Fall is in full swing in Ontario, but the cold season is fast approaching. As the days get shorter and the air icier, many Ontarians dream of a sun-soaked break from the wintry cold.
Incidentally, December through March is the best time to visit Mexico’s Yucatán region.
While synonymous with dreamlike beaches, the peninsula offers just as many charming urban getaways. So, here are four cities not to miss on a city break in Mexico’s Yucatán.
Valladolid
Valladolid is one of the most spellbinding colonial towns in the Yucatán. Located in the heart of the peninsula, this small city has well earned its status as a ‘pueblo mágico’. This ‘magical village’ has preserved its cultural distinctiveness, attracting visitors for its unique mix of history, symbolism, and great food. You can get a taste of these traditions at the Valladolid market where to savor authentic tamales or a quaint café where to sip a cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
While uniquely rich in its architecture, the town also serves as an excellent base for day trips. Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a 45-minute drive away by bus or rental car. This proximity allows you to discover the city before most tourists arrive on-site – or wander around its ruins at dusk or dawn. Additionally, the area boasts stunning cenotes for a refreshing dip, including the Zaci cenote right in the midst of Valladolid and the X’canche cenote nearing the off-the-beaten Mayan site of Ek Balam.
Mérida
Located in the northwestern part of the peninsula, Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán. The ‘White City’ boasts an authentic atmosphere that delights visitors tired of the tourist frenzy of Caribbean hotspots like Playa del Carmen. You may experience the long history of this former American Capital of Culture in one of the city’s colorful haciendas and posadas. While luxury accommodation abounds in the area, spending the night in Mérida is ideal for seeing the city’s streets come alive with cultural events, such as street concerts and traditional dances.
Now famous for its creative resurgence and artsy vibe, Mérida is also an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s lesser-known treasures. From Kabah to Uxmal, the ancient cities along the Puuc Route are just an hour’s drive away. To stray further off the beaten path, you may follow the Ruta de los Conventos to discover heaps of quaint villages and centuries-old colonial churches – some of which sit right next to ruined Mayan temples, like in Acanceh and Mani.
Campeche
Founded in the 17th century, Campeche is a city whose heritage is tied to pirate myths and legends. Nestled along the wall’s pathway, the Museum of Piracy is now an essential visit in this Unesco-listed fortified city. While culture vultures can stop by other fascinating venues like the Museum of Maya Architecture, the real satisfaction of visiting Campeche lies in strolling through its streets, starting from the central square where locals gather around street vendors’ stalls.
If you feel like wandering into the lush side of the Yucatán, you might also embark on a day trip. The impressive ruins of the mighty city of Calakmul, one of the only structures you can still climb in Mexico, lie south of Campeche. Perched atop a pyramid, you may catch a glimpse of Guatemala beyond the jungle trees.
Cancún
With over a million yearly visitors, Canadians make up the second-largest tourist demographic in Cancún. Whether you want to escape Ontario’s harsh winters or unwind on a sandy beach, the biggest city in Yucatán allows you to combine relaxation with shopping. This Riviera Maya beach resort is also an entertainment haven. From nightclubs to casinos, there are endless opportunities for fun along the Cancún lagoon.
If you’re just passing through on your way to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, though, you can still enjoy some gaming sessions on your phone. Card sharks can discover the best of Ontario casinos with a few clicks. Expert comparisons help newcomers weigh their options to find the most profitable platform. Better yet, hundreds of promotions get updated round-the-clock, including sign-up bonuses and free spins. Hence, Ontarian tourists can easily pass time at the airport with live dealer tabletop games or Mexican-themed machine slots.
Are you in the mood for a Mexican getaway this coming winter? With unique cenotes, breathtaking Mayan ruins, and vibrant towns, the Yucatán surely has it all. Plus, direct flights connect Toronto to Cancún daily.
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