Highlights of La Ruta Maya

Below are some of the major travel highlights for La Ruta Maya. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Wildlife attractions of Eastern Mayan Peninsula

Mayan City of Tikal
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

Mayan City of Tikal

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

Sian Ka'an
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

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