Photo by Guillermo Aldana Click on the image for larger version

Located in southeast Mexico in the north of the peninsula after which it is named and which it shares with Campeche and Quintana Roo, Yucatan State is bordered on the north by the Gulf of Mexico. The state offers 320 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 90 degrees.

The best way to discover Yucatan State is to begin at its capital city of Merida, home to an international airport with regularly scheduled flights from Mexico City, Miami, Houston and Atlanta, and charter service from Toronto and Milan. The city lies about 55 miles south of the Port of Progreso, and a very large and modern highway network connects it to the rest of the country. The city is built on a large plain that vanishes into the horizon, without ever rising more than 35 feet above sea level, which enabled it to grow into an almost perfect square that is currently inhabited by a half million people.

Called the white city for its white colonial buildings, Merida was founded in 1542 over the ruins of the ancient Mayan city Ichcaanziho and built from the sacred stones of its temples. Examples of the city’s beautifully conserved colonial architecture include the House of Montejo, named after city founder Francisco Montejo; the Government Palace; the Jose Peon Contreras Theater; the Canton Palace Museum of Anthropology and History; the Autonomous University of Yucatan and the Cathedral. A horse-drawn carriage tour of the breezy Paseo de Montejo is highly recommended. Merida is also the gateway to the remains of elegant sisal (henequén) haciendas, which were the backbone of the region’s economy during the last third of the 19th century. Many of these haciendas have been restored and converted into hotels.

Photo by Bruce Herman Click on the image for larger version

Just 20 miles north of Merida is Progreso, located on Mexico’s Gulf coast, a delightful laid-back port city with a population of about 50,000. Founded in 1840, Progreso was virtually unknown to tourists until recently and has since become a popular stop for visitors arriving by both land and sea. Some of the popular activities at Progreso include participating in water sport activities, walking along the boardwalk, enjoying the many seafood restaurants, visiting colonial buildings and admiring one of the world’s longest piers. Progreso has also been referred to as the gateway to the Mayans, as many visitors arrive by sea to visit the nearby Mayan ruins.

The majority of Yucatan State’s people are descended from the Mayans, the builders of Uxmal and Chichen-Itza. Uxmal, part of the Puuc Route, was founded by the Mayans in the 8th century and considered one of the most important sites in Mesoamerica.

Chichen-Itza, which reached its peak between 700 and 1200 AD (although it was inhabited for over 2000 years), was the political, economic and military power in the area. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation, underground rivers, natural wells and limestone that the Mayans used to construct their magnificent buildings. The city’s main attractions include El Castillo or the Pyramid of the Serpent God Kukulkan, a magnificent pyramid topped by a temple, to which thousands of people flock every spring and fall equinox to witness a shadow depicting the god slither down it. Visitors can also explore the sacbes, white paths used by the ancient Mayans. Near Chichen-Itza lie the ruins of Ek-Balam as well as the colonial cities of Izamal and Valladolid.

In addition to fascinating ruins and colonial treasures, Yucatán State also offers much for ecotourism and adventure tourist enthusiast. Its climates have produced forest surroundings that support a wide range of fauna. Visitors can enjoy sports in the open sea in Yucalpeten, while birdwatchers can admire the wide range of species found in El Palmar as well as the impressive flamingo population of Celestun. The lack of surface rivers means that the state obtains water from a complex system of underground rivers, which attract scuba divers and snorkelers. Limestone sinkholes, or cenotes, are also great for exploring.

The food of Yucatan State is one of the most distinct of Mexico’s regional cuisines, with strong Mayan and Caribbean influences. Local favorites include cochinita pibil, a dish of pit-baked, shredded pork wrapped in banana leaves and served with a sauce of annatto seeds, sour orange and spices; and sopa de lima, a lime-based, spicy broth laced with tortilla strips and vegetables.

Yucatan is a magical Mayan land with numerous areas, ruins and historic relics to explore. From white paths used by the ancient Mayans to magnificent Mayan temples and cities, the state is a true cultural destination, perfect for a flashback into Mexico’s native past and cultural influences.

Editor's Note: As usual, our article only scratches the surface of all this great country has to offer the tourist. Be sure to visit Mexico's Official Tourism Web Site!