Yucatan, Mexico
The Mexican state of Yucatán is located on the peninsula
of the same name, bordered by the states of Quintana Roo and Campeche.
Its capital is the beautiful colonial city of Mérida, and
other major cities and towns include Valladolid and Progreso - it's
port on the Gulf of Mexico.
As in most of Mexico, the Yucatán has two principal seasons:
wet and dry. Rainy season extends from May through October, with
high humidity and heat. Dry season brings cool breezes.
Yucatán offers the adventurous visitor a wealth in Mayan
archaeological ruins, stunning colonial architecture, important
caves and grottoes and ecological preserves and sanctuaries such
as Río Lagartos and Celestún.
Map of the State of Yucatán (click to enlarge)
Attractions
Mérida
Already a major settlement by the time of the arrival
of the Spanish Conquistadores, Mérida, so named in
1542 by the Spanish after taking it over more than a decade of resistance
by the indigenous population, became the main Colonial commercial
center of the peninsula. Some of it's architectural attractions
include the Municipal and Government palaces and the Cathedral (completed
in 1598), the Anthropological Museum, located on Paseo Montejo,
and the Regional Crafts Museum, on Calle 59. ... read more
Merida Hotel Reservations
Celestún
The Celestún wildlife sanctuary is located on the Gulf coast
about an hour´s drive from Mérida. In the sanctuary
can be seen multitudes of water fowl, including famingoes. Boats
can be rented to tour the estuary of the Esperanza River.
Rio Lagartos
The Río Lagartos ecological preserve is home
to Mexico's largest flamingo population. Nesting takes place from
April to June when thousands of birds can be observed in the endeavor.
The small fishing village is located on the coast north of Valladolid.
Visiting birdwatchers will also be treated to the sight of many
other species of wild fowl including ibis, great white herons, stilts,
cormorants and egrets. Flamingo and general birdwatching boat tours
are available from the town's only Hotel, the Nefertiti, or hire
a local fisherman to take you out.
Click here for Principal Archaeological
Sites in Yucatán State
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