Mexico's overnight buses

I HAVE SIX DAYS TO EXPLORE INLAND MEXICO TRAVELLING FROM MEXICO CITY TO THE YUCATAN PENINSULA. I WANT TO VISIT LITTLE ARTISAN COMMUNITIES AND EAT STREET FOOD BUT I WANT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THOSE SIX DAYS. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OVERLAND TRAVEL? I'VE HEARD THE BUSES ARE EXCELLENT BUT OVERNIGHT BUSES CAN BE DANGEROUS.

S. FLAHERTY, CENTRAL COAST

Six days is a little tight for deep and meaningful cultural interludes that require you to get off the beaten track. But what I'd do is bus it from Mexico City to Oaxaca, spend a couple of nights, continue to San Cristobal De Las Casas for another two-nighter, then hop back on another bus for the six-hour trip to Palenque to take in the fantastic Mayan ruins. That puts you at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula, and probably not too far from your final destination.

You can make better use of your limited time if you take night buses and choosing the right operator is important. ADO Platino buses uno.com.mx are the safe, luxury choice, with huge amounts of space and reclining seats that give you a decent night's sleep. They also have a coffee bar on board and separate washrooms for men and women but take something warm, the air con can be chilly.