- Explore the highlights of Mexico on our best-value Central American tour
- Discover lost civilisations & colourful Indian markets
- Chill out on the Caribbean coast, swimming & snorkelling

Mexico City & Oaxaca
Arriving in Mexico City, there's free time to visit the pyramids at Teotihuacan or the Anthropological museum (optional) or head downtown and soak up the buzzing atmosphere where colonial plazas compete for space between the modern city blocks. Taking a bus to Oaxaca, we head out to the spectacular hilltop site of Monte Alban and explore the incredibly well preserved temples and pyramids that made up this once important city.

Indian Mexico
Boarding the overnight bus we travel to San Cristobal. Boasting unrivalled colonial charm and at situated at 1,700m, the town's laid-back atmosphere is a refreshing break from the intense heat and bustle of the plains below. From here there's the chance to visit some of the surrounding villages that are renowned for the colourful markets and unusual traditions. Leaving refreshed we head to Palenque, perhaps one of the most remarkable sites of our trip - not just because of its unique style but also due to its stunning setting with plains on one side and jungle-covered hills on the other.

Yucatan & Caribbean
Heading north across the barren Yucatan Peninsula we arrive in Merida, capital of the region and known as the "White City". The city's attractive plazas and cool colonial buildings provide the perfect base from which to take a trip out to explore the nearby sites of Chichen Itza or Uxmal. After enjoying the sights of this eclectic place we travel to Playa del Carmen on the shores of the Caribbean. Here our final few days are spent relaxing on the beach, swimming and snorkelling in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Mexico City. Day 2 Mexico City A free day in this bustling capital affords us the chance to visit the imposing Teotihuacan Pyramids or the fascinating Anthropological Museum. Days 3/4 Oaxaca We journey to Oaxaca, the vibrant cultural centre of the region. We'll visit the spectacular hill-top site of Monte Alban and explore the colonial heart of the city. Later we take an overnight bus to San Cristobal. Days 5/6 San Cristobal A couple of free days here means we can explore the local markets and villages as well as kick back and relax. Days 7/8 Palenque Our journey continues to Palenque, home to the Maya site of the same name which you can explore (optional). We then take an overnight bus to Merida. Days 9/10 Merida & Chichen Itza Arriving in Merida there's time to wander through the colonial centre and take an optional trip to Chichen Itza. Days 11/13 Caribbean Coast Crossing the Yucatan Peninsula we arrive in Playa del Carmen where sandy beaches and turquoise seas await. Day 14 Tour ends in Playa del Carmen.

Accommodation: 11nts hotel; 2nts on overnight buses with reclining seats and a toilet. No meals included.
Transport: Public buses/Taxis.
Comment: A trip suitable for anyone of average fitness. There are 2 overnight bus journeys and as we use public transport, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are required to get the most from the trip. On this tour most activities have been left optional, so you have maximum flexibility to choose what to do each day. See dossier for details.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus some local guides.
Trip Reference: QMX