yucatan

Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want to
get bored.
2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.
3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular ones,
but will consider any opinions.

Any and all experiences/learning's appreciated.



Mike

If you have little free-travel experience and want to see the most for the
least money, may I suggest you Google an outfit like Amerika Venture. There
must be a dozen similar small tour companies doing the Ruta Maya. Cost
depends on your chosen level of travel, from camping to 4 star hotel. What
they do well is to drive you and a small group around to a good number of
interesting Mayan ruins and smaller towns and villages. Your $1000. could
give you a 15 day trip through southern Mexico and Guatemala.
It would certainly beat the martinis-by-the-pool and "great american food"
of an all-inclusive if what you want to do is visit the country.
The city of Merida, capital of Yucatan, is far inland. I am sure it has no
all-inclusive hotels and most american tour wholesalers don't have much use
for it. It is a beautiful old colonial city with a renowned municipal market
and it is full of good hotels and restaurants. To visit it is to fall in
love with it.
It is a good base from which to visit some of the great Mayan ruins like
Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Izamal and many others.
Your library will have many books to learn about that civilization before
your visit. Travel Guides like Lonely Planet and the Footprint Handbook will
help you find your way.
Have a good trip,
Louisg




"mikey" wrote in message
...
Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want to
get bored.
2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the
experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.
3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular ones,
but will consider any opinions.

Any and all experiences/learning's appreciated.



Mike

"mikey" wrote in message
...
Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want to
get bored.

Seven days is not long enough to see anything but a few of the more
popular ruins. I've spent a lot more than 14 days at a time in the Yucatan
and have yet to get bored. Your milage may vary. If you don't mind camping
out with a mostly younger crowd of Europeans you might also look at Trek
America for tours. Personally I prefer to make my own arrangements as I go.

2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the
experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.

Merida is a nice city with an interesting colonial center. Other
than a few nearby ruins it isn't a particularly good place to visit ruins
from as you'll spend too much time traveling. It does have a very nice
archaeological museum. You are far better off finding lodgings near the
sites you're visiting.

3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular ones,
but will consider any opinions.

A good book to look at is Archaeological Mexico by Andrew Coe. Many
libraries will have one of the two editions. You can't judge ruins by their
popularity. Popularity is based almost exclusively on their proximity to
popular resort cities. Chichen Itza is by far the most popular site,
followed closely by Tulum--simply because of their proximity to Cancun.
There are MANY sites that equal or surpass those two. A partial list would
have to include: Palenque and nearby Bonampak and Yaxchilan in Chiapas,
Uxmal and some of the nearby sites, as well as Calakmul, Kohunlich, Balamku
and Chicana in the Rio Bec region. Ek Balam, Tonina, Edzna, El Tajin and
Comalcalco are also well worth the time. Calakmul, for example, is one of
the most historically important Mayan sites in Mexico. Because of its
location it gets very few visitors.

There's nothing to see on the beaches of Cancun except tourists in
swimsuits. Other places in the area offer very interesting snorkeling and
diving. Cancun is mostly a place for people who want to hang out and drink
in a tropical climate.


Dennis

Mikey
Cancun is all about hedonism. It has nothing to do with learning
about Mayan Ruins. The best nearby site to visit is Coba. Tulum is
swarming with other tourists, and Chichen Itza is a long ride. You'll
spend six hours in travel time, and get to CI, at the hottest part of
the day.
If you want to find out about the Mayas, I'd start in Valladolid for
a week, instead of Cancun... Of course there's not any topless girls
there.........
Don

"mikey" wrote in message
...

Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan.
I hope to see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the
best place to do this as it is central. Though I would love to
visit the beaches of Cancun, or the Riviera too. I have been
looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like I'll be spending
$1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

Well if you're going to do the all-inclusive-Cancun thing that's cool, but
the beach will be focus of your trip. If you want a trip that focuses on the
ruins and leaves the beach as secondary, plan the trip yourself (i.e. book
airfare, hotel, then research how to get around to the different sites) not
only will you see more ruins but you'll save yourself a lot of money.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do
not want to get bored.

If you're interested in ruins, 7 weeks would be a better timeframe.
Obviously most people can't get away from that long but if you can do 14
days then go for it!

3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and
I do not recognize the names. I really want to see some of the
more popular ones, but will consider any opinions.

The problem with the more popular ones is that by virtue of being popular,
unless you show up right when the site opens for the day, will be mobbed
with tourists. The lesser known ones will be quieter and IMHO that's a very
good thing.

Not that you should skip Chichen Itza and the likes but I'd suggest that you
get to know the names and locations of the lesser known ruins as well.

If you feel overwhelmed and don't even know where to begin researching, I'd
suggest getting a guide book. Lonely Planet has a Mexico guide and I think
they've also got one specifically for the Yucatan. Head down to your
favourite bookstore and take a look.

Richard

Try Mayaland.com

They treated me very well. They have many trip options and you can custom your
own trip
John Pacal

On 05/20/2004 2:35 PM mikey plucked Senior Frog's Magic Twanger and said:

Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want to
get bored.
2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.
3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular ones,
but will consider any opinions.

Any and all experiences/learning's appreciated.



