Reading
With an extensive list of sites to see and probably not enough time, the following reading materials should help you to plan and enjoy your visit more.
Travel Guides
The Maya World - The Rough Guide
An Archeological Guide to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula - Joyce Kelly
Yucatan - Lonely Planet Guide - isbn 1-74059-456-8
www.lonelyplanet.com
Cadagons
Books
MAYA Divine Kings of the Rain Forest. Available in English, Spanish, German and French - isbn 3-8290-4150-0
The Lost Chronicles of the Maya Kings - isbn 0-297-81699-3
Lost Kingdoms of the Maya (National Geographic
Society) - isbn 0-87044-928
Chronicles of the Maya Kings and Queens, Publisher
- Thames and Hudson, Authors - Simon Martin and Nikolai Grube,
ISBN 0500051038
Money
In Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chetumal and Campeche, you will have no problems using Visa, American Express, Travellers Cheques, American Dollars or Peso's.
Once you leave those tourist areas it will become more difficult to use Visa, or exchange travellers cheques.
Very few towns have banks and bank machines so it is advisable to get sufficient Peso's while you can. The Yucatan is very safe, so do not be concerned about traveling with cash. Towns that do have bank machines are Ticul, Vallodolid, Progresso, Champoton and Escarcega.
Gas
No problem in the cities and towns listed above, but once you have left Tulum gas stations can be 150kms apart, and may not always have gas or electric power to pump. So whenever you see a station fill up! Also, always get out of the car and make sure the setting is at zero, and check your change. Most stations are ok, but there are a few that try to play games, not only with tourists but with locals too.
Buses/Cars
Buses come in several classes - ADO is first class, with air conditioning and movies. These are surprisingly inexpensive. There are at least 6 other bus lines at various levels of service and price. They all run continuously day and night 7 days a week; however, they will limit your timing and site visiting to a degree.
Car Rental
No problem at either Cancun or Merida Airports and also in Playa del Carmen. Elsewhere, such as Chetumal or Campeche, they are very expensive and not very available.
Local People
Normally Mexicans are by nature very friendly and interested in tourists. However, as in any country, there are exceptions; they will be just that in the Yucatan.
Tourist Items
Books, Postcards, Ceramics and blankets are more then plentiful at the above mentioned tourist destinations, but almost non existent elsewhere. Our motto is "if you like it buy it" because you may never find it elsewhere. Also, carry plenty of film with you; you may find it in small towns, but it will be expensive and may have been on the shelf for months.
Medical
If you are concerned, contact your physician or your nearest Tropical Disease Centre for any preventive injections you should have. We also suggest you bring a supply of peroxide, band aids and an antiseptic ointment as well as insect repellant. We do not have a problem with mosquitoes at Rio Bec Dreams, but you may encounter them at some sites.
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