This is a very useful quick immersion into the Mundo Maya (World of the Maya) for those interested in having their own 2012 Mayan experience. The book gives detailed maps and guides to the major Mayan sites in 4 of the 5 modern-day countries the Maya lived in -- Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. The Maya reached into a portion of El Salvador but there are only some small sites existing today. The entire countries of Belize and Guatemala were inhabited by the Maya and several eastern Mexican states covering a large area were as well. Only a small area of Honduras hosted the Maya but it has one of the greatest of sites - Copan. And Quirigua, with it's wonderful stellae is nearby in neighboring Guatemala.
The book also lists many of the special events and tours that are being conducted during 2012 by the host countries, tour agencies and various resorts and hotels. And, yes, as one reviewer noted some of the offerings are expensive. I operate of Succotz in Belize next to the Mayan site of Xunantunich and some of the places mentioned for that country, like Chaa Creek, are high end and expensive. But make no mistake, you are likely to get your money's worth. *However* any place you stay at in these countries will be able to hook you up with local tours and you will see these advertised all over the place. You can easily find other places that are much cheaper and still nice.
The book has plenty of website listings and other sources of information for doing your own planning. With this book you can easily do these sites yourself. If you are unfamiliar with Mayan history it can be well worth hiring a guide. Licensed guides are frequently out at the entrances to sites, especially the larger ones. And if traveling to remote sites, like Caracol in Belize or Tikal in Guatemala guides are also good for safety reasons. Guides can also assist you with other Maya sites not so well known or frequented. Finally, some Mayan sites, especially caves, require a licensed guide to escort you in.
2012 is going to be an exciting year for tourism in the Mundo Maya and this book is a great starting point for your trip.
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