Find out more

Websites

For the definitive Q&A about 2012 from one of the world’s top Mayanists, check David Stuart’s Decipherment Blog.

Jaguar Sun is a site which has some basic information; not hard to follow and good for young readers.

Wikipedia has several good articles about Mayan civilisation, religion, writing, the collapse, and more.

The PBS TV station has a totally brilliant site devoted to the story of the cracking of the Maya code.

The FAMSI website is terrific for those keen to know more about Mayan writing.

I can also recommend The Maya (7th edition) by Michael D. Coe. The website for the Breaking the Maya Code documentary movie has some wonderful videos explaining Mayan writing.

Museums

In Mexico the best exibitions are in the Museum of Mayan Culture (Chetumal) and National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico City).

In the USA you have the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Ancient Mayan cities to visit in Mexico

It’s best to plan your trips from one central landing point, unless you like trekking from one hotel to another…

If you stay in Cancun you can take day trips to Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba and Ek Balam.

From Chetumal (a five-hour drive from Cancun) you can see Calakmul, Becan, Chicanna, Xpujil and Kohunlich.

From Merida - Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Labna, Kabah, Sayil, Dzibitzalchun.

From Campeche City - Edzna and Uxmal

From Villahermosa - Palenque