MERIDA (The White City) – When exploring Yucatán, all roads lead to Mérida, its beautiful capital. As well as being the Colonial city for excellence, Mérida is the ideal departure point for excursions to the main archaeological sites, cities and colonial towns. The state capital is better known as the White City.

Up until 500 years ago it was the ancient Mayan city of T´ho or Ichcaanshiho, or "Face of Infinity", Merida was founded in the year 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, "El Mozo" (The younger), after he overcame various Mayan lords, the splendid temples and places of worship reminded him of Spanish warriors. The beautifully carved limestone buildings with their ancient Roman moldings of Merida, Spain, inspired de Montejo to baptize this city with the same name as the imperial and secular Spanish metropolis.

Since its foundation, Merida has existed as a colonial city, with streets and squares in a symmetrical grid in the style of the old Castilian and Andalucian towns: the original patterns prevail today. The land was shared out among the noblemen, and once assigned, a large area was reserved in the center for the town square (the Plaza Mayor).

It kept this name until 1812 when it was changed to Independence square (Plaza de la Independencia), although nowadays it's known as the Main Square (Plaza Grande). In the west were two native neighborhoods: Santiago and Santa Catarina. To the east San Cristobal was populated by Indians from the high plains, while blacks and mulattos occupied Santa Lucia to the north.

In the center, around the square, the main civil and religious buildings were erected: royal palaces which would house visiting governors and captains from Spain; the Town Hall destined for government authorities, and the Great Church, later to be replaced by the Cathedral. Passing through the heart of the capital the visitor cannot fail to be impressed by the group of antique buildings which make up the historical center.

To one side of the Main Square, surrounded by leafy laurels, the majestic cathedral of San Ildefonso rises up. It is the oldest Cathedral on the American Continent, built during the second half of the XVI century, and exceptional for its monumental, austere architecture, softened by the graceful rise of its twin towers.

Construction took more than 40 years and used, in addition to quarried rock, stones from destroyed Mayan temples. It was the first erected on American soil, and the figure of Christ in its interior is considered to be the largest indoor representation in the world. On the south is the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo), built by El Mozo for himself and his wife between 1543 and 1549: a jewel of first Spanish Renaissance Art.

The building is conserved intact and is flanked by two Corinthian columns where the frame has chiseled tablets in high relief combined with renaissance motifs. The upper part has Elizabeth gothic characteristics; however a substantial indigenous influence is apparent throughout the work. As the city spread, the original geometric style of the founders began to be lost.

To the north, another ethnic neighborhood that of Santa Ana was forming, and towards the end of the XVII century there were a total of 80 street blocks measuring almost two square kilometers. Seven stone archways were built to mark the city limits, as well as to separate the city from the indigenous quarters.

Urban growth has swallowed up all but three of these: only the archways of San Juan, Dragones and El Puente are still standing today.

At the end of the XIX century the population of Merida was growing so fast that new residential areas began to materialize, in turn leading to the emergence of theaters, hospitals, schools, clubs and social centers.

But perhaps the most significant appearance at this time was that of the haciendas, the result of a boom in the embryonic heneken industry in the state. This led to economic development, which in turn spurred the restoration and construction of innumerable public buildings, temples and private houses that adorn the city's most beautiful avenues to this day.

An example of this is the Jose Peon Contreras Theater with its marble staircase and elegant design, in the traditional style of European theaters. September 15th 1892 marked the inauguration of the Government Palace, built on the north side of the Main Square. This building is Neoclassic in style and currently is home to several murals by the local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.

Considered one of the most important artists in Yucatan, his work portrays the life and history of the Maya from the Conquest to the Caste Wars. To the north of the square is the recently opened planetarium. Situated inside the Olimpo Cultural Center of Merida, it boasts an auditorium and several exhibition rooms.

Among the many others attractions is the traditional Montejo Avenue (Paseo de Montejo), an elegant thoroughfare and site of the magnificent Italian Renaissance architecture of the Canton Palace. This splendid building is now the Museum of Anthropology and History. Also along this avenue the imposing Monument to the Nation has become yet another of Merida's icons, telling the history of Yucatan and Mexico in its sculptured stone.

Of the many parks, fountains and gardens that grace the city, one of the most notable is Centennial Park, which opened its gates in 1910 as part of the celebrations marking Hundred Years of Independence. It has an artificial lake, open-air theater, zoo and children's area among other attractions.

Another well-visited park is the Park of the Americas with its monumental Mayan-style fountain, exhibition hall, library, open-air theater and ample gardens. In fact, almost all the residential and other areas benefit from recreational parks and squares around churches and fountains, which all the family can enjoy.

In addition to the parks, another of the White City's treasures is the bullring. Bullfighting fans will fully appreciate the art in the Plaza de Toros, although many other kinds of event are also held her. And as if that weren't enough, the city has countless museums dedicated to anthropology, archaeology, antiques and popular art, proving once again that this really is the cultural heart of Yucatan.

Viewing the streets you can't help but feel the romantic, provincial atmosphere, testimony to a past rich in history and legend. In spite of modern touches, Merida has conserved her colonial flavor, full of light and color in every corner. After dark a delightful transformation takes place, when horse-drawn carriages and sidewalk cafes appear as if from nowhere, and mestizos and troubadours fill the starry night with music and poetry.

