Yucatan Peninsula
Before Spanish Conquistadors conquered the Yucatan Peninsula during the 16th century, it was the ancestral home of the Maya. Evidence of civilisations past echo throughout the peninsula’s three Mexican states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Interlaced with attractive Mayan villages and impressive colonial cities, the peninsula is home to a proud population of Mayan descent with the ancestral language still heard in some areas.
The realm of the Maya can be spectacularly explored at Chichen Itza, the seventh wonder of the modern world. Other archaeological sites strewn throughout the area include the equally impressive Uxmal, Kabah, Edzna and Tulum.
Spanish influence is still evident in the walled city of Campeche with San Miguel Fort still proudly guarding the city outskirts from its position overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Also steeped in history is the handsome colonial city of Merida with many narrow cobbled streets, intimate shady plazas and the beautiful henequen haciendas now considered luxury places to stay.
A network of underground rivers and lagoons await exploration through innumerable limestone sinkholes. These fascinating cenotes are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The wetlands provide excellent bird watching opportunities, and the Caribbean coastline fringed with beautiful beaches provides activities to suit even the most demanding visitor.