Mexico

(Yucatan, Monterrey)

[Page numbers refer to the Lonely Planet guide to Mexico]

This is from a two or three week tour that we're currently thinking about.

Yucatan; lp849

1. Merida; lp861

1.1 Plaza Mayor; lp861

• Catedral
• Palacio de Gobiemo. Murals.

1.2 Museo Regional de Antropologia. Historical museum; lp866

1.3 Festivals. Carnival prior to Lent (February/March); lp867

1.4 Chichen itza. Tour; lp873

1.5 Uxmal. Tour; lp874

2. Puuc sites

2.1 Uxmal; lp878

• Pyramid of the Magician
• Nunnery Quadrangle
• Governor’s Palace. Culmination of the Puuc style.
• Temple of the Phalli; lp881

2.2 Kabah. Palace of Masks; lp883

2.3 Sayil. El Palacio; lp884

3. Chichen Itza; lp890

• best time vernal equinox (March 20/21)
• El Castillo. Climb to the top for a view of the whole site (best done early morning/late afternoon); lp892
• Principal Ball Court. Fine stone reliefs; lp893
• Temple of the Bearded Man and Temple of the Jaguars. Finely sculpted pillars and relifs of flowers, birds and trees; lp893

4. Cancun; lp902

• taxis do not have meters so you must haggle over fares

5. Tulum. Great setting; lp935

6. Coba. Mostly unrestored. Be prepared to do considerable walking. Dress for heat and humidity, bring insect repellant and water; lp940

Monterrey; lp420

1. Zona Rosa. Bustling place where it's a pleasure to walk around; lp424

2. Barrio Antigui. Nice to stroll round. Traditional architecture; lp424

3. Kristaluxus Crystal Factory. Tours Mon-Sat 10.30 (phone first 351 6396); lp426

4. Centro Cultural Alfa. Science museum. El Universo: beautiful glass mural. Tue-Fri, 15.00-21.00, Sat 14.00-21.00, Sun 11.00-21.00; lp428

5. Rodeos every Sunday and occasional charreadas.

6. Grutas de Garcia. Cave system; lp434

7. Cascadas Cola de Caballo. Horsetail Falls; lp435