mexico - elite traveler jungles and fascinating pockets of local culture in mexico ... awaken your...

wE MLITE exicoexperiences

THE MAGIC OF MUNDO MAYAAmidst 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 Mexico’s

Mundo Maya states, all modern day reminders of the country’s

rich and exciting history.

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THE MAGIC OF MUNDO MAYA

Indulge your sense of adventure with a trip to one of Mexico’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 Mexico.

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.

THE WONDERS OF TULUM / QUINTANA ROO

HACIENDA TEMOZON / YUCATAN



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 Mexico). 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

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 well-

preserved pyramid.

CALAKMUL / CANCÙN

EDZNA / CANCÙN

WILDLIFE / CANCÙN



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

MAYAN RUINS / TULUM



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-foot-

high 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 Mexico’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

RITZ-CARLTON / CANCÙN



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.visitmexico.com.

ESENCIA / QUINTANA ROO

VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA / QUINTANA ROO

HACIENDA PUERTA CAMPECHE / CAMPECHE

MAROMA RESORT AND SPA / QUINTANA ROO



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 Mexico’s 760,000 square miles. Documenting their travels,

a special entitled “Mexico: Royal Tour” aired on PBS last September. Elite

Traveler editor-in-chief Doug Gollan spoke with Greenberg about why he

loves Mexico and scored his tips for traveling the Mundo Maya in style.

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 Mexico 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. Mexico is

a great destination for luxury resorts, and Mexican gastronomy is world-

class. But it is also high-end, experiential adventure travel. Mexico offers

unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. People don’t understand

how big Mexico is. From Tijuana to Cozumel is the same distance as Los

Angeles to Washington D.C. [For private jet travelers], Mexico 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

Mexico and it is easy to get to, particularly if you have a private jet.

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.

A LESSON IN ARCHITECTURE / ROYAL TOUR

MAYAN RUINS / ROYAL TOUR

SURVEYING A PYRAMID / ROYAL TOUR

PETER GREENBERG WITH PRESIDENT CALDERÓN

mexico - elite traveler jungles and fascinating pockets of local culture in mexico ... awaken your...

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