Highlights of La Ruta Maya

Mayan City of Chichen-Itza

Chichen-Itza is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world and was recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It represents two major periods of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilisations - a Mayan site from the Classical period between the 5th and 10th centuries and a second settlement after the Toltec invasion with major construction between the 10th and 13th centuries. The latter represented a fusion between Mayan and Toltec cultures and represents some of the most important monuments at Chichen-Itza. The most remarkable structure is the El Castillo or the Pyramid of Kulkulkan, a stone representation of the Mayan calendar. The 25 metre high pyramid has 365 steps and at equinox a shadow of the serpent is cast down the pyramid connecting their heads at the foot to their tails at the top. Surrounding El Castillo are the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of the Thousand Columns and the Observatory. Chichen Itza is the most visited historical site in Mexico and can get very crowded but the wealth of its attractions make it an essential visit.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza

Historic Town of Merida

Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and known as the 'White City'. Merida was founded in 1542 and built partly on the ruins of a Mayan settlement. It grew prosperous and developed as a very attractive colonial city filled with Spanish-Moorish architecture and still maintains that elegance today amongst its plazas, churches and mansions. The city's cathedral, the Cathedral of San Idelfonso, is the oldest in Latin America.

Mayan City of Uxmal

The ruins at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of late-Mayan architecture, design and layout. The buildings here date from 700-1000 AD when Uxmal had approximately 25,000 inhabitants and their layout reveal a detailed knowledge of astronomy. The Piramide del Adivino dominates the site, a spectacular structure with many symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting Chaac, the god of rain. Other buildings of note include the Nunnery Quadrangle, Governor's Palace and the Great Pyramid, which can be climbed to get a superb panoramic views of the whole site. A nightly light and sound show speculates on the decline of the city due to drought with the residents appealing to Chaac to save them. Close to Uxmal are three smaller sites with their own unique features. The Palace of Masks at Kabah has 260 images of Chaac, the Gran Palacio at Sayil is an elegant three-storey structure while Labna has a rare arch connecting two groups of buildings.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal

Campeche is a harbour town located on the Gulf of Mexico coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it was surrounded by outer walls and fortifications to protect the town from attack from English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates. Many of these fortifications survive today, in addition to almost 1,000 buildings of historic value in the old town. These include the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Toro Theatre and the municipal archives but its the brightly coloured buildings and clean streets of the town that are its most attractive features.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Fortified Town of Campeche

Mayan City of Palenque

One of the most picturesque and impressive of all the Mayan sites, Palenque is one of Mexico's prime attractions. Several spectacular structures are set in a beautiful location deep in the rainforest of southern Mexico. Rediscovered in the 19th century, only a fraction of the site has been studied and excavated and its possible to walk through the jungle trees over the crumbling remains of other buildings and wonder what remains to be discovered. Palenque flourished as a Mayan city state for 600 years between the 4th and 10th centuries but reached it height during the reigns of Pakal and Chan-Bahlum in the 7th century when its most impressive buildings were constructed. Central to Palenque are the various buildings of the Palacio, built on an artificial mound, and including the four-storey renovated watchtower, unique in Mayan architecture. The Temple of the Inscriptions is perhaps the most impressive structure, a 25 metre high pyramid which contains inscriptions detailing Palenque's history and was the site where the burial tomb of Pakal and his jade death mask was found. Unfortunately its not permitted to climb the Temple, but the nearby Temple of the Cross can be climbed to give super panoramic vistas of the entire site.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

Agua Azul and Misol Ha Waterfalls

Close to Palenque are the beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha. At Agua Azul ('Blue Water') the water is blue/turquoise die to high mineral content and flows over a series of natural volcanic ash dams creating some wonderful pools for bathing. Misol Ha is a stunning 30 metre high cascades that falls into a circular pool that's also a excellent spot for swimming.

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is probably the most charming and picturesque colonial town in Mexico. Set amidst the mountains of the state of Chiapas, San Cristobal combines beautiful colonial architecture with a strong Indian culture from Chiapas's many indigenous groups. The atmospheric town is perfect for laid back exploring of its old churches, plazas and side streets filled with great restaurants and bars and its colourful market. It's also a good base to see nearby attractions including the Sumidero Canyon and traditional Mayan villages.

Sumidero Canyon

The Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular gorge 41km long and up 1,000 metres deep formed by the Rio Grijalva. The best way to experience the canyon is by boat ride through the narrow gorge between kilometre high vertical cliff faces. You're likely to spot crocodiles and other wildlife on the banks of the river. In the 16th century 1000 Chiapa Indians committed suicide by jumping off these cliffs to avoid capture and submission to Spanish rule.

Mayan Villages of Chamula and Zinacantan

The villages close to San Cristobal are those of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Mayan Indian groups, where they retain many of their unique and colourful traditions. Each group is easily distinguished by their distinctive dress. The village of Chamula, inhabited by the Tzotzil people, is renowned for its colourful market and fascinating church. The beliefs here combine facets of Catholicism with traditional beliefs which include sacrifices of chickens and drinking carbonated cola drinks in the belief that burping expels evil spirits. The village of Zinacantan is famed for its flower growing and textile production using the traditional strap-back loom weaving process.

