Travel Guide YUCATAN Contents

DISCOVER YUCATAN 01

YUCATAN PROFILE 03

YUCATAN ATTRACTIONS 04

YUCATAN DINING 12

YUCATAN SHOPPING 15

YUCATAN NIGHTLIFE 17

THINGS TO DO IN YUCATAN 18 DISCOVER YUCATAN

Yucatan is a place with a warm climate inhabited by people who pride themselves on being very welcoming and hospitable. Birthplace of the Mayan culture, one of the most impressive pre-Colombian civilizations in Mesoamerica, the area stands out for the contrast of its modern capital city and the deep-rooted traditions and customs that you find in the rural towns and villages.

Discover Yucatan and try the delicious specialty dishes, visit the archeological sites that are sources of envy for other countries, and see the territory’s beautiful natural landscapes. You’ll fall in love with this land full of wonders, which is recognized by the distinctive culture and accent of its people. MAYAN CULTURE

The Mayan culture is still ever-present in the lives of a large number of people from Yucatan. The Mayans are famous for making very precise astronomical predictions and for building beautiful cities, but they are also known in the region for not allowing the Spanish conquistadors to destroy their customs and traditions. This is why Yucatan is proudly one of the Mexican states with the most indigenous inhabitants.

You only need to visit the museums in Merida, walk the streets of Valladolid, appreciate the architectural contrasts of Izamal, explore the region’s archeological sites, or admire the handicrafts in the souvenir stores to appreciate that the Mayan culture is more alive than ever.

1 A BRIEF HISTORY

There is evidence that places the origin of the Mayans as being in the year 8000 B.C. Nevertheless, the Itza people, the founders of Chichen Itza, don’t appear in the history of the region until 435 A.D.

The main cities in the region (Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapan) formed an alliance known as the League of Mayapan, which lasted for hundreds of years. Chichen Itza was the most important settlement in the north of the peninsular until 1194, when there was a period of war between the allies. Mayapan became the nucleus of the region until 1441, when there was a rebellion in the city. As a result the central government disappeared and the cities were abandoned, leaving Yucatan divided into different estates without any real political power. This is the panorama that the Spanish conquistadors found when they arrived, making the Mayans easy prey, but difficult to defeat at the same time, due to how they were dispersed over Yucatan.

In 1541, after two failed attempts from his father, Francisco de Montejo was able to conquer the territory that today belongs to the city of Merida, giving the Spanish their triumph and consolidating their dominance in the western part of the peninsula.

2 YUCATAN PROFILE

Birthplace of the Mayan culture, whose customs are still ever-present in the area

Famous in Mexico for its delicious specialty dishes and cuisine

Excellently preserved archeological sites

Home of Chichen Itza, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Beautiful natural attractions like cenotes (sinkholes), caves, and springs

Warm climate and hospitable inhabitants

The state capital, Merida, is one of Mexico’s most important cities

The state with the largest cultural influence on the peninsula

3 YUCATAN ATTRACTIONS

DZIBICHALTUN

Dzibilchaltun is a small yet fascinating archeological site located to the north of Merida. One of the main attractions is the phenomenon that happens during the equinox, when the Temple of the Seven Dolls is lit up by the rays of the sun. There is a brief moment in which the light hits the door of the construction, creating a spectacle of light and shadow on the western facade. The area features a number of buildings that are still in the process of being rebuilt, as well as a cenote with crystal clear water. Dzibichaltun also has an impressive museum showing artifacts found at the site.

CHICHEN ITZA

Chichen Itza is one of the most important archeological sites on the planet. It is visited by millions of people a year, who want to admire the enormity, beauty, and historic importance of this fascinating Mayan city in Yucatan with their own eyes. Thanks to the significance of its cultural heritage and its many monuments, such as the Kukulcan Pyramid, the Observatory, and the Temple of a Thousand Columns, Chichen Itza has been officially recognized on numerous occasions, including its classification as a World Heritage Site and as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

4 THE CENOTES (SINKHOLES)

The cenotes and underground rivers are enormous freshwater deposits that are only found in Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the island of Cuba. The Mayans always used to build near a cenote, as they functioned as an excellent water supply. They were also used for certain religious rituals, as they were thought to be gateways to the underworld.

