Chichén Itzá

Although hordes of buses arrive daily at Chichén Itzá, dropping off groups of tourists only to whisk them away a few hours later, visiting the area this way is almost criminal. The area around the ruins is dotted with stunning cenotes, numerous smaller archaeological sites, and sleepy towns, which make you may feel like you've stepped back in time. The small town of Pisté is little more than an outpost—it's a place where visitors to Chichén Itzá can rest at small hotels. The picturesque town of Valladolid, the second-largest city in the state, is notable for its cenote and a beautiful 16th-century church. Here, perhaps while enjoying a traditional ice cream in the central plaza, you notice that things seem to move at a slower pace.