CORAZÓN DE MUNDO MAYA / MÉRIDA - EDZNÁ - PALENQUE

About the destination: Mérida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan. This captivating and lively city is heavily influenced by Spanish colonial culture. Mérida has a unique ambiance, particularly on weekends when the central streets are closed for music and dancing in the main square. The entire city seems to converge downtown for the celebration. It also serves as a great starting point for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. From Mérida, you can visit Mayan ruins and museums, haciendas, cenotes, and a wide array of Catholic churches. Mérida was established by Spanish conquistadors in 1542. They overpowered the existing Mayan town, dismantled the pyramids, and used the stones to construct the Cathedral of San Idelfonso. The site of one pyramid is now Mérida's main town square. This town square, or Plaza, is now surrounded by this cathedral, the town hall, the governor's palace, and the Casa de Montejo, the former residence of the conqueror of Yucatan. Take a stroll down Paseo Montejo to admire the restored Spanish and French colonial mansions. Mérida is a fascinating blend of rich culture and history, delicious food, countless cultural activities, and thrilling attractions. Mérida is the cultural heart of the Yucatan and its bustling urban center.

About the destination: Campeche is one of the 32 federal entities of the Republic of Mexico. It is situated in the southeast of Mexico and is one of the three entities that constitute the Yucatan Peninsula, occupying the southwestern portion of the peninsula. It spans an area of 57,507 km2, accounting for 2.9% of the national territory. Its capital is the city of San Francisco de Campeche. Campeche is a word of Mayan origin, stemming from the roots "can" (snake) and "pech" (tick), translating to "place of snakes and ticks". The name is derived from a statue in this Mayan village that depicted a snake with a tick on its head, at the foot of which human sacrifices were made. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Can Pech, they altered the pronunciation and named it Campeche.

About the destination: Palenque is located in Chiapas and is renowned for the remnants of a Mayan city that dates back to approximately 600 to 800 CE. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The city is adorned with numerous inscribed stone slabs, intricate bas-relief sculptures, inlaid masks, and other extraordinary decorations, giving Palenque a sense of magic and holiness. The Temple of the Inscriptions, standing at 75 feet high, houses one of the only crypts discovered within a pyramid in Mexico. Upon excavation, the Tomb of Pakal, a Mayan ruler from the 7th century, unveiled a collection of jewels, masks, jade ornaments, wall carvings, and other exquisite artifacts.