Among the distinguishing attractions of the State of Yucatan are the cenotes, from the Mayan word dzonot, meaning "cavity of water". Cenotes are unique formations in the world, since besides being representing the entrance to the spiritual underworld.

The Yucatan Peninsula lacks rivers and the other surface waters as the ground is limestone and very porous. Rainwater filters straight through penetrating cracks, forming caves and underground rivers, many of which are interconnected.

Nevertheless, the limestone surface often sinks, revealing natural fresh-water deposits and allowing us a glimpse of the spectacular landscape of the underground waters: green, crystalline or turquoise, in configuration with stalactites and stalagmites they from veritable works of art, well worthy of admiration.

By tradition, cenotes are a distinctive insignia of the natural Yucatecan landscape. Sunlight filtering through the cracks in the rocks and projecting onto the transparent water is visual banquet for nature lovers. Cenotes vary in size and shape according to their location. They can be as irregular as the sunken ground which makes them possible.

Some are open in the form of a lake or pool: others are half hidden ih the caverns: still others are completely enclosed save for the sprinkling of sunlight through the cracks above, and some are only accessible by trailing underground passages.

Although no two forms are alike, it can be said that they share certain characteristics. The water is cold since it emerges from underground deposits; it is clear and rich in flora and fauna, giving rise to an eco-system in almost perfect balance, and spectacularly beautiful.

For many years the cenotes of Yucatan have been the object of speculation and legend, since they played a determining role in the development of the Maya civilization. Immense communities grew up around them, making them the hub of the city.

An abundant quantity of offerings and jewelry has been recovered from the floor of the cenotes, apparently thrown into the depths after human sacrifices. Ceramic remains and utensils destined for religious ceremonies have also been found.

As well as their exquisite natural beauty, cenotes have an important archaeological value and are perfect for ecotourism activities, such as cave diving.

Submerging and penetrating the cavern depths, exploring subaquatic galleries, and finding your way through the labyrinth of underwater tunnels is an unforgettable experience for any enthusiast.

Besides diving and generally getting to know the place, there's also rappelling and swimming to enjoy, while you take in the beauty and mystery which has taken nature millions of years to shape.

Without doubt, a visit to the clear waters of a Mayan cenotes is an experience so different that you are suddenly spirited away into a magical world of unreal beauty… a gift from the gods.

A Subterranean Paradise. Under the surface of Yucatan extends a veritable maze of spectacular intertwined tunnels. The subterranean caves were sacred places for the Maya and are truly impressive.

The abundant natural rock formations lure the vaulted ceilings; other narrower passages, any mysterious alcoves make your pulse race.

Some interesting legends explain the origin of the caverns or describe the fantastic creatures that live there. Among the most fascinating sites are the following:

Loltun: The name in Maya means "Flower of Stone". Evidence has been found of human settlements here from 400 to 7,000 years ago. The trail begins at the entrance to Nahkab or the beehive, where the famous bas-relief known as the "Warrior of Loltun" is found. The warrior, believed to be the god of the underworld, appears to be emerging from the caves.

At the entrance, stone blocks used for grinding vegetables grains attest to the activity which took place sheltered within is walls. Visitors can admire many other formations with imaginative names: "The Cathedral", "The Gallery of the Canyon", "The Ear of Corn", "The Stalactite Room", etc. There's also the "Room of the Musical Columns" where huge stalactites produce different tones when they are struck.

Another interesting attraction is the rock painting: one mural shows hands in negatives; another has more elaborately painted faces, animals and staggered motifs.

Various archeological finds have been made in the various caves, galleries, and chambers almost 60 meters below the surface and stretching more than 700 meters in length, including ceramics, stone artefacts, marine shells and petrogliphs corresponding to the different stages of Maya Maya evolution.

Bones and other remains of now extinct mammoth, bison and cat species have also been discovered here.

