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The highlighted green area is Yucatan state.

The highlighted green area is Yucatan state.

The legendary land of the Maya is located in the north of the peninsula after which it is named and which it shares with Campeche and Quintana Roo; it is washed by the Gulf of Mexico in the north. Yucatán forms part of the Mayan world, vestiges of which can be found throughout its territory, particularly in Chichén Itzá and along the Puuc Route.

It also contains colonial cities such as Mérida, Valladolid and Izamal, as well as the remains of elegant sisal haciendas, some of which have been restored and converted into hotels. The state is dotted with Mayan villages whose handicrafts, religious rites, traditions and ancient customs contribute to its magical attraction.

The combination of its warm, sub-humid and warm, medium-dry climate have produced forest surroundings that support a wide range of fauna. The lack of surface rivers means that it obtains water from a complex system of underground rivers and limestone sinkholes. Yucatán also offers beaches, traditional fiestas, fairs and exquisite food.

Minor port on narrow bar off Northwestern Yucatan Peninsula.

Henequen growing, fishing.

Nearby is the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano , biological reserve. There is a surrounding wildlife refuge for a large colony of flamingos. They are most visible from September through March when they are nesting. There are also herons, egrets, pelicans, and ducks.

Site of ancient Maya town (believed to be older than Chichen Itza), an aboriginal pilgrimage site. Many religious remains, pyramids, mausoleum. Monastery and cathedral were erected 1553 on site of Maya temples.

It is the chief commercial, communications, and cultural center of the Yucatan peninsula. Founded (1542) by Francisco de Montejo (the younger), on the site of a ruined Mayan city, Merida has many fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture, notably the 16th-century cathedral.

Rooftop windmills, characteristic of this region, are used to pump water from underground wells and streams.

Commercial, administrative, agr., and tourist center. Once dependent upon the large crops of henequen from the surrounding region. Tourists visiting nearby Mayan ruins, notably Chichen Itza and Uxmal, contribute work to the local economy. International airport to Southwest.

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