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.

Dzibilchaltún

The Temple of the Seven Dolls, through which the sun strikes at dawn on spring and summer equinoxes to run straight along a white sacbé (rough cast road) to the central plaza, is the most celebrated feature of this ruined Mayan city just north of Mérida. It was one of the longest-lived Mayan cities, occupied for over 2,000 years. There are additional temples at the site, as well as a grand Palacio and a Spanish missionary chapel. The huge, mysterious pool – Cenote Xlacah – which provided the ancient city with water, now offers an idyllic place in which to cool off.
Dzibilchaltún

Just north of Mérida, this site was occupied for over 2,000 years. At dawn on spring and summer equinoxes, the sun strikes straight through the open doorways of the Temple of the Seven Dolls and along a road. There’s also a great swimming cenote here (see Cenote Xlacah, Dzibilchaltún).
Earth Lord

The Maya viewed the earth as a living being, which could be kindly or monstrous.Monstermouth temples are often representations of the Earth Lord.
Eco-Paraíso Xixim, near Celestún

This remarkable “eco-retreat” stands in total isolation between coconut groves and a remote beach north of Celestún and is best accessed by 4-wheel drive. The cabins are comfortable and have lovely beach terraces, and there’s a good restaurant. Nature and archeological tours are a specialty.
Ecotel Quinta Regia, Valladolid

Built in a Neo-Colonial style with shady patios, this hotel combines a colorful Mexican rustic look with high-standard modern facilities. Lush gardens and orchards are overlooked by the best rooms. The pool is secluded, and the restaurant makes use of garden produce (see El Mexicano, Valladolid).
Edzná

Another of the largest and wealthiest cities of Classic-era Yucatán(see 250–900: Classic Era Mayan Civilization). Its huge palace, the “Building of the Five Stories”, is the largest and most complex of all Mayan multistory buildings.
Edzná

A Mayan city in many ways as spectacular as Chichén Itzá. The “Building of the Five Stories” is one of the largest Mayan palaces.
Ek-Balam

In 1998 excavations revealed some of the finest examples of Mayan sculpture at these ruins, on the giant temple-mound known as the Acropolis. Most spectacular is El Trono (The Throne), a temple entrance believed to be the tomb of Ukit-Kan-Lek-Tok, a powerful ruler around AD 800. Nearby is an intricate mass of finely carved figures. The rest of the Acropolis is a multi-level palace.

Ek-Balam
Ek-Balam

This compact city was little known until recently. Excavations of its largest temple-mound in 1998 revealed spectacular carvings, especially at El Trono (“The Throne”), the largest and most extravagant of Mayan monstermouth temples. Other unique buildings include an almost spiral-shaped tower, La Redonda, the design of which is a mystery.
El Bajo and Santa Clara

Alongside the north coast road is a long, narrow sand-spit island, El Bajo, with deserted, coconut-palm shaded beaches. In the tiny village of Santa Clara you can find boatmen offering occasional trips to the island.

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