Yucatan's Place in the Sun

Photos and articles by Gerry Watkins, Editor of Sundancer's West, A Magazine that Explores the West and Borders Beyond, http://www.sundancerswest.com

Honeymooners and romantics have a wide variety of choices for hideaways near fun spots.

Romance, history, intrigue and the Latin Culture lure many travelers to Mexico's Caribbean beaches and resorts. Each traveler has a reason for choosing Yucatan, famous for its beauty, temperate winter climate, and endless sun-drenched beaches.

Honeymooners and romantics have a wide variety of choices for hideaways near fun spots. Intriguing roads wind through forests to plush resorts facing white sand beaches kissed by incredible turquoise waters. Others have it all in Cancun and Cozumel high rise condos where sensational seascapes blend with countless restaurants, shops and entertainment opportunities.

Jacques Costeau "wannabe's" have their own love affair with the crystal-clear waters, abundant with undersea vistas. History buffs appreciate the easily accessed Mayan ruins. Last, but not least, shoppers find treasure troves in Mexican markets, boutiques and shopping malls.

Names stir the imagination. Cozumel, for instance, was once a shrine to the Mayan moon goddess of fertility, Ix-Chel. The birds loved the island and spent winters there long before modern sun worshipers discovered it. Mayans knew that and named it "Island of the Swallows," for the migratory birds.

Jacques Costeau proclaimed Cozumel as one of the world's premier diving spots. The colorful underworld playground at Chankanaab Park provides one of the best sites. Coral and limestone formations and almost tame fish captivate divers.

Take the ferry that crosses to Playa del Carmen and board a motor coach to Cancun City. The narrow, 14-mile strip of an island called Cancun lies just off the east coast of Yucatan Peninsula. The Mexican government transformed this island from a backwater fishing village to one of the most popular resort areas in the country. Eighty-four hotels accommodate visitors who find a marvelous playground and shopping paradise. Downtown dazzles visitors with numerous restaurants, evening entertainment, lively night clubs and a bull ring.Cancun culture has a stronger Indian influence than other parts of Mexico. The culture manifests itself in the food as well as the language. Some native are Yucatecos, who speak the languages used by their pre-Columbian fathers, the Mayans.

Shoppers head for the main shopping areas, Plaza la Fiesta and Plaza Caracol. Outdoor markets offer the shopper everything from fresh fruit to woven blankets and shoes. The best bargains may be found at the Ki-Huic, or Flea Market, in the downtown area.

Historians and culture devotees find a variety of Mayan ruins, and they're more accessible here than any other Central American destination. Chichen Itza, founded in 432 A.D., lies three hours by bus from Playa del Carmen. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. The masterpiece of construction is an awesome monument to ancient and flourishing culture.

The ancient walled city of Tulum is minutes away from Playa del Carmen. Tulum sits high atop a cliff overlooking beautiful Caribbean waters and surrounded by jungle. Dedicated to the setting sun, Tulum dates back to 632 A.D., and is one of the largest fortress sites along the Quintana Roo Coastline, and the only coastal city built by the Mayans.

A beautiful and modern shopping mall just outside Tulum presents an interesting contrast to the ancient cliff side city. You can purchase hand-crafted items from descendants of the people who founded Tulum. Fifteen minutes away, there's a resort hotel with a white sandy beach and facilities to snorkel, kayak, dive, shop or relax in a hammock among the coconut trees.

Another unique Mayan site, Xcaret, served for more than ten centuries as one of their most important ceremonial centers and seaport. Xcaret means "small cave," and is the port where the Maya came from all over the Peninsula to purify their bodies and souls in sacred baths. They believed in the "Cenote" water and "emascales," a mandatory ritual before sailing to Cozumel to worship Ix-Chel, the Goddess of Fertility.

Modern pilgrimages to this incredible eco-archaeological park provide a unique opportunity to discover its historic and natural wonders as well as an intimate "hands-on" encounter with some of earth's most engaging animals in a completely exotic eco-system. There's a botanical garden with more than 80 varieties of plants, a Wild Bird Breeding Aviary with more than 70 species of birds, plus reptiles, wild felines and other exotic mammals. Underground rivers and streams, a blue lagoon and a Mayan Museum also attract visitors to X-caret.

If this doesn't satisfy, try horseback riding or a swim with dolphins.

Whatever your reason for getting away, you'll find opportunities on this southernmost part of Mexico to relax, play, shop, or sample a different cuisine and a unique culture. Warm waters and quiet surf on a winter day can be heaven on earth. It's a perfect get-away. Small wonder the birds chose this area for a winter home.

More Information:

Most Caribbean cruise ships dock at Cozumel; many ferry to reach Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Cruise ships provide tours of the area, or you may tour the cities and shop on your own. While visiting, wash your hands often and only eat fruit you peel yourself or food that is cooked.

Check with your tour operator for tours and flights to this part of Mexico.

Copyright Gerry Watkins