Cuzama is a tour in Yucatan that is popular with tourists who want to head deep into the bowels of the earth. It is a cenote circuit that is accessed by a horse-drawn cart, which is a novel experience in itself. If your starting point is Valladolid, don’t pass up the chance to visit the X’keken and Sambula cenotes.

MERIDA

The capital of Yucatan is a metropolis with more than a million inhabitants, making it one of the most important cities in the southeast of Mexico. It prides itself on its main avenue, Paseo de Montejo, which is full of beautiful buildings with French-style architecture, products of the financial boom that resulted from the profits of the henequen industry. Merida is also an ideal starting point for exploring the attractions in the rest of the state.

5 CELESTUN Celestun is one of the most picturesque ports on the Yucatan coast. Don’t pass up the chance to visit the mangroves here, as they are the main areas where American flamingoes nest. Part of the adventure is to take a boat to the natural tunnels formed by the tree foliage. Once you go past the Baldiosera spring, which is where you find most of the freshwater in this Biosphere Reserve, there is a petrified forest. Here your imagination can run wild as you admire the impressive images formed by the dried trees, which look like they come from a surrealist painting.

MAYAPAN Mayapan is believed to be the Mayan capital of the Yucatan Peninsula up until the middle of the 15th century, when it was plundered and abandoned. This ancient city was built to resemble Chichen Itza, something that can be seen in the form of its main buildings. Its architecture incorporates elements from central Mexico combined with features taken from older Mayan cities. Its main building is called the “Castillo” (Castle) and is about 50 feet tall. Archeologists estimate that the city was home to around 12,000 people at its peak.

6 UXMAL Uxmal is one of the most famous archeological sites in Yucatan and classified by numerous experts as the finest on the peninsula. Its name means “built three times”, referring to the construction of the tallest structure: the Pyramid of the Magician. The Mayans frequently built new temples on top of existing ones, but with this pyramid in particular evidence has been found that shows up to five different layers of construction. Uxmal was one of the largest cities in the Yucatan Peninsula and was home to about 25,000 people at its peak.

IZAMAL Classified as a“Pueblo Magico” (Magic Town) by the Tourist Board, Izamal is called the “City of Three Cultures” thanks to the fact that it blends Mayan traditions, Spanish heritage, and modern features. Pope John Paul II visited Izamal in 1992 and all the buildings were painted in white and yellow, the distinctive colors of the Vatican. The then-Pope met with Catholic followers in the hall of the Temple of the Immaculate Conception, which is the second largest in the world, behind the one located in the Holy See.

7 THE HACIENDAS Hundreds of haciendas appeared around the towns in Yucatan and along the main highways on the peninsula during the colonial era. They started off producing corn, before moving onto sugar and finally henequen. Nowadays the haciendas have been turned into tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy, offering beautiful rural settings and fun outdoor activities. Some of the most popular are the following: Teya, San Antonio Cucul, Sotuta de Peon, and Chichi Suarez.

Some of these haciendas have been converted into hotels that show you what the life of the upper class in Yucatan was like in days gone by. They offer a unique place to stay surrounded by history, and have preserved their original architecture, making them ideal for an unforgettable stay.

PUERTO PROGRESO Progreso is a small town located to the north of Merida that is very popular with vacationers from the state capital. It stands out as the main deep-sea port in the region, and one of the most important on the Gulf of Mexico. This is why Progreso is a frequent destination on cruise routes. The town has a beautiful boardwalk, and even though it is the cornerstone of foreign trade in the peninsula, it is still just as peaceful as it has always been over the years. VALLADOLID Valladolid is the second most important city in the state. Founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo, it was the center of the development of the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula during the colonial period. Nowadays it offers beautiful buildings, churches, and cobbled streets that remind visitors of its origins. A great place to stay for a visit to Chichen Itza, Valladolid is also surrounded by breathtaking cenotes that are well worth visiting.

