Yucatán

Catedral_de_San_Gervasio_-Valladolid-_Yucatan-_Mexico_-crop.jpg‎|Catedral de San Gervasio at Valladolid (Yucatan)|Valladolid

Yucatán is a state in the north western part of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico. To the east is the state of Quintana Roo, home of Cancun and Cozumel; Campeche (state)|Campeche is to the south.

Yucatán is where the Chicxulub Crater is located; geologists say that this crater dates back approx 65 million years from the Earth's collision with a meteorite, and it is implicated with the extinction of the dinosaurs. Around 1000 AD, Yucatán was one of the centers of the Maya civilization. While their big cities and temples have fallen to ruins long before the arrival of the Spaniards the Maya people still make up much of the state's population. The Spanish came to conquer in the 1500s, and their descendants stayed and contributed to the historic legacy of Yucatán. In the late 1800s Henequen cactus was the "green gold" of Yucatan and was responsible for much of the wealth of Yucatan. Henequen made Yucatan into one of Mexico’s richest States. Today, one can still visit some of the henequen producing haciendas that reflect this wealth.

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Cities

19.626|-88.835|zoom=7

• Mérida (Yucatán)|Mérida GPS 20.97,-89.62 - the state capital and largest city.
• Izamal GPS 20.931389,-89.017778 - Small city with a rich ancient Maya and Spanish Colonial past
• Motul GPS 21.166667,-89.466667 - Pueblito, origin of the "Huevos Motuleños"
• Progreso GPS 21.28,-89.67 - Port City on Gulf of Mexico with seafood and beaches.
• Valladolid (Mexico)|Valladolid GPS 20.689444,-88.201667 - Spanish Colonial perioid architecture dominates this small city.

More Destinations in Yucatán

Lol Tun Caves Yucatan Mexico - Lol-Tun caves Chichen_Itza_MX_-_Sacred_Cenote.jpg‎|Sacred Cenote

Yucatán is home of several famous Mayan archaeological zones. The best known and most widely visited by tourists is Chichén Itzá and the site of the Kukulcan Pyramid and the Maya Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote. A contrasting cultural style can be observed at Mayan sites along the Ruta Puuc.

• Chichén Itzá GPS 20.683056,-88.568611 - Yucatan's largest and most famous ancient Maya ruins
• Cuzamá GPS 20.741973,-89.316323 - home of three beautiful cenotes
• Ek Balam GPS 20.891111,-88.136389 - Maya ruins just north of Valladolid
• Lol-Tun GPS 20.252778,-89.456389 - an underground cave system, two hours south of Merida
• Uxmal GPS 20.359444,-89.771389 - beautiful Maya site south of Merida. A bit south Uxmal are a collection of smaller but impressive Maya ruins: Kabah, Labnah, and Sayil.

  Yucatán Halal Travel Guide

Yucatan is a place of peace and friendly people, a place to explore the Maya culture, enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, underground rivers and cenotes (sinkholes or caves originating from limestone erosion in a Karst area), delight in sightseeing many ancient Maya archaeological sites, or flavor a great meal. Bird lovers will find Yucatan a great place for bird-watching, those that enjoy romantic places will find many in the Colonial cities of this lovely state; where people gather early at night in parks and plazas to enjoy a free concert or to dance some salsa.

Local Language in Yucatán

Spanish is the official language. Knowing at least a few simple phrases of basic Spanish is helpful, but residents are very forgiving of visitors who are not fluent as long as you make an effort to be polite. In much of Yucatan some Maya is spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost everyone will have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish. The younger people are now learning English and will try to training on you. A translation dictionary may not be as helpful as in other areas. English, at least simple English, is widely understood with merchants and guides at major tourist destinations and in more upscale hotels.

Get in

By plane

The major airport in Yucatan State is located at Merida (Rejon) International Airport (IATA Code: MID). Another point of access to the State might be through Cancun International Airport (IATA Code: CUN), located in Cancun, Quintana Roo State, to the east of Yucatan State.

By boat

The main option for approaching the Yucatan Peninsula by boat would be cruise ships serving locations of Yucatan State, or the State of Quintanna Roo. Most cruise ships drop anchor to the east in Cancun or Cozumel, Quintana Roo State. Some cruise ships anchor at Progresso, in Yucatan State. Progresso has one of the longest causeways in the world.

By road

Yucatan has extensive well built highways, rural, state and federal roads that are safe for tourists to drive on. However, some of the more interesting paths are simply sand. If you have rented a vehicle, be cautious not to damage it or get stuck in beach sands. When driving the "libre" roads, keep an eye out for speed bumps. They are numerous, mostly at the beginning, end, and maybe middle of every village you pass through. It is not uncommon to find drains and water lines on top of the pavement, with a pavement patch on top of the pipe. Bus lines offer affordable first-class routes.

