Other Guides - Playa Del Carmen

In Mexico itself, the best and most complete series of guides is that published by Guías Panorama - they have small books on all the main archeological sites, as well as more general titles ranging from Wild Flowers of Mexico to Pancho Villa - Truth and Legend .

Tim Burford , Backpacking in Mexico (Bradt). Great on the practicalities of backpacking, with lots of information specifically relevant to Mexico, and a particularly good wildlife section. The hikes themselves cover all areas, including how to ascend Popacatépetl.

Carl Franz , The People's Guide to Mexico (Avalon Travel). Not a guidebook as such, more of a series of anecdotes and words of advice for staying out of trouble and heading off the beaten track. Perennially popular, and deservedly so.

Joyce Kelly , An Archaeological Guide to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula (University of Oklahoma). Detailed and practical guide to more than ninety Maya sites and eight museums throughout the peninsula, including many little-known or difficult-to-reach ruins; an essential companion for anyone travelling purposefully through the Maya world. Kelly's "star" rating - based on a site's archeological importance, degree of restoration and accessibility - may affront purists, but it does provide a valuable opinion on how worthwhile a particular visit might be.

Richard Perry , Mexico's Fortress Monasteries (Espadaña Press, US). One in a series of expertly written guides to the sometimes overlooked treasures of Mexico's colonial religious architecture. This volume covers more than sixty cathedrals, churches and monuments in central Mexico, from Hidalgo to Oaxaca; Maya Missions deals with colonial Yucatán and More Maya Missions covers Chiapas. All are illustrated by the author's simple but beautiful drawings. These specialist offerings, ideal for travellers who want more information than most guide books can provide, are not widely available, though you can find them in tourist bookshops in the areas they cover.

D.G. Schueler , Adventuring Along the Gulf of Mexico (Sierra Club Books, US). An entertaining read, with much general info on plants and animals along the Gulf coast.

R.J. Secor , Mexico's Volcanoes (Mountaineers). Detailed routes up all the big volcanoes, and full of invaluable information for climbers.