E M LITE UNFORGETTABLE ARCHITECTURE / CHICHEN ITZA Amidst top resort regions like Cancùn and Campeche where five-star properties offer world-class spas, golfing and fine dining you ll also find extraordinary archaeological sites, lush jungles and fascinating pockets of local culture in M s Mundo Maya states, all modern day reminders of the country s rich and exciting history.
THE WONDERS OF TULUM / QUINTANA ROO HACIENDA TEMOZON / YUCATAN Indulge your sense of adventure with a trip to one of M s most beautiful areas: Blessed with an idyllic geographic location that includes both flourishing jungles and near-perfect white sand beaches, the nation s southeastern states offer the best of the past (from ancient architecture to charming colonial towns) and the present (think top-rated resorts with ultra-modern amenities). Well-known around the globe for its precise mathematical calculations, impressive engineering and an advanced calendar system, Ancient Maya civilization is still celebrated today. December 21, 2012 marks the all-important date of the Maya Long Calendar, indicating the end of a 5,125-year temporal cycle and the beginning of a new one meaning there s never been a better time to celebrate growth, renewal, and most importantly, the magic of M. The southeast states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas and Tabasco were the cradle of Ancient Maya civilization, and provide a wealth of cultural and historical treasures for visitors. From palaces to pyramids, a world of wonders awaits.
CHICHEN ITZA/YUCATAN YUCATAN Awaken your inner Indiana Jones with a journey to Chichen Itza, which was named one of the 7 new wonders of the world in a recent global vote. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it s one of the most oft-cited examples of ancient Mexican architecture. From 750 to 1200, this staggering city was one of the Mayans most important capitals and today, you can explore some of the pre-hispanic era s iconic structures here. Climb El Castillo s 365 steps or pause at Juego de Pelota, Mesoamerica s largest ball court, for a glimpse into the day-to-day life of Mayan civilizations. For a taste of authentic Mexican culture, Merida, the Yucatan s state capital, can t be beat. Considered the peninsula s cultural hub, it boasts restaurants, shops and museums all bursting with old world charm and provides a pleasant reprieve after all that archaeological adventure. A tour of the city s ornately appointed mansions recalls its origins as the chief stronghold of Spanish colonialism for the region (and one of the wealthiest capitals in M). Plan your visit around a weekend, when the city s bustling downtown streets are closed to cars, and spend your days meandering the city square and taking in free shows. Pop in to one of the city s 50-plus restaurants to feast on Mayan-originated fare like pollo pibíl (chicken baked in banana leaves). COLONIAL CHARM/MERIDA
CHIC BOUTIQUES / CANCÙN CALAKMUL / CANCÙN WILDLIFE / CANCÙN QUINTANA ROO Though today it s best known among the jet set for its stellar resort and spa scene, which includes perennial party destination Cancùn and the breathtaking Maya Riviera, the region of Quintana Roo was once little more than acres of lush jungle set on Caribbean shores. While the city itself is only about 30 years old, Cancùn is actually an ideal destination for history buffs, thanks to its proximity to a series of ancient ruins. While you d never know it from the Hotel Zone s white sandy beaches teeming with beautiful oceanfront high-rises, there are archaeological sites as close as four miles away. The closest of these is El Meco, which first opened to the public in 2001 and features a wellpreserved pyramid. EDZNA / CANCÙN
MAYAN RUINS / TULUM Just south of Cancùn, Playa del Carmen is similar in size, yet it provides a greater sense of Mexican history and culture the community has taken careful measures to preserve and honor its roots as a small fishing village and artists colony. Explore the main strip, Fifth Avenue, where high-end restaurants (in addition to traditional Mexican options, you ll find an abundance of excellent Italian eateries), shopping and hotels not to mention thriving nightlife provide plenty of modern-day delights and ultra-luxurious ways to unwind. Catch a ferry from the scenic island of Cozumel and embark on an unforgettable day trip to one of the Mayans most amazing oceanfront cities. Set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, what Tulum lacks in size, it more than makes up for in remarkable history. The grounds of this NIGHTLIFE / PLAYA DEL CARMEN
