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<\/a><\/div>\nIf you\u2019re thinking that this warm getaway is just to another pretty beach, think again. Yes, the fabulous soft white-sand beaches, and the dazzling turquoise waters for which the Caribbean is so famous, will all be yours. But, you\u2019ll also be glad to know that there\u2019s some exciting country to explore, as well.<\/p>\n
The Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula are a treasure just waiting for you find, and some of the most famous ruins are just a stone\u2019s throw from Cancun, and even right on the island of Cozumel.<\/p>\n
Over 2000 years ago the Mayan civilization was not only thriving, but was also one of the most advanced ever to be on the earth. Long before Europe, Asia and even Egypt had figured out the secrets of mathematics and physics, the Mayans were making huge advances in these sciences.<\/p>\n
The Mayans spread their remarkable civilization across a vast territory that included the present-day Yucatan Peninsula and extending through southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. However, the most famous of its ruins are on the Yucatan Peninsula, making them easy for visitors to Mexico\u2019s Caribbean coast to enjoy.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nChichen Itza <\/b>(photos top and left) is by far the most popular Mayan archeological site on the Yucatan Peninsula and close to 1.5 million people visit it each year. It is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the unofficial \u201cNew 7 Wonders of the World.\u201d By staying in Cancun it is just a 2-hour drive, and many tour buses are available.<\/p>\n
The most easily recognized Chichen Itza ruin is the great Kukulkan Pyramid, also known as \u201cEl Castillo\u201d (the castle). This temple to Kukulkan, a feathered serpant, stands 98 feet high, has nine terraces each 89.4 feet high, and is topped by a 20-foot high temple building.<\/p>\n
While the pyramid is no longer open to the public for climbing, it is still an awe-inspiring site. Other archeological sites to visit at Chichen Itza include the huge Ball Court and an amazing observatory.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nJust a 45 minute drive from Cancun is the Mayan ruin Tulum <\/b>(see photo right). It is smaller than Chichen Itza, but has a breathtaking cliff top setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.<\/p>\n
On the island of Cozumel is another popular archeological site of the ancient Mayan culture. San Gervasio<\/b> contains the temple built to honor the goddess Ix Chel (see photo below). A sacred place for Mayan women,, each, at least once in her lifetime, made a pilgrimage here to honor the goddess of fertility.<\/p>\n Beyond being the \u201csanctuary\u201d of Ix Chel, this island was also a strategic location for the Mayans from both a commercial and political stand point. Cozumel was one of the most important ports-of-trade for Mayan seafarers, and was a major producer of honey for trade. Twenty-four Mayan archeological sites have so far been discovered scattered across the island of Cozumel.<\/p>\n Stay in a Cancun timeshare rental<\/a> for as low as $57\/night.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n