How to get around in Yucatán

Renting a vehicle is highly recommended. Main roads are in good condition and state maps are easily available at any "tourist information kiosk." There is a good coach and bus network in the state. First class coaches are normally available between tourist-destinations (e.g. Merida and Valladolid) and these are fast and comfortable. However, to explore smaller towns and villages and to get out of the cities, local buses and collectivos are often the only public transport available, and can be slow, hot and uncomfortable. No train service is offered to this state. There is limited air service to outlying communities from Merida.

The fastest route across the region (Cancun-Valladolid-Chichen Itza-Merida) is the divided four-lane toll road and the cuota (Highway 180). The toll between Cancun and Chichen Itza is roughly US$30 each way. The road is well-maintained but does not have nighttime lighting; occasional bicyclists and pedestrians create some road hazards, but fewer than on most other Mexican roads. There are few services available along the road--very few gas stations, few vendors or services, etc.--so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available at some toll booth areas.

• "Yucatan Today" has lot of info and tips online. Pick up a copy of their monthly periodical when in Yucatan for maps, information, and lots of articles.

What to see in Yucatán

Museums. Many cities and towns in Yucatan offer visitors the joy of a good museum exhibit. Chichen Itza has a small exhibit at the main entrance of the site, within the Cultur complex; but don't miss the Merle Greene Gallery and museum at Hacienda Chichen, where you will find an exquisite private collection of Dr. Greene's original rubbings display with utmost care and elegance.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Yucatán

Yucatan offers many areas of interest to visitors, including famous Maya archaeological sites, sandy beach towns, Colonial cities, Natural Reserves, and adventure loaded trips to[[:Chichen_Itza_MX_-_Sacred_Cenote.jpg‎|'Cenotes', or fresh underwater sink-holes, Maya caves and small towns.

What to do in Yucatán

Yucatán Hammocks|Yucatan_Hammock_Merchant.jpg‎ The Maya hammock is a very light and sturdy resting instrument or piece of gear, considered a gift of the Gods by the Maya. Used as a hammock or backpack, and strong enough to haul a monkey, in some places. They come in a variety of colors, sizes and materials. A well made matrimonial version will easily hold up to 600 pounds or more due to the unique Maya diamond-like weave. A tighter weave will give more comfort and support. In times past and they were usually made from fibers of the local henequen cactus. Today and they are usually hand made using over 2 miles of soft cotton or nylon, and may give over two years of continuous service when not exposed to sunlight for long periods. Tree hanger accessories or free standing frames to hold the hammock are available commercially. They can be hand washed and hung to stretch and dry. Hammocks should not be hung directly on hooks, as the friction will create wear. Loop a rope or a hook from a chain or rope and loop it through the loop end of the hammock and attach that to the hook. Keep in mind the instability of a hammock until you are used to it and children should not be left unattended in them.

• Merida by night. Each night the City Hall sponsors many cultural events and regional dances through out the Historic Distric in downtown; most events are free and scheduled to start after 7PM Carnival at Merida has evolved in recent years from a Maya/Catholic indigenous celebration to what they describe as The party of the year, every year in Yucatan. Lodging reservations suggested.
• Swimming in cenotes. These natural underground lake and cave formations, found throughout the peninsula, are especially concentrated in the state of Yucatán. The highest concentration is to be found in what was once an ancient meteor crater. Many that can be toured are located along La Ruta de los Cenotes, an official network of secondary roads that is promoted by regional governments and tourist authorities.
• Mayan sacred ceremonies. The Mayan Priests and Elder Healers' civil association: Kuch Kaab Yeetel J-Men Maya'ob A.C. offers a variety of sacred Mayan rituals and mystical ceremonies throughout the year at their Sacred Mayan Ceremonial Center within the Maya Jungle Reserve at Hacienda Chichen.
• Birdwatching. Yucatan is a great place to visit for those that enjoy birdwatching. Places to visit are: Celestun, Rio Lagartos, El Cuyo, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal.
• Buy souvenirs. The "guayabera" shirts for men and the "huipil" blouses and dresses for women are attractive and great for the climate and can be purchased all over.

Yucatan is well known for its exquisite and embroider "huipiles," silver "filigrana" jewelry, traditional "hammocks,", fine replicas of ancient Maya ceramic vessels and masks. One of the most sensational fine arts boutique is found in Valladolid's main square, Yalat it specializes in Mexican fine arts and unique Maya art-crafts; the store itself is a joy to visit. Merida also offers some good shopping, try its traditional main market or the open-market on many streets all week long.

