City In Mexico » Yucatan

Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, Part 2

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:06:58 +0000

Mayan Ruins continued – 35 miles south of Cancun there is a leading commercial port known as Xcaret, or “Little inlet”. This is an eco-park that encloses a small Mayan archaeological zone. On the northern part of Cozumel island there is the largest of 30 Maya sites found on this island, known as San Gervasio. In the past it was economical and political center of the island, and what is more interesting it was the sanctuary of the Mayan moon goddess Ixchel. It is assumed that the entire Mayan world may have come to worship her.
Coba, or Ruffled water, which is what its name means, was built around four lakes. More than 6000 structures have been covered there and it is assumed that only few have been left uncovered. To the tourists the most interesting thing in Coba and mostly the reason of their visit is the Nohuch Mul Pyramid. This is the tallest pyramid in the area with 120 steps, and if you are not afraid of heights, climb up and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Coba in Mexico

Another interesting site is Xel-Ha. This name actually means “where the water is born” when you know that fact it won’t be surprising to hear that it is a water park with ruins on-site. Unfortunately, archaeological zone is only partially excavated. In the past, people use to come here to honor a variety of gods. Xel-ha was one of several key ports of the Maya city of Coba and it was likely used as a point of intercultural exchange between the Maya and other sea-navigating peoples.
I have decided to leave the best for the end. Something that really took my breath away and something I couldn’t wait to see is the Tulum. It is located on 12-meter (39 ft) cliffs overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The Tulum means wall and refers to the fact that Tulum was a walled city, protected on one side by a wall of about 12 feet in height steep and on the other by cliffs facing the sea. In Temple of the Frescoes there are original Mayan frescoes that are in blue-green and outlined in black. These brilliant frescoes are really breathtaking, you won’t believe how amazing they are until you see it yourself. They are depicting Mayan gods and religious motifs. Except from the frescoes, there is so called El Castillo, or the Castle, which is the tallest building of the Tulum. Its function has never been fully discovered, but many believe that it has functioned as a navigational aid.
I hope that I have managed to satisfy your appetite for knowledge about some of the most important Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula and that my experiences have induced you to come to Mexico and see all these miracles by yourself.

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Chichén Itzá Visitor’s Guide

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:39:38 +0000

Chitzen Itza is one of many fascinating Mayan archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. The name of this site actually means “the edge of the well of the Itzaes”. Between 750 and 1200 A.D. it served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. The amazing buildings in Chichen Itza are still standing and they demonstrate the Mayas’ extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition, as well as their vast astronomical knowledge. As reword for being so unique and able to survive through tough times, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. What is more, it has been selected as one of the New 7 World Wonders. This all tells you that you really have to see this magnificent archeological site. It is located 125 miles from Cancun and 75 miles from Merida. It is good to know that there are several hotels there in case you want to come in Chichen Itza the day before and early start visiting the ruins, which is excellent idea since it can get hot and very crowded, latter during the day.

If I knew that you would not definitely go from Cancun the day I want to visit the site and come here in the hottest part of the day. According to average, one can spend from 3 hours to a full day here, depending how much you are interested in the ancient ruins and how much you were amazed when you saw them. Some will be disappointed when they here that you have to pay the admission fee and what is more there is an extra charge for use of video camera on the site. Another useful advice is to dress in natural fiber clothing that will protect you from sun and of course do not forget to wear comfortable shoes; there is a lot of walking to be done.
If you ever get the chance to go and visit Chichen Itza you should not miss the following features of Chichen Itza.
El Castillo – is known as the most striking building here. It is dedicated to Kukulkan, the Plumed Serpent. I have been lucky, and visited El Castillo on the spring equinox when the side of the building making a play of light and shadow which appears as a snake along the steps of the building. This also happens on the fall equinox.
Temple of the Warriors – here, the hundreds of columns surround a massive temple structure carved with reliefs. These columns are carved on all four sides with figures of feather-bedecked warriors.
Great Ballcourt – this ballcourt at 545 feet in length and 225 feet in width and as such it is the largest known ballcourt in Mesoamerica. What also makes this ballcourt fascinating is the the acoustics of the ballcourt, that are remarkable: a whisper from one end can be clearly heard at the other.
Most tourists visit the Chichen Itza as a day trip from Cancun or Merida, so take this into consideration when planning your time if you’re staying in one of those two places..

Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, Part 1 The Yucatan Peninsula is on of the worlds most famous...
Tulum Ruins Tulum is an archaeological site on Riviera Maya. It is...
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Hot Destinations in The Yucatan Peninsula

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:09:29 +0000

The Yucatan Peninsula is on of the worlds most famous archaeological sites. It is filled with the enchanting colonial cities, romantic haciendas and resorts. This area is a real cultural heritage, however, most of the visitors are attracted by the beautiful beaches and distinct cuisine. The Yucatan Peninsula is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It comprises states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. When it comes to the geographical characteristics of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a vast, flat limestone shelf with a thin layer of topsoil. The rivers are mostly subterranean and there are also several lakes. As far as the weather is concerned due to the Yucatan’s low elevation and tropical climate, the weather is hot and humid most of the year.
Something that you have to know before visiting the Yucatan Peninsula is that it is the homeland of the Maya. I am sure that you are familiar with the fact that they built cities and ceremonial centers in ancient times and that is exactly what attracts tourists and gives this area a distinctive cultural feel. What really amazed me during my stay in the Yucatan Peninsula is that along with Spanish, the Yucatec Maya language is still spoken, and believe me you have to hear that.
The Yucatan Peninsula is not only blessed with amazing historical sites but with the beaches as well. They are so beautiful that you will feel like in paradise. Here, the sand is white and the water is of astonishing blue turquoise colour. One of the most popular destination is Cancun. All around the place are modern hotels and resorts and it is especially known for the opportunities for practicing water sports. Trainers are well equipped and have patience for you and I can guarantee to you that you will learn everything you want. If you want a beach vacation but want to avoid mega-resorts, you will definitely fulfill your dreams, since the Mayan Riviera stretches along nearly 100 miles of Caribbean coastline, and there are lots of places like that. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Yucatan Peninsula, I will provide you with some information, not to miss anything important. Merida is a capital of the state of Yucatan and it is filled with colonial buildings and colourful cultural life. Furthermore, you have to see the Convento de San Bernardino, a fortress in Valladolid and the city of Campeche, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it suffered attacks by pirates.
To be honest, what really took my breath away were the wildlife parks and nature reserves, where over 450 species of birds have been identified. In the Rio Celestun park among all the birds you can see exceptionally beautiful flamingoes and in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve you can enjoy exploring mangroves, lagoons, savannas, coral reefs, rainforest and undiscovered Mayan temples. This all makes the Yucatan Peninsula a great vacation destination.

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