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- Destinations
- North America
- Mexico
- Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is quite different from the rest of
Mexico. A distinct change in the landscape, people and architecture
as one crosses into the remoteness of the Mayan realm, is easily
noticeable. The atmosphere is more relaxed and tranquil and the
legacy of an ancient people is evident in the scattering of ruins
within the encroaching jungle. It is an area famed for its white
sand beaches, magnificent off-shore coral reefs and diving
opportunities on the Caribbean coast, as well as for the region's
splendid ruins: the extraordinary Mayan temples and ceremonial
centres of an ancient kingdom.
The peninsula is an area of great diversity, from tropical
jungle and rainforest, flat and hot countryside dotted with Mayan
villages, a superb coastline with popular resorts and islands,
numerous archaeological sites, and colonial towns. Once distant and
inaccessible, tourism has made determined advances especially
around the major places of interest, to the Mayan sites of Chichen
Itza and Uxmal, and along the most visited stretch of the coast
incorporating the 'party resort' of Cancun and the islands of
Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. These resorts and islands have become
highly sought-after package tour destinations with renowned
vacation facilities.
The traditions, religious beliefs and ancient customs of today's
Mayan culture are a natural part of the Yucatan's character, but
large-scale tourism development has shifted many of the Mayan
people to unwanted areas where they live in small settlements,
scratching out an existence from their crops, and relying on the
brazen publicity of the tourist brochures to endear them and their
handicrafts to the tourist trade.
Information & Facts
Climate
The Yucatan Peninsula is the hottest and most tropical part of
Mexico, especially from June to August when humidity is high,
although temperatures usually don't exceed 90°F (32°C). Rainy
season runs from May to mid-October and is characterised by late
afternoon tropical showers, lasting for a short time only.
Hurricane season particularly affects the Yucatan, especially from
June to October, although in their absence the cooling winds can
make it a perfect time to visit.
Getting Around
The Yucatan Peninsula is serviced by regular first and
second-class bus services that connect Merida to Cancun and the
Caribbean coast along Highway 180, via Chichen Itza. Frequent buses
also travel along the coast between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Taxis are the preferred way to get around most of the resort areas,
and can also be hired to visit nearby sites, although several tours
are offered to the main sites of interest on the peninsula or the
islands. There are also frequent ferry services to the islands of
Cozumel and Mujeres.
Language
Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Some English
is spoken in tourist regions.
Money
Mexican currency is the New Peso (MXN) divided into 100
centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa,
MasterCard and American Express. Travellers cheques are generally
accepted, but cannot be cashed on Sundays. ATMs are available in
most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money,
but for safety reasons they should only be used during business
hours. Although most businesses will accept foreign currency it is
best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many
casas de cambio(exchange houses), which have longer hours
and offer a quicker service than the banks.