The beautiful white colonial city of Merida is the Yucatan state’s capital.

It became known as the “Paris of the West” after City fathers modeled the famous Paseo Montejo after the Champs Elysees. Horse drawn carriages are used for city tours.

Find out more about this beautiful city at: http://www.merida.gob.mx

The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located about 120 km (75 miles) south west of El Cuyo. This site is probably the most famous of the Mayan ruins and is also the most thoroughly excavated and restored one. Chichen Itza was the most important city in Yucatan from the 10th to the 12th century. It is worth staying the night and visit the ruins in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Valladolid is Yucatan state’s second largest city. You will hear Mayan spoken at the market and throughout town.

The center is mostly colonial and especially recently restored, sixteenth-century Convent de San Bernardino de Siena is well worth visiting. Outside of town, you can swim in Cenote Dzitnup, located in a cave lit by a small natural skylight.
 

For more information please go to:  http://www.valladolid.com.mx

Located to the northwest of Cancun, Mexico, Holbox Island is just 26 miles / 42 km long. Holbox is separated from the mainland coast of Mexico by a shallow lagoon which gives sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures.

Most of the people of Holbox Island make their living fishing. It is common to see fishermen walking through Holbox Village with their catch of the day or carrying their nets. The streets of Holbox Island are made of white sand, common of Caribbean islands, and there are very few cars. Holbox is considered a virgin tourist destination because very few outsiders visit the island. In spite of Holbox' natural beauty, inaccessibility has left it unspoiled by mass tourism.
Isla Holbox is pronounced holebosh - "x" in Mayan is pronounced "sh".

A well kept secret not known to many Mexicans outside of the Yucatan - Isla Holbox was settled by pirates who intermarried with local Mayans living in the area.

The descendants of the original 8 families still reside there today. Isla Holbox has some 1600 residents. Its northern shore has become a secret hideout for Europeans, Canadians & Americans alike. Its like stepping back in time to the 50's or 60's. All transportation on the island is by golfcarts, motorbikes, bicycles, & of course walking!
You will find no high-rise hotels in Holbox.