Awesome Things You Never Knew About the Yucatán Peninsula

For an exclusive view of the region, you can now book Culture Trip’s nine-day Yucatán Peninsula tour with stunning beaches, beautiful natural scenery and historic ruins.

Chicxulub crater

The Yucatán Peninsula is the site of the Chicxulub crater, which was formed by an asteroid about 6mi to 9mi (10km to 15km) in diameter. The impact, which occurred around 65m years ago, caused worldwide climate problems and may have triggered the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo are all found in the peninsula. Northern sections of neighboring Belize and Guatemala also form part of the expanse.

The origins of the word Yucatán are a subject of debate. According to Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, a Spanish explorer had asked a native what the area was called. Apparently, he responded, “Uma’anaatik ka t’ann,” which in Mayan means “I do not understand you”. Misunderstanding his response, the Spanish named the area Yucatán.

Cathedral of San Ildefonso

The Cathedral of San Ildefonso in Mérida is the oldest church on the American mainland and the second-oldest in the Americas, only behind the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in the Dominican Republic.

The first Republic of Yucatán was formed in 1823 but rejoined the Mexican federation just seven months later. The second republic began in 1841 and remained independent for seven years, before finally reuniting with Mexico.

The Yucatán is famed for troubadour music, or trova, which has roots in Cuban and Colombian rhythms. La Peregrina (The Pilgrim) is one of the most popular trova songs. Written by Ricardo Palmerín in 1923, the haunting song was commissioned by the Governor of Yucatán, Felipe Carrillo, for his fiancée, the American journalist Alma Reed. Tragically, the romance was ill-fated. Carrillo was shot dead by a rebel army while Reed was in San Francisco preparing for their wedding.

Dzibilchaltún

There are hundreds of Mayan archaeological ruins in Mexico, and the majority are found in the Yucatán Peninsula. Many of these impressive sites have somehow managed to stay (relatively) off the tourist radar, including the spectacular ruins of Dzibilchaltún, Uxmal and Cobá.

Chichén Itzá

The only Mayan site that is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is an incredibly well-preserved Mayan center that was once a major spiritual and economic hub. A grand stepped pyramid dominates the complex, and there are temples and Mayan ball courts.

The town of Puerto Progreso, in the northern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, has the longest pier in the world. Originally just 2km (1.2mi) long, Progreso Pier now stretches more than 7km (4mi) into the Gulf of Mexico, acting as a disembarkation point for cargo and passenger ships.

A network of subterranean rivers has created incredible caves and underwater sinkholes called cenotes. Formed when limestone is eroded over hundreds of years, cenotes are a popular place to swim, snorkel or dive.

Habanero chili peppers are native to the Yucatán Peninsula and are one of the most popular regional exports. The habanero is classed as very hot and rated 100,000 to 350,000 on the Scoville scale.

Check out some of the coolest places to stay while you’re in the Yucatán.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.