Ruta Maya

The ancient Maya heartland across southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and western Honduras, with sites such as Tikal, Palenque, Chichén Itzá and Copán forming a multi-country route.

Mundo Maya ("Maya World") is a tourism region jointly promoted by Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It covers the core of Classic Maya civilization and is often called the Ruta Maya by travelers. Key sites: in Mexico, Chichén Itzá and Uxmal in Yucatán, and Palenque (Temple of the Inscriptions) and Yaxchilán in the Chiapas rainforest; in Guatemala's Petén department, Tikal (great pyramids in the jungle, a World Heritage Site) and the island town of Flores; in Belize, Xunantunich, Caracol and the ATM Cave; and in Honduras, Copán, known for its fine stelae and Hieroglyphic Stairway. On the cultural side there are also San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Indigenous villages of the Chiapas highlands, plus the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala and Lake Atitlán. Classic cross-border route: Cancún – Mérida – Palenque – San Cristóbal – (cross the border) Flores/Tikal in Guatemala – San Ignacio in Belize – the cayes, or extend to Antigua and Copán, for 2–4 weeks. Transport is mainly by long-distance bus and shuttle minivan. For overland crossings, confirm each country's visa requirements and exit fees in advance. Security is poor in some border areas and remote stretches, so travel in daylight and use reputable operators.

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