Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras will launch new tourist routes through the Mayan world
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Looking to stimulate tourism through the wider historical region which is the ‘Mayan world‘, Mexico, Belize, El Salvadorand Guatemala all teamed up to launch new tourist routes It’s okay improve connectivity in the region, in addition to facilitating cross-border travel for visitors.
The Mayan world is a 2,440 km archaeological circuit which encompasses four Central American countries and five states in southern Mexico. The area is famous worldwide for its well-preserved pre-Columbian monuments and shared culture.
“Without connectivity, there is no tourism”
Recognizing that ‘without connectivity there is no tourism‘, the five partner countries have agreed to create new routes that allow travelers to explore the Mayan world in more depth. As Mexican Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marqués said, only in this way will tourism be a “effective tool for social reconciliation.
Mexico is a founding member of the Mundo Maya Organizationwhich has among its objectives the promotion of sustainable tourism programs in the five participating nations. As Marqués noted as early as 2019, demand for Mayan tourism is highwith about 50 million international arrivals recorded in participating countries that year.
Calling it “Phase 1 of the Reactivation of Mundo Maya connectivity‘, Marqués celebrated the launch of a new Cancun-Flores routewhich has further bridged the gap between one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations and Guatemala’s most famous gateway to the Mayan world.
the new direct flights operated by Aeromar will offer tourists in Cancun the chance to reach the Mayan hotspots of Guatemala in just under 2 hours. Better air connectivity seems to be only the beginningwith Marqués citing other natural and cultural attractions across the mayan heart that could also be covered by the program, such as:
- the Great Blue Holea sinkhole off the coast of Belize and a favorite among visitors;
- The site protected by UNESCO ‘Joya of Ceren‘ archaeological area in El Salvador;
- the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve on the Caribbean coast from Honduras;
- Guatemala’s world fame Tikal National Parkalso a Unesco World Heritage;
- from Mexico ‘Canyon del Sumidero‘, a large natural canyon located north of Chiapa de Corzo.
In one recent statementthe Minister described the “first phase” of the project as “complete success», emphasizing the integration between tourist areas in the southeastern mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. It also gives us insight into the next phasewhich “will continue with El Salvador and Belize”.
It is still unclear at this stage how the two countries will benefit from the program, or if “phase two” will again consist of new travel lanes like the recently announced Cancún-Flores route, although it’s safe to say stronger regional integration is at the forefront of this project.
Although not mentioned specifically by Marques, Mexico will be launched soon Tran Mayaa scenic train linking several towns along the Riviera Maya, will also make lesser-known destinations from Maya Kaan and Rio Hondo much more accessible.
Mundo Maya countries are among the easiest for Americans to visit right now
Despite having varying degrees of Covid restrictionsthe Mundo Maya nations are still one of the easiest places for Americans to visit at present. Although Mexico has removed all existing entry requirements, including pre-departure Vuela Seguro Registration Form, neighboring nations have other requirements.
Just like Mexico, El Salvador also removed vaccination and testing requirements for visiting US citizens, although the US Embassy in El Salvador is still advises travelers to confirm that their airlines are aware of the change and allow them to board without presenting additional Covid documentation.
Belize, on the other hand, requires visitors to purchase local health insurance and present a negative test upon entry, regardless of vaccination status. Honduras also allows entry to vaccinated and unvaccinated people, as long as the latter can produce a negative PCR or antigen testdated no more than 72 hours before arriving in the country.
Guatemala is the most restrictive of the fivewith most Americans expect to have a full course of vaccination, as well as a negative PCR or antigen test dated less than 3 days before arrival. Guatemala will also accept official proof of medical contraindication that prevents a person from getting vaccinated.
In summary, vaccinated American tourists can expect smooth travel in the regionwhile those not yet immune can face additional restrictions in select destinations such as Honduras and Guatemala. There are direct commercial flights from several departure points from the United States to the five countries of the Mayan world.
Read more:
Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for 2022
What to do if you test positive while on vacation in Mexico
Top 9 Scenic Spots to Explore in Belize
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