BRISA Tourist Attractions
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Chichen Itza:
The best known Mayan ruin site, located along side Hwy. 180, 121 km west of Merida. The size and majesty of this ancient Mayan city are unforgettable. Chichen Itza covers approximately 6 square kilometers although only 20 or so structures of the several hundred at the site have been fully explored. This site gives testament to the mathematical advancement of a culture far ahead of its' time. Such is the precision of the alignment of the axes of the most famous temple, El Castillo, that twice a year, at the Spring and Fall Equinox, one can observe the silhouette of the undulating body of the sacred serpent Kukulcan. In Spring, Kukulcan slides down the pyramid to the Sacred Cenote below, and in Fall, he returns up the side of the pyramid. For lovers of history and mystery, this is a place not to be missed. In the evening hours, there is a Sound and Light show which brings alive the magnificence of the Mayan history.
To get there, many tourist bureaus in Merida offer day and over night trips. If you drive, you can take the toll hwy. Route 180 east toward CanCun and exit at Chichen Itza. The more scenic route is along Route 80, which ends at Tekanto, turn south to Citilcum, east to Dzitas, then south again to Piste.
Uxmal:
The most famous site along the Ruta Puuc, Uxmal is approximately 79 km south of Merida on Route 261, which is the main highway between Merida and the city of Campeche. Uxmal not only embodies form and function, but beauty of detail as well. There are finely sculpted reliefs and enormous masks, and indeed, the main aspect of Uxmal would be the beauty and grandeur of its carvings. A great deal of Uxmal remains unrestored, however, the structures which have been, namely the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery and the Palace of the Governor are worth seeing. A Sound and Light show is also offered in the evening hours.
To get there, again many tourist bureaus in Merida offer day trips, and as well, there are busses several times day which travel between Merida and Campeche, making a stop at Uxmal.
Kabah:
One of the four smaller Puuc sites, and well worth seeing, Kabah is 23 km south of Uxmal on Route 261. The most fascinating building is the Palace of the Masks, so named as nearly 300 masks cover the long facade. Across the road from the main site, is a short dirt road which leads in three directions. Straight ahead down this road is a beautifully sculpted arch. This arch marks the beginning of the ancient sacbe or paved, elevated road, which links Kabah to Uxmal.
The best way to Kabah is via the tourist busses, who usually include a visit to Kabah in the journey to Uxmal.
Dzibilchaltun:
Spreading out over 25 square miles and believed to be one of the oldest of the ancient Mayan cities, Dzibilchaltun lies 20 km north of Merida off Route 261 which is the extension of the Paseo Montejo, and is en route to Progreso beach. This city is still in the formative stages of restoration but by far the most impressive structure is the Temple of the Seven Dolls. A small but fascinating museum on site displays the seven dolls which were found inside the temple. Don't forget your bathing suit to take a swim in the sacred cenote. Legend has it that swimming in these waters will add 2 years to your life, although it is not cumulative!
There are daily busses from Merida to this site or private guided tours can be arranged through tourist bureaus in Merida.
Progreso Beach:
Established in the mid 19th century, Progreso replaced the port of Sisal as the major port of the Yucatan and the distribution centre for henequin, the plant used in twine and rope-making. Progreso lies 30 km north of Merida on Route 261. It is now the main summer resort of citizens of Merida and thus, in the summer time, the population of the town increases enormously.The beaches are sandy white, and shallow waters extend far out, making for long enjoyable walks. Along the beach road are several excellent seafood restaurants where one can sample the fruits of the ocean.
There are busses to Progreso which leave from downtown Merida and run each half hour throughout the day until the early evening.
Celestun:
Primarily a fishing village, Celestun is more noted for the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano, (where the flamingos spend their winter vacation) This park is a 147,500-acre wild-life reserve. Also seen are cormorants, ducks and herons. The town is located at the end of a spit of land which separates the Celestun estuary from the Gulf of Mexico on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula at the termination of Route 281. The birds can be seen by hiring a fishing boat at the dock outside of town.
To get there, by car, take Route 180 southwest out of Merida to Uman, then west on Route 281 for 92 km.
Izamal:
This small, quaint town is best known for having the largest church plaza in Mexico and is well worth exploring. Izamal is located north off Route 180 half way between Merida and Chichen Itza. The majority of the buildings in the town are painted yellow, thus the nick name Ciudad Amarillo (Yellow City) which lends a further uniqueness to this picturesque town.
Sisal
Sisal was the main shipping port in the Yucatan in the 19th century and Henequen, the rope fibre, was the principal product shipped from this port. Henequen was know around the world as Sisal because of the name of this port. The town has dwindled over the years but many visitors find that the magnificent sunsets complement their dreams of a beautiful undiscovered hideaway. Many people feel that Sisal will be discovered soon because of the development of a large exclusive residential area, marina condominiums and a resort area which are being built by the same family who created the Playacar resort at Playa del Carmen. Fishing boats plying their trade provide a tranquil environment.
Dxilam De Bravo
Jean Lafitte, the pirate is buried on the beach, just outside this village. The area is a gathering place for pink flamingos and boat trips to Parque San Felipe can sometimes be arranged.
Chicxulub
Chicxulub is a small fishing village, now famed for being the epicentre of an asteroid collision with earth some 65 million years ago which some scientists believe caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The port is becoming well known as a winter haven for visitors.
Telchac Puerto
This poor little fishing village with lovely, empty beaches has never fully recovered from Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 but it is close to Laguna Rosada, where flamingos come to nest.
Yucalpeten
The town and the harbour, which was built in 1968 to protect small boats during the hurricane season, is a popular centre for sportfishing for sea bass, pompano, grouper, dogfish, red snapper and sail fish.