Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com Best Travel Destinations & Tourist Guide in Mexico Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:16:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mexicanroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-MexicanRoutes_fav-150x150.png Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com 32 32 Five incredible places to watch birds in Mexico https://mexicanroutes.com/five-incredible-places-to-watch-birds-in-mexico/ Fri, 08 May 2020 11:09:24 +0000 https://mexicanroutes.com/?p=8607 Bird-watching is a common hobby of observing live birds in their natural habitat. As far as hobbies go, it is quite healthy and beneficial, as it gets you out of the house into nature, and you also get to learn a lot about birds as well.

Bird-watching became a common hobby and scientific sport entirely in the 20th century before that scientific observers had to shoot birds down to observe them, but now, because of high-powered spy binoculars and telescopes, studying unknown species is secure and safe.

There are many fantastic locations in the world for bird-watching, and Mexico is one of the best. Bird watching is a popular activity in Mexico, both for the locals and tourists.

Mexico is a prime geographical location for bird-watching, and that, combined with the impressive diversity of ecosystems in the country, makes for an excellent bird-watching spot.

Mexico is home to more bird species than the US and Canada combined, therefore, if you are an enthusiast, you should plan a trip to Mexico, and here are some of the best bird-watching spots that you need to check out.

Celestún Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan

Situated close to the largest groundwater basin in Yucatan, in the middle of Celestún and Maxcanu, this fantastic reserve is a part of a massive wetland corridor.

Its incredible mangroves, magnificent dunes, and beautiful rainforests attract a lot of tourists every year. Still, the thing that the Celestún Biosphere Reserve is the most popular for is its substantial natural heritage, especially regarding birds.

The coastal location and the suitable humid climate of Yucatan, Mexico, make it a perfect breeding ground for many avian bird species like the rifleman and the Cuckoo roller.

The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is home to over 1,120 different species of birds, and it is also a prevalent resting spot for migrating birds. Therefore, you can be confident that even a couple of days in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve will provide you with enough bird-watching memories to last an entire lifetime.

Although the Celestún Biosphere Reserve is more commonly known for its population of pink flamingos and other birds, the relaxing beaches and the colorful waters also attract many tourists every year, and they make for an excellent distraction if you need one from time to time.

Rio Lagartos, Yucatan

Celestún isn’t the only spot for bird-watching enthusiasts in Yucatan. Located at the northern shore of the Yucatan peninsula, the Rio Lagartos is a fishing village that is known for its incredibly dense flamingo population.

This village, which comes within the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos, is one of the most popular spots among Mexican bird-watchers, and it attracts many tourists every year as well.

With similar terrain and geographical features like Celestún, this spot has a dense population of bird species like tiger herons, snowy egrets, and red egrets.

The population of these birds is so thick that you will easily see multiple species in a single glance outside your car.

You need to plan a trip to Rio Lagartos because it is home to some unique species like the Mexican shirttail and the Yucatan wren, amongst many others. The name Rio Lagartos means “crocodile river,” so you will be able to see a lot of them as well.

After you are done with bird watching, you can also observe the nearby pink lake in Rio Lagartos, which is a genuinely unique geographical location.

Cerro San Felipe, Oaxaca

The Mexican state of Oaxaca is known to have one of the most diverse varieties of bird species.

It is home to around eight hundred different species, a hundred of which are unique to the region. In this state, you will be able to observe species like the dwarf jays, which can’t be easily seen anywhere else in the world.

This makes the Benito Juárez National Park located in the Cerro San Felipe one of the best bird-watching spots in the entire country, if not the world, therefore, if you are planning a bird-watching trip to Mexico this is a spot you can afford to miss out on.

Even if bird-watching is a considerably new hobby for you, you don’t have to worry; you can find some experienced and friendly guides in Cerro San Felipe who run affordable and fantastic bird-watching tours.

The professional guides will be able to point out all the indigenous species of birds, along with all the breathtaking hummingbirds and other species you will want to observe.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is one of the best and most unique spots when it comes to bird-watching. It attracts a lot of tourists and locals every year because of the historic Mayan ruins that can be found in the reserve.

There are many excellent bird-watching spots near the ruins, and you can observe species like warblers and herons. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might even find the unique and rare Royal flycatcher.

However, the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is also known for its population of wildcats, so be careful and consider hiring a guide to help you out.

San Blas, Nayarit

Even though the state of Oaxaca might be known for the most significant quantity of bird species, it still isn’t the best bird-watching spot in Mexico. Saving the best for last, that crown goes to Nayarit, which is critically acclaimed as one of the best bird-watching spots in the entire world.

