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sat mexico tour and travel visit yucatan
March 3, 2021
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Visit Yucatan a miniguide to one of the top destinations in Mexico

Visit Yucatan State, the heart of the Mayan Culture in Mexico. Countless archaeological zones, among them “New 7 modern wonders of the world” Chichen Itzá, but also plenty of present-day Mayan tradition, delicious food, colonial towns such as Mérida, luxurious haciendas, cenotes, and… flamingos!

How to discover Yucatan State

  1. Visit Chichen Itza

    World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

  2. Dive in the most beautiful Cenotes

    Enjoy its water adventure in the most beautiful natural pools

  3. Experience every corner

    Cenotes, Culture, Gastronomy, Bird-watching at Celestún and its natural beauties

  4. Discover the rich in tradition in its magical towns

    Beautiful Culture and tradition at Izamal and Valladolid

  5. Capital of the Mayan World

    Discover the Mayan culture through its museums and the colors through its crafts.

  6. Discover the local Gastronomy

    Delight your senses with the typical dishes of Yucatán.

  7. Visit the Haciendas

    Enjoy the beauty, history, and mysticism. Overnight in one Hacienda is one of the most incredible experiences.

Visit the capital of the Mayan World

Discover the Mayan World

Established in the southeast, the “Mayas” were located in today’s states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatan.

This region today is known as “Mundo Maya” and is a space where nature, man, and time converge; here, visitors are offered an excellent tourist offer, which includes three types of the sea: Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea; the second largest coral reef in the world, jungle, forest, volcanoes, rivers, unique flora and fauna, archaeological sites, impressive monuments from the colonial period, handicrafts, museums, markets, dances and traditions that distinguish it and make it an unmissable visit.

In the state of Yucatan, we can find the region “Capital of the Mayan World,” one of the most representative, since it has significant historical and cultural centers and archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Ek Balam.

When you visit Yucatan you shouldn’t miss the “Great Museum of the Mayan World” in Merida, which seeks to make us understand this culture’s mysticism through its various rooms and more than 1000 archaeological pieces.

All you need to know to discover one of the most beautiful states in Mexico

Visit Yucatan and live great experiences

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CHICHÉN ITZÁ

“The city at the border of the well of the Itzáes”

Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1988, it is one of the country’s main attractions; its “Castillo de Kukulkán” is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

It is located 115 kilometers from Merida’s city and was one of the largest and most potent settlements in the Yucatán Peninsula’s center-north. 

The Itzaes settled in this site approximately in the IX century A.D., forging an extensive domain abandoned in 1250 A.D. Still, even after its decadence, it continued to be a site of pilgrimage and worship.

It has a historical and cultural legacy like few other sites in the world, with its imposing heritage of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. 

The Sacred Cenote, a center of the entire Mayan area’s religious activities, worshiped their gods. The Ball Court, The Observatory and “The temple of the Thousand Columns”; and, of course, the imposing pyramid of El Castillo. Also known as the Temple of Kukulkán with 60 meters per side and in which twice a year, during the lunar equinoxes of spring and autumn, you can observe a mysterious play of light and shadow so that in appearance the snake seems to gradually descend the stairs of this great pyramid to complete the illumination of the feathered serpent. What for the Mayans meant a moment of energy renewal.

A must-see on your trip to the Yucatán!

BIRDWATCHING

Visit Yucatan, an ideal place for this activity. Within its territory, there are 444 species of the 547 registered in the peninsula, of which 233 species are resident during the 365 days of the year, 31 vagrants, 14 occasional, 54 predominantly migratory, and 102 Neotropic-Nearctic migrants, in addition to 11 of the 14 endemic species of the region.

Bird watching is an excellent opportunity to discover, observe, and capture the species’ shots within the best-preserved protected natural areas. 

