Subject: Re: Yucatan tour-Need advice
Hello, chempler (That certainly is a mouthful. How about introducing yourself. A name is so much more pleasant than an e-mail address).

So far you've gotten a couple of great responses. Gail hit the nail on the head as far as the variety of sights and activities. And she is correct about the driving# very easy. There are a few things to be aware of when driving on Mexican roads.

First of all, the majority of the roads you'll be driving on are two-lane highways. We spent two weeks in the Yucatán last December and virtually all the roads are paved (including the roads to Cobá that Lisa mentioned). The highway south from Cancun through the Mayan Riviera is a divided four-lane highway; this holds true for portions of the road between Cancun and Mérida. On some of the two-lane highways you will encounter potholes. But, because you will be there after the rainy season, their ongoing road repairs will have filled in most of these. The greatest concerns while driving these highways will be slow-moving vehicles, range animals (cattle, burros, dogs), pedestrians, and topes. Regarding the first three concerns just keep in mind that these are not American freeways or the autobahn, minimizing your speed is the rule. Besides, zooming down these roads at 60 mph means you'll miss that glimpse of a coatimundi, spider monkey, toucan, or trogon. As far as topes are concerned#these are used throughout Mexico to slow vehicles down as they enter populated areas. We know them as speed bumps but they are unlike any speed bump you've ever encountered. You CANNOT drive over these bumps at more than 5 mph and often must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Driving over these at higher speeds can result in serious damage to the undercarriage/suspension of the vehicle, as well as, possibly launching you off the road. So be very aware of these topes. Sometimes there will be a sign that says topes or an image of bumps. Other times the road itself will be painted just in front of the tope. And other times you'll have no warning at all except for the fact that you are coming upon some structures along the road. So be careful. One final word about driving in Mexico. It is best not to drive at night, especially on rural roads, due to animals, pedestrians, and unlit vehicles.

I'm out of time but I promise to send another message with suggestions on sights. Maybe you can help with the answer to a couple of questions. Where will you be arriving? Mérida or Cancun? And, are you in need of suggestions for accomodations?

As I mentioned, we were there last December. I led a group of friends on a two-week trip in the Yucatán. As a means of keeping the group informed about the trip I made a website. You may find it helpful. The link is http://sites.netscape.net/flowsdad/Yucatan/yucatn.htm

John