What Is The Best Historical
Destination For A Mexico Vacation
When you think about history and Mexico there are a few locales
that come to mind. The one that really stands out is the area
of the Yucatan peninsula that encompasses the area once dominated
by the Mayan people and where you can still find incredible
evidence of their advanced civilization. Just a short drive
from the high-octane resort towns of Cancun and Cozumel are
examples to be found of the height of Mayan architecture and
civilization.
Many travel providers can set you up with tours that will
let you enjoy and explore several archeological sites and
still put aside time to lounge on a beach to soak in the sun.
This gives you the opportunity to have an educational experience
as well as a relaxing vacation. Spend a few days traveling
to several of the most well known ruins and then kick back
with some typical water activities.
The most famous Mayan ruins are at Chichen Itza, which is
close to Merida, the capital of Yucatan. It is estimated Chichen
Itza was established in 432 AD and is one of the finest examples
of Mayan architecture ever excavated. You can climb the pyramid
known as "El Castillo" and learn how it is set up
to have significance in how the Mayans viewed astronomy. There
is also the largest ball court in Mesoamerica located here,
which hosted games where the losers may have been ritually
sacrificed. The blend of science, religion, and architecture
in the city can be very impressive.
Another more recently found site is at Palenque, in which
in 1952 the mummified remains of Lord Pakal, a ruler during
the sixth century, were found in a large sarcophagus. There
are many exquisite examples of Mayan architecture located
here, such as comb-like decorations on the roofs of the temples
and intricately carved wall panels. There are over 200 buildings
at this site, which are probably more than enough to keep
you exploring most of the day.
A visit to Tulum can provide some seaside ruins to explore
for a half a day or so, but it also gives you the opportunity
to snorkel and check out some of the underwater caves that
are near there. After that it is a short trip to either Cancun
or Isla de Mujeres for some rest and relaxation so you can
reflect on all the history you absorbed. And the margaritas
are good there, too.
Just south of Tulum you will find Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This ecological reserve has a lion's share
of natural beauty, but it also highlights 23 archeological
sites of Mayan civilization and contains an ancient trade
route that serviced the cities of Tulum and Muyil during the
Mayan era.
The entire Yucatan peninsula is chock full of the history
and architecture of the Mayan civilization and it gives us
a glimpse of what life was like in the prehistory of European
colonization of the Americas. If your idea of a great vacation
to Mexico is to learn about its history and heritage, then
this is the number one place to go.
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