Located at the coast of Nayarit, San Blas is the location where both novice and experienced bird-watchers gather from all around the world to observe and study the 450 unique endemic species of birds that have Nayarit as a habitat.

Another excellent bird-watching spot in Nayarit is the magnificent La Tovara National Park, therefore, if you are going to Mexico with bird-watching in mind, this is the best spot that you can afford to miss if you want a unique and unforgettable experience.

To sum it all up, Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for bird-watching enthusiasts, and if you are planning to visit, you need to check out the locations mentioned above.

These are the best locations in the entire country to watch birds, and I hope that you have an exciting and enjoyable trip.

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Río Lagartos https://mexicanroutes.com/rio-lagartos/ Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:16:18 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=1455 Río Lagartos is a town in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. The town lies 42 kilometres north of Tizimín. Mérida is approximately 230 kilometres further.

Río Lagartos is located at a lagoon, the Ria Lagartos, which is part of a natural reserve. This makes it an ideal place for birdwatching. This lagoon is part of the Petenes mangroves ecoregion, and the Ria Lagartos has been designated as an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). In 2004, UNESCO designated the area as Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

The creek where Francisco Hernandez’s 1517 expedition tried to obtain water, was named El Estero de los Lagartos, because of the “many large alligators”.

How to get there?

There is just one way to get to Rio Lagartos, just via Tizimin.
There is a bus From Valladolid (via Tizimin).
All buses from Riviera Maya (Cancun, Playa del Carmen etc) to Rio Lagartos also run via Valladolid and Tizimin.

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25 day tour around Yucatan Peninsula https://mexicanroutes.com/25-day-tour-around-yucatan-peninsula/ Sun, 03 Jun 2018 17:42:44 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=3619 The 25-day tour around Yucatan Peninsula

This route includes the most popular Yucatan destinations in 3 Mexican states – Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

  • The point of departure: Cancun
  • The point of return: Cancun

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in a selva, and swim in blue lagoons and underground cenotes.

Attention!

This tour contains 5 long-distance bus travel:

  • Cancun – Valladolid (2:00/2:45 hours)
  • Valladolid – Merida (2:15/3:20 hours)
  • Merida – Campeche (2:25/4:00 hours)
  • Campeche – Chetumal (6:45 hours)
  • Chetumal – Playa del Carmen (4:15/4:45 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same. For more detailed information about each destination of this route, use tags at the end of this page.

Have a nice trip!

Day 1 – Cancun

Getting around

Zona Hostellera
Downtown
Punta Cancun
Museo Maya
Parque Ecológico Kabah
El Mirador
Nightlife

Day 2 – Cancun – Isla Mujeres – Cancun

How to get there?

Ferry boats run from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and vice-versa all day.

Ferry from/to Puerto Juarez 8$ (30 min) every 30 min.
Ferry via Playa de Tortugas 16$ (40 min) every 2 hours.

Getting around

You can visit Turtle Farm
The 19th-century hacienda was built by pirate Fermin Mundaca.
There is a small ruin and a temple to Ixchel.
You also can take a Whale Shark Tour, snorkel at Garrafon Park, and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Park.
Swim at multiple beaches.
Or just rent a bike and go around and have fun.

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last ferry runs to Cancun.

Day 3 – Cancun – Valladolid – Valladolid

How to get there?

A lot of buses during the day, estimated time on the road is from 2:00 to 2:45 hours.
Better to buy or reserve tickets yesterday evening.
Multiple operators service this route.

First Class bus: $18-$26
Economy Class Bus: $8-$13

Getting around

Downtown
Cenote Zaci

Day 4 – Valladolid – Ria Lagartos – Valladolid

How to get there?

Bus: Valladolid – Tizimin $1-$21 (1:05 hour), each hour
Bus: Tizimin – Rio Lagartos $3 (1:15 hour), each 2 hours
Taxi: Rio Lagartos – Ria Lagartos Reserve $1-$2 (8-10 min)

Getting around

Guided boat tour

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus returns to Tizimin and then to Valladolid.

Day 5 – Valladolid – Chichen Itza – Valladolid

How to get there?

Bus: Valladolid – Chichen Itza $1-$21 (0:42 min), runs each 4 hours a day.
Then around 2 km more in a taxi: $1 (1 min)

Or just search for “colectivo”, they run directly to the site.

Getting around

The famous pyramid, mysterious cenote, and ball court. Just walk around and have fun, there is a lot to see around.

