In addition to the following 'snapshot'
descriptions you can also read further information
on highlighted areas using the links supplied on the
individual tour pages. Once on tour, the Visitors'
Centres, historical roadside markers, local guides,
museums and newspapers will be readily accessible
for additional information. Combine these with the
knowledge of your trek leader and you'll have plenty
of background - maybe more than you'll be able to
absorb.
And remember: one of the best sources
of information is the 'locals'- so don't be shy or
afraid about saying 'Hi'. You'll discover that your
accent is a marvellous icebreaker to help you experience
the real spirit of Mexico.
The internationally
renowned resort near the north eastern tip of the
Yucatan Peninsula, is a thriving complex of luxurious,
high-priced skyscraper hotels with hoards of 'gringos'
taking their annual vacations.
Cancun is a purpose built
development whose magnificent location was chosen
by computer as an ideal spot for a vacation center,
with white sand beaches, palm trees, and turquoise
Caribbean waters. The resort consists of a 20 km narrow
strip of sand wedged between the Caribbean and the
Nichupte Lagoon along which an amazing array of exotic
hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shopping-malls have
been built to pander to a vacationer's every whim.
The waters of the lagoon or the sea provide the opportunity
to indulge in all types of water sports.
Merida, the
state capital, founded at the Mayan site of Tihoo,
is the business center, hub of commerce and cultural
heart of the Yucatan.
While a tourist center, the
city does not rely on the tourist dollar and therefore
visitors are not seen as marks for overpricing. As
a center of the tobacco and sugar industries, and
henequen - which is used to make rope - Merida became
a rich city.
It was known as the 'Paris
of the West' and had more millionaires per capital
than any other city in the world. Known today for
its markets and famed for its hammocks, the city also
boasts an excellent archaeological museum featuring
the rich Mayan culture which dominates the region.
Don't miss the murals at the Palacio de Gobierno on
the zocolo.
The beauty
and architecture of Palenque are considered by many
to be the most outstanding of all the pre-Columbian
sites in Mexico.
Set deep in the jungle at the foot
of a chain of hills, and with its brooding air of
mystery, Palenque has that 'Indiana Jones' feel about
it, suggesting a lost ancient city stumbled upon by
chance. However, this could not be further from the
truth. It wasn't until local Indians led a priest
to the site in 1773 that the Spanish were even aware
of its existence. The priest's initial report considered
the place so fantastic that he thought it must have
been built by some 'Atlantic like civilization. Numerous
fraudulent reports followed from explorers, and the
first accurate description came from the eminent American
archaeologist, John Stephens.
It was abandoned at the beginning
of the 9th century, as were all Mayan sites, for reasons
still unknown; the city was then swallowed up by jungle
and today, in its lush rain forest setting, only about
10% of the 400 structures have been excavated. Because
of Palenque's prominence during the peak of the Mayan
civilization, it was one of the most highly developed
ceremonial centers. The architecture here is outstanding,
and it is a jewel among the cultural legacies of ancient
America. Its jungle setting, shrouded in the early
morning mists has made it a favourite with all those
who visit.
Palenque is also historically important
because within the pyramid topped by "The Temple
of Inscriptions" there is a tomb, which is unique
in all of Mesoamerica. Discovered in 1952 the crypt
contained the body of Palenque's most noted leader,
Pakal. This, together with some other unexplained
links to the Far and Middle East keeps Palenque's
mystique alive.
Uxmal was
once the major city of the Maya classic period AD
600-900.
This elegantly styled city contains
some of the finest examples of pure Mayan architecture.
It was never invaded by the Toltecs, or influenced
by outside cultures, other than that of their distant
cousins from Tikal, in Guatemala.
The Pyramid of the Magician affords superb views of
this compact site of intricately sculptured temples
and palaces.
