Tourists might think Mexico's Yucatan is spelled C-a-n-c-u-n, but the peninsula features archeological sites that rival Egypt. In addition to the many Mayan sites are several museums offering insights into Mexico's colorful history and culture.

Here's a partial list of the Yucatan museum's.

CANCUN

Pre-Hispanic artifacts from the state of Quintana Roo are featured in the small Museo Arqueologico Cancun (Cancun Archeological Museum) next to the Cancun Convention Center. It is near Cancun Point at Km 8 on Boulevard Kukulcan. Museum open 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission except Sundays and holidays, when it is free.

El Embarcadero on the bay side of Boulevard Kukulcan, at Km 4, is a new activity center which features a restaurant, the Teatro de Cancun (Cancun Theater) and the Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano (Museum of Mexican Popular Art).

The theater, with the Caribbean as a backdrop, has state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. It presents two musical productions, "Voces y Danzas de Mexico" and "Tradicion del Carib." Theater shows are at 7 and 9 pm Monday through Friday. Admission US $29 for adults, US $14.50 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased through a Cancun travel agency or at the theater.

The museum focuses on Mexican folklore and culture. Exhibits feature musical instruments, cooking utensils, crucifixes, nativity scenes, and Trees of Life. Panoramic views of Cancun from 250 feet in the air are provided in a rotating observation tower. Museum is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm.

CAMPECHE

Fuerte de la Soledad (Fort Soledad) has been converted into a museum for Maya artifacts, an arms collection, and exhibits on colonial history. It is three blocks north of the ancient Puerta del Mar entranceway.

A government-sponsored handicrafts market at Fuerte de San Carlos (Fort San Carlos) has guided tours into the fort's basement for a small fee. The fort has underground passageways, liked to many houses in the city, which served as hiding places from pirate ships. Fort San Carlos has ancient cannons on its roof and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Campeche also has the Yucatan's oldest convent church, Franciscan Cathedral built in 1540, and the 1546 Convent of San Francisco, site of one of the first masses in Campeche.

The Temple of San Francisquito now houses the Instituto Cultural Campechano (Campeche Cultural Institute).

Colonial furnishings are featured at the Casa del Teniente del Rey (House of the King's Lieutenant).