Traveling Tidbits - Central America
Famous for its Mayan archaeological ruins, Yucatan state of Mexico captivates you with a wide range of fascinating, distinctive, ancient cities of the Mayan culture. Located in the midst of the jungle, each site has its uniqueness, architectural landmarks, and interesting history.
Highlights of Yucatan:
Chichen Itza - famous for the magnificent Pyramid El Castillo housing the red-painted jaguar with jade, the Observatory El Caracol, the Church decorated richly with sacred animals, and the largest ancient Mayan sport arena in Mexico, the Ball Court.
Uxmal - admired for its beautiful Puuc architectural structures with ornate, geometrical facades decorated with protruding reliefs as seen in the well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle and the Governor's Palace.
Ek Balam - hosting the Acropolis, unique for its combination of architectural styles in one complex and for its display of a gargantuan jaguar's mouth with large white denture.
Kabah - boasting the Kodz-Pop, a masterpiece facade of Puuc-style architecture completely covered with Chaac masks (rain god) and the Great Palace.
Labna - known for the Arch as the entrance to the city center with a stone-built road leading to the Palace.
Sayil - hosting the extensive three-story Great Palace with columns (like Greek style) and friezes of Chaac masks.
*Local towns to stay overnight:
Valladolid - great food, souvenir shops and friendly people
Ticul - known for keeping the Mayan traditional music alive and for exporting red clay pottery
*Suggestion for transportation:
bus - comfortable, reliable, cheaper than renting a car
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