DeniseO

Hi,

I have 7-8 days free after leaving Cozumel. Not sure where I should head... I like Mayan culture and markets and Spanish colonial towns preferably. I wanted to check out San Cristobal De Las Casas but almost same price to fly there versus Antigua GUA. I prefer Guatemala (Antigua, ChiChi, Lake Atlitan) so I could do that.. but would a week be enough? I wouldn't have time to see Tikal and I will be seeing Chitchen Itza. Is it worth going to a section of GUA for a week? Any other spots closer and cheaper? Thanks so much!

-Denise

DeniseO

I also don't mind Belize ...but I don't really feel like hanging out on the beach for another week.. prefer something different to this... more towns. In Cozumel , we will see lots of ruins (Akumal, Tulum etc) already. Want cultural...

CascadeBob

If you're on the Yucatan Peninsula anyway why not fill out the week gong over to Valladolid and Merida.

Both are colonial cities (Merida much larger) and have cenotes, ruins, indigenous towns, caves and flamingo preserves nearby.

Merida is lively at night with music in the plazas, Valladolid much more laid back.

Rohelio

I would also highly recommend Merida for colonial city, culture, music, food and much more. I have often written about Merida so I will refrain but this place is a sure bet. You have great archeology near Merida also... Uxmal and la Ruta Puuc is just fascinating, there is also Ek Balam where you can still climb the pyramid and the same thing goes for Coba by the way.

kja

Merida would be a great choice, especially if you combine it with the Ruta Puuc. One can visit the Ruta Puuc in a long day trip from Merida, but I thought it worth two days and was glad I spent a night near Uxmal. (I loved the Flycatcher Inn, which still seems to get great reviews.)

I also really enjoyed Valladolid, which is (as CascadeBob noted) more laid back. Valladolid is a great base for Ek' Balam and the gorgeous cenotes of Dzitnup, in addition to some lovely sites within the city itself.

In between (or from either) you could visit delightful Izamal for a few hours.

Lots of options! You might want to check the Moon Guide to the Yucatan for more info. Enjoy!

PuraAventura

Hi Denise,

I agree with everyone above! Stay in the Yucatan Peninsula, there is so much to see there and you won't have to bother about crossing borders (in case you go to Tikal crossing Belize). The 'Ruta Puuc' is definitely worth it! Because of its incredible art work, Uxmal is my favorite site in Mexico ;-)

So I'd say the same: visit Valladolid - Merida - do the Ruta Puuc - and finish in Campeche, perhaps the most colorful colonial town in the country (and ridiculously tasty food)!

Enjoy you trip!

Laurent

TC

Have you considered Oaxaca and/or San Miguel de Allende? Both offer culture, arts, crafts, food and scenery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oaxaca

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Allende