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus or “colectivo” return to Valladolid.

Day 6 – Valladolid – Valladolid – Merida

You could stay in Valladolid, walking around and take a bus to Merida by the evening.

How to get there?

Buses from Valladolid to Medira run each hour or even more often during all the day.
Multiple operators service this route.

Valladolid – Merida $4-$26 (2:15 hours)
Valladolid – Izamal – Merida $1-$4 (3:20 hours)

Day 7 – Merida

Getting around

Mérida has a “centro histórico” (“hisctoric center”) typical of colonial spanish cities.
Just take a walk and enjoy this beautiful town with a lot of history.

Day 8 – Merida – Ake – Merida

How to get there?

There are a route via Hoctún and another route via Euán.

Buses from Merida to Hoctún $1-$3 (0:54 min) run hourly during the day.
Buses from Hoctún to Aké $4-$6 (0:24 min).

Buses from Merida to Euán (1:00 hour) run each hour during the day.
Buses from Euán to Aké $1-$3 (0:11 min).

Getting around

The 19th-century hacienda henequenera with chapel also has a specialized area for raising deer.
The hacienda also has a small archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.

Entrance fee

The tour duration: 1:30 (approx):

MXN 250 (includes a free drink).
MXN 400 (includes free drinks and snacks).

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus or “colectivo” return to Merida.

Day 9 – Merida – Uxmal – Merida

How to get there?

Merida – Uxmal

Bus $2-$9 (1:35 hours) runs once daily.
Taxi $15-$19 (1:15 hours)

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus returns from Uxmal to Merida.

Day 10 – Merida – Izamal – Merida

Bus Merida – Izamal $1-$4 (1:20 hours), each hour.

Day 11 – Merida – Mani – Merida

Bus Merida – Ticul $2-$4 (1 hour), each 30 min.
Taxi Ticul – Mani $3-$4 (15 min).

Day 12 – Merida – Campeche

How to get there?

Buses from Merida to Campeche are $5-$28 (2:25 hours) and run each 30 minutes daily.
Buses from Merida via Umán and Tenabo to Campeche for $7 (4:10 hours) run every 30 min daily.
Taxi $30-$40 (2:30 hours)

Day 14 – Campeche – Edzna – Campeche

How to get there?

Taxi $10-$20 (0:55 min)

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last taxi returns to Campeche.

Day 15 – Campeche – Chetumal

How to get there?

Bus from Campeche to Chetumal for $17-$40 (6:45 hours) runs just once daily at 14:00.
Taxi $70-$85 (5:50 hours)

Day 17 – Chetumal – Bacalar – Chetumal

How to get there?

Buses to Bacalar $1-$2 (0:30 min) run each hour daily.
Taxi $7-$9 (0:35 min).

Attention!

Don’t forget to check when the last bus, “colectivo” or taxi returns to Chetumal.

Day 18 – Chetumal – Playa del Carmen

How to get there?

Buses Chetumal to Playa del Carmen $14-$45 (4:15 hours) run each hour daily.
There are also buses from Chetumal via Bacalar to Playa del Carmen $18-$61 (4:50 hours), each hour daily.
Taxi $80-$100 (4:50 hours)

Day 25 – Playa del Carmen – Cancun

Bus to Cancun (1:10 hours).

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
Please, consider a small donation if you find it useful.

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Ría Lagartos https://mexicanroutes.com/ria-lagartos-biosphere-reserve/ Sat, 14 Oct 2017 13:04:10 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=1468 Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (“Lizards Estuary Biosphere Reserve”), established 2004, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the state of Yucatán, Mexico.

The reserve is located at the eastern end of the coastal strip of the Yucatán Peninsula, with the Gulf of Mexico at its northern limit. The area encompasses coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and includes important wetlands designated under the Ramsar Wetlands Convention.

The site presents a rich diversity of landscapes and ecosystems, such as mangroves, small estuaries, medium semi-evergreen forest, low deciduous forest, coastal dune vegetation, coastal lagoons, marshes (petenes) and savanna represented by tular vegetation, grasslands and reed beds that are the main nesting sites for marshland and sea birds.

The reserve’s surface area (terrestrial and marine) is 60,348 hectares (233.00 sq mi). The core area is 23,681.55 hectares (91.4350 sq mi), surrounded by buffer zone(s) of 36,666.28 hectares (141.5693 sq mi).

Ría Lagartos extends throughout a great wetland area, which represents a good specific example of a community characteristic for this climatic zone. High biological productivity, due to conditions of marine to hyper-salinity in a karst environment, is the reason why the area is considered a globally unique wetland.

