by the roads. If you are not on toll roads, you risk encountering large buses, trucks, pedestrians, animals, and so on. Driving after dark can be dangerous and risky. In the tourist areas you can come across some scenes of "machismo", in such cases the most appropriate thing is to go on pretending not to see.
