See the pink flamingos, shop in the ports nearby, tour the colonial city of Merida, explore the state’s impressive archaeological sites or visit Yucatan’s charming century old Haciendas.
Here are some ideas to make the most of your holiday.
“Merida, he who knows you, will never forget you”
These are the words of a popular Yucatecan song, a poem turned into music to celebrate the many charms of this bohemian city.
Famous for the warmth of its people and its trovadores, Merida offers a vast array of activities year round and many of them are free!
Join the Meridanos for a romantic serenade (Thursdays at Parque Santa Lucia), sing with the Mariachis (Saturdays at the end of Paseo Montejo), walk around ‘Merida en Domingo’ (Sundays, historic center), wear your guayabera and enjoy Yucatecan folcklore (Mondays at City Hall).
Progreso is the main port in the state of Yucatan and the entry to the beaches. It is also home to the longest pier in Mexico, measuring about 7 km.
Every year the port welcomes many cruise ships and is a gathering point to mingle and enjoy a walk along its seaside boulevard or ‘malecon’.
If you are looking for fresh seafood visit one of its popular restaurants and taste a ceviche as you watch the waves come and go.
Haciendas
During the 19th century Yucatan experienced an economic boom due to the international demand for ‘henequen’. In fact, it is believed that the name ‘sisal’, as the natural fiber is commonly known, originated in the Yucatecan port of Sisal, where containers were shipped to around the world.
It was during those years of prosperity that the haciendas flourished. The henequen became Yucatan’s ‘green gold’.
However, the demand for henequen reduced dramatically after the arrival of synthetic fibers and many of those incredible haciendas were abandoned.
Nowadays visitors can travel back in time as some of these magnificent properties have been restored to their old glory. Some have been turned into luxury resorts, while others serve as museums, spas and restaurants.
Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Xtampo, Dzibilchaltún, Mayapán
No visit to Yucatan is complete without exploring at least a couple of its Mayan cities. It is believed that the state has more than 2,000 archaeological sites.
In 2006 Chichen Itza became one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The main building or “The Castle” is an impressive structure that attracts thousands of visitors every year and it is perhaps Mexico’s most famous pyramid.
In 2006 Chichen Itza became one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The main building or “The Castle” is an impressive structure that attracts thousands of visitors every year and it is perhaps Mexico’s most famous pyramid.
While Chichen Itza and Uxmal are two of the most popular sites, there are other places worth exploring. For instance, just minutes away from the beach you find Dzibilchaltun (km 15.5 road Merida-Progreso) with it’s Museum of the Maya People and open air ‘cenote’ (sinkhole).
Also and very close to San Bruno is Xcambo (between the ports of Progreso and Telchac).
Also and very close to San Bruno is Xcambo (between the ports of Progreso and Telchac).
Two other sites worth visiting are Ek-Balam and Mayapan.
That famous Yucatecan cuisine
Special word deserves our local cooking. Recognized as one of Mexico’s most distinctive cuisines, Yucatecan food is closely tied to our historic heritage.
Make sure you taste some of the local dishes: cochinita and pollo pibil (pork or chicken marinated in annatto), poc chuc (pork marinated in sour orange juice) and sopa de lima (lime soup) are just a couple of suggestions.
Just beware of the ‘habanero’ chilli pepper. Believed to be the hottest chilli pepper in the world, Yucatan’s fiery habaneros are to be respected.