The wetlands host a significant number of rare, vulnerable or endangered animal and plant species, such as the muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), wood stork (Mycteria americana), and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).

The American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) comes to the area in great numbers to feed, nest and reproduce.

The beaches are also of great interest and are a protective zone for nesting marine turtles, recognized as one of the main zones of arrival of the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the only one in the State of Yucatán for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Furthermore, there are 554 vertebrate species, amongst them 142 endemics.

Given its geographic position, the peninsula keeps a floristic relation with the neighboring regions of Central America, the river basin of the Caribbean Sea and southeastern Mexico. The more recent inventories report the presence of 2,477 species and 98 varieties of vascular plants.

In the last years, the vegetation has been strongly affected by human activities, particularly by agriculture and livestock raising, practices that imply the destruction of vast surfaces of vegetation. Also, it has been affected by natural catastrophes like the hurricanes that regularly hit this region and the subsequent forest fires.

The communities located in the biosphere reserve are San Felipe, Río Lagartos, Las Coloradas and El Cuyo.
Almost 7000 permanent residents live in the buffer zone.

The use of natural resources dates back to the pre-Hispanic period. The main productive activities today include fishing, agriculture, livestock rearing, salt extraction, tourism, aquaculture and urban development.

The ecotourism activity is stimulated to promote the participation of local inhabitants in the conservation of the natural, archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of the biosphere reserve, providing appropriate economic and social benefits.

From a cultural point of view, the territory includes an important Mayan zone dating back to the period of 300 to 50 years BC. The territory belonged to the chieftainship of Ecab in the pre-Hispanic period. In the area eighteen of the 1,585 Yucatán archaeological sites have been located. In addition, the reserve counts three of the eight concheros (banks of marine shells) that exist in the state.

Tourist Assistance + Emergency Numbers

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

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Valladolid https://mexicanroutes.com/valladolid/ Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:56:55 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=588 Valladolid is a city located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Valladolid is located approximately 160 km east of the capital of the state of Yucatán Mérida, Yucatán, and 40 km east of Chichen Itza.

Valladolid is in the eastern part of the state of Yucatan and it is the head seat of Valladolid Municipality. The municipality includes many outlying communities, the largest of which are Popolá, Kanxoc, Yalcobá, and Xocén.

In 2012 Valladolid became part of the “Magical Villages Program”, an initiative led by the Mexican tourism department to display influential towns based on their natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance to the country.

Geo & Climate

The climate in the Yucatan peninsula is hot and dry. There is also tropical rain with hot and predominant trade winds most time of the year. Valladolid features a tropical wet and dry climate.

The city lies in the trade wind belt close to the Tropic of Cancer, with the prevailing wind from the east. Valladolid’s climate is hot and humidity is moderate to high, depending on the time of year.

The average temperature ranges from 28 °C in January to 36 °C in May, but temperatures often rise above 38 °C in the afternoon during this time. Low temperatures range between 18 °C in January to 23 °C in May and June.

It is most often a few degrees hotter in Valladolid than coastal areas due to its inland location and low elevation.

The rainy season runs from June through October, associated with the Mexican monsoon which draws warm, moist air landward. Easterly waves and tropical storms also affect the area during this season.

Origin of the Name

Valladolid is named after the Spanish city of Valladolid, at the time the capital of Spain. The word “Valladolid” derives from the Arabic expression Ballad Al-Walid بلد الوليد, which means “city of Al-Walid”, referring to Al-Walid I.

History

The first Valladolid in Yucatán was established by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo’s nephew on May 27, 1543, at some distance from the current town, at a lagoon called Chouac-Ha in the municipality of Tizimin.

However, early Spanish settlers complained about the mosquitos and humidity at the original location and petitioned to have the city moved further inland.

On March 24, 1545, Valladolid was relocated to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zaci or Zaci-Val, whose buildings were dismantled to reuse the stones to build the Spanish colonial town.

The following year the Maya people revolted but were put down with additional Spanish troops coming from Mérida.

Valladolid had a population of 15,000 in 1840. In January 1847, the native Mayans rioted, killing some 80 whites and sacking their houses. After a Mayan noble was shot by a firing squad, the riot became a general uprising.

The city and the surrounding region were the scene of an intense battle during Yucatán’s Caste War, and the Latino forces were forced to abandon Valladolid on March 14, 1848, with half being killed by ambush before they reached Mérida.

