The ruins of the peninsula’s Maya cities and ceremonial sites are reasons enough to lure visitors. But the fine white sand beaches of the Caribbean make the destination even more irresistible. Small wonder that for many this region is their first or only experience of Mexico, providing enough to see and do to fill their vacation memories.
Geographically, the peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It includes the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo and part of the countries of Guatemala and Belize. Here are 5 facts about this region that you may want to brush up on taken from The Travel Institute’s Destination Specialist Mexico course.
1. The peninsula was created millions of years ago supposedly when an asteroid collided with the earth to form the area’s limestone surface. The land is extremely flat with little or no topographic variations with the exception of the Puuc hills in the south. The northern part is hot and dry and covered with scrub vegetation.
2. In the Yucatán, tourists can enjoy the music and crafts of local artisans and dine at restaurants that serve local delicacies as Pollo Pibil (marinated chicken wrapped in banana leaves and baked) and Poc chuc (slices of pork marinated in sour orange juice and served with a tangy sauce and pickled onions).
3. According to legend, when Francisco Hernández de Córdova arrived on the coast of Yucatán he asked the natives where he was. They replied in their native tongue that they didn’t understand what he was saying. Because Córdova thought their answer sounded like the word Yucatán, he gave that name to the region.
4. The Rio Lagartos National Wildlife Refuge is home to North America’s largest flamingo population. The park features diverse geological areas from coastal dunes to mangrove swamps. The refuge is home to flamingos, plus another 260 or more bird species and large populations of sea turtles.
5. Yucatán has approximately 2,600 fresh water pools called cenotes that the indigenes used for drinking water and sacrificial offerings. Today, the pools are popular tourist attractions.
Bonus tip: Today, some haciendas have been renovated into beautiful five star hotels, complete with elegant rooms, sumptuous dining facilities and magnificent grounds. A few are small boutique properties specializing as conference centers, or spas.