Balankanche: This cavern functioned as a ceremonial center for the ancient Mayas. At the entrance is the throne of Balam, a kind of altar, which gives its name to the caves. In the center of the vault an imposing stalactite, reaching down to the floor resembles a giant Ceiba tree.

It is called pieces left by Mayan priest over 1,000 years ago. In the next chamber Mayan offerings of conches and jade lies scattered in a semi-dry lagoon. A variety of objects has been found throughout the grotto: incense burners, metals, miniature plates, jewelry and ceramic offerings, figures of the rain god, Chaac, jade jaguars and impressions of hands in the walls.

Calcehtok: Also known as X-Pukil, Calcehtok has a complex system of interior tunnels. Stalagmites, stalactites and other limestone formations are plentiful in the great vaults over 30 meters high. There's an abundance of pre-Hispanic material here, including still- intact pots.

Many rooms are still unexplored. The system extends underground for some 5 km, and has produced findings such as Mayan ceramics, human and deer bones, broken dishes, pans, grinding stones, arrowheads and haltunes, which the Maya built to container water.

A stone chiseled into the form of a stag's head was found here during an attempt to build a well close to the caves, and in recognition of this, this, the place was named Calcehtok, meaning "throat of the flint- stone stag."

Jewels of Colonial Architecture. The convents, temples and chapels of Yucatan form an important part of the historical and cultural legacy of the state. Built on the order of the nuns who settled here to evangelize the natives, they make for an interesting adventure while exploring the heart of Yucatan.

Uman – "Noisy path" Here one can visit the magnificent parish of San Francisco, Once a XVI century Spanish Convent. Of immense proportions, the entrance is a quarried stone with three attractive oval arches and square columns positioned in pairs. The bell tower was never finished. You can spend some time in the market, or take an eco-taxi around the town.

Muna – "New Water". This town houses the XVII century temple and convent of the Ascension, interesting for their lateral belfries, with three main parts finished off with a pine nut.

Oxkutzcab – "Place of the Ramon, Tobacco and Honey" was founded by a group of Maya Xiu after abandoning the city of Many. The temple of San Francisco de Asis was begun in 1581 and finished in 1699 according to the dates on the façade. Inside, the altarpiece stands out with is spiraling columns and niches with sculptures. To one side is the cloister. A visit to the market to try the juicy exotic fruits explains why Oxkutzcab is the "Orchard of Yucatan".

Mani – "It All Happened," was the place where Fray Diego of Landa ordered the burning and destruction of many Mayan documents and statues during the Franciscan movement to convert the Indians to Christianity. One a religious site of great importance, it still conserves some imposing examples of its enigmatic past, like the magnificent temple of the Convent of Saint Michael the Archangel dating from 1549.

Also attractive is the open chapel, the first of its kind in Yucatan and rivaling the temple itself in size. Behind the stately convent murals, the old orchard and the remains of the ancient waterwheel can be seen.

Teabo – Known for two sacred buildings, the Church and ex-Convent of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, built during the XVII century. The altarpiece has a striking pair of columnar figures and the Indian Chapel bears the date 1617.

Chumayel – "Place of the Seeds", and cradle of the "Chilam Balam", the sacred book of the Maya. The Temple of the Immaculate Conception was built in the XVI century and is a fine example of Medieval religious architecture with battlements, brought to Yucatan by the first Spaniards. Of special interest is the black, wooden Christ I the interior of the temple.

Mama – The Franciscan temple and ex – convent were founded in the year 1612, and are graced by a beautiful belfry at the front. The enclosed courtyard is one of the most famous in the region. Towards the back there's a lovely garden with a waterwheel niches with saints.

Tekit – A prosperous town where the Parish Church of San Antonio de Padua has an image of a saint in each corner. The Church looks like a museum, and the altar is quite simple.

Tecoh – Site of a church and convent dedicated to the virgin of the Assumption. Built over the base of a Mayan pyramid, the church has a large amount of carved stone, an impressive altar and many paintings. In addition numerous handcraft made local craftsmen are available.

