Hotel Maya Balam near Xpujil
Laguna de Bacalar
Crafts for sale by archaeological site
Our Hotel Maya Balam in nearby Xpujil turned out to be a gem in the jungle with an outdoor restaurant, air-conditioned rooms, and banana palms in the courtyard. It was an immersive jungle experience with comforts, cheerful chirping birds, and a boxed lunch when we headed out for the day. The hotel helped us arrange a taxi to the Calakmul archaeological site. Our driver, also a trained guide, accompanied us throughout.
If you want to learn more about pre- Columbian history, visit Palenque by train or visit Maya sites around Kohunlich from Chetumal. Tours or taxis can take you into some of these unique locations.
Bacalar, on the Lagoon of Seven Colours, is a tranquil tourist destination. It offers many choices for accommodation, restaurants, and activities, including a walk on the boardwalk through the mangroves or a dip in the lagoon. On our sunset tour, Zuri, a local Maya boat captain, told us this community was founded in 415 BCE. The Spanish seized it in 1543 and later built the Fortress of San Felipe to keep out pirates who raided the area for hardwood.
Between Bacalar and Cancún along the Riviera Maya, numerous interesting stops are popular with tourists, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Enjoy the beaches or take a ferry to Cozumel. Tulum’ s UNESCO world heritage archaeological site overlooks the sparkling turquoise blue Caribbean. Escape into nature at the nearby Sian Ka’ an Biosphere Reserve.
For travellers, the train provides an unequalled opportunity to explore southern Mexico. Modern stations and trains are monitored by members of the national guard and local staff trained to help tourists, assuring safety and comfort.
If you want to explore Mexico and are flexible, the ultra-modern Tren Maya may be just the adventure you are seeking. The rewards can be more than expected.
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Cliffs of Tulum
Visiting Maya ruins throughout Mexico and Central America is a passion for Delia McCrae. She is a retired Edmonton Public Schools teacher and loves train journeys.
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