8 PUUC ROUTE

Puuc is the Mayan name for a region with a series of small hills that have unique cultural sites. Uxmal is one of the best examples of the archeological sites that make up the Puuc Route, but you can also find other similar places that were all important cities at some point including Kabah, Xlapak, Sayil, and Labna.

Some characteristic elements of Puuc design include pyramids topped with roof crests, small false columns in the facades, and stylized Mayan huts. Other features often seen include diamond shapes and borders with figures added to them, such as snakes and masks of Chaac, the god of rain, which can be recognized by their large eyes, mouths with big fangs, and long curved horn-shaped noses.

In the area there are lots of “chultunes” in the area, which were used to collect rain water, given that there were no other sources of fresh water. This is why there are so many representations of the god Chaac, who the Mayan people worshipped, paid tribute to, and asked for rain.

EK BALAM

Ek Balam was the capital of the Tah empire and received tributes from the people of the eastern part of the state, including part of the coastline, something shown in the conch offerings that have been found here. Set on five square miles of land, this Mayan city features 45 structures surrounded by two concentric walls and another that joins the central buildings. It has a ball court and a beautiful arch that led to a sacred path, which in ancient times was connected to other Mayan cities. The site’s main building, the Acropolis, has well-preserved engravings and a lot of vaulted rooms on different levels, connected by passageways.

9 HANAL PIXAN The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most typical celebrations. In Yucatan it is known as Hanal Pixan, which translates to “Food of the Souls”. On the tables you’ll always find clay pots, a cloth representing the clouds in the sky, incense, and salt and water to guide the souls. Maybe the most distinctive element is the mukbil chicken (a traditional Mayan chicken dish) or pib, an enormous tamal filled with meat and spices that is very popular with the Yucatecan people.

THE CAVES There are a lot of underground caverns in the Yucatan Peninsula, each of which has impressive rock formations that make the imaginations of people who dare to enter them go wild. The most famous caverns in the region are Balankanche, San Ignacio, Calcehtok, Tzabna, and Loltun. Remember that when you visit these places you must follow the instructions of your guide, as some of the routes are long and complex, and they can be difficult to complete.

10 TELCHAC PUERTO Telchac Puerto is a picturesque place where time appears to have stopped, a town in which you can spend some vacation time far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Friendly people, delicious food based on fish and seafood, and typical regional candies are the main attractions that Telchac Puerto has to offer visitors. Located 40 miles to the northeast of Merida, it is a great starting point for exploring other eye-catching beaches on this part of the Yucatan coastline. OTHER BEACHES You’ll find peaceful places to enjoy the fantastic Yucatan weather all along the Costa Esmeralda coastline. With beautiful, calm blue waters, San Crisanto offers visitors different types of handicrafts and coconut-based snacks. Sisal is another excellent place to relax by the sea. It is a small port town about 30 miles from Merida which used to cultivate and export henequen during the state’s golden era in the 20th century.

RIA LAGARTOS Located 110 miles from Progreso, Ria Lagartos is an excellent destination for tourists looking to get in contact with Mother Nature. At the reserve you can take a boat tour and explore the mangroves, admiring local wildlife along the way, such as flamingos, crocodiles, and turtles. This is also where you’ll findLas Coloradas, a site that is famous for the red tones of its lagoon and for being home to one of the most important salt processing plants in Mexico. With all this to offer, Ria Lagartos is a worthy recipient of the title of Biosphere Reserve, which it was awarded in 1999.