Surprise and Splendor. Visiting the heneken-producing haciendas of Yucatan is an incredible experience. These plantations, once the bread and butter of the economy, are now the guardians of that auspicious life-style. The contrasting scenery and comfortable architecture make visitors feel right at home.

The haciendas of Yucatan emerged in the XVII century on the initiative of the families that, since Colonial times, had possessed great territorial expanses.

Some of these haciendas were established as cattle ranches, while others began to process heneken fiber. This was exploited on a grand scale, turning it into a highly profitable business that lasted until the beginning of the XX century, and the appearance of synthetic fibers.

Heneken created a completely new panorama, changing the surroundings and buildings of the hacienda, and even the workers' living quarters. It was a vast world of modern, contradictory images. The main house was the residence of the owner and reflected his taste, incorporating its own church and chapel.

The modern machine house was often conceived as a temple or work palace. The masonry and tile of the worker's houses placed the humble laborer in the new affluent world of the owner, which stretched as far as the eye could see.

Today, it's interesting to walk around these old haciendas, which have fortunately been saved from becoming piles of rubble, and instead, been converted into hotels, restaurants or luxury tourist stops and museums.

The haciendas of Yucatan that have been refurbished share, one special attribute: a new life for the natural surroundings in which they are found.

Xcanatun – The exuberant low tropical forest which surrounds the hacienda delights visitors with an exquisite variety of regional flowers, trees and bushes, while the small, decorative lake is home to innumerable multicolored fish.

The group of buildings also appeals: the ex- machine house has been converted into a restaurant-bar, and the main house, without being overly ostentatious, has acquired a special charm.

San Antonio Cucul – The history of this hacienda dates from the beginning of the XVII century. The installations of the ancient hacienda are in prime condition and house an admirable patrimony of rustic furniture, Mayan statuettes and other lavish objects.

There is also a small chapel where you can still see the bells used by the Franciscan monks to call the people to worship. Valuable antiques are preserved in the house, telling the story of the various owners.

Kancabchen – The principle activity is cattle-breeding but there's also a squadron of pure-bred horses which star in the traditional Mexican rodeo-type festival.

Ochil – A tourist site where the entire process of heneken manufacturing can be observed down to the smallest detail. The hacienda was built in what was once an important Maya settlement.

Its particular character is derived from the vitality projected by the hacienda, offering as it does, a panorama of the handcraft made in Yucatan.

The craftsmen have special workshops in what used to be the old hacienda chapel. It is impressive to see the skill with which filigree jewelry, hammocks and embroidered items, among other things, are made.

San Pedro Chimay – belongs to the municipality of Merida. It is positioned approximately 16 km. south of the city. Henequen hacienda, originally dedicated to cattle breeding, its date of foundation is not precised.

In 1852, Mr. Juan Miguel Castro, founder of the port of Progreso, re-edificated the hacienda casque in honor of his wife, Ms. Maria de Jesus Lara, bringing that same year from Spain the patron saint San Pedro.

The name "Chimay" was already given to it since 40 years back, because of the abundance of trees of this species. In 1865, your majesty, the empress Carlota Amalia visited the hacienda in order to place the first stone of a latar known as "La Gruta" (The Grot).

During its splendor, the hacienda had high volumes of production, for which it was necessary to duplicate the machinery, and is why it counts with two boilers and two chimneys, the most recent of these with certain elements of Moorish character.

Originally the main house was of colonial structure and style; in this remodeling of 1865 it acquired eclectic expressions, maintaining corridors with arches of half point, carved stone columns and colonial gates.

Hacienda Tabi – This is a great and affordable way to experience an authentic hacienda (which claims to be the oldest in the area) without the added glitz and formality of the modernized versions. Once a thriving sugar plantation and the largest hacienda in the Yucatan, it lay abandoned for years but is now partly used as a museum and still in the process of being excavated and restored.

