Mexico · Yucatán Peninsula
Mérida
Base Town
Mérida
The elegant colonial capital of Yucatán and the most popular base for exploring the peninsula's Maya sites.
Chichen ItzaUxmal
Explore Mérida →
Travel Logistics
Base Towns
The gateway towns used as overnight bases and transit hubs along La Ruta Maya — each chosen for its proximity to major archaeological sites.
🇲🇽
Country guide →Mexico
6 towns
Mexico · Yucatán Peninsula
Valladolid
Base Town
Valladolid
A beautiful colonial town midway between Mérida and Cancún — the best base for arriving at Chichén Itzá at opening.
Chichen ItzaEk Balam
Explore Valladolid →
Mexico · Chiapas
Palenque
Base Town
Palenque
A compact jungle town that serves as the only practical base for one of the Maya world's most beautiful sites.
Palenque
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Mexico · Chiapas Highlands
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Overnight Stop
San Cristóbal de las Casas
A high-altitude colonial gem and living indigenous Maya city — a cultural detour with strong connections to the living Maya tradition.
Palenque
Explore San Cristóbal de las Casas →
Mexico · Campeche State
Campeche
Overnight Stop
Campeche
A UNESCO-listed fortified city on the Gulf of Mexico — a colourful overnight stop on the route to Calakmul.
Calakmul
Explore Campeche →
Mexico · Quintana Roo
Bacalar
Overnight Stop
Bacalar
The 'Lake of Seven Colors' — a stunning final Mexico stop on the route south to Belize.
Chacchoben
Explore Bacalar →
🇬🇹
Country guide →Guatemala
2 towns
Guatemala · Guatemala Highlands
Antigua
Base Town
Antigua
A UNESCO World Heritage colonial city surrounded by volcanoes — the natural starting point for every Guatemala itinerary.
Iximché
Explore Antigua →
Guatemala · El Petén, Guatemala
Flores
Base Town
Flores
A charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá — the gateway to Tikal and the only comfortable base in the remote Petén jungle.
TikalYaxhá
Explore Flores →
🇧🇿
Country guide →Belize
3 towns
Belize · Cayo District, Belize
San Ignacio
Base Town
San Ignacio
The adventure capital of Belize and the indispensable base for the west — Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech are all accessible from here.
CaracolXunantunichCahal Pech
Explore San Ignacio →
Belize · Belize District
Belize City
Transit Hub
Belize City
The main transport hub of Belize — a transit city connecting the cayes, the western sites, and the international airport.
Altun HaLamanai
Explore Belize City →
Belize · Belize Barrier Reef
Caye Caulker
Overnight Stop
Caye Caulker
Belize's most relaxed island — the classic end-of-route rest stop before flying home from Belize City.
Cerro Maya
Explore Caye Caulker →