11 YUCATAN DINING

Yucatan was an isolated region during the colonial era thanks to how far away it is from the center of the country. This situation has led to the area having a well-defined identity, something that can be noted in its food. Traditional Yucatecan cuisine has preserved its Mayan essence, but has incorporated influences from Spain, New Orleans, and the Middle East over the years, due to the contact it had with these regions through its ports.

Some of the most used ingredients in Yucatecan cuisine include bitter orange, achiote, cilantro, and corn. The dishes are always accompanied by habanero chilies, red onion, nixtamal tortillas, and creamy beans. All the municipalities in the state contribute to its culinary variety, as shown in the names of some of the most representative dishes: huevos Motulenos, Valladolid longaniza, and lomitos, which are also from Valladolid.

12 TYPICAL DISHES Whether you go to an elegant restaurant or to a small street vendor, don’t pass up the chance to try the most popular typical dishes in the region, such as “cochinita pibil” (a traditional slow-roasted pork dish), “panuchos” (refried tortilla stuffed with black beans and finished with your choice of topping) and “salbutes” (deep fried tortillas served with your choice of topping). The most exotic dish from Yucatecan cuisine is probably “queso relleno”, which consists of Edam cheese filled with ground beef and topped with a flour-based sauce called k’ool. Other delicacies you have to try are “sopa de lima” (lime soup), “poc chuc” (pork in a citrus marinade), “papadzules” (an enchilada-style dish with a pumpkin seed sauce), “relleno negro” (black turkey stew) and the mouthwatering “tamales colados” (a kind of tamale). If you’re here on a Monday, ask for “frijol con puerco” (beans with pork) and start the week as the locals do.

The Yucatecan people are accustomed to eating street food. You’re sure to love the “marquesitas”, which consist of sweet wafers rolled up and filled with a variety of toppings including cheese, milk caramel, condensed milk, jelly, or Nutella. You can also try the “kibis”, which are made with wheat and ground beef, and garnished with red onion and habanero chilies.

If your itinerary includes Progreso or any other destination on the Yucatan coastline, you have to try tikin-xic fish. This fish is seasoned with achiote paste, wrapped up in a banana leaf, and cooked over hot coals. The result is a mouthwatering dish for anyone who likes fish and seafood.

BALCHE Mentioned in the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Mayans, Balche is another drink you just have to try during your tour of Yucatan. Even though it is only consumed during rituals like Temazcal, balche will excite your taste buds with its sweet taste. It is produced by fermenting the bark of the balche tree, and adding corn or anis to make it smoother

13 DESSERTS A meal isn’t really complete without something sweet to finish it off. Fans of coconut are sure to enjoy the “manjar blanco”, a milk-based dessert dusted with cinnamon. It can be served as custard or with a more solid consistency. Something else you should try is “atropellado”, which combines coconut with sweet potato and tastes delicious in a cake. Other options include “caballero pobre”, made from bread, milk, and raisins, or the exquisite papaya candy.

XTABENTUN Xtabentun is the most well-known regional drink. It is prepared with anisette or rum and is accompanied by honey, though it can also be combined with coffee. In addition to a delicious taste, the liquor also has a fascinating history. Legend says that there were two very beautiful Mayan women, one called Xtabay and the other Utz-Colel. The first had a noble heart, but spent her time bewitching men with her charms. Utz-Colel was shyer, and was cold and cruel to the poor.

When Xtabay died, her tomb was filled with the beautiful scented flowers used to make xtabentun. Utz-Colel was jealous and stated that if the body of a sinful woman had such a nice aroma, hers would give off an even more pleasant scent. Nevertheless, when she died, the flowers decorating the grave withered and died, giving off a terrible odor. Nowadays the people of Yucatan say that the sweet taste of xtabentun is the same as what Xtabay used to intoxicate her conquests.

