The Maya Route...

Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche,Yucatan, Quintana Roo.

If you are a culture lover, we suggest you the maya route…
The area of influence of the Maya covers approximately 500,000 square kilometers in southeastern Mexico and Central America. The Mexican portion of the Maya Route (Ruta Maya) crosses the states of Tabasco, Campeche, Chiapas, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. It takes you to the most important Maya sites, set against the magnificent jungles and natural settings of southern Mexico. Sites are generally open 8 am to 6 pm, although hours may vary.

Tips Tour:

Days 1 & 2 Villahermosa & Palenque

Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco (Airport: VSA) is a good place to start your exploration of the ancient (and current) Maya world.
The Museo Parque la Venta in Villahermosa is dedicated to the Olmec culture. A visit will help you understand how the civilizations of southern Mexico evolved.

From Villahermosa, take Federal Highway 186 to Palenque, located in the state of Chiapas. Palenque dates from the Classic Maya period.
Its many buildings—“The Palace” (El Palacio) and the Temples of the Sun, the Cross and the Cross with Leaves— flank a huge plaza and the very mysterious Temple of the Inscriptions (a
rare example in the Americas of a pyramid used as a tomb).
Villahermosa to Palenque: 120 km/74 miles.

Days 3-5 Villahermosa to Campeche

Drive from Villahermosa to Campeche (381 km/236 miles) The city of Campeche (Airport CPE) is an ancient commercial port in the Gulf of Mexico. Frequently visited by pirates, Campeche built an impressive system of walls and forts in the 17th and 18th centuries that you can see today.
In the State of Campeche’s southeastern corner lies Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, with the impressive Maya archaeological site Calakmul, a World Heritage Site. It is not easily accessible, so hiring a guide and special vehicle is recommended.
Villahermosa to Campeche: 381 km/236 miles

Days 6-8 Campeche to Merida

Merida (Airport MID) was founded by the Spanish over the older Maya city of T‘Ho (meaning “facing infinity”). It is known as “the white city” because of the color of many colonial and 19th-century mansions there.

Merida is also the starting point for excursions into two of the most memorable Maya sites, both World Heritage Sites: Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
Uxmal has a not-to-be missed Light & Sound show every night at 9:00 pm. It is an exciting way to learn about the site’s history.
Chichen Itza’s Observatory and the pyramid of Kukulkan are the masterpieces of Maya architecture.

Campeche to Merida: 164 km/101 miles
Merida to Chichen Itza: 121 Km/75 miles
Merida to Uxmal: 78 Km/48 miles

Days 9 & 10 Merida to Cancun

Cancun (Airport CUN) is Mexico’s biggest tourist resort. It is also a
good place to start your exploration of Quintana Roo’s Maya heritage.
South of Cancun starts the Riviera Maya, a mix of resorts, small
towns and beautiful protected areas on the Caribbean.

An interesting Maya archaeological site is Tulum, this culture’s only walled city, built right by the sea—a memorable sight that you will treasure always.

Close by are the natural aquarium of Xel Ha and the nature-cultural park of Xcaret. Xcaret was built according to Maya architectural guidelines and has good exhibits highlighting how the Maya utilized the natural resources of the Yucatan peninsula.
Merida to Cancun: 300 kms/186 miles

Transportation Along the Maya Route:
Driving the Maya Route offers freedom and flexibility. The route is also served by excellent inexpensive and frequent bus services.

ADO is the main bus line covering southeastern Mexico. The network provides direct services to all capital cities, and it even serves the archaeological sites for convenient, hassle-free access.
Multi-day bus passes are available.

In the US, call toll-free for more information and to purchase tickets: 1-800-950-0287

You can also buy your ticket via internet: http://www.ado.com.mx/ (spanish)

http://www.ticketbus.com.mx/ (english/spanish)

Or you can rent a bus for groups : http://www.autotur.com.mx/ (english/spanish)