Mike




Mike,

You will have access to several Mayan ruins from Playa del Carmen.
There are lots of AI, just south of Playa in Playacar. From Playa it's
just 45 minutes to Tulum and a little longer to Cobas. You will also be
closer to Xel-ha, Akumal and other great cenote, or snorkel locations.
For $7.50 each way you can take a high-speed modern passenger ferry from
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. In Coz you can rent a jeep and a guide and
go off-road riding viewing Mayan sites. There's over 35 small Mayan
archaeological sites on the north end of the island. Chankanab water
park is another great excursion, swim with a sea lion or dolphins or
take a ride on an Atlantis submarine to view the reefs and the undersea
canyon.

My last visits to Playa del Carmen / Playacar I did Allegro - Playacar
and El Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen. The food and water is so
good and safe to consume at most of the tourist destinations. Next time
I'm definitely not doing an A.I. I can stay at one of the small inns
for substantially less with all the basics, A/C, breakfast, pool and
beach. My spanish is good and I have no problem ordering at a local
tapas bar up on Avenida 30, so the savings will be substantial.


If a hotel isn't listed by Apple look at some of the other vacation
packages. Is there an airline that has a hub at your closest airport?
Check out their web page for vacation specials. They may have something
that's just right.

The one thing that I've learned is A.I. are great in some aspects. But,
they tend to insulate you from the people and the culture of the land
you visit. If you do an A. I. plan on "not getting your money's
worth" for a meal or two and eat somewhere in town.

Have a great trip, no matter where you stay!

--
________
To email me, Edit "xt" from my email address.
Brian M. Kochera
"Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"
View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

"mikey" wrote in message
...
Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want to
get bored.
2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the
experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.
3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular ones,
but will consider any opinions.

Any and all experiences/learning's appreciated.



Mike


I want to thank everyone for their input, it is truly appreciated. It looks
as if there are quite a few serious Mayan enthusiasts here. I will look
into the options you suggested. I hate to seem American, but, as it is , I
am. I worry about how well I will be able to get along without speaking
Spanish if I chose to do something on my own. Any experiences with this
concern?

Mike

"mikey" wrote in message
...

I want to thank everyone for their input, it is truly appreciated. It
looks
as if there are quite a few serious Mayan enthusiasts here. I will look
into the options you suggested. I hate to seem American, but, as it is ,
I
am. I worry about how well I will be able to get along without speaking
Spanish if I chose to do something on my own. Any experiences with this
concern?

Speaking even very limited Spanish makes things easier and you'll get
more out of your trip, but I've made extended trips into Mexico with no
Spanish without any serious problems. It's helpful to know how to say, "fill
it up please"--lleno por favor--and please and thank you. If you're driving
long distances the phrases for where are you going and where are you coming
from are useful because those are the most common questions at the military
checkpoints, They will also sometimes ask to look through your vehicle--no
big deal it's just a formality--unless you're doing something foolish.
Numbers are also very handy for transactions, but people will usually write
them down or show them to you on a calculator if they see you're having
trouble understanding them. A dictionary is very handy for learning road
signs and reading menus. I carry both paper and electronic dictionaries.
Most guidebooks have the phrases you need for common tasks, like checking
into a motel.

Even now my Spanish is abysmal. It mostly earns me a bit more patience
from people who see that I'm trying. Except for very rural areas you're
likely to bump into Mexicans who speak English regularly and you can count
on it in places that get a lot of tourists.

Dennis

Mike,
Don't worry. The first time I was in Merida, Yucatan, (many years
ago) I had taken the wrong plane. I did not really know where I was nor did
I speak any Spanish. But I took a taxi into town and had the luck of finding
a great driver. He put me up in the Posada Toledo, which is still a very
good not too pricey local hotel and then took me all around the city and
finally to lunch with his driver friends in a small restaurant. I stayed a
few weeks, visiting Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Isla Mujeres. Cancun was not
invented yet. I loved it so much I came back year after year, travelling as
far South as the Honduras and El Salvador borders. Today I speak better but
not very good Spanish and I enjoy the area so much I am thinking of moving
there for a few years.
You will have an advantage over me: you can bring a
dictionary and a Lonely Planet guide on your first trip.
Just go, smile a lot and talk to people, with both hands if you
must. You also wouldn't go wrong if you chose to travel with a small Ruta
Maya tour group to see Tikal and Palenque.

Have a good trip and tell us about it when you get back.

Louisg



"mikey" wrote in message
...

"mikey" wrote in message
...
Hi everyone. I am seriously considering a trip to the Yucatan. I hope
to
see many ruins. It seems that Meridian seems the best place to do this
as
it is central. Though I would love to visit the beaches of Cancun, or
the
Riviera too. I have been looking into Apple vacations, and it looks
like
I'll be spending $1,000 all inclusive for 7 days in Cancun (no offering
on
Meridia), plus $100 dollars a day for excursions.

1st, is 7 days long enough, I was considering 14 days, but do not want
to
get bored.
2. Any opinions on where to stay. I really want to draw on the
experience
of others here, not spending too much or staying in a total dive. Any
experiences would be appreciated.
3. I have read some of the posts here about Maya ruins, and I do not
recognize the names. I really want to see some of the more popular
ones,
but will consider any opinions.

Any and all experiences/learning's appreciated.



Mike


I want to thank everyone for their input, it is truly appreciated. It
looks
as if there are quite a few serious Mayan enthusiasts here. I will look
into the options you suggested. I hate to seem American, but, as it is ,
I
am. I worry about how well I will be able to get along without speaking
Spanish if I chose to do something on my own. Any experiences with this
concern?

Mike