Highlights of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Yucatan Peninsula Highlights
- Merida – a colonial city is a great jumping off point for tours to the Mayan world. It is a white-washed city, with historical buildings and great food.
- Campeche – a World Heritage Site with historic fortifications
- Calakmul – an archaeological zone and also has a portion of the country's biggest biosphere reserve.
- Chichen Itza and Uxmal – archaeological sites of Mayan temples and structures
- Cancun – a favorite city destination, with its five-star hotels and bustling nightlife
- Mayan Riviera – with nature parks such as the Xel-Ha, Xcaret and the Sian Kaan biosphere
- Cozumel – an island with great scuba diving sites
Festivals in the Yucatan Peninsula
- Carnaval Merida (Merida, late February) – this carnival has colorful and boisterous parades going along San Juan Park to the Flag Monument.
- Spring Equinox (Chichen-Itza, March) – At this time, people come to the El Castillo, the largest Mayan pyramid, to see how the afternoon shadow of the Kukulcan the snake god cover the temple.
- Mani Festival (Mani, August) – Celebrates the wealth of culture in Mani, Yucatan. Sampling of traditional cuisine, art exhibit, and musical presentations and dances are showcased in the festival.
- Fall Equinox (Chichen Itza, September) – Again, the people gather at the El Castillo to watch the shadow of Kukulcan cover the pyramid
