Exactly what we were looking for
This adventure delivered exactly what we wanted: five days hitting major and smaller Mayan archeological sites with timing and restaurant options catered exactly to our desires. A small group tour turned out to be a private tour with Abram, a university educated historian from Merida. Abram spoke perfect English, but he indulged me as a Spanish student, he made me feel secure about my only passable Spanish. Part of the trip is in remote areas I would not go without a guide
Be ready for a long ride, but I am glad Ruben and Abram were driving and not me. They drove confidently with purpose on challenging roads, but we always felt safe as they minimized the bumpiness of Chiapas and Campeche roads. (The roads of Quintana Roo and Yucatán are better.) Abram was half my age, but he felt like mentor and teacher, while Ruben felt like family taking care of us at every turn. With all lodging and transportation included, I think this is a great way to see all the Mayan areas in Mexico in one comfortable trip.
Bonus: I found the evening in the town of Campeche to be the most unexpected highlights of the trip. Merida has hustle, bustle, more events and international restaurants, but Campeche has tranquility, good food, a clear Mestizo identity, and a wonderful boardwalk. Don’t miss the sunset.
