Spring break alternative: A road trip in southeast Mexico

Returning guests greet staff with hugs and everyone is on first-name basis.

First stop, Campeche's capital city, also called Campeche, which has a small town feel and a colorful grid of streets.

Right outside the Puerta del Mar bulwark is a long, beautiful seaside walkway where joggers, strollers and tourists congregate.

Driving from Campeche to Yucatan's capital, Merida, consider a stop at the beautiful Hacienda Santa Rosa, a luxury Starwood property where rooms start at $300 or so a night.

[...] this cultural hub has many interesting sights to lure tourists and, increasingly, American and Canadian retirees.

The town's cathedral is an austere and intimidating structure whose once-ornate decorations were stripped away by secular Mexicans during the revolution.

The sprawling Uxmal complex boasts many unique structures including the Governor's Palace, the Nuns' Quadrangle (take note of the intact colorful decorations on its walls), and the amazing Pyramid of the Magician, with curved outlines unique among Mayan pyramids.

Mexican ceviche (different from Peruvian — no potatoes or corn, just seafood) and fresh fish cooked in garlic and chili sauce are amazing.

The region's ubiquitous main dish, cochinita pibil, is pork marinated in citrus and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted for a unique, delicate yet earthy flavor.

For breakfast, feast on huevos motulenos (fried eggs topped with beans, peas, ham, cheese and chili on a tortilla).