Yucatan Peninsula, MEXICO — This is one of the few countries open for those trying to escape a Ukrainian winter.
Like a magnet, Yucatan attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy the Caribbean Sea, ancient colonial cities and archaeological sites including Maya villages and pyramids.
The peninsula includes three separate Mexican states: Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Quintana Roo is probably the best-known thanks to the tourism mega-destinations of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
But head just a couple of hours west and you hit colonial cities like Valladolid and Merida, the capital of Yucatan state, whose colonial architecture gives you a satisfying change of emotions. Neighboring Campeche state is home to mind-blowing Maya ruins heritage. This entire compact peninsula holds wonderful, varied and accessible travel surprises.
What to see
Colonial cities — start with Valladolid, there is an obvious heritage of the Spanish Empire — the main square with the cathedral and little houses bring you back to the 18th century. There are many cenotes around Valladolid, where one can cool down and enjoy swimming in underground swimming pools that are naturally created. Entrance to cenotes costs 150 pesos.
The most famous cenote is called Ik Kill, located five kilometers away from Chichen Itza — the most famous and most visited Maya city is Chichen Itza with the Temple of Kukulcan that dominates the center of the archaeological site, also impressive is the Great Ball Court, entrance to Chichen Itza costs around 500 pesos. It is not allowed to climb on the temple, one can simply get amazed and inspired by the architecture from Maya times.
Make sure you do not skip Merida, the Yucatan capital, a very lively city with colonial architecture. Campeche state is full of archeological sites — Uxmal is one of the most visited together with Chichen Itza and Calakmul which is deep in the jungles and the final 60 kilometers to the archeological sites go through the jungles where tourists can spot butterflies, exotic birds like toucans, hummingbirds, animals like puma and one can even hear howler monkeys roar. After an active drive through ancient cities and sites, one can chill at the Bacalar Lagoon which is a long and narrow lake and during sunny days tourists can enjoy up to seven shades of turquoise in the lagoon. Locals offer two hours of boat trips with the opportunity to swim in the water.
The final part of such an intense itinerary is a relaxing time at the beach where one can relax at the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya.
Riviera Maya
Quintana Roo state is famous for the powdery white sand beaches of Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. All of these sites are different in their particular spirit and atmosphere. One common thing is the beautiful Caribbean Sea with big waves. Tulum beaches are full of eco bars and hotels, there are spots for working out on the beach, the atmosphere is active and healthy. The historic attractions in Tulum are Maya ruins, the highest and only one Maya housing on the coastline of the Caribbean Sea. Playa del Carmen is popular among young American tourists that come for parties.
Cancun is probably the most known for its all-inclusive big hotels which makes it the most famous among tourists.
Islands
Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are the closest islands near the coastline and tourists can take a ferry to get there, it takes around 30 minutes from the coastline and costs 300 pesos round trip per person. Isla Mujeres impresses with super clean pristine water and beaches, at Cozumel it is worth renting a scooter and driving to the west coast of the island, it is wild and natural.
Food
Not surprisingly seafood is very popular in Yucatan — shrimp cocktail is sold everywhere that’s shrimp in tomato sauce with onions, coriander, lime and avocado. Guacamole can be found at every eatery, usually, it is served with nachos. Also famous is ceviche which can be made from shrimp or any other mix of seafood, the main ingredients are mostly seafood, onion, tomato, avocado. Tourists can enjoy such exotic dishes as cactus salad and tacos — traditional Mexican dish of a small corn or wheat tortilla topped with a filling, which can be beef, pork, seafood or chicken.
Popular alcohol is tequila and mezcal, both are made from the heart of the agave, should be drunk with lime and salt. Margarita cocktail is tequila-based and famous in Mexico, very often when you order one you will get an extra drink for free.
Almost at every hotel or eatery tourists can admire self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, the most famous Mexican artist.
Mexico with its cultural heritage charms a lot of tourists and as it is three times larger than Ukraine, it definitely deserves many more visits in order to see and feel it to the fullest.
Money
Mexican peso exchange rate to $1 is 18.9–19.5 pesos; most locals speak only Spanish.
Getting there
Turkish Airlines fly to Cancun with the connection in Istanbul. Ticket costs around 900 dollars round trip.
Hotel prices — average price is $50, accommodation in the peninsular is cheaper, on the coastline more expensive.
Car rental
Around $350 per one week.
Visa — for those who have a valid American visa the entrance is visa-free.
