Expert: Ralph Salier - 6/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: Greetings. I found you on the internet.



I'll be in Riviera Maya with my familiy in late July.  I'm hoping to find an American academic down there who might like to make a few extra $$ and have a pleasant day giving us a private tour of the Mayan ruins there from an academic perspective.



If you know of anyone who might be interested, would you please forward them my contact info? Thanks.



Martin O'Toole

Chagrin Falls, OH





ANSWER: Hi Martin,  

We during the field season it is nearly impossible to find someone to take some "time off" to give a tour.  There are "docents" that work some of  the sites that are very knowledgeable and who take people on tours.  Some of them are even trained Maya and have learned to read the glyphs.  Many speak good english and a few have degrees in archaeology.

If you know the specific sites you plan to visit, let me know and I'll try to find  docents for you.  But can't make any promises.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That would be great.  I'm not looking for my own personal college professor; I'm just trying to hook up with someone who is friendly and interesting (and who would like to make a few bucks) to help us have a more personal and learning-filled experience than we would get on the tourist grade tour guide package.  If that person can recommend related activities (e.g., good local food in the area) that would be a bonus.

Thanks very much for taking the time to think about it!

Marty   (My friends call me Marty... )

Answer
Hi Marty,

Soon after I got this, I contacted a few colleagues who are working in the area of Tulum.  None are available and one even remarked that at the height of the field season/tourist season, it is every thing they can do to get work done.  Off season is a different story however.  Two told me that they have taken an active role in teaching and training the tour guides and that many are very good at it.  One offered a grad student but when I spoke to him, he was not interested.  

I am very sorry that I could not be of more help in finding someone to show you around.  I hope that you will still have an enjoyable trip to Tulun and other sites.

Stay safe!