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

Cultural attractions of Western Mayan Peninsula

San Cristobal de las Casas
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.

San Cristobal de las Casas

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.

Mayan Villages of Chamula and Zinacantan
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.

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
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.

Chichicastenango

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 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.

Lake Atitlan

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.