A LUXURY HOLIDAY TO THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
Bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Caribbean to the east, the Yucatan Peninsula is perhaps most famous for its freshwater sinkholes – or cenotes – that mark the surface like portals to another world.
Long before the Spanish arrived, the Maya built cities of extraordinary complexity here, and these pyramids still rise from the jungle today. Maya languages remain in daily use, and village life follows a tempo set centuries ago.
Explore the Yucatan from a beautifully-restored colonial house hotel in the heart of Merida, or from one of the region’s private 18th-century haciendas, – typically painted in vibrant pink, purple or yellow. Some have their own cenotes, exquisite spas offering Mayan healing treatments, or cloisters where you can dine by candlelight.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE ON THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
Explore underground cenotes and ancient Mayan cities in the jungle, take in vibrant colonial towns and kick back on white-sand beaches.
Experiencing the natural wonder of the cenotes is a must-do at the Yucatan Peninsula. These natural pools and caves are accessible for all fitness-levels, from viewing from wooden pathways to scuba diving in the underwater caverns.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum are in a spectacular location, on a seaside cliff, with turquoise waters and views of the open sea. Chichén Iztá, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most widely excavated Mayan site, and the less busy Uxmal is well worth a visit.
Between these sights, and downtime on picture-perfect beaches, explore the charming and colourful cities and towns of Merida, Izamal, Valladolid, and Espita.
Mexico is a nation of diverse landscapes, from the arid deserts and raw coastline of the North to turquoise waters, to lush rainforests further South. It boasts a storied past, lively and diverse cultural heritage, and a cuisine celebrated worldwide.
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Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
Field Notes
