AZTECS AND MAYAN
The Aztec and the Mayan are the two most important ancient civilizations of Mexico. Join us on a journey that starts at the center the country visiting the great Aztec city of Teotihuacan; slowly descend through colonial cities of exceptional beauty unto the land of the Mayan, with impressive archeological sites and natural treasures. End this amazing adventure unwinding on the white sand beaches of the Mexican Caribbean.
Day 1: Mexico City-Transportation to selected hotel and dinner at the hotel.
-Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 2: Mexico City: Basilica and Teotihuacan-Tour of the Basilica of Guadalupe. Visit the most important pilgrimage church of Latin America where Our Lady of Guadalupe is worshipped. This impressive church can accommodate 20,000 people and it is visited by thousands of pilgrims throughout the year but especially on December 12th, the anniversary of the virgin.
-Guided visit to explore the great archaeological City of Teotihuacan (Place of the Gods) where you can visit the huge Sun and Moon pyramids, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Street of the Dead and its amazing well preserved murals.
-Overnight in Mexico City.
 Day 3: Mexico City Tour and Museums- The journey starts through the streets and colonial buildings of Mexico City. Admire the magnificent constructions that gave it the title of “City of the Palaces”. Tour the Cathedral with invaluable treasures in its interior; appreciate dexterity of the native’s creations of European ideas. We also take you to see The National Palace, where you can find the famous Diego Rivera’s murals. Later on we move on to the Museum of Anthropology museum and discover the history of Mexico through its archaeological exhibits.
-Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 4: Mexico City – Cañon del Sumidero-San Cristobal (56 km)-Transfer to the airport and arrival in Tuxtla Gutierrez the capital of the State of Chiapas.
- Visit famous Cañon del Sumidero formed by cliffs and currents that frame the affluence of this marvel of nature.
-Transfer to San Cristobal de las Casas, a little town that displays the great ethnic and cultural variety through its people culture and traditions.
-Overnight in San Cristobal.
 Day 5: San Cristobal- Zinacatan/San Juan Chamula (10 km one way)-Tour of San Cristobal’s streets to see the markets, churches and its quaint houses with baroque facades, flower gardens, tile roofs and balconies.
- Visit of the indigenous towns of Zinancantan and San Juan Chamula to have direct contact with the communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
-Overnight in San Cristobal.
Day 6: San Cristobal De Las Casas-Free day to explore more of San Cristobal de las Casas. Delight with the exquisite gastronomy, festive folklore and ancient legends and do some obligated shopping in the market full of colorful handicrafts.
- Overnight in San Cristobal.
 Day 7: San Cristobal – Agual Azul-Palenque (191 km)-Departure to Palenque on the way we have opportunity to visit the dazzling waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.
-Tour of the Archeological site of Palenque located in the heart of a rainforest. Admire the magical scenery of temples and buildings dating from the Classical period (400 - 700 AD). Among its most important buildings are The Palace, which is distinguished by its high tower that stands out from the rest of the building, the Temple of the Sun and The Temple of the Cross that surrounds the mysterious Temple of the Inscriptions with the tomb of King Pakal.
-Overnight in Palenque.
Day 8: Palenque-Yaxchilan-Bonampak- Palenque (140 km one way)-We head towards Yaxchilan and Bonampak. Travel by the river Usumacinta to meet with the magnificent city located in Yaxchilan in the heart of the Lacandona Forest. We then go to Bonampak, famous for the cool freezes that have lasted through hundreds of years.
- Return to Palenque to overnight.
 Day 9: Palenque – Campeche (354 km)- Depart from Palenque towards Campeche, a city with a glorious colonial past where the conquest of Yucatan began. Feel the magic of this fortified city that used to be haven for pirates, corsairs and filibusters.
- Overnight in Campeche.
Day 10: Campeche - Uxmal (154 km)-Tour of the City of Campeche, walk the streets, fortified center and admire the beautiful facades and architecture of the Government Palace, the main plaza and impressive Cathedral.
- Transfer and tour of the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, admire breathtaking constructions of the architect Puuc like the Nunnery, the House of the Turtles and the Governor’s palace, with exquisite facades carved in calcareous stone that overwhelms us with their splendor. The development of this site was on the early Classic period from (ad 200 to 600).
- Overnight in Uxmal.
 Day 11: Uxmal - Route Puuc – Merida (80km)- Journey through the Puuc Route, an archaeological zone full of the splendor of the Puuc architectural style. Explore ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by the impressive flora and fauna of this region.
-Our first stop will be Kabah a stunning Mayan site well known for its Palace of Chaac masks, with hundreds of carved mask of the rain god in its façade.
-Continue the Puuc Route and tour of Sayil, a small very well preserved archaeological site amongst hills. Here you can see one of the most beautiful Mayan structures, El Palacio, with 85 meter long façade and three stories tall. All the buildings of this amazing city display a very detailed construction.
- Depart and overnight in the beautiful city of Merida, capital of the State of Yucatan.
Day 12: Merida - Chichen Itza – Playa del Carmen (203 km)-Tour of the city of Merida, also known as “The White City” because of its colonial buildings made of limestone and quarry. This city was founded by Francisco Montejo in 1542 and it brings together art, tradition and culture.
-Departure to the religious Mayan city of Chichen Itza, considered as one of the modern 7 wonders. Follow us on a guided visit of the Castillo (The Pyramid of Kukulcan, The Tomb of the Big Oreist, El Caracol, The Temple of the Warriors and El Cenote Sagrado.
-Transfer and overnight in Playa Del Carmen.
 Day 13: Playa del Carmen-Free day to enjoy the cosmopolitan Playa del Carmen. Spend a lovely beach day and after sunset stroll down its famous 5ta Avenida (5th avenue), where you will find numerous restaurants, lounges, stores and clubs.
-Overnight.
Day 14: Playa Del Carmen-Free Day to do some diving or snorkeling, there are gorgeous places like underground caves and caverns, cenotes (sinkholes) with spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities. Another option for your free time in Playa del Carmen is to spend the day on the popular ecological parks of Xcaret or Xel-Ha.
- Overnight.
 Day 15: Playa Del Carmen-Free Day. You can go and spend another day by the beach, go shopping around the charming stores of La Quinta Avenida or take a ferry to visit Cozumel Island.
-Overnight.
Day 16: Playa Del Carmen – Cancun (68 km)-Private departure transportation to Cancun.
Included• Private Van Transportation
• Federal bilingual Park Guides. (English and Spanish)
• Breakfast and dinner every day.
• Rooms based on availability.
• Entrance to archaeological sites and fees.
• Entrance to parks and towns mentioned above. Not Included• Airfare
• Tips
• Food and Drinks not mentioned above.
• Entrance to other places and events not mentioned above.
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