Ancient Cultures

General Info

Join us on this overland trip through Mexico’s history- Olmecs, Zapotecs, Toltecs, Mayas and Aztecs have all left their imprint on the modern face of this fascinating country. Visit the colonial gems of Puebla and Oaxaca and indulge in some of Mexico’s finest cuisine before diving into the history and mysterious beauty of Monte Alban, Palenque, Uxmal and Chichen Itza ruins.

Itinerary

Day 1 Mexico City

Arrival transfer airport to hotel in Mexico City

Day 2 Mexico City

Full day tour to the Teotihuacan Ruins to see the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Visit the Plaza of Three Cultures and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe en route and return to your hotel this afternoon. (B)

Day 3 Mexico City

Half day tour of Mexico City’s highlights, including the Zocalo, Cathedral, National Palace, Tenochtitlan and the world renowned Museum of Anthropology. (B)

Day 4 Mexico City

Full day tour to Taxco, a quaint colonial cobblestoned town famed for its silverware. En route we visit Cuernavaca, city of the eternal spring, with its imposing Palace of Cortes & Cathedral. (B)

Day 5 Mexico City/Puebla

Depart overland for Puebla, past towering snow-capped volcanoes. Famous for its hand painted ‘talavera’ tiles & ceramics, Puebla’s tiled streets, churches, balconies, fountains and plazas are a constant reminder of this famous craft. (B)

Day 6 Puebla/Oaxaca

Short bus ride across the altiplano to Oaxaca, encircled by the Sierra Mountains. Oaxaca was once the centre of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. (B)

Day 7 Oaxaca

Half day tour to the ruins of Monte Alban with its exquisite architecture and unique stone mosaics. (B)

Day 8 Oaxaca

Day at leisure to relax and explore. Ask us about optional cooking classes. (B)

Day 9 Oaxaca/Tehuantepec

Depart by coach for Tehuantepec, located on the river & isthmus of the same name. Arrive & transfer to hotel with the evening at leisure. (B)

Day 10 Tehuantepec /San Cristobal

Coach to Tuxtla this morning & private transfer to San Cristobal via the Sumidero Canyon. Enjoy a boat ride through the Grijalva River to view the impressive canyon, over 1000m high. (B)

Day 11 San Cristobal

This morning we visit the colourful market, the museum and the native villages of Chamula and Zinacantan. These living Mayan communities conserve ancient traditions which are still kept alive today. (B)

Day 12 San Cristobal/Palenque

This morning continue to Agua Azul waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon we continue to Palenque and overnight. (B)

Day 13 Palenque/Campeche

Half day tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque, built on the fringe of the Chiapas Jungle. Transfer overland to Campeche this afternoon and overnight. (BL)

Day 14 Campeche/Merida

Depart for Merida this morning, with a visit to the ruins of Uxmal (‘three times built’) en route. As a World Heritage site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatán, and certainly one of the most magnificent. After our tour we continue to Mérida and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. (B)

Day 15 Merida

Full day tour Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Board a boat traveling through mangroves to see flocks of flamingos and perhaps catch a glimpse of the armadillos, alligators and deer that inhabit the reserve. (B)

Day 16 Merida/Playa Del Carmen

Full day tour travelling across the Yucatán Peninsula from Mérida to Cancún, with a tour of the spectacular ruins of Chichén Itzá along the way. Lunch is included in today’s tour.(BL)

Day 17 Playa Del Carmen

Day at leisure to relax and explore (B)

Day 18 Playa Del Carmen/Cancun

Transfer to the airport for your onwards flight or ask us about extending your stay on the Yucutan Peninsula.

Prices

Description	Price
First Class	$2345

Rates per person, twin share, low season

Guaranteed departures every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
Please note that airfares Oaxaca/ Tuxtla Gutierrez are not included- contact Contours Travel for current specials

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