PROMOTION Mayan Marvels Follow in the historic footsteps of an ancient civilisation in a whirlwind journey showcasing Mexico’s most beautiful sites – both natural and manmade B reathtaking natural wonders, aweinspiring feats of historical art and architecture, and a cultural vibrancy perhaps best epitomised by the venerable flavours of its worldrenowned cuisine, the richness of Mexico’s Mayan heritage is vast and bountiful. The ancient wisdom and traditions of the Mesoamerican civilization, once the most advanced in the world, has left its striking footprint in every corner of this part of the world. Culturas vivas, the living cultural heritage, of these ancient peoples stretched across Mexico’s southern and eastern reaches, visible in anything from the murals at Bonampak, in the state of Chiapas, which give a glimpse into Mayan wars and sacrificial rituals, to the imposing archaeological vestiges of Yucatán, where Unesco’s “New World Wonder” of Chichen Itzá presents a magical spectacle of mathematical precision, incredible astronomical knowledge and colossal structures that embody the very heart of the Maya. Among a lush jungle in the state of Tabasco, a number of fascinating Mayan cities, including Tenosique, Comalcalco and Palenque, are connected by the Usumacinta River, demonstrating the Maya’s use of complex commercial routes that harmonize deeply with the surrounding nature. Next to intriguing architectural remnants, visitors will find an incredible safari park that showcases snatural fauna – like monkeys, jaguars and toucans – in its natural habitat. The state of Campeche, too, has withstood the trials of time, harbouring a vast cache of relics in places like Chicanná, the 1,500-year-old Mayan city believed to be the seat of the society’s cultural elite; Becán, a gorgeous city that surrounded by an enormous trench; or at Acropolis of Edzná, home to 20 surviving structures, including the famous “five-storey building” measuring an remarkable 31.5 meters in height. Aside from the impressive physical remains of the 8,000-year-old society, the spirit of the Maya lives on in the hearts of the people, who to this day still ply the time-honoured trades and cook with same vaunted recipes and ingredients. The latter includes a few international staples: chocolate, originally used in ceremonial celebrations to honour the gods; avocados, native to the region; there’s fresh coffee and tamales. For a real taste of the Maya, there’s the delicious cochinita pibil, a stew of slow-roasted pork, or panuchos, a particularly toothsome – and utterly addictive – snack made with corn flower. Beyond the history, there’s no death of natural adventures to be had across the lands once inhabited by the Maya – on Isla Mujeres, near Cancún, you can take an early-morning dip among whale sharks; at Tulum’s Unesco-listed Sian Ka’an, the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, you can explore the Boca Paila lagoon and Ascension Bay in the company of dolphins, sea turtles and a vast array of bird species. The Cañon del Sumidero, in the state of Chiapas, lures with a deep canyon filled with crocodiles, spider monkeys and ocelots – and pristine natural scenery to boot. Not far, Las Cascadas de Agua Azul is worth a visit to behold the stark beauty of surreal waterfalls rendered a mesmerizing blue by the carbonate salts in its currents. Cancun, in the state of Quinata Roo, is a beachy Mexican paradise rightly synonymous with dazzling white-sand shores and azure waters, immaculate accommodations and pure relaxation. Nearby, golf lovers relish the chance to play the El Camaleón Mayakoba course, home to the eco-conscious, Audobon-certified. Mayakoba Golf Classic, the only official PGA Tour held outside the US and Canada. No need to choose between a laidback holiday on the coast, an eye-opening archaeological exploration or an adrenalin-fueled adventure across stunning landscapes – the Mundo Maya has got all that in spades. The question is not if you are interested in coming, the question is how far will you go? For more information, go to visitmexico.com
TULUM, QUINTANA ROO CASA LECANDA, YUCATAN AGUA AZUL, CHIAPAS CALAKMUL, CAMPECHE
