{"id":4091,"date":"2022-05-04T13:00:59","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T17:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/?p=4091"},"modified":"2024-02-22T15:34:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T20:34:22","slug":"mexico-yucatan-peninsula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/mexico-yucatan-peninsula\/","title":{"rendered":"Mexico\u2019s Yucatan Peninsula: Ancient culture waiting to be explored"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mexico\u2019s Yucatan Peninsula: Ancient culture waiting to be explored<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By: Jason Z. Cohen of Pleasant Holidays<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From the pyramids that rise above the remnants of ancient Mesoamerican cities such as Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam and Tulum, to the cenotes that lie underfoot, Mexico\u2019s Yucatan Peninsula to this day reflects the continuing influence of the Maya civilization that once dominated its lands.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the Maya civilization was at its greatest size and power in the 9th<\/sup> Century A.D., some of the wonders of this ancient civilization have survived the centuries, and many of them are easy to visit and explore while vacationing in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Within a short drive of the resort areas of the Yucatan coast are dozens of archaeological sites, historic points of interest, and examples of natural beauty and wonder, all influenced in some way by the region\u2019s Maya past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The view from atop Ixmoja Pyramid. Photo by Jason Z. Cohen, Pleasant Holidays.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pay a visit to one of the ancient Maya cities, such as Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam or Tulum to catch a glimpse of what life might have been like centuries ago. While the surviving structures have been partially or fully restored, it’s still possible to see trees growing from the walls, a witness to just how far nature went to claim it as its own. In fact, the growth had to be cut back substantially at these sites in order for people to appreciate their significance, and work continues even now to reverse the encroachment of the forest. At Ek Balam, you may even be able to ascend to the top of the Acropolis pyramid to gain a view previously reserved for Maya elite \u2013 a vista of the sprawling Yucatan rainforest from above the treetops.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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