Inside Yucatán with Elizabeth Cole: Ancient Roots, Living Culture & Mexico’s Next Great Destination

In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Elizabeth Cole, Undersecretary of Tourism for the Yucatán, to uncover why this storied region is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most compelling travel destinations.

Far beyond the crowds of Cancún, Yucatán offers travelers a deeper connection—to Mayan history, sustainable communities, and a culinary heritage that’s as alive today as it was centuries ago.

Elizabeth shares how Yucatán is:

• Preserving and celebrating living Maya culture, from language to cuisine
• Offering immersive community-based tourism that empowers locals and protects tradition
• Home to award-winning gastronomy, cenotes, and archaeological wonders like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal
• Reviving coastal gems like El Cuyo—Tulum’s soulful predecessor—for travelers seeking quieter, more authentic escapes
• Building a sustainable model of tourism rooted in respect, authenticity, and shared benefit

Whether you’re drawn by ancient ruins, turquoise sinkholes, or handmade tortillas cooked over open fires, this episode shows how Yucatán invites travelers to move slower, look deeper, and experience Mexico beyond the resort brochure.

🇲🇽 Plan Your Journey Discover more at yucatan.travel

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