Mexico - 4 Sites and A Pit Stop
Archaeological Yucatan Peninsula

An archaeologist's dream, Mexico is home to 26 locations named as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Rich in Aztec and Mayan ruins and having been home to a variety of civilizations, each leaving their indelible and unique marks in many forms, Mexico has an overwhelming choice of archaeological sites.

CONSIDER HIRING A GUIDE
As reassurance that you will see what you want to see under the guidance of someone who knows the hood you may want to consider hiring a guide. Having a guide book is fine, but hiring a local guide will allow you to get a lot more out of your visit. Make sure your guide has a license from the Secretary of Tourism. Read up on the sites before you leave home to learn what you want to see.

UXMAL
South of Merida, we start with pre-Columbian Uxmal. A delightful site, it is one of the most popular of the Mayan cities and for good reason. Lush vegetation envelops ancient structures; green forests calm jangled traveler's nerves. The stone carvings found in the city are magnificent, marvelous and memorable.

The more remarkable buildings include The Adivino (Pyramid of the Magician), The Governor's Palace, The Great Pyramid at Uxmal, The Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Ballcourt which was dedicated in 901 A.D. by the ruler Chan Chak K'ak'nal Ajaw. Wow. Smaller, but noteworthy are North Long Building, House of the Birds, House of the Turtles, House of the Doves, and South Temple.

CHAMPOTON TO CALAKMUL
To reach Calakmul you must pass Champoton and the 'bay of the bad fight' where in 1517 local leader Moch Cuouh and his men killed most, and drove away the rest of the Spaniards who had been forced ashore thanks to a wayward storm. It took the Spaniards 23 years, until 1540, to wrestle this part of the world away from the Mayans and rename it La Villa de San Francisco de Campeche.

While not exactly archaeological, Champoton is historic and one must eat. So whether or not you decide to stop at the bay, just south of Champoton you can stop at one of the tantalizing coctelerias to enjoy fresh seafood. Under warm sun as gentle ocean breezes cool your skin and you feast your eyes on the Gulf of Mexico, you will have to ask yourself how you got so lucky. Rest in a soothing environment, eat delicious Mexican food (cerveza, anyone?), and prepare for Calakmul. Nice.

CALAKMUL
The extraordinarily striking Mayan city of Calukmul is located in a biosphere reserve that

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