Yucatan
The perfect trip exploring Mayan cultureThere’s a rare beauty about places that carry the weight of ancient civilizations, blend it with the vibrant pulse of the present, and offer a promise for the future.
As the world began to reopen after the COVID 19 pandemic, we were itching to travel. As Mexico reopened it’s borders to travel, we jumped on the possibility to experience the wonders of the Yucatan peninsula.
We had no intention of visiting the all-inclusive resorts of Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and wanted to avoid the overrun influencer hellscapes of Tulum. No, this trip was about exploring the real Yucatan. Merida, it’s beating cultural heart. Chichen Itza, the pride of the ancient Maya. And a less-oten explored side of the beautiful island of Cozumel.
The Ultimate Yucatan Itinerary
We planned a ten day trip, flying directly from Denver to Merida. We stayed in Merida for several days before driving across the peninsula to Chichen Itza and finally on to Playa del Carmen to catch a ferry to Cozumel. After a few days in Cozumel, we flew home to Denver directly from the Cozumel airport.
Why we loved visiting Yucatan, Mexico
There’s a rare beauty about places that carry the weight of ancient civilizations, blend it with the vibrant pulse of the present, and offer a promise for the future. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is exactly this type of destination. Bursting with an extraordinary history, compelling Mayan culture, stunning cenotes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Yucatan offers an adventure that’s nothing short of unforgettable.
If you’re searching for a trip filled with enchanting beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history, Yucatan and Quintana Roo in Mexico should unquestionably be on your list. The allure of Mexico’s eastern coastline and the Yucatan Peninsula is beyond compare! There is a lot more here to explore than the Americanized, spring break strewn sands of Cancun.
We were fascinated by the almost unreal landscapes. From the serene turquoise waters of the coast to the dense jungle habitats further inland, these regions of Mexico are a haven for nature lovers. Whether you love trekking the jungles or prefer a leisurely stroll on the beach, you won’t be disappointed.
The deep cultural roots of the region and the welcoming warmth of its people made a lasting impression on us. From the grandeur of the ancient Mayan ruins to the colonial charm of Merida, history and culture lovers will find a treasure trove of experiences in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. We’re truly thrilled when it comes to exploring ancient civilizations, and the awe-inspiring Mayan structures are simply astounding!
The locals in these regions are incredibly hospitable, proud of their heritage, and always eager to share their culture and history. The friendships we formed during our visit will be cherished for a lifetime.
From cochinita pibil to the local seafood dishes, Mexican cuisine, particularly Yucatecan is a treasure. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!
The Yucatán Peninsula: A Rich Tapestry of History
The history of the Yucatán region is a remarkable chronicle, filled with tales of an ancient civilization, colonial conquest, resistance, resilience, and transformation. Its diverse cultural influences and historical events have shaped the Yucatán into the distinctive region it is today.
First Civilization: The Maya
Long before the Spanish arrival, the Yucatán was the cradle of the Maya civilization.
The Mayan civilization, which thrived from approximately 2000 BC to 900 AD in what is now the Yucatán Peninsula, stands as one of the world’s most innovative and fascinating societies. Their advances in fields like mathematics, calendar-making, science, and astronomy continue to impress modern scholars and bear witness to their ingenuity and wisdom.
Mathematics and the Concept of Zero
Mayan numerals were based on a vigesimal (base-20) system, a significant departure from the base-10 systems most familiar to us today. It’s believed this choice may have arisen from counting on fingers and toes. Mayan mathematics was also one of the earliest systems in the world to utilize the concept of zero — a mathematical milestone. The earliest evidence of a Mayan zero dates back to the 3rd century AD, far earlier than its recognition in Europe. This numeral system enabled the Maya to record large quantities and perform complex calculations, essential for their astronomical observations and calendrical work.
Calendars: A Mastery of Time
The Mayans created intricate, accurate calendars that still astound scholars with their precision. They used two main calendar systems: the Haab, a solar calendar with 365 days split into 18 months of 20 days each, with an additional ‘short’ month of 5 days, and the Tzolkin, a ritual calendar of 260 days. These two calendars worked together in a 52-year cycle, known as the Calendar Round.
