Explore the Yucatan Peninsula
Cancun is located at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you want to add some culture to your sun holiday this is the perfect opportunity. Leaving the glittering resorts of Cancun for a few days will certainly impress you. The Yucatan was once the heart of the Mayan civilisation. There are endless ruins to climb and explore, Chichen Itza being one of the best and most famous.

It is believed that Chichen Itza was established sometime between 550 and 900 B.C. It has a great mystery too! During the 14th century the settlement was abandoned. Many historians and archaeologists have tried to discover the reason for this, but to this day the mystery remains. You can get tours to Chichen Itza from the Yucatan's capital city of Merida or make your own way there. A significant note about Chichen Itza is its central pyramid, which is built perfectly to follow the very accurate Mayan calendar; in fact the Mayan's are responsible for what has now become modern day astronomy. Many people enjoy trying to climb to the top, if you can manage it you will be rewarded with wonderful views.

Another great architectural feat left by the Mayan's is Uxmal. Today it is a World Heritage Site and is one of the best preserved Yucatan ruins. The site is made up of a number of different and equally fascinating buildings, but there is perhaps one that stands out, the House of the Magician. This is the tallest structure of Uxmal, standing at one hundred feet. It is positioned so that its western staircase faces the sunset during the summer solstice. Uxmal can be reached in a couple of hours if you are leaving from Merida. The site is open to visitors every day from 8am to 5pm.

To further your discover of the Yucatan Peninsula we recommend visiting Yucatan Today. This is one of the best sites about the region and is packed full of information about the ruins and its present and past culture. It also will help you with recommendations on where to eat and stay along with information about local events.

Yucatan Tours
There are some excellent adventures awaiting you in the Yucatan. You and tour ancient Mayan ruins, visit underground caves and even go diving and snorkelling.