If you want to get off the beaten track to discover art, food and ancient sites, then the Yucatán Peninsula has it all. Journey Latin America can help you find a bespoke trip perfect for you...
Valladolid is full of artsy pastel-coloured colonial buildings which hail back to the Spanish conquest of 1543, replacing the traditional Mayan temples.Take a tour with Journey Latin America to unravel the history of this amazing town. In 1847, the city was seized by Maya forces during the Caste War of Yucatán. Later, it witnessed the “first spark of the Mexican revolution,’ on June 3, 1910. Every year reenactments take place in the main square. All the colonial-era buildings are splashed with colour one of the qualities that make Valladolid a ‘Magical Town’, as well as its cultural heritage, historical significance, unique cuisine, and arts and crafts.
Take a tailor-made trip with Journey Latin America to the Puuc Valley, a vast fertile territory strewn with important Mayan sites. Discover the fascinating Loltun ‘Stone Flower’ caves where ancient Mayan ceremonies took place. Once inside, marvel at the magnificent galleries filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Visit Labna to see the Puuc-styled arch with a flat parament and decorated frieze. At Sayil, also known as Place of the Ants, Kabah’s Palace of the Masks is worth a view, as is the church at Santa Elena. Don’t miss the tiny ruin on the side of a mountain called “the nine masks”. At Xlapac you can view a masterpiece of Mayan architecture, masks and Chac nose sculptures and Uxmal the mighty Magician’s Pyramids. Then there’s the impressive Governor’s Palace, Doves Temple and the grand Nuns Quadrangle.
Izamal is the colonial jewel of the Yucatán and an important Mayan architectural site before the Spanish attempt to Christianize the Maya. Get on the road with Journey Latin America and drive about an hour away from Mérida to this lost city. The covent of St Antonio has a large atrium which is second only to St. Paul’s in Rome. A throne was built for the Pope's visit in 1993. Yet, Mayan influences pervade with carvings of Maya origin as well as ruins of a great mausoleum known as the Kinich-Kakmo pyramid, built to worship the Maya Sun god, Kinich Kak Moo. The entire town is painted ochre, earning it the name the 'golden city'. You will also have an opportunity to visit Izamal's vibrant food market.
Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is a mangrove-fringed estuary on the north coast which is home to Mexico's largest flamingo colony and 260 other bird species, including snowy egrets, tiger herons and snowy white ibis. Spider monkeys, crocodiles and tortoises can also be spotted in the reserve. Back on dry land enjoy a seafood lunch. Alternatively, Visit the Flamingos of Celustún with Journey Latin America between September and March. Take a boat ride before continuing along the estuary through a petrified forest and a tangle of mangroves to Lake Celestún, a biosphere where pink flamingos can be seen feeding and nesting in the shallows.
Take a Journey Latin America tour to Ek Balam, just 90 minutes’ drive from Mérida to unearth the archaeological site built in 300 B.C. This remained a Mayan stronghold until the arrival of the Spaniards, and it was the capital of the Tah empire. Known as a 'bright star jaguar' or 'black jaguar' in the Mayan language, its main temple is impressive, both in size and architecture. However, the most striking feature is its huge monster mouth, which represented the portal to the underworld. There are also winged creatures and others in the lotus position and a stunning arch connected to an ancient road.
Be prepared for an authentic culinary encounter with Journey Latin America, in the kitchen of the Lecanda hotel. Start with a refreshing margarita cocktail to sip as the chef gives an overview of the session. As he takes you through the four-course menu you will prepare Mexican cuisine and special dishes that reflect the heritage of the Yucatán region. As you help prepare lunch, learn about culinary traditions and the ingredients so you can recreate these dishes at home. The class begins at 12.30 and lasts until around 3pm. Drinks are not included.
Journey Latin America, established in 1980, creates award-winning tailor-made holidays and small, escorted group tours to all of Central and South America. Their Travel Experts curate bespoke adventures that range from exploring this rich land’s natural wonders, discovering the origins of mysterious ancient civilisations, and getting up close and personal with its diverse indigenous culture and unique wildlife.
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