The Maya also developed the Long Count calendar to record dates beyond this 52-year cycle. The base unit of this calendar was the k’in (day), followed by higher order units including winal (20 days), tun (18 winals or 360 days), k’atun (20 tuns), and b’ak’tun (20 k’atuns or approximately 394 years). Notably, December 21, 2012, marked the end of the 13th b’ak’tun, which some misinterpreted as a Mayan prediction for the end of the world.
Astronomy and Science: Reading the Stars
The Mayans were avid skywatchers and developed an elaborate understanding of celestial patterns. They meticulously observed and recorded the movements of the Sun, Moon, Venus, and other celestial bodies, using their mathematical knowledge to predict eclipses, solstices, and equinoxes. These observations played a crucial role in their agricultural planning, religious ceremonies, and architecture.
Archaeoastronomy provides evidence of the Mayans’ keen astronomical knowledge, with buildings at many sites, including Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum, lining up with celestial events. The Caracol observatory at Chichen Itza, with its distinctive round shape and multiple viewing windows, is a striking testament to their commitment to celestial observation.
The Mayans’ understanding of astronomy was also interwoven with their complex mythology and cosmology. They regarded celestial bodies as gods moving across the sky, with different celestial events bearing religious and prophetic significance.
Their wisdom and the sophistication of their science, astronomy, and mathematical systems underscore the brilliance of the Mayan civilization, reminding us of the remarkable intellect and capability of this ancient society. These accomplishments continue to echo in the lives of the Maya’s modern descendants, keeping a profound legacy alive in the Yucatán.
Spanish Conquest and Colonial Period
The arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century marked a significant turning point in Yucatán’s history. This period was marked by battles and resistance, as the Maya fought against the invaders. Despite their efforts, by the late 17th century, the Spanish had established control over the peninsula.
The Spaniards’ impact on Yucatán was significant. They introduced Catholicism, reshaping the religious landscape. Spanish architecture influenced the region’s aesthetics, evident in the grand cathedrals and plazas of cities like Mérida. They also introduced new agricultural techniques and crops, shaping the region’s economy. However, the period was also marked by oppression, exploitation, and the devastation of native populations due to disease and conflict.
Revolution and Modern Era
The struggle for independence in the early 19th century and the subsequent Caste War of Yucatán reflected the ongoing resistance against foreign rule. This tumultuous period eventually led to significant social and political changes in the region.
In the 20th century, the discovery of oil and the development of tourism brought about economic growth and increased global attention. Despite these changes, the people of the Yucatán have preserved their unique cultural heritage, a blend of Maya tradition and Spanish influence.
Today, the Yucatán is a vibrant tapestry of its rich history. As you walk through the streets of Mérida, the past resonates in the colonial architecture. Visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza or Uxmal, and you are transported back to the time of the Maya. Plunge into a cenote, and you’re swimming in the sacred waters of an ancient civilization.
The cuisine, too, tells the story of the region’s history, a unique fusion of Mayan, Spanish, and other influences. From the staple Pibil dishes, slow-cooked in earth ovens, to the spicy Habanero salsa, Yucatán’s food is a culinary journey through its past.
In the Yucatán, history is not confined to textbooks or museums. It is lived and breathed every day, interwoven into the very fabric of its cities, its food, and its people. Whether it’s in the whisper of the Mayan language still spoken by locals or the vibrancy of the traditional festivals that celebrate their pre-colonial heritage, the Yucatán’s history is very much a part of its present.
A trip to the Yucatán is not just a vacation; it’s an immersive journey into a past that continues to shape its vibrant present. Every corner of this region holds a story, every stone of its ruins a secret
Our Yucatan travel itinerary
You can find an overview of our trip to the Yucatan peninsula below with links out to more information and our experiences at each destination.
Our Yucatan travel itinerary
You can find an overview of our trip to the Yucatan peninsula below with links out to more information and our experiences at each destination.
Days 1-4: Merida and the surrounding areas
We started our trip in Merida exploring the city and beautiful surrounding areas. From culture to nature, history to amazing food, Merida is a must-visit.
Days 4-5: Chichen Itza
Camping in the Atacama desert outside of the Huacachina oasis was the experience of a lifetime.
Visiting Yucatan Blogs
Mayan food: 12 dishes you need to try in the Yucatan
Yucatecan cuisine is a tongue-tingling tapestry of ancient Mayan practices, Spanish influences, and even a dash of Caribbean and Middle Eastern flair.
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