Mexicos Mayan TrailMexico, North America

Emerald jungles, sapphire-blue waters and powdery white sands meet towering ancient temples and colonial towns in the captivating country of Mexico. But a trip here is just as much about its fascinating history and culture as its idyllic landscapes. Your comprehensive tour will have you reaching for your sombrero as you comb through spectacular Mayan sites, uncovering the history of Mexico’s ancient people - the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and Aztecs - and the influence of Spanish settlers.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

14 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

14 meals: 14 breakfasts (days 2-15)

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

15 excursions and visits

Tours of Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal and Campeche

Visits to the ruins of Teotihuacan; Monte Alban; Tule Tree, Mitla & Teotitlan Del Valle; San Juan Chamula; Zinacantan; ruins of Palenque; Kabah & Uxmal; Convent of San Antonio de Padua; Chichen Itza

Sumidero Canyon boat cruise

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Mexico City

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Mexico City. On arrival your coach will transfer you to the Hotel Historico Central (4-star) or Hotel Zócalo Central (4-star) for a three-night stay.

Day 2 Mexico City

With a population of over 20 million, vast Mexico City spreads through an immense valley nearly 7,500ft above sea level. A true melting pot of all cultures and classes, the city showcases both ancient civilisation and modern city life. After breakfast you’ll begin a city tour, which will include exploration of the Metropolitan Cathedral, which stands at the huge Zocalo, together with the National Palace with its famous collection of murals highlighting the history of Mexico. Later you’ll make an extensive visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the premier attractions the city has to offer and an introduction into sights to be seen later in the holiday.

Day 3 Teotihuacan - Guadalupe

Following breakfast, you’ll depart for your splendid day at Teotihuacan, one of the most important Aztec sites in Mexico and also one of the most impressive. The ruins of Teotihuacan are spread over a large distance and activities here include a walk along the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ and to view of the magnificent 70-metre-high Sun Pyramid, which can be climbed for a breathtaking view. After your explorations you’ll return to your hotel in Mexico City, visiting the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe en route to view the image of the miraculous Virgin Maria.

Day 4 Mexico City - Puebla

Today you’ll travel to Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s best-preserved Spanish colonial treasures. On arrival you will have a walking tour of the historical city centre and afterwards there will be free time for lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants that surround the main square. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this wonderful city at your own pace. You’ll stay for one night at the NH Puebla Centro Histórico (3.5-star).

Day 5 Puebla - Oaxaca

You’ll depart Puebla today and head to your next destination Oaxaca, steeped in history and pronounced a city by King Carlos V of Spain in 1532. This afternoon you’ll take a brief walking tour of the central district to help acquaint ourselves to this beautiful city. You’ll stay for two nights at the Hostal de la Noria (4-star).

Day 6 Monte Alban - Oaxaca

You’ll begin the day at Monte Alban, the most important archaeological site in Oaxaca and arguably one of the most outstanding with a fabulous mountaintop location. You’ll view the ruins of buildings dating between AD 250-800, which include a ball court and pyramids; however, the origins can be traced back to 500 BC when Monte Alban was first settled. Over 180 tombs have been discovered here so far. Following your arrival back into Oaxaca the afternoon is at leisure to explore as you wish.

Day 7 Oaxaca - Tehuantepec

Your day starts at Santa Maria del Tule to view the famous Tule Tree, located in the atrium of the Santa Maria de la Asuncion temple and thought to be over 2000 years old, with a circumference of over 50 metres. You’ll continue to Mitla, where the Zapotecas believed the dead came to find their last resting place. Many of the buildings here are festooned with beautiful fretwork. You’ll travel on to Teotitlan del Valle, a village famous for its locally made rugs and blankets. Later you’ll drive to Tehuantepec for an overnight stay at the Hotel One Salina Cruz (3-star).

Day 8 Tehuantepec - San Cristobal

This morning you’ll travel by road to Tuxtla Gutierrez where you’ll join your included boat tour along the Grijalva River and through the impressive Sumidero Canyon. Later, you’ll continue to San Cristobal de las Casas where you’ll stay for two nights at the Casa Vieja Hotel (4-star) or Casa Mexicana (4-star).

Day 9 San Juan Chamula - Zinacantan

After breakfast you’ll visit the renowned Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, where you’ll gain an insight into the lives of the local communities. This afternoon you’ll take a walking tour of San Cristobal.

Day 10 San Cristobal - Palenque

This morning you’ll depart San Cristobal for the city of Palenque. Your route takes us past stunning vistas of forested valleys before arriving at Palenque in time for a late lunch. Your hotel this evening is the Ciudad Real (3.5-star) or Chan-Kah Resort Village (3.5-star).

Day 11 Palenque

Today you’ll make an extensive visit to the ruins of Palenque in their mysterious jungle setting, which at its height in AD 600-700 was ruled by a dynasty of kings and queens. When belief in the system was lost, the city crumbled, only to be re-discovered in 1785. While the site itself is large, the majority of the city is still as yet unexcavated, buried in the surrounding jungle. Following plenty of time to explore you’ll return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to relax.

Day 12 Palenque - Campeche

Leaving Palenque behind, you’ll travel to the coastal city of Campeche, which was founded in the 1540s and was the main port for the Spanish in the Yucatan, who built huge fortifications to protect their goods from piracy. This afternoon you’ll enjoy an orientation of the city and visit the Fuerte de San Miguel Museum. This evening you’ll stay at the Hotel Plaza Campeche (4-star).

Day 13 Campeche - Kabah - Uxmal - Merida

Your first stop today is at the semi restored site of Kabah, to view the huge array of sculptures illustrating the rain god Chac, with its characteristic long nose. A short drive then takes us to the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal where you’ll visit many temples, the Pyramid of the Wizard and the Quadrangle of the Nunnery and take time to view the intricate bas-relief stonework. Your day finishes at the white city of Merida on the northwest coast of the Yucatan peninsula. You’ll stay at the Hotel El Castellano, Gamma by Fiesta Inn (4-star).

Day 14 Merida - Toledo - Chichen Itza

You’ll make the journey to Chichen Itza today, one of the largest and most famous Mayan sites in the world. Along the way you’ll stop in Toledo, to visit the 16th-century Convent of San Antonio de Padua. On arrival in Chichen Itza, you’ll stay at The Villas Arqueologicas (4-star) or Mayaland Hotel (4-star), located within walking distance of the ruins.

Day 15 Chichen Itza - Cancun - In flight

You’ll make a sunrise visit to Chichen Itza, a site that showcases some of the best Mayan architecture including the 24m-high Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Temple of the Warriors and the largest ball court found to date. You’ll also visit the 22m-deep Sacred Cenote, a well where over 50 skeletons have been found. You’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and later in the day, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 16 UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Important information about your destination

Please note: • 31 October 2020 and 30 October 2021 are special departures with additional inclusions for Mexico’s Day of the Dead Festival - please call for details. • This tour includes areas of high altitude and customers that may be concerned about this are recommended to consult their doctor. A significant amount of walking is involved, sometimes in areas of rough terrain and, as many must-see and memorable visits are included, you should expect typical days to be early starts and early evening arrivals at hotels. • The journey from San Cristobal to Palenque on day 10 may take an alternative route, depending on local conditions.

Mexicos Mayan Trail is located in Mexico, North America. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 04/04/2020