Ancient Civilizations

This is our most comprehensive tour in Mexico and Central America. Having explored Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan we discover the delights of Puebla and Oaxaca. From Monte Alban we visit the ruins of the Zapotec capital before continuing southward to the town of San Cristobal, complete with its traditional Indian communities. The magnificent Palenque Mayan ruins are next and then comes the Yucatan Peninsula with stops in Merida and the Mayan sites of Uxmal and Chichen Itza. Having discovered ritzy Cancun and the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean we continue via the stunning seaside ruins of Tulum to Tikal, deep in the Guatemalan jungle. The final part of our journey takes us to Antigua and the beautiful Guatemalan Highland towns of Panajachel and Chichicastenango - home to one of the most colourful weekend markets in Central America.

Highlights

Mexico City

Teotihuacan Ruins

Puebla

Oaxaca

Monte Alban

Chiapa de Corzo

San Cristobal

Palenque

Merida

Uxmal

Cancun

Tulum Ruins

Tikal Mayan Ruins

Antigua Guatemala

Lake Atitlan

Panajachel

Chichicastenango

Itinerary:

Day 1-2 (Sun) Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in colonial centre.3 Excursion to Teotihuacan ruins. 4 Drive to Oaxaca via the beautiful town of Puebla.5-6 Explore Oaxaca and Monte Alban. Drive to Chiapa de Corzo.7-8 Visit Sumidero and continue to San Cristobal. Explore town and surrounding Indian villages.9-10 Drive to Palenque, visit waterfalls and Mayan jungle ruins. Continue to Campeche.11-12 Continue to Merida. Explore city and Uxmal ruins.13-14 Drive to lively Cancun on the Caribbean, visiting magnificent Chichen Itza ruins en route.15-16 Visit Mayan ruins of Tulum on the Carribean and continue via Chetumal to Flores in Guatemala.17 Explore the stunning Tikal ruins deep in the Guatemalan jungle.18-20 Drive to Antigua de Guatemala and explore one of Central America's most beautiful towns.21 Discover Lake Atitlan and Panajachel in the Guatemalan Highlands.22 Return to Antigua via the Sunday market at Chichicastenango.23 Trip ends after breakfast this morning (Mon).
Included: Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Airport departure tax, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 22 breakfasts
Valid From: 01 Jan 09
Notes: Public Holiday InconveniencesPlease be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, most museums also tend to be closed on Mondays.
Starts/Ends: Mexico City to Antigua
Trip Reference: PSAV