Caracol, Belize
The Mayan city at Caracol supported a population of over 150,000 people during the sixth and seventh centuries, and its ruins are located deep in the Chiquibil Forest Reserve. Hikes through the area provide great opportunities for bird and butterfly watching, swimming through waterfalls, and caving.
Tikal, Guatemala
The Mayan city at Tikal is notable for its five towering pyramids, over 3,000 structures, and the surrounding rain forest's rich flora and fauna. Tikal is an easy day trip from either Flores or Guatemala City.
Chiapas, Mexico
The Mayan city of Palenque is located in the dense, mountainous jungle area of Chiapas, Mexico. These ruins are regarded as the most atmospheric and impressive in Mexico. The area provides opportunities for hiking, water sports, and climbing.
Puuc Route, Mexico
The Puuc Route of Mayan sites includes Uxmal, Sayil, Kabah, Xlapak and Labna. This is an inland area of the Yucatán Peninsula. Puuc means "hilly country," which is its key geographic feature, differentiating it from the coastal Riviera Maya area of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya refers to the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula along the Caribbean coast. The most expansive Mayan sites are within this area, including Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba. The area offers some of the western hemisphere's best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities for all skill levels.
Article Written By Timothy Aldinger
Timothy Aldinger brings 20 years of experience as an instructional design consultant and corporate training strategist in the automotive, environmental, health and insurance industries. His professional writings have been published by Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan and many other major corporations. Aldinger received his Bachelor of Arts in political theory from Michigan State University.