EM LITE RITZ-CARLTON / CANCÙN national park house temple remains, a historic castle and the home of the settlement s one-time ruler, Halach Uinic ( True Man ). Three defensive walls and two watchtowers still stand today, providing a glimpse into the culture of this lost city, which is the only walled settlement in the vicinity. Located in a verdant jungle, Coba was one of the Mayan era s most heavily populated cities and it s a must-see for elite adventurers. Modern visitors can still witness evidence of its former splendor, with an 82-foothigh temple greeting guests to the site s collection of urban structures, dubbed the Coba Group. One of the highest structures in Mayan history, the 140-foot-tall Nohoch Mul pyramid is another major draw. CHIAPAS From Cancùn, you can easily travel to M s southernmost state: Located within close proximity to a circuit of ruins called the Ruta Puuc, Chiapas is a must-stop for archaeology buffs. Pre-Hispanic history lives on in the local people, inviting colonial towns and wide range of exotic flora and fauna (eco-tourism is another one of the region s draws). Set in a lush rainforest, Palenque offers some of the state s most amazing structures. An impressive 500-plus constructions cover an area of just 10 square miles in the ancient city, though the excavated sites are within a contained area to make for easier touring. After you explore the ancients, stay nearby and enjoy the local family-run restaurants and hotels for a true taste of Mexican hospitality. MAYAN RUINS / COBA
ESENCIA / QUINTANA ROO MAROMA RESORT AND SPA / QUINTANA ROO TABASCO Moving from one lush jungle to another, head on to Tabasco, where even the cities are verdant. During the Classic period, ancient Maya civilization established its roots here and today, a number of preserved archaeological settlements show evidence of the region s fascinating history. One of Tabasco s great archaelogical sites, Comalcalco, is home to an enormous pyramid known as Temple I. Constructed around 700 AD, it was the epicenter of Maya culture in the settlement. What sets Comalcalco apart from other archaeological zones in the region is the construction of its structures while typically they were made of stone, here they are built from clay bricks. Take time to stroll through the Grand Acropolis, once a ceremonial and funerary center, as well as the temples, palace and other buildings that make up this extraordinary complex. Situated along the banks of the Grijalva river, Tabasco s capital city, Villahermosa, transports visitors to another world. A vibrant culinary scene (don t miss local delights like alligator gar with squash and epazote sauce) is complemented by beautiful architecture, important museums and the dramatic Mirador de las Águilas overlook, which provides a panorama of Laguna de las Ilusiones. CAMPECHE Continuing on further south and west, you ll find the lively gulfside locale of Campeche City, which boasts colorful buildings and a charming historic colonial district that was made for afternoon strolls. Some of the Maya s most beautiful sights, from ruins to cenotes, can be found in this region. Dating from the Middle pre-classic period, today the people of Campeche carry on the rich Spanish and indigenous traditions of their ancestors and extend warm Mexican hospitality to visitors. To plan your elite Mayan escape, head to www.visitm.com. VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA / QUINTANA ROO HACIENDA PUERTA CAMPECHE / CAMPECHE
PETER GREENBERG WITH PRESIDENT CALDERÓN A ROYAL TOUR Mexican President Felipe Calderón joined American travel expert Peter Greenberg on an extraordinary non-stop journey across the nation, traveling by plane, helicopter, boat and even horseback to cover as much as possible of M s 760,000 square miles. Documenting their travels, a special entitled M: Royal Tour aired on PBS last September. Elite Traveler editor-in-chief Doug Gollan spoke with Greenberg about why he loves M and scored his tips for traveling the Mundo Maya in style. MAYAN RUINS / ROYAL TOUR SURVEYING A PYRAMID / ROYAL TOUR ET: Which Mayan archaeological sites did you visit with the President? PG: We visited Chichen Itza, Palenque and Calakmul. Each is amazing. Each is different. And of course I had the best tour guide. What people don t know is that it is easily accessible, particularly if you have a private jet. ET: What would you say to elite travelers interested in visiting M and Mundo Maya? PG: If you are staying in a resort, that s fine. But bookend the trip one day at the start and one day at the end and visit the Mayan ruins. M is a great destination for luxury resorts, and Mexican gastronomy is worldclass. But it is also high-end, experiential adventure travel. M offers unique you can t find anywhere else. People don t understand how big M is. From Tijuana to Cozumel is the same distance as Los Angeles to Washington D.C. [For private jet travelers], M is very accessible. Your readers can do everything I did with the President. There is a lot to see. There is a lot to do. There are always new adventures in M and it is easy to get to, particularly if you have a private jet. A LESSON IN ARCHITECTURE / ROYAL TOUR ET: Do you have any tips for visiting the Mayan ruins? PG: Go early or go late. It is all about the light. Don t go in the middle of the day.