|
Travelling in Mexico - How does it work?Mexico is a large country, which is why travelling around the Yucatan peninsula in a week, or 'doing' the Mayan route in two weeks isn't such a good idea. When planning your trip with Mexico Travel Plan we want to avoid you trying to do too much in too little time, and instead ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy yourself - after all you're on holiday! |
Travelling in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize: the Mayan TrailMany of our travellers choose to do the Mayan Trail route, the Yucatan - Guatemala - Belize. You'll be travelling the route by reserved first-class scheduled bus and shuttle bus, because you can't take a rental car across the border. Besides, the infrastructure in Guatemala and Belize isn't as good as in Mexico so driving becomes a lot less comfortable. Travelling by bus is a comfortable and cheap alternative.Travelling in Mexico by bus Travelling in Mexico by scheduled bus is a great alternative to driving, especially if you want to travel further afield than the Yucatan. It's cheap, you don't need to worry about driving and finding your way and you'll be travelling by pre-booked, first-class, air-conditioned scheduled bus. True, you'll have a little less flexibility in choosing your route, but you can get to even the more remote places on the bus routes. Our local agent will give you all the necessary information about travelling in Mexico by bus. |
|
|
To cover the Mayan trail you'll need around 3-3½ weeks. The route goes from Yucatan to Guatemala and Belize and then back again to the Yucatan. It's a popular route because it includes some of the most beautiful Mayan ruins and the interesting mix of towns, beach and local culture offer plenty of variety. You'll fly to Cancun and then travel via Chichen Itza and Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casas in the Chiapas highlands. Then on to Guatemala to Panajachel (Lake Atitlan), Antigua and the Mayan city of Tikal near Flores, followed by a couple of days sun, sea and snorkelling on Caye Caulker in Belize. Finally it's back to the beaches at Tulum and Playa del Carmen before ending up back in Cancun. See also our suggested itinerary Mayan Route - Your own way or build your own itinerary with our Mayan trail by bus modules. If you want to spend three weeks purely travelling in Mexico, then a good idea is to start in Mexico City and travel via Puebla and Oaxaca to San Cristobal and Yucatan (or vice versa). |
|
Relaxing on the beach Travelling in Mexico you'll often end on the Riviera Mayan, the popular name for the string of beaches around Cancun. European travellers mostly head to the touristy but quite relaxed Playa del Carmen, 1 hour south of Cancun. It's a small, relaxed resort town but you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife and it's a great place to spend your first few days in Mexico recharging your batteries after a long flight, or before you head back home.If you're looking for quiet, idyllic palm-fringed beaches then head further south to Tulum, famous for the spectacular cliff-top Mayan ruins jutting out over the Caribbean sea and the long, pearly-white beaches. You won't find much in the way of nightlife or souvenir shops here and accommodation is sparse, which makes your stay here feel all the more exclusive. |
|
|
...or on an island Holbox island is a good place to start your travelling in Mexico. There are no Mayan ruins or palm-fringed beaches here, but sandy roads with romantic cabañas, broad sparkling white beaches and a great laid-back atmosphere. The sea is calmer than at Tulum and it's a great place for a boat trip around the other islands, or going to spot dolphins, stingrays and, at the right time of year, whale sharks. Caye Caulker is a long-stretched island off the coast of Belize on the world's second largest coral reef. It's a diver's and snorkeler's paradise and you'll find friendly, relaxed rastafarians with a great relaxed Caribbean attitude. |
|
Travelling in Mexico - Accommodation We've visited almost all the towns and cities mentioned on this website and personally selected the best accommodation based on price, location, comfort but especially character. We always try to find accommodation that best fits the surroundings. In a village it could be a small family-run posada, in a Spanish colonial city a colonial villa. Some hotels have breakfast included and some don't, but it's just as nice finding a small nearby cafe for a good local breakfast.For more information visit the accommodation page. |
|
|
Travelling in Mexico - Local assistance On arrival at the airport you will be met by our local representative who will hand you all the necessary information and vouchers for your travelling in Mexico. We will send you all the travel documents along with the address and phone number of our local English-speaking partner. They're based in Playa del Carmen and have a 24-hour emergency number. If you're travelling to Guatemala or Belize we'll also give you the contact details of our local (English-speaking) agents there. The Mexico Travel Plan team have travelled extensively through Mexico and the neighbouring countries, so if you'd like some advice about travelling in Mexico, for example about safety or best time of year to travel, then just give us a call or drop us an email. |
Click here for further transport information