DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

Cenote Kantun-Chi

There are several visitable cenotes on the landward side of the highway near Xpu-Ha. A broad, shady pool dappled by brilliant sunlight, Kantun-Chi is near the road but still deliciously refreshing for swimming. Neighboring cenotes, Cristalino and Cenote Azul, are also beautiful.
Cenote Samula

Another spectacular cavern-pool next to Cenote Dzitnup. Past a narrow entrance there’s a huge pool of cool, clear water, and in the middle of the cave the roots of a giant ceiba tree – associated with mystical powers by the Maya – stretch straight down from the surface to reach the water far below.
Cenote Xlacah, Dzibilchaltún

The wide, round cenote that provided water for the ancient city of Dzibilchaltún is still a popular swimming hole today. It gets busy on Sundays but is a relaxing place for a dip at other times of the week (see Dzibilchaltún).
Cenotes

The cenotes and underwater rivers in western Yucatán are far less well explored than those around Tulum. Snorkeling and diving trips are beginning to be organized from Mérida; Yucatán Trails agency (see Tours and Special Interests) can book tours.
Ceramics

Huge numbers of earthenware pots are made in Ticul, sometimes using pre-Conquest techniques.
Ceviche

Raw fish or seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice, and served with salad, spices and lots of coriander.
Chac

Mayan god of rain and lightning, identifiable in carvings by his long, curling snout.
Charrerías

A charro is a Mexican cowboy, in the famous outfit of big sombrero and embroidered jacket(charras are cowgirls, in similar hats but flounced skirts), and a charrería is a Mexican rodeo, a spectacular, competitive display of rope tricks, steer-wrestling, and astonishing horsemanship. There’s no fixed charrería program in Cancún, but they come up fairly often. Mérida’s charro ring has a similarly irregular schedule.
Chelem and Yucalpetén

Just west of Progreso, on the other side of a gap in the coastal sand bar, these easygoing villages have long, almost empty beaches. They’re popular for windsurfing.
Chen Río, Cozumel

The best restaurant on Cozumel’s east coast, and a wonderful place to eat on the beach.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35