Natural Beauties. The charming coastline, as well as being blessed with warm beaches, also boasts nature reserves which protect a variety of flora and fauna unique to this part of the world. It's a paradise for adventure tourism and ecotourism lovers.

Here you can walk, take a bicycle ride, practice windsurfing and kayaking, compete in tournament fishing and enjoy the tasty dishes of the day: fresh and imaginatively garnished, and cooked to perfection.

Here too, you'll feel the energy of a natural world that sleeps with the setting sun, where the song of thousands of birds from trees and mangroves welcomes the starry night.

Rio Lagartos - Located almost at the end of the enchanting coastline, Rio Lagartos embraces the ports of El Cuyo and las Coloradas. Conserves, where sweet rain water comes together with salty sea water of birds species are the delight of nature watchers.

Without a doubt, the natural beauty and magic of Yucatan will captivate you, as you get back to nature with a gift for the eyes and the heart…

San Felipe – This quaint, picturesque fishing village is made up or rustic, wooden houses. Take a stroll on the promenade that runs the length of the estuary to admire the beauty of the vegetation.

El Palmar – One of the most important ecological reserves and home to surrounding mangroves provide shelter for many aquatic birds. Arrange a trip in a boat and enjoy the ojo de agua in the middle of the ocean, too.

Celestun – A port full of mystery, where some of the most exotic species of Yucatan exist side by side. Pink flamingos; give a spectacular show as they fly just overhead. The estuary is their natural breeding ground after long flights along the eastern coast.

Visitors can also beat the heat by taking a dip in the sweet, fresh-water coming up from the "Ojos de agua", literally eyes of water, hidden among the natural tunnels of the estuary formed among the mangroves.

These can be reached by boats driven by the locals, whose trips are invariably embellished by stories as interwoven as their fishing nets.

Nothing surpasses the trip down the estuary to its spectacular rendezvous with the sea, but not before paying a visit to the "Tampeten" or Petrified Forest.

In the heart of the town, a beach of unequalled beauty and an exquisite variety of fresh fish and Shellfish are the perfect excuse for speeding another day in Celestun.

Surprise and Splendor. The state of Yucatan is famous for having hosted the impact of meteorite approximately 60 million years ago that some believes caused the extinction of dinosaurs on earth. It also carved out zone of multiple sinkholes, called cenotes. In addition to temporary waterholes know as aguadas.

These natural hydraulic formations were sought out by the ancient Maya as they provided their only source of water in a land where water flows underground, carving out gigantic caverns over the centuries. When their civilization fell into decline, they left behind the remains of their impressive monuments situated in close proximity to these major sources of water.

Forest grew over them in time and the present generation's respect and protection of their cultural heritage has created substantial extensions of vegetative cover in what amounts to mini-nature reserves. As a result, some of the best birdwatching habitat is found within the archeological zones of Yucatan. Only the amount of human visitation discourages good viewing opportunities at the more heavily trafficked sites.

Climatic conditions have a lot say about when is the best time to practice birdwatching. In Yucatan, the year is divided into dry and wet seasons with the former encompassing the months of January (most years) through to June or July. Rains are heaviest during the summer and early fall, and gradually decline upon the onset of the north winds that begin to denominate the southeasterly winds in early October.

Wind direction is crucial to migrant birds, but time of year seems to be even more important to them as masses of migrants begin arriving as early as August along the entire north coast and continue to pass through into early November.

Birds move north through the peninsula quite rapidly in the spring, almost without notice, until the absence of their "chips" in the forest in May, mark the end of the migrant winter season. However, this is precisely when the majority of resident land birds burst into song and become remarkably visible as they set up their breeding territories.

Birdwatching in Yucatan opens the way to not only visit to restored Maya ruins and natural water holes, but into majestic and mysterious caves as well. One walks underground among enormous boulders over which water once follow, and the sounds of the "toh" bird can be hidden crevices where they nest in the spring.

