Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Avenida principal 1, Chichen Itza, Mexico, 97751
Original Property Opened in 1923
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2015
Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows first opened its doors to the traveling public in 1923. Founded by Don Fernando Barbachano Peón and Carmen Gomez Rul Castillo, the hotel has been maintained under the watchful eye of their descendants over its 93-year reign as a premier tourist destination in Chichén Itzá. It displays a brilliant array of unique Mexican architecture that includes Moorish, Spanish, and native Yucatanean design aesthetics. Designed by Dr. Sylvanus Griswold Morley and Fernando Barbachano Peón, this amazing destination still conveys the rich heritage of the region. The Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows allow for guests to explore the surrounding region at their leisure. Many exciting activities abound throughout the area, such as exploring the Mayan jungle onboard a vintage Land Rover or visiting the nearby cenotes and caves. The historic ruins of Chichén Itzá are also located just steps from the resort grounds, granting for travelers an amazing opportunity to experience the ancient glory of the Mayan Empire.
Discover
- Discover the remarkable ruins of Chichén Itzá just steps away. This sprawling archeological site was once a magnificent Mayan city constructed hundreds of years before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. It is now one of the world’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Admire the rich historical charm of this outstanding holiday destination. Founded in 1923 by Don Fernando Barbachano Peón and Carmen Gomez Rul Castillo, the Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows bears the distinction of being the first hotel built at Chichén Itzá.
- Gaze upon inherent beauty Cenote X’toloc. Located right beyond the front door of the hotel, Cenote X’toloc is a gorgeous subterranean body of water that has its own unique waterfall.
Explore
- Explore the Cenotes X’kekén and Samulá nearby on the outskirts of Valladolid. Similar to Cenote X’toloc, these two marvelous outdoor destinations are beautiful underground waterways. Cenote Samulá is particularly celebrated throughout the region for the beams of sunlight that filter down into its main cavern.
- Travel to the Ek Balam several miles away. Ek Balam is another fascinating archeological site that once was a prominent settlement for the ancient Maya. It even functioned as the Mayan capital during most of the Common era.
- Visit the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena nearby. Constructed in the mid 1500s, this amazing historic structure is the second-largest Franciscan building in the Yucatán after the San Antonio de Padua Convent in Izamal.
Experience
- Interact with the exhibitions of the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Mérida). This world-renowned cultural institution commemorates the rich culture of the Maya through its extensive collection of artifacts.
- Tour the Palacio Cantón. This beautiful Porfirian-style building was originally constructed during the early 20th century for the prominent Cantón Rosado family. It is home to the Museo Regional de Antropología Yucatán, which also covers the history of the Mayan civilization.
- Take a day to experience the Reserva de la Biósfera Ría Celestún. A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this majestic wildlife reservation is home to many unique species of animals, including an incredibly large flamingo colony.
Taste
- Taste a salbute or panucho when out exploring the Yucatán. Salbutes are deep-fried, puffy corn tortillas that are filled with a delectable assortment of meat, onion, and salsa. Panuchos on the other hand are very similar to salbutes, except that their crust is stuffed with refried black beans before it is cooked.
- Start the day off with some huevos motuleños. Beloved across the region, this delightful breakfast dish is comprised of a fried tortilla that is topped with fried eggs, refried black beans, and a local tomato-based sauce. Local chefs will occasionally add ham, peas, and plantains, as well as a sprinkling of cheese.
- Delight in some pibil. This amazing meal is made by wrapping rich marinated beef in banana leaves, and then barbequing it over an open fire. An especially popular variant is the “cochinita pibil,” which involves using the meat from an entire suckling pig.