Yucatán and Chichén Itzá
The Maya peninsula of southeastern Mexico: the Kukulcán pyramid at Chichén Itzá and thousands of cenotes, limestone sinkholes of clear water.
What it is
Chichén Itzá was one of the largest Maya cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its centerpiece is the Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo), about 30 m tall. Each of its four staircases has 91 steps; with the top platform that makes 365, one for every day of the year. At the equinoxes, shadows on the terraces form the body of a serpent sliding down the north staircase. Climbing the pyramid is not allowed. Nearby are the largest ball court in Mesoamerica and the Sacred Cenote.
When and how
The limestone Yucatán is riddled with thousands of cenotes, sinkholes filled with clear fresh water, many of them open for swimming. Colonial Valladolid, 40 minutes from Chichén Itzá, makes a good base. November to March is the best season; April and May are very hot, and June to November brings rain and hurricanes.
Tip
Arrive at opening time, ahead of the tour buses from Cancún. Shower before swimming in a cenote and skip regular sunscreen, which pollutes the water.