Ruins of Central America
Mayan History
I had plans for Christmas in LA with family but I’d also not been away for months so I took the chance to see more of North America with a tour through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The main focus was the ancient ruins, though we found time to snorkel, dive into crystal clear pools and eat some incredible food.
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Tulum
Tulum is a small town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, known for its incredible white sand beaches, luxury hotels, azure waters, and lush green jungles with ancient ruins. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico being extremely close to Playa del Carmen, but lacking its lads-on-tour vibe. Tulum is renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins, which are perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, providing visitors with a breathtaking view.
Caya Culker
Picture this: a tiny island, no cars, just sandy roads that are more like paths, really. The kind of place where everyone knows everyone and it’s empty have the year as the tourists head home), and the pace of life is dictated by the gentle ebb and flow of the Caribbean Sea.
San Ignacio
An american influenced country masquerading as a British one. Despite the Queen on the money, the plugs are the frail US ones, when you order coffee they’ll ask if you want cream.
Tikal
Tikal, located in the heart of the Guatemalan rainforest, near the Mexican border, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a sprawling complex of towering pyramids, grand plazas, and ancient temples, all surrounded by dense jungle teeming with wildlife.
Flores
A quaint little island town nestled in the heart of Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala. It's a place that's as colourful as a painter's palette, with its colonial-style houses dressed in a rainbow of hues. The narrow, winding streets are a photographer's dream, each turn revealing a new snapshot of local life.
Bonampak
Bonampak is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It is known for its well-preserved murals that depict the lives of the Mayan people and their rituals. The murals are considered one of the greatest achievements of Mayan art and offer valuable insights into Mayan culture and history.
Yaxchilan
Nestled deep in the heart of the jungle along the banks of the Usumacinta River in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, lies the ancient Maya city of Yaxchilan. This remarkable archaeological site boasts stunning examples of Maya art and architecture, including towering temples, ornate palaces, and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions. Once a thriving political and cultural centre of the Maya civilization, Yaxchilan offers visitors a glimpse into the rich and complex history of the Mayans.
Palenque
Palenque is situated in the Mexican state of Chiapas, close to the border with Guatemala. It is renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins, which date back to the 7th century. The Palenque archaeological site is one of the most well-preserved examples of Mayan architecture and features several impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces, such as the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Cross.
Uxmal
The Mayan ruins at Uxmal, located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, dates back to around 600 AD, was a major ceremonial and administrative centre during the height of the Mayan civilisation.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, located in the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins of the ancient city provide a glimpse into the culture, architecture, and art of the Mayan civilization. The site is home to several impressive structures, including the Temple of Kukulcan, the Observatory, the Ball Court, and many more.
Merida
On the north coast of Mexico, Merida is a good-sized town of perhaps 100,000 people. The city is modern enough if follows the US approach of square blocks with one-way systems running between them, making navigation both simple and complex. Of all the towns we visited, Merida is the most ‘normal’ in purpose and atmosphere.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a beautiful coastal town located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Situated on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen boasts stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The town is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring the nearby Mayan ruins.