Some ideal places for nature lovers and where there is a more fabulous presence of birds are: 

  • Celestún: Home to some of the most exotic species such as the Pink Flamingo; walk through its mangroves, visit the traditional salt ponds and take a guided tour to learn about the species found there. 
  • San Felipe: Colorful and charming traditional fishing port, village. Admire the flora and fauna, walk along the pier, rest on the islets, or learn about its history. 
  • Río Lagartos: One of the most important national reserves. Besides being a place for the appreciation of birds such as the Garza Tigre, the Espatula Rosada, and the Matraca Yucateca, you can also observe impressive crocodiles. 

GASTRONOMY – PANUCHOS & PAPADZULES

Yucatan enjoys extensive and exquisite gastronomy, which converges with the Spaniards’ diverse flavors during the viceroyalty, with Caribbean and Middle Eastern contributions.

Among the elements that highlight the seasoning in Yucatecan gastronomy are the purple onion, pumpkin seed, xcatic chili, habanero chili, sweet chili, chili max, achiote, and coriander.

Panuchos are a typical dish and very coveted by travelers. Its elaboration consists of preparing handmade tortillas that are fried and covered with black beans, shredded turkey or pork, lettuce, red onion, and xnipec sauce.

Papadzules are a traditional dish of Yucatecan gastronomy. This dish’s name means “the master’s food” (from the Maya, papa – food, and dzul – master or gentleman). 

MAGICAL CENOTES

Visit Yucatan natural beauties. Among them, we can find the cenotes, which represent a tremendous historical heritage. They have extraordinary beauty. We invite you to visit them and immerse yourself in their magical waters.

SAN IGNACIO, CENOTE

Just 20 minutes away from Mérida, in Chocholá, is the stunning San Ignacio cenote, located inside a cave; the warm turquoise water and shallow depth are ideal for snorkeling observing the abundant marine fauna that inhabits the place.

IK KIL CENOTE 

This wonderful cenote is located 4 kilometers from the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, also known as Sacred Blue Cenote. It is approximately 60 meters in diameter, 40 meters deep. Tree roots hang from the top, which adorns this cenote’s interior of warm and crystalline water.

XOCH’ CENOTE 

It is located in the region of Cuzama. This is one of the most visited due to the incredible natural beauty, which offers a view of the álamo tree that crowns the diameter for its warm blue waters. It has a depth of approximately 67 meters.

SAMULÁ CENOTE

Very close to Valladolid is this subway cavern with turquoise blue waters. Its access is through stone stairs to the first level where you can admire the beauty of the place and wooden stairs to the second level to dive into its waters. 

In conjunction with the roots of the trees that hang, the illumination of the place makes a view that you cannot miss. 

X- BATÚN CENOTE 

49 kilometers from the city of Merida, in the south of the state, is a natural space full of vegetation and life, where in addition to the scenic visit, it offers a variety of activities such as diving into its caves, interpretive trail, bonfire, parking, palapas, and other amenities. 

CHELENTÚN CENOTE

It is considered one of the easiest cenotes to access, located within the Cuzamá region.

The henequeros used it as a spa, and in its exteriors, you can appreciate an ancestral stone figure in the shape of an arch. 

Its crystalline waters, ample space, and natural lighting are some of its qualities.

MAYAN WORLD

sat mexico tours and travel chaacmol chichen itza

Established in the southeast, the “Mayas” were located in today’s states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatan.

This region today is known as “Mundo Maya” and is a space where nature, man, and time converge; here, visitors are offered an excellent tourist offer, which includes three types of the sea: Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea; the second largest coral reef in the world, jungle, forest, volcanoes, rivers, unique flora and fauna, archaeological sites, impressive monuments from the colonial period, handicrafts, museums, markets, dances and traditions that distinguish it and make it an unmissable visit.

In the state of Yucatan, we can find the region “Capital of the Mayan World,” one of the most representative, since it has significant historical and cultural centers and archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Ek Balam.

Another place to visit is the “Great Museum of the Mayan World” in Merida, which seeks to make us understand this culture’s mysticism through its various rooms and more than 1000 archaeological pieces.

UXMAL “THE THREE TIMES BUILT"

sat mexico tours and travel visit yucatan uxmal

Yucatan has 19 archaeological sites open to the public. Each one will allow you to learn more about the greatness and importance of the Maya civilization. 

