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

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.