It doesn't matter if you prefer to relax on a beautiful beach or to discover one of the oldest and most mysterious cultures there is – in no other country in Latin America is it possible to combine relaxation and culture as on the Mexican peninsula Yucatán.

In Mexico the culture of the past meets the culture of the present: witness remains from the Maya culture, buildings from colonial times, or check out the very modern skyscrapers in Mexico city. The many influences that have effected Mexico are reflected in the 109 million inhabitants. The majority of Mexicans today are Mestizen, ancestors from the mixed marriages between the indiginous folk and the Spanish. Come and greet these friendly and open hearted people!
In the north, the Mexican borders America, and in the south, Guatemala and Belize. Mexico occupies the biggest part of central America. The country is very mountainous and has two main mountain ranges – the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west, and the Sierra Madre Oriental in the east, both run parallel to the coast. If you have time to stay for an extended period, you will be surprised by the intensity of nature and the different climatic zones. The north: dusty, dry, and decorated with massive cacti, is often seen in many Western films. In the center of the country, volcanos and mountains surround green fertile highlands. Further south, and to the east, the climate is tropical and gives rise to unique Flora and Fauna. Not to be forgotten is the natural coastal region that borders the Pacific in the west and the Golf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in the east. Breath taking beaches, some of them untouched, are at your disposal.

Impressive cultural cities

For thousands of years Chichén Itzá was the center of the Maya Empire. No other city has been restored so well. In order to avoid the crowds, it is better to visit this area as early as possible in the morning – then you have the opportunity to enjoy the pyramids and the rest of the cultural remains in peace, or to visit one of the very popular folklore exhibitions with the magnificent Maya costumes.

Don't miss the enchanting Maya city situated on the ocean – Tulúm. El Castillo, the biggest pyramid, towers directly over the schimmering, tourqoise water. The city of temples was not just a fortress, but also a religious center. It is not as big as Chichén Itzá, however ... you can feel the magic in your bones...
a small meandre through the inner city is also well worth your while.

It is essential to see Uxmal: this was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, which makes it older than Chichén Itzá. The steep towering pyramids are particularly interesting, as are the fortune tellers and the almost, romantic palace with its decorative wooden ridges – known by the people as 'Pigeon Lofts'.

Swim and enjoy the food in a discreet atmosphere

Tourists seeking relaxation in Yucatán are surprised at the generous holiday villages with their discreet Garden Restaurants. The endless, white beaches lay within a few paces and you have a breath taking view of the crystal clear, blue tide. It is all too easy to settle into the relaxing lifestyle here, to take advantage of the many water sports available and to forget the grey winter days in Europe.

It goes without saying that you do not have to comprimise anything on this trip: the hotels provide special restaurants which serve excellent food – solid and spicy mexican dishes. Savour a meal of Tacos with Avocado dip, and a nice glass of wine, or a delicious Caribbean cocktail.