Yucatan, Mexico

A single visitor ascends an impressive Maya archaeological site in Dzibanché, near the town of Bacalar on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, illustrating two notable facts. First, the area's Maya ruins are as exquisite as better-known counterparts elsewhere; second, Bacalar -- located in the southeastern part of the Yucatán, about four hours south of the Caribbean resort of Cancún -- and environs are largely off the tourist radar, offering a thrilling sense of seclusion and discovery.