Uxmal is located in the south of Yucatan, 80 kilometers from the city of Merida. It is considered the most representative settlement of the architecture of the Puuc region.

The discoveries in this archaeological zone point to the following:

The Xiues tribe founded the city. Its occupation dates from the late classic period (600- 1000 A.D.). It had a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants.  

They worshiped mainly water deities, earth, sun, and Venus, present in the orientation and decoration of its structures. An example of this can be found in the “Templo del Adivino” (Pyramid of the Magician). This pyramid is decorated with masks of the god Chaac.

This archaeological zone has 15 groups of buildings, distributed from north to south, in an extension of approximately 2 km.

Among the most representative buildings, for their impressive architecture and ornamentation, are the “Piramide del Adivino” (Pyramid of the Soothsayer), “Palacio del Gobernador”  (the Governor’s Palace), “Cuadrángulo de las Monjas” (the Quadrangle of the Nuns), “Casa de las Palomas” (the House of the Pigeons), the Ball Court, “Templo de Los Falos” (the Temple of the Phalluses) and the Cemetery.

Uxmal was abandoned around 1080 A.D., believed to be due to a social revolt that brought down the ruling elite. 

During your visit to Uxmal, at night, you can enjoy the sound and light show from the Cuadrángulo de las Monjas, which narrates the Maya legends and customs and is translated into four languages.

MAGICAL TOWNS

IZAMAL

Itzamná or Zamná “Dew that descends from the sky.”

This magical town was an important Mayan religious center, of which you can visit the remains from its four pyramids located in the center of the city.

It is known as the “Ciudad de las tres culturas” (City of the three cultures). The pre-Hispanic past converges through its archaeological zones, the colonial constructions, and the present time. 

It is famous for being a city painted in yellow, where you can walk its cobblestone streets, gardens, and small squares, visit the artisan workshops, enjoy the gastronomy, visit its buildings, churches, and much more. 

You can’t leave without visiting the “Franciscan Ex Convent of Saint Antonio de Padua,” an impressive structure built on the base of a pre-Hispanic pyramid, and which has the second-largest atrium in the world after the one in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

VALLADOLID

Located in the Capital of the Mayan World region, very close to the famous archaeological site of Chichen Itza, this colonial city is full of charm and tradition. 

You can visit its natural and cultural riches, such as the picturesque municipal market or San Bernardino de Siena Convent, considered the second largest convent in the Yucatán Peninsula.

As part of its history, visit the Municipal Palace or the Saint Servando’s Church and learn the secrets these places hold. 

Very close to the city, you can enjoy nature and practice adventure tourism in the variety of caves and cenotes that you will find, such as Yokdzonot, with a depth of up to 30 meters. 

Part of its culture can be found at San Roque’s Museum, with pre-Hispanic pieces from the region and its handicrafts and gastronomy, such as the famous if you visit itIt “longaniza” and “lomitos” of Valladolid. 

MANI

“Place where everything happened.”

It is located in the “Haciendas and cenotes” region. It is 100 km from the city of Merida and is part of the route of the convents.

This magical town has buildings from the colonial era. The convent of San Miguel Arcangel is one of the main tourist attractions. Its importance lies in the beauty of sacred art from its wide facade through its open chapel and altarpiece. Under the shade of an enormous ceiba tree, the sacred tree of the Mayas is the entrance to the Xcabachen Cenote, where the locals can tell you the legend of the place. 

In its picturesque streets with unique buildings, chapels, squares and traditional kitchens you can taste a typical dish of the region called “Poc Chuc,” also with more than 30 “meliponarios,” you will have the opportunity to learn about the main species of bees found in the state and the process of honey production.

SISAL

 “Place where the cold is heavy and penetrating.” 

53 km from Merida, Sisal offers many majestic landscapes, enormous biodiversity, and experiences that you can’t miss. 

Its white-sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, resting, swimming, tasting exquisite seafood cuisine, as well as taking a boat tour, snorkeling, diving, or enjoying its beautiful sunsets. 

