Sargasso? Riviera Maya has much more for you!

Sargasso? The Riviera Maya has many more activities for you!

If you’ve visited the beaches in the Riviera Maya in the mornings, you’ve probably noticed the piles of sargasso littering the sand. This free-floating seaweed has been experiencing a boom in recent years due to warmer ocean waters caused by climate change.  Continue reading

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – Capital of The Yucatan Cities

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has many historical events, early cultural influence, and the indigenous humanity that is native to the area. Visiting this part of Mexico – northern Yucatan Peninsula brings out the curious side of many historians. There is so much to see and explore in a land that has experienced so much history throughout its existence. The Mayan culture has endured many changes throughout the millennium but still has such an influential status in the region.

Yucatan Peninsula – The Mayan Indians

The Mayan Indians arrived in the Yucatan Peninsula, which today is the state of the Yucatan, around 500 BC – 250 AD. Evidence of these dates lie in the archeological sites of Coba, Dzibanche, and Kohunlich. This ancient but very highly-advanced civilization showed signs of a suffocated society that developed an infrastructure that operated very similar to today’s modern cities. The Mayans were also very innovative farmers who knew how to enrich soils and use the landscape to their advantage.

The Mayan culture mingled amongst other indigenous tribes that were inherent to the area during the 10th through the 13th centuries. Spain invaded the Yucatan Peninsula during the 16th century, which interrupted the Mayan civilization. When Spain finally conquered the Yucatan region in 1537, they were on their way to ruling the region for almost three centuries. The Spaniards brought their off-shore influences to a culture that knew nothing about the opposing foreigners.

Spanish influence on the Mayan culture

Spain wanted to change the Mayan culture to their way of thinking. They imposed their social rule, economic posture, and the ever-expanding Christian faith – Catholicism. Many of the Mayan’s centuries-old books and documents were lost and/or destroyed during the Spanish conflict. When visiting the city of Merida today, much of its structures were built with centuries-old Mayan temples and pyramids carved out stones.

Spain created new colonies in a region that offered several advantages that included an alternate shipping port that created new tariffs and tax revenue that supported its vast empire. Not all the Mayan tribes gave into Spain’s efforts to overthrow their homeland. There were still pockets of resistance towards the Spaniards. The Mayan Indians utilized the element of surprise to their favor when warring. The Indians used handmade spears, bows and arrows and stones against the well-equipped conquistadors. However, the Spaniards brought diseases to the region that took many Mayan lives.

How Spain took control over the Yucatan state

Spain’s Francisco de Montejo y Alvarez, a captain who commanded four Spanish inquisition ships, return to the Yucatan in 1528. He tried to capture the eastern coast of the peninsula – Tulum & Chetumal, with little to no success. He was met with overpowering resistance and was forced to retreat back to Merida. Francisco was reassigned to search out further possibilities south. Spain set up township counsels in Campeche and Merida in 1541 – 42. The Conquistadors eventually moved their forces south through what is now Central American. At this particular point in time, Spain was gaining control over the Yucatan state. Spain’s King V, – Holy Roman Emperor, announced Francisco de Montejo y Alvarez as the Captain General of the Yucatan.

At this point in the article, we are going to end this segment. We hope you have enjoyed this first portion of a three-part series article. Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.

If you have any question regarding real estate in the Riviera Maya, please let us know! We’ll be happy to help you. Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… We make it happen!

The Mayan Ruins in Tulum

If you are visiting Tulum for the first time, the Mayan Ruins are a place you must check out. The ruins are located 1.5 hours away from Cancun International Airport, and approximately 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen; right in the middle of Tulum on the beach. The entrance fee into the ruins is $70 pesos or around $4.00 USD per person.

The Ruins are open everyday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The last entrance of the day being is at 4:30 pm. We recommend arriving earlier than 4:30 pm because there is a lot of ruins to see and learn about. Some people spend hours upon hours looking around and learning about the Mayan history. It is interesting to visit because it was the only Mayan walled city built on the coast.

Mayan Ruins in Tulum

The Mayan Ruins in Tulum overlook that picturesque view of the turquoise water and white sandy beach. We are sure you have seen it before on the Internet. You can also swim at this beach for free if you would like to. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel for afterwards. You will want to see this beach on a calm day to experience the different tones of blue and to capture that picture that is circling the Internet.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and something to keep the sun beating down on you – like a sunhat. There is not much shade when you are walking around the ruins, so it is always good to come prepared. Packing a water bottle to stay hydrated is a smart idea too!

This place is truly magical, and the history is unbelievable

Knowing that Mayans used to live in this ‘city’ will completely amaze you. We also recommend hiring a guide to explain to you everything you would ever want to know about the ruins and the history of the Mayans. These guides are well educated and will be able to answer you questions. You can hire a guide at the entrance of the ruins at a negotiable price, depending on the season and the demand. If you do not want to hire a guide, there are boards with useful information you can read all along the ruins.

Mayan Ruins in Tulum

In regards to staying close to the Mayan Ruins, there are many beautiful boutique hotels that are walking distance to the ruins. They are located along the south beach of Tulum. Booking ahead of time will secure you a preferable place. Tulum does get busy; so don’t wait till the last minute. Although there is always room for everyone, it will just take some time to find a place.

Get ready to be in total awe of the Mayan culture and all the uniqueness that Tulum has to offer. There is never a bad day to visit Tulum, so whenever you decide to go, spend as much time as you need.