The city was sacked by the Mayan rebels but was recaptured later in the war.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, Valladolid was the third largest and most important city of the Yucatán Peninsula, (after Mérida and Campeche). It had a sizable well-to-do Criollo population, with several old Spanish-style mansions in the old city.

Valladolid was widely known by its nickname The Sultana of the East.

Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

It is worth noting that principal sites are very well marked with bi-lingual signage, making this a truly hospitable place for English speakers. The local police are very friendly, speak English well, and are happy to give directions.

Valladolid is a great city to spend the day exploring the history and culture the Yucatan peninsula has to offer.

The notable sights to visit in Valladolid are the colonial-era cathedral Ex-convent and church Convent of San Bernardino de Siena named after Saint Bernardino of Siena which was built by Franciscan missionaries between 1552 and 1560.

Located in the Sisal neighborhood and a short 10-minute walk from downtown it also has a wonderful park where you can sit and enjoy tranquility and peacefulness.

In downtown Valladolid, you can find the cathedral of San Gervacio located in the main square of the city.

Valladolid has a chessboard-like street grid and at the city center, it’s a plaza with a park square in the middle surrounded by stores where you can enjoy a walk and purchase souvenirs, food, or refreshments.

The Cenote Zaci is located a couple of blocks from the center of Valladolid. This freshwater cenote or underground sinkhole is where you can access the inside and explore its cave. There is also a restaurant and artisans selling handicrafts.

Valladolid is a popular base for visiting nearby major Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Ek’ Balam, as well as Cenote Ik Kilso.

Downtown Valladolid

  • Cathedral of “San Servacio o Gervasio”
  • Main center park “Francisco Cantón Rosado”
  • Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal)
  • Cenote Zaci
  • House of the Culture (Casa de la Cultura)
  • House of the Deer (Casa de los Venados)
  • Mercado de Artesanías (Handcraft Market)
  • Centro Artesanal Zaci (Handcraft center Zaci)
  • Bazar Municipal
  • Museo San Roque
  • Parque de los Héroes (Park of the Heroes)
  • Las 5 Calles

Sisal Neighbourhood

  • Temple and former Convent de “San Bernandino de Siena”
  • “Calzada de los Frailes”
  • Park of Sisal (parque de Sisal)

Candelaria Neighbourhood

  • Church of “Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria”
  • Park of “Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria”
  • Ex Telar “La Aurora”
  • Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) “Donato Bates Herrera”

Santa Lucia Neighbourhood

  • Church de “Santa Lucía”
  • Park de Santa Lucía

San Juan Neighbourhood

  • Church de San Juan de Dios
  • Park de San Juan de Dios

Other locations

  • Cenote Suytun
  • Cenote Xkeken
  • Cenote Samulha

Gastronomy & Cuisine

The typical dish of the region is “Lomitos de Valladolid” which is a pork dish in fresh tomato sauce.

Cochinita pibil meat marinated in achiote, which comes from the Bixa orellana bitter orange, and spices, wrapped in Banana leaf and barbecued or baked in a pit.

“Lechon al horno”, “bistek de cazuela”, “relleno negro” which is turkey cooked with a paste of charred chillies and vegetables with bits of hard-boiled eggs, “frijol con puerco” and chicken in escabeche.

Valladolid is also known for its longaniza which is a type of pork-based salami sausage with traditional condiments. Local traditional candies are based on materials from the region such as honey, coconut, corn, and others.

Traditional ice cream is very popular and a must have on your visit. The most common flavors are coconut, corn, and fruits of the region as “guanabana” or Soursop, “mamey” or Pouteria sapota Sapote, and others.

Transportation

Valladolid has a structured road service which makes it easy to travel around. Travelers driving through the peninsula have the option of taking the federal road or the toll route and both roads go through Valladolid.

In the city, there are taxi services at reasonable rates and public transportation which is popular for students and locals but not recommended for tourists.

There is an Autobuses de Oriente bus terminal situated in the heart of the city which serves to the travelers going to all major cities in the Yucatan peninsula, such as Mérida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

There are also buses going to Chichen Itza Coba and Ek’ Balam.

One day tours from Valladolid

Valladolid is a perfect place to stay there for a while exploring the surrounding areas in daily tours on your own or guided ones.

Suggested 1-day tours from Valladolid

  • Ek Balam
  • Ria Lagartos
  • Chichen Itza
  • Chichen Itza + Balankanche Grottoes
  • Chichen Itza + Yaxunah
  • Izamal
  • Coba
  • Tizimin

For more information about all these suggested places to visit and how to get there, use the search form on our website or related tags.

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