Suddenly, I spotted the ocean. Progreso may be a popular beach resort for locals, but there isn't much here for tourists to do except eat. The sun was warm as our small boat maneuvered through the lush mangroves of Celestun. Uxmal is the finest example in the world of Puuc architecture. Regarded as the most symmetrical of all Mayan building styles, these ruins were the highlight of the trip.
Elaborate carvings comprised of intricate geometric patterns characterize the site.
Masks etched in the walls, stone mosaics and rows of columns add to the splendour. Our fourth and final travelling day was the most ambitious. Valladolid's main street was lined with picturesque homes painted in creamy shades of salmon and coral and adorned with white trim. Less than a ten-minute drive from Valladolid is Cenote Dztinup, a springfed pool nestled in a cave. As sunlight poured through a hole in the cave ceiling, I longed to splash in the cool water but time would not allow.