It needs no saying that anything Mexican is on trend right now. You only need to look at the crop of new restaurants serving authentic and delicious cuisine and the abundance of Aztec print clothing items on the high street, to see that Mexican culture has well and truly integrated itself into the spending habits of us Brits. Burritos and fajitas aside, I can vouch that Mexico is so much more than that. This summer I had the fantastic opportunity to spend a fortnight in an area called the Yucatan Peninsula situated on the stunning Caribbean Coast, and in addition to the obligatory sunbathing on the beach, I did stuff. Interesting stuff.
1) Playa del Carmen and Fifth Avenue – Although the Yucatan region is almost certainly most well known for the popular party town of Cancun, an hour or so down the highway, via probably the best air-conditioned taxi in existence, brought me to the resort of Playa del Carmen, where we were dropped off in the hotel and residential area. If for whatever reason Desperate Housewives had been set in Mexico, this would have been Wisteria Lane. It would be all too easy just to people watch the enviously tanned and toned individuals jogging and cycling past impressive mini mansions, but during our first few days we decided to stroll into the centre of town to window shop. Strange parallel number two – the main shopping area, Fifth Avenue, is practically identical to our very own Briggate in layout, (if Briggate had a beach that is). If you manage to escape the never tiring traders who will try to get your attention in any way possible, head for the stalls selling fresh corn on the cob and churros (delicious Spanish style doughnuts served with heaps of sugar and warm chocolate sauce).
2) Tulum – The picture says it all really. Considered by many as the world’s most beautiful beach, the bohemian town of Tulum was unsurprisingly gorgeous; seemingly a world away from the more built up resorts. Although we had travelled via the ever reliable mini-bus to seek out culture from the only Mayan city on the coast, the temptation to just set up a sun-lounger on that immaculate beach for the remainder of the day was far too strong.
3) Chichen Itza – If you cast your mind all the way back to last year, you may vaguely remember the small and insignificant issue of the world ending in December. Thankfully, it didn’t. So, seven months later I was able to get on a coach with a load of Brits and Americans at a ridiculously early hour in the day to visit arguably the most visited tourist attraction of the Yucatan Peninsula, the ruins of Chichen Itza. “How does this relate to the article?” you say. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the fact that the site dates back to A.D 750 and is such an excellently preserved pre-Hispanic city is a feat in itself. However, it’s more than just well-preserved stone. The temple of Kulkulkan or “El Castillo” basically works as a giant calendar, with each step representing each day in the year. This allowed the ancient Mayan people to accurately track seasons still in use today, and rather more importantly, predict the end of the world. If you are lucky enough to see the equinox at sunset, the sunlight hits the stone at an angle that creates a shadow snake pattern down the steps of the pyramid. Spooky shadow snakes aside, besides the market stalls dotted around the site selling Topshop-esque Aztec print satchels and jumpers, a personal highlight was the fascinatingly morbid mural wall, imprinted with the skulls of unfortunate Mayans. Lovely stuff.
4) Coco Bongo – In all fairness, it’s pretty hard to beat a Saturday night down Call Lane. However, after sampling some of the best nightlife that the Yucatan peninsula has to offer, it’s not surprising that my nights out back home have yet to live up to the euphoric and exhilarating experience that is Coco Bongo. Described by America Today as “Las Vegas, New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras rolled into one”, with clubs in the two major resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen attracting the notorious annual influx of Spring Breakers, it didn’t take me much persuading to fork out for a ticket. Admittedly, it became quickly apparent on the shuttle bus headed to “the best night club in North America” on that humid Friday night, that I was yet to be convinced by such wondrous claims. I can safely say that any pre-existing doubts flew straight out of the window however, when we and about 1,200 other party-goers descended on 10th Avenue. The combination of Latin music blasted from ridiculously loud speakers, Cirque de Soleil quality acrobats flying from the ceiling and non-stop performances (my particular favourite being the Daft Punk show), and an open bar, I can honestly say the experience was worth every peso. This was followed up by drinking a Michelada the next day – basically a Mexican Bloody Mary concocted of beer, tomato juice, hot sauce and lime. Sounds absolutely disgusting, but works a treat.
If you ever get to visit the Yucatan Peninsula (which you should definitely do) these 4 things should be at the top of your list of activities!
Image Sources:
1) Original Image
2) Original Image
Grace Webster