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Chichen
Itza:
The best known Mayan ruin site is located along side Hwy. 180,
121 km east of Merida. The size and majesty of this ancient Mayan
city are unforgettable. Chichen Itza covers approximately 6 square
kilometers although only 20 or so structures of the several hundred
at the site have been fully restored. This site gives testament
to the mathematical advancement of a culture far ahead of its'
time. Such is the precision of the alignment of the axis of the
most famous temple, El Castillo, that twice a year, at the Spring
and Fall Equinox, one can observe the silhouette of the undulating
body of the sacred serpent Kukulcan. In Spring, Kukulcan slides
down the pyramid to the Sacred Cenote below, and in Fall, he returns
up the side of the pyramid. For lovers of history and mystery,
this is a place not to be missed. In the evening hours, there
is a Sound and Light show which brings alive the magnificence
of the Mayan history.
To get there,
many tourist bureaus in Merida offer day and over night trips.
If you drive, you can take the toll hwy .Route 180 east toward
Cancun and exit at Chichen Itza. The more scenic route is along
Route 80, which ends at Tekanto, turn south to Citilcum, east
to Dzitas, then south again to Piste.
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Uxmal:
The most famous site along the Ruta Puuc, Uxmal is approximately
79 km south of Merida on Route 261, which is the main highway
between Merida and the city of Campeche. Uxmal not only embodies
form and function, but beauty of detail as well. There are finely
sculpted reliefs and enormous masks, and indeed, the main aspect
of Uxmal would be the beauty and grandeur of its carvings. A great
deal of Uxmal remains unrestored, however the structures which
have been, namely the pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery and
the Palace of the Governor are worth seeing. A Sound and Light
show is also offered in the evening hours.
To get there,
again many tourist bureaus in Merida offer day trips, and as well,
there are busses several times day which travel between Merida
and Campeche, making a stop at Uxmal.
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Kabah:
One of the four smaller Puuc sites, and well worth seeing, Kabah
is 23 km south of Uxmal on Route 261. The most fascinating building
is the Palace of the Masks, so named as nearly 300 masks cover
the long facade. Across the road from the main site, is a short
dirt road which leads in three directions. Straight ahead down
this road is a beautifully sculpted arch. This arch marks the
beginning of the ancient sacbe or paved, elevated road, which
links Kabah to Uxmal.
The best
way to Kabah is via the tourist busses, who usually include a
visit to Kabah in
the journey to Uxmal.
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Dzibilchaltun:
Spreading out over 25 square miles and believed to be one of the
oldest of the ancient Mayan cities, Dzibilchaltun lies 20 km north
of Merida off Route 261 which is the extension of the Paseo Montejo,
and is en route to Progreso beach. This city is still in the formative
stages of restoration but by far the most impressive structure
is the Temple of the Seven Dolls. A small but fascinating museum
on site displays the seven dolls which were found inside the temple.
This is the best museum at any of the archeological sites. Don't
forget your bathing suit to take a swim in the sacred cenote.
Legend has it that swimming in these waters will add 2 years to
your life, although it is not cumulative!
There are
daily busses from Merida to this site or private guided tours
can be arranged through tourist bureaus in Merida.
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Progreso
Beach:
Established in the mid 19th century, Progreso replaced the port
of Sisal as the major port of the Yucatan and the distribution
centre for henequin, the plant used in twine and rope-making.
Progreso lies 30 km north of Merida on Route 261. It is now the
main summer resort of citizens of Merida and thus, in the summer
time, the population of the town increases enormously. The beaches
are sandy white, shallow waters extend far out, making for long
enjoyable walks. Along the beach road are several excellent seafood
restaurants where one can sample the fruits of the ocean.
There are
busses to Progreso which leave from downtown Merida and run each
half hour throughout the day until the early evening.
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Celestun:
Primarily a fishing village, Celestun is more noted for the Parque
Natural del Flamenco Mexicano, (where the flamingos spend their
winter vacation) This park is a 147,500-acre wild-life reserve.
Also seen are cormorants, ducks, herons and many others. The town
is located at the end of a spit of land which separates the Celestun
estuary from the Gulf of Mexico on the western side of the Yucatan
Peninsula at the termination of Route 281. The birds can be seen
by hiring a fishing boat at the dock outside of town.
To get there,
by car, take Route 180 southwest out of Merida to Uman, then west
on Route 281 for 92 km.
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Izamal:
This small, quaint town is best known for having the largest church
plaza in Mexico and is well worth exploring. Izamal is located
north off Route 180 halfway between Merida and Chichen Itza. The
majority of the buildings in the town are painted yellow, thus
the nick name Ciudad Amarillo (Yellow City) which lends a further
uniqueness to this picturesque town.
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Sisal:
Sisal was the main shipping port in the Yucatan in the 19th century
and Henequen, the rope fibre, was the principal product shipped
from this port. Henequen was known around the world as Sisal because
of the name of this port. The town has dwindled over the years
but many visitors find that the magnificent sunsets complement
their dreams of a beautiful, undiscovered hideaway. Many people
feel that Sisal will be discovered soon because of the development
of a large exclusive residential area, marina condominiums and
a resort area which are being built by the same family who created
the Playacar resort at Playa del Carmen. Fishing boats plying
their trade provide a tranquil environment.
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Dzilam
De Bravo
Jean Lafitte, the pirate is buried on the beach, just outside
this village. The area is a gathering place for pink flamingos
and boat trips to Parque San Felipe can sometimes be arranged.
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Chicxulub:
Chicxulub is a small fishing village, now famed for being the
epicentre of an asteroid collision with earth some 65 million
years ago which some scientists believe caused the extinction
of the dinosaurs. The port is becoming well known as a winter
haven for visitors.
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Yucalpeten:
The town and the harbour , which was built in 1968 to protect
small boats during the hurricane season, is a popular centre for
sportfishing for sea bass, pompano, grouper, dogfish, red snapper
and sail fish.
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