The unrivaled state of Yucatan dazzles visitors with a lofty collection of mind-blowing Mayan ruins, crystal-clear lapis lazuli waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and impressive colonial towns all rolled into one gorgeous landscape. Less than 200 miles from Cancun airport, the Yucatan state is a refreshing alternative to the mega-package-deal destination resort towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Many Americans don't have Yucatan on their radar as they generally flock to the sun-splashed beaches of Cancun – located further south in the Mayan Riviera – without realizing that they are only a short hop from less-crowded beaches in what was once the epicenter of the Mayan civilization and remains one of the world's most storied archaeological regions. Travel writer and photographer Nick Kontis takes you on a tour of the region.