In “El Palmar,” a state reserve and protected natural area, a tour of freshwater springs are offered, crossing the mangroves and the swamp aboard a barge where you can enjoy bird watching, flora, and fauna. 

A place of particular historical importance is the Fort of Santiago because its construction was built to protect the port from pirate attacks. Its lighthouse was constructed in 1845. Both are symbols of great interest among travelers, as they offer spectacular views of this place. Also, just a few kilometers from this fort, you will be able to observe some old ships sunk in the sea.

HACIENDAS

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HACIENDA TEMOZÓN 

If you visit it, it will take you back to the past with its infrastructure and ornamental details. The Hacienda served as a church during the 17th century.

Presently It is a 5-star hotel. It has 28 luxury suites, a  living room, a  library, and you can also visit the room where the industrial vestiges and elements for fiber processing are kept. 

It is located 30 km from the archaeological site of Uxmal in the municipality of Abalá. 

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HACIENDA XCANATÚN

It was built in the 18th century for farming and agricultural purposes. It is also known as “La Casa de Piedra” (The Stone House).

The hacienda opened its doors in 2000 as a luxury hotel. It has 18 rooms with first-class facilities, outdoor jacuzzis. Its decoration is a mix of traditional and contemporary historical elements.

It is located less than 15 km away from the historic center of Merida.

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HACIENDA SOTUTA DE PEÓN 

During your visit, you will enjoy a trip through the past and the older haciendas’ history than 100 years old. 

Here the tour is done by trucks. Its henequen plantations will receive you and take you to see the typical Mayan house, its cenote framed by natural stone sculptures, the machine house, and the main house. 

It is located in the heart of the henequen zone of Yucatan, 48 km from its capital.

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CULTURE

MUSEUMS

“MUSEO REGIONAL DE ANTROPOLOGÍA E HISTORIA DE YUCATÁN”(CANTON PALACE) 

The Canton Palace, built in the first decade of the twentieth century as the family residence of General Francisco Canton Rosado, one of the most prominent figures of his time, currently houses a series of temporary exhibitions that try to disseminate and promote the cultural heritage and place us in the pre-Hispanic past of the region. 

It is located in the city of Merida. 

MUSEO DE LA CANCIÓN YUCATECA

Another of the precincts that host the city of Mérida is this museum, unique and with an exceptional character, which has as the main objective to conserve and promote the state’s music.

Here you can find pre-Hispanic and Afro-Cuban instruments, testimonies of regional composers, portraits, and pieces such as a rockola and original scores such as the song “Peregrina.” 

PALACIO DE GOBIERNO (GOBERNMENT PALACE) 

Of eclectic classicist style, the building has two levels. Inside, the central courtyard and more than 27 murals by the renowned Yucatecan painter Fernando Castro Pacheco are part of the decoration. 

The “Palacio de Gobierno” (Government Palace) summarized the political life of the state and was built on the same site where the old “Royal Houses” were located in colonial times.

CRAFTS

When you Visit Yucatan you will find is a state full of colors, an aspect that we can witness in its handicrafts and traditions. 

The Huipil is the typical costume of the Yucatecan women. It is made with white cotton fabric and beautiful embroidery of flowers in cross-stitch, which adorns the neckline and the hem; in the lower part, a “Fustan” is used, a skirt with a band of embroidery that is transparent through the lace of the Huipil and ends in another lace. 

The dress is complemented with a “rebozo,” white or embroidered slippers, jewelry made with gold and silver filigree, coral, coyoyol or henequen hawthorn, and a headdress of bows and flowers for the hairstyle. 

A typical garment in men’s clothing is the guayabera, which can be made with different materials, among which linen or cotton stand out.

Hammocks are part of Yucatan’s handicrafts. These were used for many years, so most haciendas have the classic “hamaqueros” of metal or wood. The best quality can be purchased in the town of Tixkokob.

North of Mérida in Dzityá, you can find wooden handicrafts. In the towns of Hunucmá and Ticul, the best leather footwear of the peninsula is produced. 

Another of the region’s typical handicrafts is the “Jimi” hats made from leaf fibers and inherited from the Maya culture.

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