Mundo Maya
Duration: 27 days
From: AUD $5465
Product Type: Tailored Tours
Region: Mexico
Countries Visited: Guatemala, Mexico
Locations: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Flores, Tikal, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Playa del Carmen
General Info
The Mayan civilisation was one of the most advanced of its time, renowned for its art, architecture, writing & mathematical systems and astronomical calendar. Join us on this overland tour exploring the remnants of this fascinating culture- meet the descendants of Mayan people with their distinctive traditions and beliefs, explore the many spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Listed ruins of ancient Mayan cities and soak up the local culture through the wonderful food, art & music.
Itinerary
Day 1 Mexico City
Arrive Mexico City & transfer to your hotel
Day 2 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 3 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. (B)
Day 4 Mexico City/Puebla
Depart overland for Puebla, past towering snow-capped volcanoes. Famous for its hand painted ‘talavera’ tiles & ceramics, Puebla’s tiled streets, fountains and plazas are a constant reminder of this famous craft. (B)
Day 5 Puebla/Oaxaca
Take a taxi to the bus terminal this morning for a short ride to Oaxaca, encircled by the Sierra Mountains and former centre of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. (B)
Day 6 Oaxaca
Half day tour to the ruins of Monte Alban with its exquisite architecture and unique stone mosaics. (B)
Day 7 Oaxaca
Day at leisure to relax and explore. Ask us about optional cooking classes. (B)
Day 8 Oaxaca/Tehuantepec
Depart by coach for Tehuantepec, located on the river & isthmus of the same name. Arrive & take a taxi to your hotel with the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 9 Tehuantepec/San Cristobal
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 10 San Cristobal
Full day tour visiting the native villages of Chamula and Zinacantan. These living Mayan communities conserve ancient traditions which are still kept alive today. (B)
Day 11 San Cristobal
Day at leisure to relax and explore this charming city (B)
Day 12 San Cristobal/Lake Atitlan
Private transfer to the border town of La Mesilla this morning where you will meet our Guatemalan tour operator and continue with them to the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. (B)
Day 13 Lake Atitlan
Private full day tour to the famous market of Chichicastenango, one of the most colourful and vibrant markets in Latin America, with lunch included. (BL)
Day 14 Lake Atitlan
Day at leisure to relax and explore. (B)
Day 15 Lake Atitlan/Antigua
After breakfast we transfer to the stunning colonial city of Antigua. This afternoon you’ll have a private walking tour of the most important sites, including the Cathedral, National Palace & San Francisco Church. (B)
Day 16 Antigua
Day at leisure to relax and explore (B)
Day 17 Antigua/Flores
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Flores; on arrival transfer to hotel. Sunset tour Yaxha Ruins, set amongst lush jungle foliage. Enjoy the sights and sounds of howler and spider monkeys as well as many colorful tropical birds as you explore the ruins. (B)
Day 18 Flores
Full day tour UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tikal National Park, where Mayan Temples rise above the jungle canopy. (BL)
Day 19 Flores/Palenque
Private transfer to the border town of Bethel where you will meet our Mexican tour operator and continue traveling overland to Palenque. En route enjoy a tour of Bonampak ruins, set deep in the Lacondon Jungle. (B)
Day 20 Palenque
Half day tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque, built on the fringe of the Chiapas Jungle. Afternoon at leisure to relax by your hotel pool. (BL)
Day 21 Palenque/Campeche
Private transfer to Camepche this morning, with the afternoon at leisure.
Day 22 Campeche/Merida
Depart for Merida this morning, with a visit to the magnificent ruins of Uxmal (‘three times built’) en route. A World Heritage site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatán. (B)
Day 23 Merida
Day at leisure to relax and explore (B)
Day 24 Merida/Playa Del Carmen
Full day tour travelling across the Yucatán Peninsula from Mérida to Playa del Carmen, with a tour of the spectacular ruins of Chichén Itzá along the way. (BL)
Day 25 Playa Del Carmen
Day at leisure to relax and explore (B)
Day 26 Playa Del Carmen
Day at leisure to relax and explore (B)
Day 27 Playa Del Carmen/Cancun
Transfer to the airport in Cancun for your onwards flight. (B)
Prices
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| First Class | $5465 |
Departs Tuesdays & Saturdays with a minimum of two passengers
Economy Class air tickets Guatemala City/ Flores are included; for all other airfare costs please contact a Contours Travel representative for a quote
Enquire Now
* Required
HIGHLIGHTS
- Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and gaze over Teotihuacan Ruins
- Explore Mexico City's historic centre
- Admire the talavera tiles & ceramics of Puebla
- 3 nights in gorgeous Oaxaca, the jewel in Mexico's colonial crown
- Visit the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan in San Cristobal
- Stay on the shores of Lake Atitlan, with stunning views of surrounding volcanoes
- Bargain at Chichcastenango Market, one of Central America's most colourful!
- Walking tour of Antigua
- Sunset tour of Yaxha Ruins, set amongst lush jungle foliage
- Full day exploring Tikal, one of the most magnificent Mayan ruins
- UNESCO World Heritage Listed ruins of Palenque
- Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed ruins of Uxmal
- See the Yucatan's most renowned ruins of Chichen Itza
- End the tour with a relaxing three nights in the coastal town of Playa del Carmen
INCLUSIONS
- 26 nights First Class accommodation
- Transfers to/ from hotels with English speaking guides (*Note: passengers must take taxis on day 5 and 8)
- All overland transportation in air conditioned vehicles
- All touring as indicated with local entrance fees and English speaking guides
- Air tickets Guatemala City/ Flores
- Daily breakfast & other meals as per the itinerary
