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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
With a surface of 50,843 sq. km., Quintana Roo is located on the eastern
side of the Yucatan Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico. Surrounded by
Gulf of Mexico to the North, sharing southern borders with Campeche,
Belize and Guatemala.
Its territory is mainly fliat, except in the western part where the
altitude is 1000 ft. The coastline is about 538 miles long and bathed by
the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Given the geological characteristics of the region, there are few
surface rivers, among which the Hondo River stands out as the longest.
There are also lagoons and natural wells (cenotes). Long white beaches
of powdery fine sand bathed by crystal clear turquoise waters and a
green dense forest form the landscape of Quintana Roo. If we add to
these natural beauties the Mayan ruins, which are all over the State, we
shall understand why Quintana Roo has become the most important tourist
area in Mexico.
HISTORIC INFORMATION
According to the
"Chumayers Chilam Balam", the Mayan sacred book, the territory of the
State of Quintana Roo was the first settlement of the Itzaes who founded
the town of Bakhalal and the four great cacicazgos, among which
Chactemal stood out for its importance and extension from the Caribbean
Sea to the Peten Itza. Under their rule, the first Mayan Spanish
crossbreeding was born in 1511, from Gonzalo Guerrero’s marriage with
the Chief Nachancan’s
daughter. In 1527,
Francisco de Montejo reached Cozumel from where he intended to conquer
the peninsula which his son finally achieved in 1541, except for the
Bakhalal province that resisted until 1544.
In 1847, the Mayan Revolt began in Tepich and it ended in 1901 with
Santa Cruz de Bravo's capture. Yet the Mayans kept rebelling against the
Yucatan authorities. Under those circumstances, in 1902 President
Porfirio Diaz resolved to segregate a territory from the Yucatan State,
which he declared to be the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo. In 1913
it was annexed to the State of Yucatan; in 1915 Quintana Roo was
separated from Yucatan, again, it became a Federal Territory; in 1931 it
was divided between the States of Campeche and Yucatan; in 1935 again,
it became a Federal Territory, finally on October 8, 1974 it was
integrated to the Federation as the Free and Sovereign State of Quintana
Roo.
NATURAL
ATTRACTIONS
Most of the islands and
the shores in Quintana Roo are characterized by coral formations; that
is why the waters of the sea are so clear and shallow and the beaches so
smooth and white.
Along the coastline of our State, from Mujeres Island to Xcalak, there
is a great reef barrier -the second largest in all over the world- where
a great variety of fish and corals can be admired while snorkeling or
diving in its warm transparent waters.
The largest and most famous reefs in Quintana Roo, are the Cozumel Reef
lying between the Cozumel Island and the mainland, and the Chinchorro
Reef, situated 10 miles off of the southern part of the Peninsula, its
considered the greatest graveyard of ships for causing the loss of
innumerable boats, over centuries from all over the world. It is an
ideal spot for divers in search of adventures.
Other attractions, which are found in our State, unique in Mexico, are
lovely coves, natural aquariums formed by the sea - which harbor has a
rich variety of multicolored fish. The coves or small bays of Xel-Ha and
Xcaret were used by the ancient Mayans as natural harbors. Those of
Xcacel, Chemuyil, and Yaiku offer to the visitors, their powdery white
beaches and quiet blue waters; ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Among the main wonders, we also have the famous islands of Cancun,
Cozumel, and Mujeres, which are known as well-developed resorts. Other
islands party inhabited like Holbox, which is a fishing village, and
Contoy, which is a bird sanctuary where a great variety come to nest, in
a national reserve.
The State of Quintana Roo also offers a lot of opportunities for
excellent vacations among its forests and waters: deep sea fishing
trips, archeological exploration; white sand beaches to sunbathe on;
colored lagoons such as Nichupte in the North, Bacalar, Milagros and
Xel-Ha in the south. All are superb for windsurfing and sailings.
Natural wells or "cenotes", which owe the intense blue color of their
waters to their boundless depth; and some very beautiful caves. In
short, our young state offers its natural wonders to the most demanding
national and foreign tourist.
CULTURAL
HERITAGE
The rich and
great culture of Quintana Roo is appreciated through its constructions,
which form a pan of its history. Since the first Mayan settlement in the
area, it has been possible to distinguish different periods or phases by
referring to a peak or a splendor of the culture. In the archeological
sites of Coba, Xel-Ha, Tulum, Chiquita, Tzibanche, Kohunlich, Muyil and
others, the distribution of the buildings gives an idea of the size of
the cities and the complexity of the Mayan society. In these centers,
the specialization of their activities led the Mayans to a good
knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, as well as to an outstanding
development of handcrafts such as: pottery, stone cutting, jewelry,
weaving and woodcarving.
Quintana Roo also has many colonial monuments. On the edge of Bacalar
Lagoon, there is a fort built by the Spaniards in the 17th century to
stop the English penetration. It also served against the French and
English pirates and played and important role during the "War of Castes".
We also have churches dating from the 16th and 18th centuries in
Tihosuco, Sacalaca, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Chinchanha, and in Mujeres
Island, is the ruin of the pirate Mundaca’s ranch.
HANDCRAFTS
Many crafts
are practiced in Quintana Roo. The most common are basketry, embroidery
cloth weaving, as well as wood carving. Other crafts are made from
henequen fiber, such as hammocks, bags, and shoes.
Beautiful jewels are made with seashells, conch, and coral. The black
coral carvings show the great sensitivity and sense of beauty of our
artisans.
THE FOLKLORE
Music and
dance in Quintana Roo are influenced by the Vaquerias and Jarana from
the Yucatan and from the Cozumel Guaranducha. The traditional Mayan
music and religious songs survive in the ancient ceremony of the "Maya
Pax" (Mayan Peace) in the central area. In the Southern region the
Bruckdown, African music brought from Belize by settlers, is still
prevalent. Annual events are held in the State, featuring the folklore
of Quintana Roo and other festival activities.
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
As a tourist State, Quintana Roo offers a great variety of
entertainment. The main tourist centers are:
· In the Northern area: Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Cancun.
· In the Central part: The Mayan area where each mound shelters a mark
of the past and pre-hispanic culture.
· In the Southern area: Chetumal, the State capital, very interesting
because of its natural attractions and commercial activity; Bacalar and
several archeological sites.
· All types of sports can be practiced in the State: tennis, jogging and
a great number of water sports such as: swimming, sailing, windsurfing,
and scuba diving.
· Events such as The International Fishing Tournament, the “Regata del
Sol al Sol”, the State Windsurfing Championship and boat races are
celebrated yearly.
LODGING AND FOOD
Over 200
hotels with accommodations and services for every taste and budget are
available in our tourist State. All are equipped for your comfort and
rest.
There are restaurants for every purse and palate. You can enjoy
International and traditional Mexican food, as well as spicy dishes from
Quintana Roo prepared with corn, fish, and local meat. You choose the
atmosphere.
HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION
The State
has a road system of 2296 miles, which ruins from Puerto Juarez to the
Belize border, from Cancun to the State of Yucatan, and from Chetumal to
the State of Tabasco.
An efficient bus service and several lines connect the State with the
rest of the country three International airports offer flights to Mexico
City, Costa Rica, North America, and Europe. There are also two local
airlines and air taxi service to Chichen Itza, Cozumel, Cancun, Mujeres
Island, Playa del Carmen, Chetumal, and Merida. Ferries and boats
connect the mainland with the islands.
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