The best way to enjoy your birding and natural history experience in Yucatan is to be accompanied by a local guide. This permits you to visit places you never would have found on your own, as well as to better understand local customs, beliefs and practices. Yucatan is stepped in traditions, use of alternative medicines and an understanding of nature that is not taught in books.

In recent years, the "Yucatan Peninsula Bird Conservation Program" (CAPY) of Amigos de Sian Ka'an A.C., has closely collaborated with Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan A.C., Niños y Crías A.C. and the managers of the reserves under the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) in order to lead a coordinated effort throughout the Peninsula to create a bird culture and promote bird conservation activities.

Primary attention has been focused on providing bird identification training workshops to local inhabitants in communities located in and around the natural protected areas – particularly those identified as important Bird Areas or IBAs. This effort is in response to request made by the recently formed tourism cooperatives in both coastal fishing villages and Maya forest communities. They are seeking to participate in the economic benefits brought by the ever-increasing tourism to the region. You can directly assist the process by requesting their services through the contact information provided under "Sites".

Should you want to further motivate these dedicated individuals to become even better guides, you may wish to leave behind a used pair of binoculars or field guide.

Besides providing an economic incentive for local people to conserve their natural environment, the guide training also providing an economic incentive for local people to conserve their natural environment, the guide training also is already providing badly needed assistance in carrying out monitoring of bird species in some of the reserves CAPY and its associates also participate actively in the international bird conservation project called Gulf Crossings, created by the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Jackson, Texas The project seeks to conserve habitat important to birds, especially migratory land birds and local birds of special interest around the Gulf of Mexico.

It does so by focusing on education and land use practices, in addition to increasing bird oriented tourism to the region in benefit of local inhabitants.

The CAPY program, in addition, seeks to strengthen other valuable, community efforts being made throughout the peninsula to conserve birds. Recently, several ejidos (communal land holdings) have decided to set aside well conserved lands in order to use them for developing sustainable, community eco-tourism-projects. These efforts are important to support as they seek to project important bird habitat well as deter illegal capture and trade of the local fauna.

Bird watchers make a valuable economic contribution to local communities through their visit and use of local services. But equally important is their ability to motivate the building of local pride and appreciation for conserving birds and their habitant.

The Emerald Coast. Yucatan is an exceptional state, rich in natural treasures and possessing an unmatched coastline stretching 378 km from Celestún to Río Lagartos, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The white sands and tranquility are additional rewards for those looking for sun, palms and sea. Visitors enjoy the warm climate and wonderful beaches by the blue-green sea, as well as savor the superb dishes prepared from the catch of the day.

Here you can experience the warmth and color of the tropics, revered by the ancient Maya who, according to legend, were great navigators and lovers of the sea.

Progreso – Entrance port to the State of Yucatan, Progreso is unbeatable for its variety of water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking. Here you can take a stroll along the seafront, enjoy the breeze and savor the delicious regional food served in the many restaurants which line the sea walk.

Today a number of cruise lines disembark here, bringing countless passengers from all over the world who enjoy not only the charm and exquisite flavor of the historic port, but also the peacefulness and warmth of its people. From here you can visit anywhere in the state on tourist routes designed for day-trippers.

For those who prefer an overnight stay, there are picturesque hotels with a sea view, some of which conserve the Art Deco style of the beginning of the last century. Impeccably positioned in the Peninsula of Yucatan and with an efficient tourist infrastructure, Progreso is the state's most important port.

Sisal – A legendary port for coastal navigation, almost all the henequen produced in the state at the beginning of the XIX century was exported from here. The sun sheds its warm smile on the beaches and, of course, the exotic natural scenery. Beautiful migratory birds like the Canadian duck arrive punctually every year in search of the peaceful waters or Sisal.

Also worth a visit are the fortifications built by the port guardians to protect against raiding pirates. A visit to the Yucatecan coast will definitely surprise and spoil you with its charms: bask in the refreshing air and transparent waters; delight in the delicious lobster, conch, octopus or shrimp…or to put it simply: just relax.

Telchac – A small corner of the Yucatan coast with serene, transparent waters, Telchac is the ideal place for a variety of water sports and a well-earned rest. Take a pleasant walk around the quaint square or along the promenade to the lighthouse. Close by is the beautiful Laguna Rosada (pink lagoon), home to migrating birds, and Uaymitun, a refuge for the fabulous pink flamingo.

Holbox Island - A small and authentic paradise is located on the Northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. A place of rest and wonder since ancient Maya times waits for you to discover it. Holbox Island one of the natural beauties of the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico, is part of the protected area called "Yum Balam", an ecological reserve.

On the east side of the Holbox Island is Cabo Catoche, and a lagoon separates the Holbox Island from the main land: Laguna Yalahau. Holbox is 43 km long and its white sand beaches are decorated with countless shells the sea washes to shore.

Isla Mujeres – Is a privileged place with a unique natural and cultural wealth in Mexico. This beautiful island combines the beauty of the Caribbean, the dense tropical jungle and the wonderful heritage of the Mayan civilization. It stands out as one of Mexico's natural treasures, a truly delightful paradise on earth.

Cancun – Beaches are distributed along Cancun's shores. Some edge the tranquil waters of Mujeres Bay while others face the open Caribbean Sea. Special precautions should be taken on the open ocean-side beaches when the sea is rough and, in general, visitors should always pay attention to the warning flags posted in front of each hotel: green or blue indicates calm seas, yellow, precaution and red or black, danger.

Cancun's beaches are made of fine, soft white sand. The brilliant white color helps keep the sand cool by reflecting the sun's rays and it also retains less heat because it consists of a mixture of minute fragments of shell and ground coral.

The beautiful turquoise color of the sea varies depending on the area and depth and in some places it ranges from deep blue to emerald green.

Playa del Carmen – Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya).

Located on the beautiful Mexicana Caribbean Coast some 40 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancun-Tulum Corridor of Quintana Roo (now called Mayan Riviera).

Playa del Carmen is blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters that's proving harder and harder to find. It's a place for those in search of the real Caribbean. Experience Playa del Carmen and the endless adventures Mundo Maya has to offer.

Sian Ka'an – A Mayan phrase for "Where the Sky is born", was the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a high priority of protection for the state of Mexico.

As the third largest protected area in Mexico, the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve comprises 1.3 million acres of tropical ecosystems in the State of Quintana Roo.

Consisting of lowland forest, flooded savannas, mangroves, and a portion of the world's second largest coastal barrier reef – the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the Reserve is home to 800 plant species and provides habitat for 350 species of birds, as well as jaguar, puma, ocelot, spider and howler monkeys, crocodiles, and many types of turtles.

Additionally, the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve is home to 23 different archaeological sites of pre-Columbian culture.

Cozumel – Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more.

Cozumel's mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island.

Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve.

This huge protected area at the southern tip of the island includes Punta Cellaring and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island's endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas.

Chetumal - Birthplace of miscegenation Chetumal is a region of brilliant colors: the intense green of the vegetation, the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea and the blue of the sky evoke the appearance of an aquarelle painting.

To know this city and its surroundings is to enter a simply enchanting place that is an invitation to discovery and to the pleasures of the unknown.

Chetumal is the midpoint between Mexico and Central America, in which they mix the best thing of both destinies; one is in the border with Belize. Highway 307 unites Chetumal with Cancun (5 hours approximately) and with other points of the Mayan Riviera.

In this zone they took place important events from the beginning of the Spanish conquest to the definitive dissolution of the Mayan empire.

Doorway to Central America from Mexico, capital city of Quintana Roo state, birthplace of miscegenation, Chetumal is a large cultural center that still conserves its provincial flavor in the midst of that modern city.

