Romantic Mayan Excursions
Stay in the a Luxurious Hotel in Merida and Go Adventuring in Mayaland
by Eleanor S. Morris

The Hyatt Regency in the heart of this romantic city in Mexico's Yucatan is a 5-star property of 300 luxurious rooms, a boutique, a gift and souvenir shop, even a Mexican Silver Jewelry Store. From this comfortable base, it's pleasant to be adventurous, going out into the romantic jungle to visit the mysterious ancient Mayan sites. Chicken Itza, Dzbilchatltun, and Balankanche are only a short drive away, as are the fantastic flamingos of Celestun, quite a sight to see.

Evenings, return to the hotel for relaxed dining in one of the hotel's dining rooms. Yucatan and international specialties are served in the Peregrina Bistro; Spasso Restaurant & Bar serves delicious Italian favorites. Or, on the way back to Merida from your Mayan adventure, stop at the Hacienda Teya on Hwy. 180 for some very special regional cuisine.

CHICHEN ITZA
If the two of you are lucky enough to be here at either the spring or the fall equinox, you might see a very special sight. The great pyramid, El Castillo, the Castle of Kukulcan, 91 narrow steps tall, has a great serpent head, that of the feathered serpent god Kukulcan, carved at the base of the balustrades, and on March 21 and September 21, the afternoon lights and shadows strike the balustrade in such a way as to form a phenomenal shadow picture. The shadow seems to undulate out of the god's temple atop the pyramid, down to the serpent head, as though demonstrating the descending of the god Kukulcan to bless the earth and make it fertile.

The engineering skill of the Mayans in arranging this was amazing, and if you go at this time, you'll probably be in the company of thousands, sitting on the grass before the temple and awaiting the breathless moment.

But Chichen Itza is a treat anytime of the year. This was the religious center of Mayan-Toltec invaders from the mainland, and the ruins are a monument to the genius of the Maya. Nearby is a ball court, with engravings on the walls telling the story of the games, which evidently had a religious significance. Whoever won was considered special enough to intercede with the god for his people's well being: he was "honored" by being sacrificed to the god.

More sacrifices were offered at the Sacred Well, a cenote half a mile from El Castillo. Here again, apparently, only the most virtuous had the distinction of being good enough to face the gods

DZIBILCHALTUN

In the Mayan language this name means "The Place where there is writing on the stones," and Dzibilchaltun is noted for its numerous stele. Number 19 is considered a masterpiece of Maya sculpture. And nature lovers, take note. In addition to being a major archaeological site, it is also a National Ecological Park, with hundreds of wildlife species and beautiful butterflies. the park aims to demonstrate how the Maya achieved a delicate balance between developing nature, and preserving it here.

BALANKANCHE

This Mayan shrine, undisturbed from the time of the conquest until its discovery in 1959, contains one of the largest collections of Mayan artifacts found in the Yucatan. It's also noted for the beauty of its natural stone formations-- if one of you is claustrophobic, remember: it is a cave. Guided tours with light and sound effects are offered at the site.

CELESTUN

The main attraction of this ecotouristic paradise of the Yucatan are the flocks of pink flamingos, the only such group of these beautiful birds in North America. They cover the waters of the estuary with bands of solid pink, or so it seems as you view them from the tour boat. Located on the west coast of the Yucatan, the Celestun Estuary is part of the world patrimony of biosphere preserves, an official fauna shelter.

After marveling at the pink flamingos, you can swim or scuba dive in Baldiosera Spring, then go into the town of Celestun for a seaside seafood feast before heading back to Merida and your luxurious hotel.

Hotel Information:

Hyall Regency Merida
Calle 60 NO 344 Ave. Colon
Merida, MX 97000
1-800-400-5400
www.hyatt.com

Mayan Site Information:

CULTUR
Calle 60 Norte Num.299-E Ex Cordemex
Col. Revolucion C.P. 97118
Tel: (999)942-1900
Merida, Yuayan, Mexico
www.visitmexico.com