Mexico holiday and honeymoons; An expert guide to the Merida and UxmalMerida is the capital of the Yucatan and depicts much of the splendour of Colonial Mexico containing many buildings in varying states of repair. This vibrant city was founded by the conquistadores in 1542 and built directly on top of an existing Mayan city. Its impressive cathedral is the oldest in Latin America, completed in 1559. A stay in Merida offers an alternative to the beach destinations and makes a good base to see the surrounding Mayan sites and other places of interest. Uxmal Mayan ruinsExpansive in its design with majestic palaces and temple pyramids, Uxmal is renowned for its superb sculptures and design. Long geometrical friezes rank among the most splendid examples of ancient American art. The incredible Pyramid of the Magician and the beautiful Governor’s Palace are two of the finest examples of Mayan art anywhere. TO SEE AND DO NEAR MERIDA:Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Half day. In the winter months the lagoons of this protected estuary play host to the largest flamingo colony in North America when about 20,000 gather along with thousands of other migratory waterfowl. Located in the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles west of Merida. Dzibilchaltun. Half day. This unique Mayan site had been founded as early as 1000BC before evangelising friars built a 16th century chapel in the main plaza as a symbol of the invading religion. Each Mayan site was built close to a cenote – sinkholes used for drinking water and as a ceremonial portal to the underworld. At this site Cenote Xlaca is 44m deep and you can swim here amid the colourful fish. Located just north of Merida.Izamal. Half day. This once major Mayan religious site was chosen by the Spanish as a centre to convert to the locals to Christianity. First they converted the physical site and a huge convent and church was begun in 1549, reusing Mayan stonework. The whole complex was painted rich ochre yellow leading to its nickname as ‘the golden city’. Located between Chichen Itza and Merida.
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