- Explore some of the very best Aztec and Mayan sites
- Experience the local life and colour of Indian villages
- Discover little-explored sites, hidden by rainforest
- Unwind on the Caribbean & journey across the Yucatan

Mexico City & Oaxaca
Our first days are spent in and around the Mexican capital, including an absorbing visit to the excellent anthropological museum. Then we drive to the colonial heart of Oaxaca. Here, on a high spur, is the ancient complex of Monte Alban - a mystical place of pyramids, terraces and strange rock carvings, a silent witness to one of Mexico's extraordinary civilisations which flourished long ago.

Indian Villages & "Mundo Maya"
From Chiapa del Corzo, we take a boat trip through the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, then drive up the mountain road to San Cristobal. Close by are villages inhabited by Indians whose old lifestyle has hardly changed. Stopping to swim in waterfalls en route, we continue to the exotic jungle site of Palenque, a perfect example of Mayan art and architecture. Then, travelling by road and riverboat, we see the fascinating and little-visited ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak before crossing to Guatemala. Here, we spend time at the major Mayan site of Tikal, exploring magnificent 20-storey high temples and pyramids, lost in a most amazing jungle setting.

Yucatan & Caribbean Extension
A short journey by boat from Belize City brings us to the Caribbean isle of Caye Caulker, off the Belize coast. Our visit to the cayes (coral islands) offer time for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. Crossing back into Mexico, we admire famous Mayan stone cities of Tulum, Uxmal and Chichen Itza - the ancient domain of Quetzalcoatl, the "Plumed Serpent" god. We also explore the traditional villages and fortress-churches of the Yucatan peninsula.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join tour in Mexico City. Days 2/3 Mexico City Two full days to explore the capital's many sights, including the incredible museum. Days 4/5 Oaxaca From the charming colonial city of Oaxaca, we'll tour the ancient complex of Monte Alban - a mystical place of pyramids, terraces and strange rock carvings. Days 6 Chiapa del Corzo We continue via some little-visited sites to Chiapa del Corzo. Days 7/8 San Cristobal After a boat trip through the spectacular Sumidero Canyon we head to San Cristobal. With colonial and Indian influences, the atmospheric town is a perfect base for discovering local Mexican culture. Days 9/10 Palenque Stopping to swim in waterfalls en route, we continue to the exotic jungle site of Palenque, a perfect example of Mayan art. Days 11/12 Remote sites and rainforest Taking in the little-visited sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilan, we continue through the rainforest by boat and bus into Guatemala. Day 13 Tikal The major Mayan site of Tikal is a highlight of our trip. We explore magnificent 20-storey high temples and pyramids, lost in a most amazing jungle setting. Day 14 San Ignacio We drive here today.Days 15/16 Caya Caulker At Caye Caulker we enjoy a tropical island paradise and time to swim, explore or just relax. Days 17/18 Caribbean Coast We explore the perched ruins of Tulum and enjoy some beach time before continuing to Piste. Day 19 Chichen Itza Chichen Itza remains one of the most outstanding sites in the Americas with astonishing sculptures adorning the temples and pyramids. After our tour we drive to Merida. Day 20 Merida We tour the beautiful ruins of Uxmal and have time to enjoy charming Merida. Day 21 Tour ends in Merida.

Accommodation: 13nts hotel, 1nt basic lodge; 1 breakfast & 1 dinner included. Yucatan & Caribbean Extension - plus 6nts hotel.
Transport: Bus/Riverboat.
Comment: We cover a long distance overland on this trip so please be prepared for some long days on the bus.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: MXY2010