More Yucatan Backroads 2009

Mérida, the White City, was founded in 1542. Its architecture still shows an exquisite union of pre-Hispanic and European elements. During its Colonial era, this state capital was the most important city in the region, leaving such living monuments as the House of Montejo, Government Palace, and the main building of the University of Yucatan. Museums, theatres, handcrafts, nightclubs and beautiful parks have created a beautiful and vibrant city. Once settled into our hotel room, we will experience Méridas delicious culinary tradition at one of Mérida's numerous restaurants.

On our first day of cycling we will leave the city of Merida to the south and meander along old hacienda country. There are ex-haciendas along the way, including Dzuyaxche as well as the working henequen hacienda, Sotuta de Peon. We'll be passing through several small towns on very quiet backroads. In Tecoh we'll stop for brunch, and then onward, to the important but not often visited Mayan ruins of Mayapan. Finally we ride on to Tekit. Tekit is a small Mayan-colonial town with a 16th century church, pleasant square and small market. Our comfortable hotel will be a suitable end to the first day of our adventure.

We start the day on some very quiet backroads with some rolling hills. In Cuzama we will stop for a little break and the famous Cuzama cenote trip. Continuing on more quiet backroads, at the end of the day we find ourselves in the splendid colonial yellow town of Izamal.

Known as the Yellow Town because of the colour of the colonial buildings that line the zocalo, Izamal is famous for having the largest church plaza in Mexico. It includes an enormous Franciscan convent (built with Mayan stones) and the remnants of the most voluminous Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan. You can also visit the colourful market, or just stroll around the beautiful zocalo observing the daily routines of the local inhabitants.

We'll pass through many small Mayan towns and visit as many cenotes on the way as you want! There are literally hundreds of them along this route. In Pisté we can see the light and sound show of Chichén-Itzá, and explore the ruins early tomorrow morning.

In the early morning we will visit the important Mayan-Toltec ruins of Chichén-Itzá, avoiding all the crowds. After that we have a pleasant ride on quiet backroads to Valladolid which is another splendid colonial gem.

Today we are truly on the backroads. After getting away from Valladolid, we get on some very narrow, quiet and well shaded rolling backroads. We'll cycle through some little Mayan towns and get onto a freshly paved road taking us into the state of Quintana Roo which is where we will find the little town and huge archeaological site of Cobá.

It pays to get an early start on the Coba ruins and beat the crowds. There's lots to see here so take your time. Coba boasts the Nohoch Mul, which at 42m high is the tallest Mayan structure in the Yucatan peninsula. There are also a series of 'Sacbe' which are elevated stone roads built by the Mayans. One of these, the longest, extends for 100km all the way to Yaxuna.

From one set of ruins to another. We ride to the impressive Mayan ruins of Ek' Balam with its unique winged sculptures. We will stay near the ruins at a beautiful eco-hotel in the forest and rest up to enjoy the ruins in the morning.

Once again, we will visit the ruins in the morning, no crowds, and no heat. From atop the 29 meter tall acropolis you can actually see Chichén Itzá and Cobá. After the ruins, a short ride takes us north to the Yucatan's livestock capital, Tizimin.

Today is all about the cycling. There's not much to see along the way, passing the only town just 16km out of Tizimin, after that it's pedaling with a nice tailwind all the way to Buctzotz. Buctzotz is a typical little Mayan town where many of the townspeople make hammocks at home. In Buctzotz they specialize in extra large 'family size' hammocks.

After cycling north through more small towns, we'll hit the gulf coast. Riding along the quiet coastal road we can enjoy views of the sea on the right and lagoons on the left. This is truly a spectacular day of cycling on well paved, quiet, narrow roads through some beautiful coastal wetlands.

Rest up and prepare for our grand finale longest day of the tour. In Telchac you can enjoy the great fresh seafood, and enjoy walking along the endless beaches.

We continue along the gulf coast before turning to the south. We'll take the backroads way into Mérida, passing through several little towns and visiting the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun with its most unusual and interesting cenote, Xlacah Cenote. In Merida

Mérida, is a state capital and commercial center. It's also the cultural focal point of the entire peninsula. Tourists are attracted to the history and beauty of this vibrant city. Its colonial center, Centro Colonial, is busy with Maya men and women in traditional dress. College students lounging at nearby cafes and businessmen and women rushing to their offices. Meridians enjoy long, leisurely promenades in the zocalo. The zocalo's clock tower chimes 4 times an hour and dawn and dusk are greeted by a flag ceremony, accompanied by the music of a military band. Nearby you will be able to visit venerable old churches like the yellow cathedral with its twin towers containing what is claimed to be the second largest crucifix in the world. There is also the Palacio de Gobierno with its stairway painting depicting the Maya belief that humanity comes from maize. Under the balcony of the Palacio Municipal concerts and classes in jarana, a Yucatan colonial dance, take place. The nearby market or Mercado is huge, noisy, colourful and crowded. Anything you might want to buy can be found there or even made for you while you wait. Of special interest are the famous Yucatan hammocks. There are numerous museums and parks to visit as well as a never-ending series of free music and dance events to attend each day of the week.