5 Best Sights in Yucatán and Campeche States, Mexico

A historic mansion just south of Valladolid's central square contains Mexico's largest private collection of folk art. Rooms around the gracious courtyard contain some 3,000 pieces, with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) figures being a specialty. The selection is impressive, but even without it, the house would be worth touring. This hacienda-style building dates from the early 17th century, and the restoration was led by the same architect who designed Mérida's ultramodern Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (don't worry—the results here preserved its colonial elegance). Casa de los Venados opens to the public each morning for a 90-minute bilingual tour. Just show up; no reservations are needed. The suggested donation of MX$100 is a bargain, and all proceeds help fund local health-care projects.

Banamex has set up this small, well-organized art museum right on the main plaza. There are all kinds of high-quality crafts on display, from textiles and ceramics to papier-mâché and woodwork. The center also has a little on-site café and gift shop.

Banamex has set up this small, well-organized art museum right on the main plaza. The beautiful crafts on display include textiles, ceramics, papier-mâché, and woodwork. The center also has a little on-site café and gift shop.

Located in the small town of Conkal, about 9 km (6 miles) southeast of Dzibilchaltún, the Gallery of Sacred Art is is run by the Archdiocese of Yucatán. It's tucked behind a colonial church in one of the peninsula's 20 or so convents that date from the 16th century. The six rooms here showcase sculptures, vestments, paintings, and other objects that shine light on the nearly 500-year-old presence of the Catholic Church in the Yucatán.

Located next to the cathedral, the building that houses this museum has served in the past as a seminary, an art school, and even a military barracks. It now showcases the works of contemporary Yucatecan artists and hosts a variety of temporary exhibits featuring leading Mexican and international contemporary artists. It's free to visit; just sign the guestbook.