This exciting journey explores the fiery and mysterious land of the Aztecs and the Maya. From the uplands of Oaxaca to the jungles of Guatemala and the Yucatan.
Mexico City & Oaxaca
Our first days are spent in and around the Mexican capital, including an absorbing visit to the excellent anthropological museum. Then we drive to the colonial heart of Oaxaca. Here, on a high spur, is the ancient complex of Monte Alban - a mystical place of pyramids, terraces and strange rock carvings, a silent witness to one of Mexico's extraordinary civilisations which flourished long ago.
Indian Villages & "Mundo Maya"
From Chiapa del Corzo, we take a boat trip through the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, then drive up the mountain road to San Cristobal. Close by are villages inhabited by Indians whose old lifestyle has hardly changed. Stopping to swim in waterfalls en route, we continue to the exotic jungle site of Palenque, a perfect example of Mayan art and architecture. Then, travelling by road and riverboat, we see the fascinating and little-visited ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak before crossing to Guatemala. Here, we spend time at the major Mayan site of Tikal, exploring magnificent 20-storey high temples and pyramids, lost in a most amazing jungle setting.
Yucatan & Caribbean Extension
A short journey by boat from Belize City brings us to the Caribbean isle of Caye Caulker, off the Belize coast. Our visit to the cayes (coral islands) offer time for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. Crossing back into Mexico, we admire famous Mayan stone cities of Tulum, Uxmal and Chichen Itza - the ancient domain of Quetzalcoatl, the "Plumed Serpent" god. We also explore the traditional villages and fortress-churches of the Yucatan peninsula.
Itinerary:
Day1 Join Mexico City. 2 & 3 In Mexico City; visit Anthropology Museum and Teotihuacan Pyramids. 4 Drive Oaxaca. 5 In Oaxaca; visit Monte Alban. 6 Drive via Mitla to Chiapa del Corzo. 7 Visit Sumidero Canyon; continue to San Cristobal. 8 In San Cristobal; visit Indian villages. 9 Drive via Tonina and Agua Azul to Palenque. 10 Explore Palenque ruins. 11 Drive to Frontera Corozal; boat trip to Yaxchilan; return to Frontera. 12 Boat to Bethel; drive to Flores (GUA). 13 Full day visit Tikal. 14 Drive San Ignacio. 15 Drive Belize City; boat to Caye Caulker. 16 On Caye Caulker; swimming, optional snorkelling. 17 Fly to Corozal; cross border into Yucatan and drive Tulum; visit site. 18 Relax on beach; optional visit to COBA; drive to Piste. 19 Visit Chichen Itza; drive Merida. 20 In Merida; visit Uxmal site. 21 End Merida.
Accommodation: 13nts hotel, 1nt lodge; 1 breakfast & 1 dinner included. Yucatan & Caribbean Extension - plus 6nts hotel.
Transport:Bus/Riverboat/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: The journey between Mexico and Guatemala takes us through remote rainforest - we charter a launch as this is the only way to visit some of these ancient hidden Mayan sites.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: MXY
