I have just returned from 1 week vacation in Mexico traveling around the Yucatan region to Merida, Vallodolid and Chichen Itza.1 thing that strikes me about the difference in tourism is how far advance mexico is with its access, organisation etc of their sites.For instance Chichen Itza is almost like a florida theme Park. Apparently in the high season 60,000 people a day visit the ruins which are incredibly impressive. Row upon row of coaches and buses are lined up in the car park and you wait patiently in line to enter Chichen Itza which is a wonderful park.Driving through the Yucatan is a lonely trip, but evry few hours the tell-tale sign of mayan gift shops crop up indicating a new set of Temples approaching.

The mexican government seems to have really made a plan to get tourists to its sites. With dual lane highways intersecting major high roads in the middle of the yucatan where you see nothing for hours on end. Anyway i just wonder if this is the sign of things to come in Belize. Will Caracol be the next or Actun Tunichil Muknal?? I have been arguing the pros and cons of all this development with my wife about what will happen to Belize over the next 5-10 years. But what we both agree on is that although less developed, Belize has a charm and uniqueness that will no doubt dissipate in time, but for the present grab your opportunity to get a vacation in a country where the 'theme park temples' do not yet exist. And you really do get to spend special moments almost alone at some of the most sacred sites in the yucatan.

Had a great vacation. I can thoroughly recommend Merida.If anyone wants to see a picture of the Chichen Itza entrance i have some great pics. Just send me an email and i will give you the link.

All the best Andy

Belize Vacation Specialist. Belize Jungle Dome