The wonders and possibilities of the legendary White City will surprise you. The hospitality of the local people will enchant you. For this and much, much more, come to Merida!

VALLADOLID – Perl of the East: A 20 minutes drive from our Chichén Itzá Hotels, Valladolid was founded in 1543 on the ancient Mayan city of Zaci, and "The Perl of the East" is a welcoming city, full of history and a place Yucatan is truly proud of. For centuries it has been recognized for its rich Spanish legacy, made tangible in the temples and old parishes.

Valladolid has an exceptional Colonial flavor. Walking through its streets with their brightly painted houses, the churches and, of course, the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena is like walking directly into the past.

The Franciscan presence is palpable here, as it is all over the peninsula. In the heat of the day the laurels in the Main Square offer shade to locals and travelers alike; the birds gather and fill the air with their calls as the day draws to a close. Located the east of Yucatan, Valladolid was the scene of rebellions and battles between conquerors and conquered.

The submission of the rebel Cupuls in the east was finally attained by a nephew of the conqueror. Also named Francisco de Montejo, he set up camp around a lagoon which the local inhabitants called Chouac-Ha. This site would be the operational base from which the Spanish subdued the Cupuls and overpowered their capital, Zacihual.

The name means "white Gull" and symbolizes the warlike qualities of the Zaci community. Lying 50 km. from the coast, this was an important political and religious center and residence of the hierarchy of the Cupul family.

Crushing them was a difficult task for the Spanish soldiers, nevertheless on the 23rd. of May, 1543, Captain Francisco de Montejo "El Mozo" finally founded the village which he called "Valladolid", in homage to the Spanish city of the same name.

Among its attractions is the imposing Convent of San Bernardino, with its majestic proportions and discreet Franciscan style. The main altarpiece was worked in wood painted in gold, with sculptures and motif that give it an unmistakable Baroque feel.

The virgin of Guadalupe is found here, the most worshipped by Mexicans: she is approximately 400 years old.

San Gervasio church with its glorious towers, brandished the cannons which served to recover the city in 1848, from the hands of the rebel Indians who started the Caste Wars. The streets proudly conserve this glorious past.

The Municipal Palace and the Temple of San Juan of God can also be enjoyed. Nearby, the Zaci cenote, a deep fresh-water deposit which once supplied the entire population, now serves as a restaurant and natural pool.

Leather and henequen handicrafts can be found in the establishments throughout the city, along with hammocks, weavings from different plant fibers, and stone carvings.

There are numerous restaurants where the delicious local cuisine can be tried: among the specialties are oriental escabeche (a spicy marinade), turkey in sak-kol, smoked sausage and the typical tender pork loin, all of which make Valladolid a vibrant example of the provincial flavor of our Mexico.

IZAMAL – City of the Three Cultures: A 35 minutes drive from our Chichén Itzá Hotels, Izamal, known as Zamná by the original Mayan communities settled in the area. The meaning of this name as "Heaven dew" was honoring a very important and powerful master who guided and instructed the Mayan of this community.

Its historical origins dated from 300 years before our time by the late Post Classical period. This important settlement founded by the Mayan and registered by Spanish Bishop Diego de Landa in his Chronicles of travel to Yucatan ("Relación de las cosas de Yucatan de Diego de Landa") by 1541 mentions the ritualistic ceremonies held in this place honoring God Itzamatul the creator of Mayan men, rain and dry seasons.

This God was also the creator of Universe and Mayan religion. This beautiful colonial town was founded by the Spanish Franciscan Monks by the half of 16th century, during their evangelization to Yucatan.

They established a small Christian temple atop the great pyramid and building a large Franciscan Monastery atop the acropolis (former Mayan Pap-Hol-Chac ceremonial center). It was named after San Antonio de Padua.

Build in 1553 and completed in 1561, the atrium of the Monastery was second in size only to that at the Vatican. This Catholic oratory made of the cut stone from the Pre-Columbian city was reused to build the Spanish churches, monastery and surrounding buildings. At the present time, the most important temple of Izamal is called Kinich Kak Moo or Great Pyramid.

This is the third tallest structure of the Yucatan Peninsula located at the main square. At the top of it, there is a platform that could be used for different ceremonies. This city has been named as "Magic Town" by the Ministry of Tourism in 2002.

Most of its architecture has a remarked Spanish and Arabesque influence. All constructions are white and yellow painted in plain harmony.

There is a Light and Sound show performed at this city called "Light of the Mayan" every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM.

Campeche: You can feel the presence of Campeche's history (World Heritage site) when you stroll through the historical downtown streets. Since parts of the old fortress walls still remain, the legacy of pirates, conquerors and civil war lingers from the XIX century can be felt in the atmosphere.

The Historical Center of Campeche was designed in the Renaissance stile of a "chess board" in accordance to the specifications of the Spanish Crown. On the square closest to the sea the central park was built and main town square.

Though it was built for the people of the community, this square was used by the town elite, Spanish royalty and political authority for parties and ceremonies.

The buildings enclosing the square were used for the government offices, The Cathedral, Navy offices, Customs and the most influent conquistadors' houses.

Now days the historical downtown of Campeche City, main center of business, cultural, administrative and tourist activities, is surrounded by buildings from the XVI, XVII, XVIII, and XIX centuries; and edifications with military, civil and religious architecture, as well as complex offices, and houses from the XX century, located in areas gained on the sea.