To visit Chetumal isn't just a visit to the beginning or the end of a country; it's discovering and enjoying a magical zone bathed in colors of the jungle and the sea.

Magical Creations. The skillful hands of the men and women artisans make Yucatecan handcrafts true works of art. Brilliant filigree jewelry in gold and silver is a good example, as are items carved from tortoiseshell, such as combs, ornamental hair slides, rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

This is more difficult to find now given the necessary prohibitions imposed, and respected, to protect the species.

Coral, coconut husks and heneken spines are also used in jewelry making, as in the necklaces and earrings worn by the mestizos to grace the huipil, the embroidered dresses traditionally worn here.

The huipil is made from white cotton fabric, embroidered with cross-stitched flowers around the square neck and hem. It is worn with a special petticoat called a fustán, which has lace around the lower edge that shows beneath the huipil.

The ceremonial dress, called the terno, has three pieces: the huipil, this time made from a silky material with embroidery around the square neck-line and hem, is finished with a wide lace border.

The jubón is a short, fully-embroidered, square-necked blouse worn over the huipil. And, finally the fustán, embroidered with flowers which can be seen through the transparent lace of the huipil, also has a wide lace edge.

The embroidery is done in cross-stitch and the motifs are usually flowers or geometric forms. The dress is completed with white or embroidered shoes, filigree necklaces of gold and coral, a headdress of ribbons and flowers, and the shawl of Santa Maria.

Another widely used item of clothing, this time by the men, is the typical and elegant guayabera. Although made from a variety of fabrics, those of linen or cotton are the best quality. Towards the end of the XIX Century, the guayabera was worn exclusively by the upper class, which brought them directly from Cuba where they were made.

However, as demand grew, and importation became increasingly difficult when Fidel Castro came to power, a group of Yucatecan visionaries decided to make them here. In time, the use of the guayabera became more popular and a new phrase was born: "Yucatan is the gateway to the Mayan world, and Mérida, the world capital of the guayabera".

As the people of Merida live and dress in huipiles, ternos or guayaberas, so too, they sleep and dream in hammocks, hanging them in any room which has been fitted with the classic metal or wood hammock hooks; just like the ones used in the old haciendas. Large or small, hammocks are used by people of all ages, beliefs and social class.

Colorful hammocks made from silk, or cotton, which are cooler, or nylon, are used to lull and rock children to sleep from birth. They come in as many sizes as beds and can be individual or matrimonial.

In the town of Tixkokob, east of Merida, you can acquire the best hammocks in the region, either in the stores or directly from the houses of the craftsmen and women who hand-weave them.

Wood is another element used frequently in the creation of Yucatecan handicrafts. In the town of Dzitya, north of the City of Merida, innumerable articles are made from guayacan a very hard wood. Besides jewelry, hammocks, wooden items and typical dress, the best leather footwear in the entire peninsula is made in the small towns of Hunucma and Ticul.

The city of Bécal is located 91 km. northeast of the city of Campeche on highway 180. The population has a pleasant square in the centre of which stands the Monument to the hats, a source made up of three hats, which are the symbol of the craft of place: the famous Panama hats.

Almost all houses at Bécal have in their courtyards, artificial underground caves, some very old, where the work of weavers jipi is made, because only inside these excavations is maintained the moisture necessary for the development of this craft.

The jipi fiber is a dwarf palm that needs to be woven in maximum moisture conditions to avoid it gets broken, it is extremely thin and narrow, for this is that tissues are achieved very thin and tight almost impermeable.

The craft was launched in Becal, at the middle of the last century by the Garcia family, and it has become in a tradition for generations of skilled operatives specialized. The Panama hats are of excellent quality, for that reason they are exported to the United States, Europe and South Africa.

As you can see, throughout the state, skilled hands use a variety of materials, designs and colors, to bring the useful, the beautiful and the elegant into our lives.