Merida

Mexico Escorted Coach Tours - Mexico Escorted Holidays

Mexico has a deep history which has allowed its to cultivate a rich culture that has survived over several centuries. There are many things that make Mexico's culture much different than many world cultures as well as cultures of neighboring countries.

The Yucatan peninsula is known for its beaches, but known more so for the Mayan ruins which dot the area. These ruins give tourists the chance to touch the same structures that those in an ancient civilization did. They also give visitors the chance to learn how those living in this ancient civilization lived.

At one time, Mayapan, located just 25 miles from Merida, was the political and cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula for the Mayans. The area, which is approximately two and a half square miles, now contains over 4000 structures. A large part of the archaeological site is surrounded by a large stone wall which was used as a defensive structure by the Mayans.

Chichen Itza, is located in the center of the Yucatan peninsula and was constructed before 600 AD. The area contains beautiful columns, stone walls, temples, and even ball court which was used by the Mayans to play Mesoamerican ballgame. The Great Ball Court, which is located here, is one of the most impressive examples of Mayan ball courts that still exist. There are no above ground rives in the area, but the Yucatan is famous for its underground rivers. The landscape nearby is dotted with ceynotes which are large, natural sinkholes that area caused by these underground rivers. One of the most popular ceynotes of the area is the Seynote Sagrado (or Sacred Ceynote.) The Seynote Segrado was used to make sacrifices to the god of water by the Mayans when there was a drought.

Another great set of Mayan ruins on the Yucatan are the ruins of Tulum. The ruins of Tulum are the only ruins in Mexico which are right on the ocean. The main temple sits on a rock formation over the ocean. The beach below offers swimmers the chance to look up at the ruins of Tulum while enjoying the warm ocean water.

The very finestr first class escorted coach tours and holidays to Mexico.