Yucatan Peninsula holidays

The Yucatan peninsula is covered in jungle and dotted with ancient ruins. Use the delightful colonial city of Mérida as a base or stay in a beautifully converted rural hacienda. The colonial centre of Merida has colourful markets selling handmade hammocks and embroidered huipils (tunics). Savour the atmosphere at a pavement cafe and listen to traditional Mexican music in a shaded park. Take a carriage ride past the mansions on the broad Paseo de Montejo, then sample delicious local cuisine, such as Cochinita Pibil, roasted pork marinated in spices and orange juice. Discover the awe-inspiring pyramids and temples of Mayan sites such as Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Kabah or make a side-trip to the historic walled town of Campeche. Swim in a cenote, a unique freshwater sinkhole created by underground rivers or visit the mangroves of Celestun, a coastal reserve with abundant birdlife