THE YUCATAN PENINSULA

The Yucatan Peninsula, located in southeastern Mexico between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, has a year-round hot and humid climate, which is ideal for enjoying its Beach Resorts and natural paradises.

The region, which comprises the states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, is well known for its numerous Mayan archeological sites. Many of the ancient traditions of the Mayas persist, for example, many women wear a traditional blouse called a huipil, and some homes are still built with straw rooftops. There are also the regional henequen haciendas, many of which have been converted into posh hotels. And then there are the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea that wash onto white-sand beaches, where you’ll find world-class hotels.

You can also visit Mexico’s hidden treasure, Campeche, a historic fortified city declared a World Heritage site. Nearby Campeche are archeological zones Edzna and Calakmul, the latter forming part of the biggest biosphere reserve in the country.

Just two hours away from Campeche is Merida, the so-called white city, where the local cuisine is unbeatable and a stroll down Paseo Montejo Avenue allows you to appreciate the city’s most important historical buildings. Nearby, in the heart of a cenotes zone (cenotes are sink holes, or fresh water pools connecting to submerged caverns), you’ll find the most cherished sites of the Mayan world: Chichen Itza and Uxmal.

Located in the state of Quintana Roo is Cancun, a bustling tourist destination with luxurious hotels and nonstop nightlife. Also in Quintana Roo is the Mayan Riviera, where you’ll find nature parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha and biosphere reserve Sian Ka’an. Finally, the state offers the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, located several kilometers away from the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef in the world and an underwater paradise for scuba diving.