A Historic Path in Yucatan Peninsula

This route, which connects the major Maya sites in Mexico, could be done moving quickly over 2 weeks, or more slowly in a month or perhaps broken up into two trips. I've condensed the trip by leaving out Mérida, but you may want to visit the beautiful Yucatán capital. There's a risk of overdosing on ruins by seeing too many in too short a time, so feel free to pick and choose at your own pace. The best mode of travel is by rental car: The highways have little traffic and are, for the most part, in good shape.

Day 1: Cancún

After you arrive, enjoy the rest of the day with a swim in the Caribbean or an afternoon by the pool.

Day 2: Ek Balam & Chichén Itzá

Get on the modern toll highway that heads toward Mérida and take the exit for Valladolid. Head north, away from town, to visit the ruins of Ek Balam. Then head back to Valladolid for lunch before driving the short distance to Chichén Itzá. Just outside of Valladolid, stop to see the cenotes of Dzitnup and Sammulá. Further on is the Balankanché Cave. When you get to Chichén Itzá, check into your hotel, and then go to the ruins later in the evening for the sound-and-light show.

Day 3: Uxmal

Spend more time at the ruins of Chichén Itzá in the morning, then continue west on the toll highway toward Mérida, and turn off at Ticopó. Head south toward the town of Acanceh and Hwy. 18. Stop to see the small but interesting ruins in the middle of town, and then proceed down Hwy. 18 to the ruins of Mayapán. Afterward, continue through Ticul to Santa Elena and Uxmal for the sound-and-light show.

Day 4: Edzná

Visit Uxmal in the morning, then drive back toward Santa Elena and take Hwy. 261 south to Hopelchén and on to the impressive ruins of Edzná. Nearby is a fancy hacienda-turned-hotel, called Uayamón. Better still, stay at the sister property in old-town Campeche, Hacienda Puerta Campeche. Or choose from several more modest digs.

Days 5 & 6: Palenque, Bonampak & Yaxchilán

Stay on Hwy. 261 to Escárcega, then head west on Hwy. 186 toward Villahermosa, then south on Hwy. 199 to the town of Palenque with its magnificent pyramids. The next day go to the ruins of Bonampak and Yaxchilán.

Days 7 & 8: San Cristóbal de las Casas

Keep south on Hwy. 199 toward San Cristóbal de las Casas. On the way, take a swim at Misol Ha, and visit the ruins of Toniná outside of Ocosingo. From San Cristóbal, go with one of the local guides to see the Maya communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán.

Day 9: Calakmul

Retrace your steps to Escárcega and continue east on Hwy. 186. If you have time, visit the fascinating sculptures of Balamkú. Spend the night at one of the hotels in the vicinity of the turnoff for Calakmul, one of the prime city-states of the Classic age of the Maya, and not often visited.

Day 10: Calakmul & Becán

Get to Calakmul early. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you drive along a narrow jungle road. All the area surrounding the city is a wildlife preserve. Afterward, continue east on Hwy. 186 to see the ruins of Becán, a large ceremonial center with tall temples. Also in the vicinity are Xpujil and Chicanná. Spend the night on the shores of Lago Bacalar, where you can cool off in its blue waters.

Days 11, 12 & 13: Tulum

Drive north on Hwy. 307 to Tulum and settle into one of the small beach hotels there. In the morning, walk through the ruins and enjoy the lovely view of the coast. On your last day, depending on your schedule, you can enjoy some more beach time, or head straight to the airport (25 min. south of Cancún) and depart.