Before Spanish Conquistadors conquered the Yucatan Peninsula during the 16th century, it was home to the Maya civilisation. 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 Maya 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 that are 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.
Yucatan Beach Resorts
Situated near the walled town of Campeche, Hacienda Uayamon was built in 1700 as a wood-dye factory and is a perfect example of colonial architecture with high ceilings, elegant decor and spacious public areas
Puerta Campeche dates back to the Seventeenth Century since when it has been carefully restored in a way that preserves the historical splendour of Colonial Times.
Hacienda Xcanatun is a small luxury hotel located just North of the town Merida. Originally an 18th Century working Hacienda it has been restored to a beautiful hacienda.
The Villa in the Meriden area offers intimate luxury, there is only seven rooms. The original buildings date back to the Nineteenth century to the days when it was a nobleman's estate.
Located in the heart of Merida's historic centre, the Casa del Balam is a colonial style hotel elegantly decorated with colonial antiques, carved stone arches, wrought iron accessories and marble floors.
Built in 1921 the Hacienda Chichen became the Carnagie Institutes Mayan expedition Headquarters in the Yucatan. The hotel has recently been re-modelled to serve as guest rooms.
