Home Destinations Special Offers Photography & Escorted Tours Photography Club

 

 

 

Diver in Xcalak - JP Trenque
© JP Trenque

History
Diving
Highlights
Climate & Weather
General Information

  
 
 

Mexico
  

 Destinations 

Yucatan Peninsula

  

 
 

History

Mayan history goes back some 4000 years but they only settled in the Yucatan about 1300 years ago. Other civilizations conquered the area like the Toltecs and Itzaes before the Spanish arrived in 1530. However there harsh rule led to many Mayan rebellions. By 1821 the whole Mayan area and the rest of Mexico proclaimed their independence. At first the Yucatan was an independent state by later seceded to encompass a larger Mexico. However this decision had a negative effect for the Maya and soon they would want to reassert their independence. A fruitless 8 year war, ‘War of the Castes’, from 1847 to 1855 saw the Mayan population halved. The region was declared a Mexicon ‘territory’ in 1936 and did not become a state until 1974.

Back to top

Diving

Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is the Great Mayan Reef. Considered the second longest barrier reef in the world it stretches close to 1000km from Mexico down to Honduras. Part of this reef is the island of Cozumel and Chinchorro Banks. Wall diving, drift diving and some of the most pristine sites we have seen are on offer.

The regions jewel is its cavern or ‘Cenotes’. These subterranean rivers formed by water filtering through the limestone provide a unique and awe inspiring opportunity for the ‘normal’ recreational diver. These dives are a must!!

Back to top

Highlights

Merida – Capital of the Yucatan it is a city of narrow streets, colonial buildings, shady parks & Mayan pride.
Chichen Itza – Very impressive Mayan Temples based on the Mayan astronomical calendar. A must visit especially 20-21 March and 21-22 September.
Valladolid – A small city with best preserved colonial buildings in the area coupled with a laid back atmosphere.
Coba – Largest of all ancient Mayan cities set in the heart of the rainforest.
Sian Ka’an – A World Heritage Site that is home to varied fauna: monkeys, foxes, pumas, crocodiles & jaguars


Diving – Whale Sharks (July & August), Cozumel, Cenotes & Chinchorro Banks

Back to top

Climate & Weather

Being near the equator the temperature on the peninsula is always hot often reaching 40 degrees in the heat of the day. From May to October, the rainy season makes the air hot and humid. From October to May it is hot and dry, though there are occasional showers even in the dry season. The hurricane season is officially from the 1st June until the 30th November. However most activity on average tends to be in the months of August and September.

 

Back to top

General Information

People: The indigenous Maya still make up a high proportion of the Yucatan. The remainder are ‘mestizo’ or mixed race which is predominate in Mexico.

Religion: Xibalba & Catholicism

Language: Spanish & Maya

Visas: No visas are required for British passport holders but please be aware that there is a departure tax of $US 48.

Health: Mineral water is recommended. Each resort has chemists and or clinics/hospitals with adequate provision of medicines. There are recommendations of inoculations but consult your G.P for the latest advice. Even though the risk is low in the major resort areas of the Yucatan it is a malarial area. There is more risk during the rainy season May to October.

Time: GMT + 2 hours

Electricity: 110 Volts, flat pronged plugs & sockets

Currency: The Mexican Peso £1 = 20.
Denominations are 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 & 1.
Local banks deal with foreign currencies and travellers.
Cash dispencing machines are becoming more widespread in the major tourist destinations.
Banking hours are Monday-Friday 09.00 - 13.30

Back to top