Cancun
South has written a brief Mayan history
The five Maya nations [Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico]
have created an ambitious regional tourism plan called the Mundo Maya
which promotes environmentally sensitive tourism and sustainable development,
creating employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and stimulating
regional development. In Mexico, the plan covers five states : Tabasco,
Campeche, Chiapas, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The Mundo Maya project is
sort of commercial, but does put out good maps and is a clearing house
for information on the Maya.
Don't forget, the Maya are a modern people as well as an ancient one.
When you are in the area you are surrounded by Maya. They own and work
in the shops where you buy handicrafts or groceries, the restaurants where
you eat Poc Chuc and drink margaritas, everywhere. If you are friendly,
maybe they will teach you a few words in their language. You can visit
with people in a Maya village with Alltournative Tour's Pac Chen tour
or eat Mayan cuisine all over the Riviera Maya.
Punta Laguna is a small Mayan community of about
50 farmers who have left the door open for visitors to stop in and learn
firsthand about traditional Mayan agricultural methods and life.
Mayan
Ruins in Quintana Roo
There are hundreds of Mayan ruins around Quintana Roo, but these are
the major sites.
Coba ruins are hidden away in the jungle.
Coba was a large ancient Mayan city and much of it is unrestored. The
ruins that are restored include the ball court and a large pyramid. Unspoiled,
easy to get to, and uncrowded.
Tulum ruins are small but easy to get
to from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. They are unique in being the only
coastal Mayan ruin.
Chichen Itza ruins are the most famous
of the Mexican Mayan ruins and definitely the most touristy and crowded.
However, Chichen Itza is an impressive, mystical, inspiring place. Hundreds
throng here every Spring and Fall equinox to watch the shadow snake ascend
or descend the steps of the largest pyramid. Major structures are Kukulcan
pyramid, site of the Equinox solar phenomena, Temple of the Warriors,
Temple of the Jaguars, El Mercado, Caracol, also known as the Observatory
and the Ball Court (the largest in Mesoamerica). They are actually in
the state of Yucatan, but why get technical? You can do the trip in a
half day with Aerosaab.
Mayan
Ruins near Quintana Roo
Palenque ruins in Chiapas (also good to see Agua Azul while you
are there) are on a forested plateau. Major ruins there are the Temple
of the Inscriptions and the Palace, which towers four levels. The ruins
are surrounded by a magnificent rain forest, noisy with birds, including
the toucan.
Uxmal ruins are in Yucatan south of Merida on the coast opposite
Cancun. They are large and impressively carved. You can also see flamingos
at the Celestun Reserve while you are there, as well as several important
ruin sites nearby. You can do the trip in a day with Aerosaab,
and it is also from to take a 3+ day trip and see colonial Merida on the
way.
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Knopf Guide the Route of the Mayas

Maya
for Travelers and Students : A Guide to Language and Culture in Yucatan
Basic language instruction and vocabulary |