Mexico’s Mayan Trail
| Resort: | Mexico’s Mayan Trail |
| Operator: | Titan Travel |
| Destination: | Caribbean and Central America |
| Price From: | £3095.00 |
OverviewEmerald 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. Our comprehensive tour will have you reaching for your sombrero as we comb through spectacular Mayan sites, uncovering the history of Mexicos ancient people – the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and Aztecs – and the influence of Spanish settlers. Whats Included
15 excursions and visits
Plus
 Day 1 – UK – Mexico City Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Mexico City. On arrival, our coach will transfer us to our hotel, for our three-night stay. Hotel Historico Central, Mexico City (4-star) Day 2 – Mexico City Cosmopolitan and cultured, Mexico City is a true melting pot of all cultures and classes. The city proudly showcases both ancient civilisation and modern city life. Well waste no time in getting to know this city sprawl on our tour, which takes us to the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace with its famous collection of murals illustrating the history of Mexico. Later, therell be plenty of time to soak up the treasures of the National Museum of Anthropology – one of the top attractions the city has to offer and an introduction to the sights that await us later in the holiday. Excursions & visits: City tour of Mexico City (morning) Hotel Historico Central, Mexico City (4-star) Day 3 – Teotihuacan – Guadalupe Today well uncover Teotihuacan, one of the most important Aztec sites in Mexico and also one of the most impressive. The ruins of Teotihuacan are vast and spread over a large distance. Youll have time to wander, walk the Avenue of the Dead (the walkway running between the pyramids) and view the magnificent 70-metre-high Sun Pyramid, which can be climbed for a breathtaking view. After our explorations we return to our hotel in Mexico City, visiting the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe en route to view the image of the miraculous Virgin Maria. Excursions & visits: Visit the ruins of Teotihuacan (morning) Hotel Historico Central, Mexico City (4-star) Day 4 – Puebla Today we travel to Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexicos best-preserved Spanish colonial treasures. The city retains a fantastically well-preserved centre, boasting a beautiful cathedral and a wealth of pretty churches. Well soak it all up on a city tour when we arrive, then youll have the afternoon to explore the many squares. Excursions & visits: City tour of Puebla (morning) NH Puebla Centro Histrico (3.5-star) Day 5 – Oaxaca Our destination today is Oaxaca. Steeped in history, Oaxaca was pronounced a city by King Carlos V of Spain in 1532. Bursting with colonial charm, its easy to fall in love with this intensely attractive city. Handsome, tranquil streets pulsate with regional flavour and lead to a puzzle of plazas and squares – perfect for getting lost in. But first, well take a brief walking tour of the central district. Excursions & visits: Walking tour in Oaxaca (afternoon) Hostal de la Noria, Oaxaca (4-star) Day 6 – Monte Alban We 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. We view the ruins of buildings dating between AD 250-800; however, the origins can be traced as far back as 500 BC when Monte Alban was first settled. Over 180 tombs have been discovered here so far. Following our arrival back into Oaxaca the afternoon is at leisure to explore as you wish. Excursions & visits: Visit Monte Alban (morning) Hostal de la Noria, Oaxaca (4-star) Day 7 – Tehuantepec Our 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 2,000 years old, with a circumference of over 50m. We 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. We travel on to Teotitlan del Valle, a village famous for its locally made rugs and blankets. Later we drive to Tehuantepec for an overnight stay. Excursions & visits: Visit Tule Tree, Mitla and Teotitlan del Valle (all day) Hotel One Salina Cruz, Tehuantepec (3-star) Day 8 – San Cristobal This morning we travel by road to Tuxtla Gutierrez where for a boat tour along the Grijalva River and through the impressive Sumidero Canyon. Then, well continue to San Cristobal de las Casas for a two-night stay. Excursions & visits: Sumidero Canyon boat cruise (afternoon) Casa Vieja Hotel, San Cristobal (4-star) Day 9 – San Juan Chamula – Zinacantan This morning well discover the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, where we gain an insight into the lives of the local communities. The people of both these communities are Tzotzil. In San Juan, youll see the locals dressed in the traditional homespun white wool tunics. In Zinacantan, the dress is more vivid with pink and purple shawls and embroidered blouses – perhaps to reflect the art of flower growing, which the people here are particularly good at. This afternoon well enjoy a walking tour of well-preserved colonial San Cristobal, where well be staying for the night. Excursions & visits: Visit to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan (morning) Casa Vieja Hotel, San Cristobal (4-star) Day 10 – Palenque This morning we leave San Cristobal behind as we journey for the city of Palenque. Our scenic route takes us past stunning vistas of forested valleys before arriving at Palenque. Chan-Kah Resort Village, Palenque (3.5-star) |