CHAYA Chaya is one of the most representative ingredients of the local cuisine. It was traditionally used by the Mayans and has lots of minerals that are good for your health, but should never be eaten raw as it has toxic properties that are destroyed when it is cooked. The Yucatecan people tend to use it in tamales and with eggs, as well as in fruit drinks, often blended with mango, lime or pineapple.

14 YUCATAN SHOPPING

The handicrafts in Yucatan are rich in color and variety. Among the goods made by the hands of the local people you’ll find everything from belts, hair clips, and beautiful wood carvings to shoes, hats, guayaberas, “complejos ternos” (traditional regional dresses used in major ceremonies), and comfortable hammocks.

The length and breadth of Yucatan there are municipalities and towns with unique features and typical handicrafts. If you get the chance to explore different places in the state, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of beautiful items, each made with special care and techniques that have been passed from generation to generation.

DZITYA

Dzitya is a small town that forms part of the Merida Metropolitan Area, where the talented locals make fantastic ornamental sculptures from wood and stone. There are small artisanal products that make excellent souvenirs of your trip to Yucatan, but the most representative of the region are the ornamental pieces. House numbers and signs with families’ surnames are very common in the area, while you can also find bigger, more complex items, such as fountains, tiles, and sculptures of different shapes and sizes. TIZIMIN

The standout crafts in this small city, located in the northeast of the state, are pottery, jewelry, saddlery, artistic carpentry, pyrography, and embroidered tablecloths and napkins. As you explore the region you can admire colorful designs created by the hardworking hands of the locals.

15 CONKAL This is a municipality located very close to Merida, the state capital, where they make machine-embroidered blouses and huipils (traditional regional indigenous dresses). Other products you can find here include woven hemp hammocks and carved tree trunks.

TICUL Ticul is a haven for certain kinds of shopaholics, as it is where you can find high quality shoes. The goods in this tiny town in the south of Merida are handmade yet they are still very fashionable. Here you’ll find everything from flat sandals or shoes with small heels, to elegant footwear for more formal events.

OXKUTZCAB Oxkutzcab is a municipality located in the south of Yucatan. It is well-known for its culture and cattle farming, but also thanks to the fact that it has been an artisanal center for many years, offering stone and ceramic products. In the town you can also find people making beautiful pieces of jewelry.

16 YUCATAN NIGHTLIFE

The nightlife in the state of Yucatan is as varied as the people who visit it. Even though the inhabitants of the state are known as party-loving people, this does depend on the region of the state they are in, their mood, and even on the weather. In places like Merida, Valladolid, or Tizimin, the nightclubs tend to fill up with people looking to dance until dawn. Unlike other major Mexican destinations however, the clubs in the region usually close at 3:00 a.m. at the latest.

There are also lots of coffee shops and bars offering trova music (a Cuban genre) played by traditional trios, ideal for people looking for something more laid back. In every city or municipality in the state you’ll find a “zocalo” (main plaza), around which there are always nice places to go to enjoy a drink.

Another very Yucatecan tradition that can be enjoyed in different parts of the state is to enjoy a tour on a “calesa”, an enchanting horse-drawn carriage. Climb aboard one and have a fun, romantic experience exploring the cobbled streets, where the state’s past and present blend into one.

At archeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal, the nightlife takes a completely different turn, offering people the chance to see exciting light and sound shows covering a number of themes based upon ancient Mayan traditions.

17 THINGS TO DO IN YUCATAN

Visit Chichen Itza and other Mayan archeological sites that are open to the public

Swim in the cenotes, and dive in if you dare!

Escape to the beach for a day and enjoy delicious seafood specialty dishes

Try tasty regional cuisine, either in a restaurant or at one of the street vendors’ stalls

Explore Merida’s historic downtown district and Paseo de Montejo

Discover the mangroves and birds of Celestun or Ria Lagartos

Take a tour of one of the haciendas and discover what life was like during the golden days of the henequen boom

Hire a car and go shopping in the towns in the region for handicrafts, clothing, ham- mocks, and other souvenirs

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