State of Yucatan

Yucatan, Mexico

The Mexican state of Yucatán is located on the peninsula of the same name, bordered by the states of Quintana Roo and Campeche. The state capital is the beautiful colonial city of Mérida, and other major cities and towns include Valladolid and its port, Progreso, on the Gulf of Mexico.

As in most of Mexico, the Yucatán has two principal seasons: wet and dry. Rainy season extends from May through October, with high humidity and heat. Dry season brings cool breezes.

Yucatán offers the adventurous visitor a wealth in Mayan archaeological ruins, stunning colonial architecture, important caves and grottoes, and ecological preserves and sanctuaries such as Río Lagartos and Celestún.

Yucatan

Attractions

Mérida

Already a major settlement by the time of the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores, Mérida, so named in 1542 by the Spanish when finally they were able to vanquish it after more than a decade of resistance by the indigenous population, became the main Colonial commercial center of the peninsula. Its architectural attractions feature the Municipal and Government palaces and the Cathedral (completed in 1598), the Anthropological Museum — located on Paseo Montejo — and the Regional Crafts Museum, on Calle 59. … read more about Merida

Merida Hotel Reservations

Celestún

The Celestún wildlife sanctuary is located on the Gulf coast about an hour’s drive from Mérida. In the sanctuary can be seen multitudes of water fowl, the most notable and spectacular being masses of pink flamingos, which get their color from a diet based on shrimp and a certain algae containing high concentrations of beta carotene. Boats can be rented to tour the estuary of the Esperanza River.

Rio Lagartos

The Río Lagartos ecological preserve is home to Mexico’s largest flamingo population. Nesting takes place from April to June when thousands of birds can be observed in the endeavor. The small fishing village is located on the coast north of Valladolid. Visiting birdwatchers will also be treated to the sight of many other species of wild fowl including ibis, great white herons, stilts, cormorants and egrets. Flamingo and general birdwatching boat tours are available from the town’s only Hotel, the Nefertiti, or hire a local fisherman to take you out.

Archaeological Sites in Yucatan State

Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico

Map of Yucatan State

Originally posted 2009-08-04 16:22:10.