We will be arriving in Cancun on Saturday then spending one night in Valladolid before heading to Merida for 3 nights and then to Al Cielo hotel on the Riviera side for 4 nights. We are considering Ek Balam and Uxmal for ruins to tour and was wondering if those who have gone hire guides when they arrive for individual tours or join a group. I know some wander on their own but I feel like you miss alot of the history that way. Comments?

Also, I keep hearing how expensive the toll road is but have never seen the cost anywhere-info appreciated.

Thanks

I'm a seventh grade history teacher who has traveled extensively to Mayan sites in Mexico. The best ruins I've enjoyed are when I have used a guide. One regret is not getting a guide at Uxmal. I seem to recall from our trip three years ago the toll road running somewhere in the $50 to $75 range--but well worth it (we drove the free road from Tulum to Merida and the toll road from Merida to Cancun. If you have the time--go free, if you need to get there, pay the toll.

Is it safe to drive? I have heard numerous stories about people being forced over and robbed.

I drive there all the time. Most of the problems have occurred on the west coast. Just be aware if you drive that the rules of the road are different, there are topes on the highways such as 307 or the Coba Road, and don't speed. I have been to Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Coba, Muyil and Tulum. Ek Balam was the only one I took a guide with me and it was worth it. I plan on going back to Ek Balam this March or June and want to go on my own this time so I can go at my own pace. It is a much smaller site than Coba or Chichen Itza so will not take that long to go through. It is one of my favortites though.

So did you just find a guide when you arrived at the ruins or did you arrange it in Valladolid or Merida?

Uxmal is great... I don't remember how much it cost for a guide, but it did not seem outragous, and well worth it!

The toll road is great for getting from Cancun to Valladolid to Merida, check your tires, I've had flats twice on different trips, but that could have been because of the heat. The main roads are very good but watch out for the "topes" speed bumps. I did not find that part of Mexico dangerous, and I've driven extensively in the Yucatan.

Have fun!!!

We have a series of articles regarding driving in the state of Yucatan: http://www.yucatantoday.com/eng-transportation.htm
and an article about Uxmal with accomodations tips: http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-uxmal.htm

I hired a guide when I got there. There's quite a few of them at the entry point.