or cenotes, where you can swim and dive was just one of the unique offerings of the State of Yucatan that was discussed at a lunch on Oct. 29 in New York City to celebrate this destination.
The State of Yucatan has beautiful beaches, but what really makes it special, the speakers emphasized, are its Mayan archeological sites, Mayan cultural traditions and the natural wonders that cannot be found anywhere else.

“Mayan culture flourished in this area leaving behind incredible archeological sites,” said Lizzie Cole, Deputy Secretary of the Yucatan Tourism board. “Yucatan was the heart of the Mayan civilization.”

Yucatan Hospitality
In addition to large sites with Mayan monuments you can tour, the people of Yucatan create a welcoming and secure environment. “Yucatan is one of the safest states in Mexico,” Cole said. “People are nice and hospitable and want to share with you who they are and what they have as their history.”

Secretary of Tourism for the State of Yucatán, Dario Flota, echoed that sentiment: “It’s very safe to drive and move all around the state,” he said.

Cole noted that food is also a big draw for those looking for travel with a rich culinary tradition. “If you think you have experienced Mexican food, you don’t know. You have to come here.”
Some of the food can be experienced especially during the Yucatan’s Day of the Dead celebrations when specific dishes are served. Cole said Yucatan has its own, unique way of marking this event.
Travelers interested in wellness also will find much to delight them in Yucatan. “Wellness comes from visiting the healers in the traditional villages,” said Cole. She said visitors also can enjoy activities like yoga and aromatherapy in both the larger and smaller hotels in the villages.

International hotel brands have a strong presence in the state of Yucatan but so do the area’s famous haciendas. Found on the outskirts of the city and surrounded by the lowland rainforest, these properties are now exclusive retreats.

Yucatan state also gives visitors the chance to experience four of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” or Pueblos Mágicos: Izamal (“the yellow town”), Mani (“the best tourism village”), Tekax (“an adventure destination”) and Sisal (“ecotourism lovers’ paradise”).

Pueblos Mágicos are towns and villages Mexico has designated as places that offer visitors a “magical” experience due to their cultural, historical and natural significance.
Natural Wonders

The natural wonders of the cenotes are a huge draw for travelers who may have thought they had already done and seen it all.

Part of a huge underground network of rivers, the cenotes are pools created from these rivers where visitors can swim or dive. The cenotes are connected so it’s also possible to travel within them to other cenotes. In addition, there are numerous caves that can be explored.

The cenotes are an example of an activity in Yucatan state that can be as adventurous or calming as the visitor desires, with a casual swim at the surface or a deeper dive with cave explorations.
Distinct pink waters, caused by pink-hued salt flats, can be found at Las Coloradas, while animal lovers will be drawn to Rio Lagartos, which offers a pristine nature experience, ideal for birdwatching, particularly pink flamingos.

For those who do desire a more traditional vacation experience, Yucatan state has an array of pristine beaches to choose from. Larger hotels, as well as boutique accommodations, offer a chance to stay alongside these beaches which are surrounded by untouched ecosystems.

Even a day at the beach can be taken to a new level in the state of Yucatan.