Among Merida & Yucatan attractions, you will find exquisite architectural jewels, tours to surrounding cities and archeological sites. Beautiful beaches are hardly 20 minutes away from the city of Merida, like Puerto Progreso among others.
Chichen Itza
In 2007 the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, officially became one of the "Seven (7) Wonders Of The World" and are located at 120 km East of Merida and 190 km West of Cancun, in the state of Yucatan. The Maya are probably the best-known of the classical civilizations of Mesoamerica. Exactly why this civilization collapsed is still a mystery. Chichen Itza is one of the most visited sites for its extraordinary architectonic beauty and geographic location.
Chichen Itza was first settled by the Maya who built up the original sections of the city. Chichen Itza was conquered by a displaced segment of the Toltec population, who settled in the city, and remained for 200 years, until the fall of their empire. At the arrival of the Spanish, conquers found the buildings partially in ruins and its name and real use were unknown; that is why their present names are only assumed.
The massive Kukulcan pyramid called El Castillo (The Castle) is roughly at the center of the site. To climb it is quite a challenge and those who make it are rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and surrounding country side. A trip inside the pyramid is quite the opposite. The dark, unbearably humid corridors and chambers are too much for some people.
The construction of the Kukulcan Pyramid was planned in such a way that each spring equinox the dying sun would cast a shadow of a serpent going down the steps of the pyramid and in the autumn equinox the shadow of the serpent goes up. These events mark the hot and the cold seasons. Every year over 40,000 people make the trek to the great pyramid to watch in awe as the snake's diamond backed body slowly appears.
Puerto Progreso
Progreso, 33km due north of Merida, is a sprawling port town periodically invaded by Yucatecans looking for sea and seafood.
Its main features are marinas, a jetty jutting 6km out into the Gulf of Mexico and a gently sloping sandy beach. Seafood is prepared in abundance in the cheap open stalls and the pricier, air-conditioned restaurants, and the constant sea breeze makes a welcome change from the interior.
Uxmal
The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Maya would often build a new temple over an existing one, and in this case five stages of construction have actually been found. Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Maya people. Its located 48.5 miles at the Southwest of Merida city.
Puuc architecture has several predominant features, most notably constructions with a plain lower section and a richly decorated upper section. Carvings most commonly found include serpents, lattice work and masks of Chac, the god of rain.
Uxmal is one of the most well known of the Maya cities, and rated by many archaeologists as the finest. In area the site is fairly compact, though you should allow at least half a day for a first visit, after which youll probably want to return to go over the site in more detail.
Facilities at the entrance are excellent, with cafeterias, and souvenir shops. There is also a small museum and auditorium.
Kabah
For those admirers of the wonderful Maya culture, a visit to Kabah cannot be missed. Kabah is a worthy archeological complex were several remains of the Maya civilization can be watched, like the famous Mayan Arch; the so called Witch's House; the Temple of Pillars and a building known as Codz Pop, which has 10 chambers in a 46 meters surface linked by a single door, and a faade decorated with multiple masks representing the god Chac. It is quite an experience.
The Cenotes
The Mayas took advantage of the cenotes and caves, naturally formed wonders created by the filtration of water through the limestone surface. The cenotes, or underground rivers, are source of plentiful crystalline water which have fulfilled mens needs throughout the centuries and can only be found in Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula and the island of Cuba. Today at least 440 cenotes have been located among the approximately four thousand that are believe to exist en the State of Yucatan. Visit the cenotes and discover their beauty, find out why they are one of the most popular Merida & Yucatan attractions.
Celestun
The small fishing port of Celestn, 92 km west of Mrida, and its nature reserve are famous for flamingos. Birdwatching is best in the winter season when migratory birds wing in from North America to this mild corner. Boats make a two-hour tour of the mangrove-edged lagoon and there are plenty of sandy (though windy) beaches with seafood restaurants. The "Bosque Petrificado" is a spectacular area of partly submerged petrified trees. A handful of budget hotels and restuarants are clustered around the jetty.
Come and enjoy the beautiful Merida & Yucatan sightseeings!
Fishing Mexico 
