Mexico : The Yucatan, Maya Country

The Yucatán peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the Americas: the extraordinary Chichen Izta and Uxmal. The Mayas are a native American people from Central America, founders of a brilliant civilization, which, after a period of very strong growth between the 7th and the 9th century AD, then gradually faded into insignificance. The Maya civilization extended from the Mexican states of Chiapas and Yucutan, through parts of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Chichen Itza, voted as one of the new wonders of the world, stands as an eloquent reminder of the former greatness of the Maya civilisation, which has now all but disappeared. Here we find the great pyramid referred to as « Castillo » by the Spanish conquistadors. From its peak, you can see out over the buildings of the ancient city, the temples, the real tennis courts, and the pigeon houses, as well as the forest. Uxmal, is another ancient Maya city, but this time, dating from the classical period. The architecture is typical of the Puuc style; facades at ground level are kept simple, with more elaborate decorations being kept for the upper levels. The pyramid and the buildings of Uxmal are extraordinarily charming. Yucatan also has a number of colonial towns. The Spanish influence is visible to this day in the architectural style and lay-out of towns such as Mérida, Valladolid, and Isamal. As well as the streets lined with the pastel coloured houses typical of Yucatán, each town has a central square known as the Zocalo, bordered by the symbolic structures of colonial power, the governor’s palace, the town hall, and the cathedral Directed by Jacques VICHET 0:00 🌴 The Yucatan province in Mexico is a popular tourist destination known for its history, culture, and beautiful beaches. 6:04 🏛️ The city of Mérida in Yucatan, Mexico, is home to historical buildings, luxurious hotels, and cultural attractions. 11:40 🌴 The Yucatan province in Mexico is known for its cultural life, gastronomy, and archaeological sites. 16:24 🏛️ The Cuadrangulo de las Monjas in Uxmal, Mexico, is a complex of four palaces that served various functions such as a school, healing center, and religious center. 23:29 🏛️ Izamal and Chichen Itza are important ancient Mayan cities in Mexico with significant cultural and historical significance. 30:20 🏛️ Chichen Itza is a grand ancient city in Mexico with a religious significance and a history of human sacrifices. 35:03 🏛️ Chichen Itza is a Mayan archaeological site in Mexico that represents the post-classic period of Mayan civilization and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. 41:03 🏰 Valladolid, a small town in Mexico, has a colonial charm and a tumultuous history marked by bloody conflicts between colonizers and indigenous people. 47:23 🏖️ Cancun and Tulum in Mexico are popular tourist destinations known for their beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife.