An introduction to Aztec, Zapotec and Mayan cultures, visiting magnificent Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, travel through the centuries by road and river, via lakes, valleys and colonial towns
Mexico City - 2 nights
Puebla - 1 night
Oaxaca - 2 nights
Tehuantepec - 1 night
San Cristóbal de las Casas - 2 nights
Panajachel - 2 nights
Antigua - 2 nights
Copán - 1 night
Puerto Barrios - 1 night
El Remate/Flores - 2 nights
Palenque - 1 night
Campeche - 1 night
Chichén Itzá - 1 night
Cancún - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
Journey from Central America’s earliest civilisations to its colonial and contemporary towns and cities linked by timeless landscapes. Eras intertwine in Mexico City, with its Aztec temple and Spanish baroque Metropolitan Cathedral. In Puebla’s colonial core, a flourishing art scene complements 17th-century façades. Oaxaca, with pre-Columbian ruins exudes an authentic Mexican air; while Tehuantepec is the hub of Zapotec culture, where women still wear traditional dress. Honduras is home to a hundred hectares of pyramids and plazas in UNESCO listed Copán; and in Guatemala, lakeside Panajachel is living Mayan culture; Antigua has mostly restored what nature destroyed, and even the parts preserved as ruins are beautiful; and Lake Petén Itza is the gateway to Flores and Tikal relics.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
12 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Experience a unique Mayan ceremony in the outskirts of Chichicastenango in Guatemala. A priest or spiritual Mayan guide request good harvests, protection, health and money in return for offerings brought such as candles, chocolate, honey and tobacco.
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Mexico City. Transfer to the 3-star Hotel Royal Reforma for two nights.
Day 2 Visit the Coyoacán colonial quarter, Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco Floating Gardens. (B)
Day 3 City tour includes the Anthropology Museum. Visit Teotihuacán Pyramids. Continue to Puebla for overnight at the 3-star Colonial Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Puebla city tour. Travel to Oaxaca (4 hrs) and visit the botanical cactus gardens en route. Two nights at the 3-star Hotel Mision. (B)
Day 5 Visit Monte Alban and Oaxaca. (B)
Day 6 Visit Mitla and a Mezcal distillery. Continue to Tehuantepec for overnight at the 3-star Hotel Calli. (B)
Day 7 Drive to the Sumidero Canyon (5 hrs) and take a boat trip. Continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Casa Mexicana. (B)
Day 8 City tour of San Cristóbal de las Casas and visit the local Maya. (B)
Day 9 Travel to the border, then Panajachel (8 hrs) for two nights at the 3-star Regis Hotel or Jardines del Lago Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Boat excursion on Lake Atitlán visiting a village of the living Maya. (B)
Day 11 Visit Chichicastenango market and Santo Tomás Church. Special Event. Spend two nights in Antigua at the 3-star Hotel Las Farolas. (B)
Day 12 City tour of Antigua. (B)
Day 13 Visit the ancient city of Copán (5 ½ hrs) in Honduras. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Marina Copán. (B)
Day 14 Return to Guatemala. Pass through Motagua Valley to the site of Quiriguá (3 hrs). Travel to Puerto Barrios for overnight at the 3-star Amatique Bay Resort Hotel. (B)
Day 15 By boat from Puerto Barrios through the jungle passing the ‘canyon’ to Livingston, Río Dulce and the San Felipe fort. By road from Río Dulce to the 3-star Camino Real Tikal or Casona del Lago (3 ½ hrs) for two nights. (B)
Day 16 Visit Tikal ruins and the Morley Museum of ceramic and jade displays. (B)
Day 17 Travel to Bethel (4 hrs). Cross the border by boat and arrive at Corozal in Mexico. Take another short boat ride to Yaxchilán. Overnight at 3-star Hotel Nututun in Palenque. (B, L)
Day 18 Visit Palenque. Continue to Campeche (6 hrs) for a city tour and overnight at the 3-star Plaza Colonial. (B)
Day 19 Visit the archaeological Uxmal site. Mérida walking tour. Travel to Chichén Itzá. Overnight at the 3-star Villas Arqueológicas. (B, L)
Day 20 Visit Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Beach Scape, Cancún. (B)
Day 21 Return overnight flight. (B)
Day 22 Arrive London Gatwick.
Notes
Due to the distance covered there are extended periods of travel by road, mostly along a well-established road network (some minor roads may be in poor repair).
On occasion border procedures can result in a delay with border taxes of approx. £35-£40 payable locally.
Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
This is a full itinerary with temple visits on foot with steps and uneven surfaces.
A level of agility is needed to embark small boats.
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A 3-star hotel in the Colonia Juarez area of Mexico City. Restaurants, bar and WiFi (free). 162 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A charming 3-star hotel, located near to the main square and cathedral. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 66 rooms with safe and satellite TV.
A pleasant 3-star hotel on the outskirts of Oaxaca. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 154 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel set in verdant surroundings. Restaurant, bar, pool, WiFi (free) and 100 air-conditioned rooms with TV.
A 3-star hotel, located centrally within the old town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free) and 54 rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, close to the lakeside. Restaurant, bar, spa, WiFi (free) and 24 rooms with satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel located on the edge of Lake Atitlán and set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 30 rooms with satellite TV.
A charming 4-star hotel built on a former coffee plantation. Restaurant, tropical gardens and WiFi (free). 31 rooms with fan, safe, satellite TV and garden views.
4-star hotel in a Colonial style, overlooking the central plaza. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 49 rooms with hairdryer and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel on a private beach with restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 61 air-conditioned rooms with coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A 3-star hotel located on the shore of Lake Peten Itza, near the village of El Remate. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (chargeable). 72 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar and TV.
A 3-star hotel located on the edge of Lake Petén Itza facing the town of colourful Flores, just a 10 minute walk away. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 48 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, fan and satellite TV.
Charming 3-star hotel located a short drive from Palenque National Park. Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and 74 rooms with satellite TV.
A 3-star colonial style hotel, located in the historical centre of town, a short walk from Campeche Cathedral. Restaurant, bar, pool and 40 rooms with fans, safe and satellite TV.
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A 3-star hotel well-located a few minutes’ walk from the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. Restaurant, bar, pool, garden, WiFi (free). 43 air-conditioned rooms with hairdyer and safe.
A 3-star hotel, ideally located on one of Cancun's most pristine beaches. Restaurant, bar, gym and pool. 85 air-conditioned rooms with safe, coffee making facilities and satellite TV. An environmental tourist tax of approx. $2 per room per night will be collected locally.
Cancun Extension
Enjoy four nights of relaxation on the beach at the 3-star Hotel Beach Scape Villas at Kin Há, Cancún.
Day 1 Stay four nights at the 3-star Hotel Beach Scape in Cancun. (B)
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 At leisure. (B)
Day 4 At leisure. (B)
Day 5 Return overnight flight to London. (B)
Day 6 Arrive London.
A 3-star hotel, ideally located on one of Cancun's most pristine beaches. Restaurant, bar, gym and pool. 85 air-conditioned rooms with safe, coffee making facilities and satellite TV. An environmental tourist tax of approx. $2 per room per night will be collected locally.
2023
Monday
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow/ returning to Gatwick
| October 16 | £4395 |
2024
Monday
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow/ returning to Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £845
Extension Options
Extension - Cancun
4 nights £275
Single supplement £255
Tour Only
Save £750
Arrival transfer add £45
Departure transfer add £25
Price Includes
Air travel and UK departure taxes, transfers, 20 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, overseas airport taxes, border taxes (approx. £35-£40), optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
An accommodation tax is payable locally in Cancún, currently $2 per room per night. A local tourist tax for the state of Quintana Roo of approx. $11 is payable locally.
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VAT No. 805146159
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