Chichicastenango is a town in the Maya Quiché highlands that is famous for its twice weekly market, considered to be one of the most colourful in Latin America. Indigenous people from all around the region gather to sell their wares including livestock, pottery, medicinal plants and in particular textiles making for a crowded, chaotic and fascinating experience and a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan highlands at 1,585 metres, has been described by the writer Aldous Huxley as 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. The lake, 20km long by 15km wide and reaching depths of 325 metres, is surrounded by the majestic volcanic peaks of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, making for a spectacular sight during daylight and at sunset. The surrounding villages and towns, including Panajachel, Santa Catarina, San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, are populated by native Mayan peoples who maintain many of their traditional practises, costumes and beliefs. A boat ride can take you to various villages to learn about the lives of these indigenous people, with the shrine to the Mayan god Maximon in Santiago being particularly popular.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in Latin America and a magnet for travellers to this region. Located in a spectacular setting underneath the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, it is a beautifully laid back town of Spanish Baroque buildings, ruined and preserved churches and many interesting cafes, restaurants and markets. Founded in 1543, Antigua was capital of the Spanish colonial empire in Central America for over two centuries until an earthquake in 1773 led to the relocation of the capital to Guatemala City. As well as exploring the historic buildings, streets and courtyards, Antigua is a prime location for learning Spanish, with over 30 language schools. Additionally, the nearby Pacaya volcano can be summited with a half-day hike, allowing you to get stand right next to red-hot lava flows and admire the view of nearby volcano cones.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Antigua Guatemala

Mayan City of Copan

Copan is one of the most important of the Mayan sites and as the most southerly on the Yucatan peninsula, receives far fewer visitors than those further north. Copan was occupied from 2000 BC onwards but reached its peak in the Late Mayan Periods between 500 and 900 AD, thought to have been the capital and crowning achievement of the Mayan Empire. Its spectacular features include the Great Plaza with tiered seating for 50,000 people and the nearby Acropolis - the royal centre with numerous pyramids and temples. The latter includes the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, whose 63 steps include some 2500 individual glyphs, the largest set of pre-Columbian inscribed texts in the Americas. The outer wall of the Plaza contains carved reliefs depicting Copan's 16 rulers. Although one of the most researched Mayan sites, much of Copan remains to be excavated and discovered in its jungle setting.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Maya Site of Copan

Mayan City of Tikal

Tikal is the largest and one of the most impressive Mayan sites, set amidst the jungle of Tikal National Park. Tikal was occupied between the 6th and 10th centuries and at its height it was one of the major centres of the Mayan civilisation, with up to 100,000 inhabitants and trading links as far away as Teotihuacan. The ruins comprise some 3,000 buildings over 16 km², including temples, palaces, causeways, ball courts and public squares. Most spectacularly, some of the tallest temples tower above the jungle treeline, which can be climbed to provide amazing views. Structures of note include the Q complex, Main Plaza, North and Central Acropolis, Seven Temples and Mundo Perdido. Its setting in the national park jungle means you'll share the experience with the resident wildlife including coatimundis, grey fox, spider and howler monkeys, toucan and weaver birds.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tikal National Park

The Mayan site of Quirigua was occupied between the 2nd and 9th centuries AD and was an important trading centre between the powerful states of Tikal and Copan. Quirigua reached its zenith in the 8th century under the reign of Cauac Sky, becoming an autonomous and prosperous state after wars with its powerful neighbour Copan. Quirigua is renowned for its monumental carved stelae which chronicle historical events, including the wars with Copan, as well as Mayan myths, symbols and beliefs. Built every five years at Quirigua's height, they were up to 12 metres high and 60 tons in weight, the largest known quarried stone in the Mayan world. This is one of the lesser visited Mayan ruins, but no less special because of it.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua

Caye Caulker

The tiny island of Caye Caulker lies 34km northeast of Belize City in the Caribbean Sea. It's a great location to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Some of the world's best diving and snorkelling is available here - there are over 500 species of colourful tropical fish, as well as numerous corals, molluscs, sponges and crustaceans. There's also the chance to explore underwater caves and observe manatees in their mangrove habitats. The island itself, just 7km long, is an uncrowded and unpretentious place of friendly locals, sandy streets, beautiful beaches and some excellent seafood just out of the water.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Sian Ka'an

Meaning 'Origin of the Sky' in the Mayan language, Sian Ka'an is the world's second largest biosphere reserve after the Amazon. Covering over 5,000 km², the reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, coastal dunes and a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with 1,200 plant species, 300 bird species and over 100 mammals including jaguar, puma, ocelot, spider and howler monkeys, kinkajou, collared anteater and Caribbean manatee.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sian Ka'an

Mayan City of Calakmul

The Mayan city of Calakmul is located within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in central Yucatan peninsula. One of the most ancient of the Mayan sites that had continuous occupation for over 1,200 years, Calakmul has a series of well-preserved monuments shedding much light on Mayan culture. Its name translates as the 'city of two adjacent pyramids' and Structures I and II dominate the site. Perhaps the most noteworthy elements however are the 120 stelae found here which are inscribed with sculpture and reliefs detailing the history and daily life of the city.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Campeche

Mayan City of Tulum

The Mayan city of Tulum is located in a dramatic and beautiful setting on the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula overlooking the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Dating to the 12th century, Tulum was a late period settlement displaying both Mayan and Toltec influences. The city was guarded by thick city walls and a watchtower which demonstrate the growing emnity between Mayan states at this time. Many of the towns temples such as the Temple of the Frescoes are dedicated to the Falling God or Setting Sun.