Highlights Of Mexico

Highlights Of Mexico
This introduction to the captivating culture of Mexico takes you from the vibrant streets of its cosmopolitan
capital and into the jungles of the Chiapas Highlands, before ending amongst the fascinating ruins and golden
beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. Along the way you will take in colonial grandeur and Aztec ruins,
indigenous cultures and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central America. Mexico is a land of
remarkable contrasts, so what better place to begin than one of the largest cities on the planet. You’ll visit
Mexico City’s remarkable Anthropology Museum and tour its historic World Heritage centre, before moving on
to the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan and the colonial elegance of San Cristobal. After enjoying the spectacular
landscapes of the Sumidero Canyon, Palenque then provides some of the most important Mayan sites
anywhere in the Americas. Flying on to the Yucatan Peninsula you’ll then explore the beautiful Spanish
architecture of Merida and the famous ruins of Chichen Itza, considered by many to be a masterpiece of
Mesoamerican design, before ending your adventure on the idyllic beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Highlights
Explore the rich heritage of Latin America’s largest city
Soak up the abundant colonial charms of San Cristobal
Discover the spectacular jungle ruins of Palenque
Unearth the breathtaking Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula
Relax on the world class sands of the Mayan Riviera
Tour Includes:
13 nights in mid-range accommodation
Two domestic flights in economy class
13 breakfasts
Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private or shared basis
Sightseeing programme including some entrance fees
Private guided transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Upon arrival in Mexico City you will be met at the airport and escorted to
your hotel. One of the world's great metropolises, Mexico City is a
fascinating blend of Aztec culture, colonial grandeur and modern
excess, all packaged together amidst a chaotic cacophony of sights and
sounds. Lying in the shadow of two towering volcanoes, the city is home
to two World Heritage Sites and a National Museum of Anthropology that
is considered one of the finest in the world.
Day 2: Mexico City
Today you will discover a little of the capital's rich culture heritage, as you explore the historic city centre and
world renowned National Anthropology Museum on full day private tour. In the company of an expert guide,
you will begin with a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, home to one of the largest Mesoamerican
collections in the world. After paying special attention to the Aztec and Maya rooms, you'll then move on to
the city's stunning Centro Historico, where the famous 'Zocalo' is flanked by the spectacular architecture of the
Palacio Nacional and the Metropolitan Cathedral. (B)
Day 3: Mexico City
Departing the bustling capital this morning, you will head to the renowned Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan, the
mysterious 'City of the Gods', whose famous Sun & Moon pyramids are the largest outside Egypt. A UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Teotihuacan was once one of the most powerful cultural centres in Mesoamerica and
your guide will explain its origins and its place amongst Mexico's fascinating and multilayered pre-Columbian
past. (B)
Day 4: Mexico City - San Cristobal de las Casas
You will take a private transfer to the airport this morning for your flight
on to Tuxtla Gutierrez, from where you will continue to the picturesque
colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas. Located in the Central
highlands of Chiapas, the journey takes you by way of the ruins of
Chiapa de Corzo and on to the spectacular landscapes of the Sumidero
Canyon. There will be time to enjoy a boat ride on the lakes, with a
chance to spot crocodiles, spider monkeys and herons, before
completing the journey through the highlands to your hotel. (B)
Day 5: San Cristobal de las Casas
Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, San Cristobal lies at the centre of a landscape steeped in Maya
culture. Its white stucco walls and cobbled street hide a wealth of lovingly restored colonial grandeur and
today you will embark on a guided journey through its historic heart. You will also pay a visit to the indigenous
towns of San Juan Chamula and San Lorenzo Zincantan, famed for their unusual religious traditions, which
include a penchant for drinking Coca Cola to ward off evil spirits. (B)
Day 6: San Cristobal de las Casas - Palenque
Crossing the southern Sierra Madre range this morning, you will
descend from the highland forests and journey into the steamy jungle
lowlands of Palenque. This beautiful natural setting is teeming with
wildlife and the limestone sedimentation causes the network of streams
and waterfalls to turn a dazzling aquamarine blue during the dry season.
A break in the journey offers a chance to hike up the river in search of a
private swimming hole before continuing on to Palenque, arriving early
this evening. (B)
Day 7: Palenque
Located close to the Usumancinta River, Palenque is blessed with some of the finest Maya architecture in
Mexico. An early start this morning takes you first to the hidden forest ruins of Bonampak, famous for the
superb mural paintings that occupy its main temple. Continuing on to Yaxchitlan, you then explore one of the
least visited and most impressive sites in the Mayan world. Renowned for its detailed facades and stone
lintels, the ruins sit amongst lush jungle and the haunting cries of howler monkeys transport us back to the
world of the Maya. Return to Palenque at the end of the visit. (B)
Day 8: Palenque - Villahermosa
After breakfast this morning you will be treated to a private tour of the magnificent ruins of Palenque, one of
the most famous archaeological sites anywhere in the Americas. Engulfed by rainforest and occupying a high
escarpment, the city was an important administrative centre during the height of the Mayan Empire. Home to
the high priest Pacal, whose spectacular jade death mask remains one of the most prized Mayan artefacts
ever unearthed, the ruins and palaces span a period of some 900 years. Following the visit you will transfer
the short distance to Villahermosa for the evening. (B)
Day 9: Villahermosa - Merida
An early afternoon flight takes you on to Merida, the cultural hub of the
Yucatan Peninsula. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in the Americas, Merida is filled with a stunning collection
of Spanish-Moorish architecture and has one of the largest historical
centres in Central America. After a chance to freshen up, you'll take a
brief private tour of its historic heart, taking in the main square, the
cathedral and the impressive 'Monument to the Fatherland'. (B)
Day 10: Merida
Some 78 kilometres to the south of Merida lie the spectacular ruins of Uxmal, home to some of the most
stunning examples of Puuc-style architecture in the Americas. Today's tour takes in these beautifully
preserved ruins, including the dominating presence of the Pyramid of the Magician, perhaps one of the finest
pieces of Mayan architecture in the country. This afternoon you will then visit Kabah, famed for its 'Palace of
the Chaac Masks', whose facade is decorated with hundreds of stone masks of the rain god, Chaac. (B)
Day 11: Merida - Tulum
Your journey to the coast takes you via Chichen Itza, one of the most
important archaeological sites in Central America. A masterpiece of
Mesoamerican design, it lay at the heart of Mayan culture for nearly
1,000 years. Famed for its intricately designed Castillo Pyramid, this
awe-inspiring setting played a significant role in pre-Columbian history,
bringing Mayan and Toltec cultures together in one astonishing
collection of temples and palaces. Following a guided tour of the site
you'll then stop for a swim at a cenote, before continuing on to the
sleepy coastal town of Tulum. (B)
Day 12: Tulum
Occupying a craggy cliff face along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum was one of the last
cities to be built by the Mayans. Certainly the most interesting archeological site on the Mayan Riviera, it
survived well into the years that followed the Spanish invasion. One of the best preserved of the Maya coastal
site, it is surrounded by five metre high walls that measure up to eight metres thick. It served as a major port
for the city of Cobá, whose nearby ruins occupy a largely unexcavated site that you will also have an
opportunity to visit today. (B)
Day 13: Tulum
Today offers a chance to enjoy the white limestone beaches and warm azure waters around Tulum. (B)
Day 14: Tulum - Cancun
Your Mexican adventure ends with a private transfer to Cancun airport. (B)
Accommodation
Mexico City
Best Western Majestic
San Cristobal
Casa Morada
Palenque
Chan-Kah Resort Village
Villahermosa
Best Western Madan
Merida
Casa Del Balam
Tulum
Ana Y Jose