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Travelers Guide to Yucatán

IZAMAL

Only an hour's drive from Merida, Izamal is the reigning colonial jewel of Yucatan. According to legend, it was founded by Zamna, the god who invented writing and the discoverer of henequen (sisal) fiber and its benefits. 

For centuries it served as a pilgrimage destination for the Mayan populace and during the colonial epoch as a Christian sanctuary of first rank.

Lately,  it's been given the name of the City of the Hills owing to the numerous Prehispanic vestiges that encircle the urban center.

Out of the total of 12 only one pyramid, Kinich Kakmo, has been kept in magnificent condition although architectural traces remain of the rest. 

This pyramid, 207 meters long and 190 meters wide was restored several years ago and dedicated to the lord of the rain that falls from the  skies in Mayan mythology.

Enjoy Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The convent of San Antonio was erected on top of the ruins of an ancient indigenous ceremonial center and dedicated to the Virgin of the Conception. 

This convent boasts the largest atrium that is enclosed in Mexico, approximating the dimensions of those of Saint Paul in Rome. It contains  75 arches that form an impressive corridor measuring  7,806 square meters.

This is a lovely, calm city to ride through in a fleet horse drawn carriage to enjoy in the course of a refreshingly unusual day.

Hacienda Maria Bonita  Hotel Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

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Travelers Guide to Yucatan
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