Yucatan makes excellent summer hats of the "Panama" or "Jipijapa" style. Even the highest quality fine mesh hand woven hats are fairly reasonably priced compared to what similar hats go for in most other countries.

Halal Restaurants in Yucatán

Yucatan cuisine is well known throughout Mexico. Try the traditional "Pollo Pibil" (tender chicken) and "Sopa de Lima" (chicken soup with lime juice). "Poc chuc" is a tender slow cooked Beef dish. Chilmole is turkey in a dark spicy sauce. Venison is no longer so common in Yucatan as it was a generation ago, but still sometimes appears on menus and is usually of good quality.

If you are lucky enough to be discovering Yucatan by automobile or even bus, a travel cooler of decent size comes in very handy in this climate. You will have opportunities to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables along the road. Pass up any that have already been peeled. Honey is usually found for sale along the road in used whiskey bottles. It should be considered safe and surely will be quite tasty. Some consider the water in Merida safe to drink (including people who don't drink the tap water elsewhere in Yucatan), but bottled water is available most places and is the safest choice -- especially in the nationside the water can obtain microbes that can cause digestive problems.

Yucatan has some decent bottled soft drinks. "Montejo" is a light pilsner; "Leon" is a Munich style dark. Some places you may see "Michelada" offered -- that's cold organic juice with lime juice and spices. Especially for drinks you are not used to, be sure to drink in moderation. Yucatan makes a several brands of rum. Tequila is popular at tourist heavy places, it is not really a big Yucatan thing; most comes from other parts of Mexico. There's Absinthe. Yucatan also has unusual local products such as "X'tabentun" made with anis and honey, and "Crema de nance", a tasty distinctive drink made from a local fruit.

Fresh fruit juice is very popular in Yucatan and fresh squeezed OJ can be found in most markets. Ummm, good. Dairy products, including Cheese, should be avoided, unless you are positive they have been made with pasteurized milk.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Yucatán

Yucatán - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Yucatán, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yucatán. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Yucatán and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Yucatán. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Yucatán. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inYucatán: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Yucatán.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Yucatán: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Yucatán, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Yucatán.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Yucatán, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Yucatán, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Yucatán and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Yucatán, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Yucatán, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Yucatán without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Yucatán is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Yucatán.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Yucatán is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Yucatán, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Yucatán Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Yucatán

eHalal Group Yucatán is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Yucatán. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Yucatán.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Yucatán ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Yucatán. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Yucatán, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Yucatán are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Yucatan_MX_Open_air_motel_w-pool.jpg‎|Open air rooms around swimmingpool at motel on free road to Chichen Itza

The lodging in the Yucatan varies widely.

On the affordable range are places where you bring your own hammock (good quality affordable hammocks can be easily purchased at markets in Merida or larger towns). Sleeping in your own hammock is common for good accommodation, often in rather primitive lodging with three walls, a ceiling and an open air front. Only a wash bowl and stool will be provided. Even some higher priced hotels in the cities have a floor of rooms that only accommodate hammocks. Other more conventional sleeping choices are also available.

In the moderate range, unless there is a big event in town it is usually pretty easy to find decent hotels or pensions with basic but clean rooms with the simple luxuries of bed, air conditioning, and private bath, often only a short distance from historic sights or beaches which support high end hotels charging tens of times as much.

Of course the larger cities and most popular attractions have luxury hotels with amenities and attentive staff that understand English and other major the international languages.

For a different type of Yucatan experience at the high end of the spectrum you may want to look into the numerous haciendas that are scattered throughout the State, offering outstanding amenities at reasonable cost. This will help you understand the rich history of the State of Yucatan.

Stay Safe

Yucatan should be considered a safe place to visit. It is common for local residents to approach you to training their English, although most are quite reserved and shy. Always keep your vehicle locked and valuables out of sight. In the larger cities, parking is somewhat limited and it may be best to find secured parking. Never photograph military installations, Police, Federales or children without permission. The biggest danger to visitors may be on the roads. If not on toll roads, you are likely to encounter large buses, trucks, pedestrians, animals and such. Driving after dark can be dangerous and risky. In the tourist areas you may encounter some "machismo". It is best dealt with by pretending not to notice or humbleness.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Yucatán

• To the south of Yucatan is the Campeche (state)|state of Campeche, with more Maya ruins and the charming namesake capital city Campeche.
• East of Yucatan is the state of Quintana Roo, home to the popular tourist destination of Cancún and the ancient ruins of Tulum and Coba, beautiful beaches, and other attractions.

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