The Yucatan peninsula comprises the eastern tip of
the curving horn of Mexico; it has three states, Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana
Roo. The peninsula borders Belize and Guatemala to the south, the Gulf of
Mexico to the north and west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Cuba is a mere
200 mile east northeast of the northern tip.
Today
the Yucatan is famous for its beautiful Caribbean beaches from Cancun to Belize
as well as its Mayan ruins and heritage, the largest being Chichen Itza and my
personal favorite Tulum where several motion pictures have been filmed. Cancun
is a city which was built solely on the premises of extracting dollars from
Canadian and American tourists, they have succeeded very well in that respect;
it has become a favorite spring break destination and widely visited by
Europeans as well. Prices there are no bargain for anything and you may find
half of your “authentic Mexican souvenirs” were made in China.
Further
south on the coast is Playa Del Carmen more commonly known by the locals as
just plain “Playa”. Once a fantastic secret hideaway from the real world turned
typical tourist destination filled with bars, restaurants, loud music, gift
shops and street vendors. Next blog will be on Tulum, Mahahual and Xcalak.
