Mexico: Haciendas in Yucatan

The city of Valladolid is one of the Yucatán’s most charming, characterised by its colourful colonial buildings and bustling main square. Valladolid also makes a great base for visiting the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chichén Itzá as well as numerous cenotes and the ancient archaeological site of Ekʼ Balam. Do as the locals and meander in the Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton, marvel at historic churches, enjoy authentic street food and soak up the rich culture of this delightful city.

Rio Lagartos is an authentic fishing village on the northern coast of Yucatán. The village is famous for its breathtaking biosphere reserve. This natural area is home to one of Mexico's largest flamingo populations. You can admire these elegant birds in their natural habitat. During a boat trip through the mangroves, you'll also spot pelicans, herons, and crocodiles. The village radiates Mexican authenticity with colourful houses. You can taste fresh seafood in local fish restaurants. The salt flats give the landscape a surreal character with pink and white hues. Rio Lagartos combines unspoiled nature with local culture, far from tourist crowds.

Chichén-Itzá, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is one of the most impressive Mayan cities in Mexico. This archaeological site is famous for the iconic pyramid of Kukulcán and other well-preserved structures. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the Mayans here. A visit to Chichén-Itzá is a journey back in time to one of the greatest civilizations of Central America.

The capital of the Yucatán and the region’s cultural heart, Mérida is a charming city that dazzles with its elegant colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Its colourful streets house world-class museums, authentic restaurants, local markets and lively bars, and in the evenings the city’s bustling squares come alive with live music and traditional dance performances. Mérida also makes a great base for visiting the nearby archaeological site of Uxmal where you can marvel at some of Mexico's most incredible Mayan ruins.

Uxmal stands out for its unique building style with elegant facades, geometric patterns, and countless masks of rain god Chaac. You'll walk past impressive structures like the oval Pyramid of the Magician that towers above everything with its steep staircase. Explore the vast Governor's Palace with its detailed reliefs and the so-called Nunnery Quadrangle where four buildings enclose an atmospheric courtyard. What makes Uxmal special is that you admire the structures as they have stood for centuries, without extensive modern restorations.

Izamal is a remarkable blend of two worlds. On the enormous plaza stands the impressive Franciscan monastery, built on top of a Maya pyramid using materials from the original temples. You'll feel the contrast between colonial architecture and Maya history everywhere. Climb to the top of Kinich Kakmó, one of the peninsula's largest Maya pyramids that still towers over the city. From here, you'll enjoy a beautiful view over the sea of yellow buildings and the surrounding green jungle.

Playa del Carmen is the beating heart of the Riviera Maya, where white sand and turquoise waters meet a lively atmosphere. The famous Quinta Avenida forms the backbone of this beach resort, featuring trendy restaurants, cosy bars and colourful shops. During the day, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches or dive into the crystal-clear cenotes nearby. From Playa del Carmen, you can easily reach Cozumel island for spectacular snorkelling among tropical fish. The Mayan ruins of Tulum are just half an hour's drive away. In the evening, the town buzzes with energy, offering live music and delicious Mexican cuisine. Playa del Carmen provides the perfect blend of relaxation, culture and adventure for every traveller.