Tropical flowers in fuchsia, yellow and orange. The dark green leaves of almond and tamarind trees. Couples dressed all in white, sitting on ornate stone benches ringing the central plaza or "xocolo". The capital of the state of Yucatán, this sunny city is also the perfect base for excursions to the ancient Mayan Empire. But check out the city's sites first: A licensed, local guide will take you to the Cathedral of San Il defonso, located on the central Plaza de Armas. Begun in 1563, the Cathedral is the oldest on the American mainland, with the oldest true dome in Mexico. See what many consider Mexico's most "dignified" church interior, complete with thick Tuscan columns, a coffered nave and high altar. Step back outside and walk across the sunny plaza to the Government Palace to see huge murals depicting scenes of the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán Peninsula and aspects of the Mayan culture that still flourish. Continue to Progreso Beach, a favorite seaside resort lined with turn-of-the-century mansions.

Hit the books. Spanish classes start Monday morning. The Franklin Institute is in a beautiful colonial building in historic Mérida and includes a library, video library, and snack bar. You'll be placed in classes according to your proficiency, and you'll learn from native speakers every weekday from 8am to 1pm. You'll have free time in the afternoons to relax and explore. Your second week will include a cultural exchange with local Mexican high school, including soccer games and other activities. The Franklin Institute is affiliated with US State Department's Education USA program and USIA.

What did this region look like before the Spaniards arrived? Set off to Uxmal, one of the largest and most powerful of the former Mayan cities, to see. A licensed, local guide will lead you through the wooded valley to the wide, uncrowded plazas, where you'll find some of the best-proportioned Mayan buildings known. See the restored Magician's Pyramid, a three-tiered structure built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the grand Governor's Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle, four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, resembling a monastery or nunnery.

Still confused about Mayan ways? Learn more about the Mayan culture with a Sound and Light show - a visual blast from the past.

You're unlikely to find a single plastic lawn flamingo in Celestún -- the local live population of the birds provides more than enough ornamentation for residents. Cruise up the river through the Celestún Biosphere and you'll come upon thousands of lanky pink flamingos resting their long limbs after dinners. You'll also pass through forests petrified by salt water and beautiful views in this wildlife sanctuary.

Ruins, ruins everywhere. Join a licensed, local guide for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the country's most famous Mayan sites. The city dates from around the 7th century AD (though there is evidence of farmers living here as early as the 4th century BC). A major trade and ceremonial center, Chichén Itzá is known for its huge, 365-stepped, four-sided, pyramid El Castillo, as well as other buildings, sculptures and carved murals.

Relax like a king. Ik-Kil was a Mayan retreat, where kings and their court would come to relax and swim in the sacred blue waters. Now an eco-archaeological park, the area is preserved just as it was so that you can swim, soak, and splash in style.

See the Mayan idea of a beach town. Tulum is the largest Mayan coastal city and one of Cancún’s favorite daytrips. Survey the limestone ruins, the surrounding lush jungle, and the super-blue ocean with your Tour Director.

See colorful fish and coral reefs as you snorkel or swim off Akumel, a beautiful Caribbean beach.

Visit Chankanab, a lagoon known for its turtles and variety of rainbow-colored fish. Check out the rock formations and lush landscape.

See the diversity of Mexican wildlife. “X-caret” means “little inlet” in Mayan, and this ecological park occupies the beautiful site of a former Mayan port town and religious center. In addition to archeological sites and a reconstructed Mayan village, the area has amazing beaches, a botanical garden with over 100 species, a butterfly pavilion, a dolphin arena, a coral reef aquarium, and more.

Don't expect Amazons waiting for you on shore: this "Island of Women" got its name from clay figurines of Mayan goddesses found by the island's Spanish conquerors. Search for your own goddesses at the ruins on the south side of the island, race the sea turtles at their breeding ground on the west shore, or just sit back and enjoy the island's beautiful beaches.