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Seattle: Nov 18 - New Zealand |
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Markets & Mayans (TUT) - 13 Days from $700 USD
 An interesting journey through the incredible Mayan empires of the Yucatán and the colourful highlands of Guatemala. Visiting one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, various fascinating Indian markets also some Mayan archaeological sites.
Itinerary
| Day: |
Description: |
| 1-2 |
Cancún:
Our tour begins in Cancún. Cancún was just a small fishing village with one lone coconut plantation, but now, due to its beautiful beaches, it attracts over 2 million visitors a year. Relax on one of the beautiful beaches, swim in the turquoise waters or take a ferry out to the relaxing island of Isla Mujeres, where you can organise snorkelling or drive around the island in a golf-cart. |
| 2-3 |
Chichén Itzá Mérida:
The hectic days ahead are packed full of surprises for those who are interested in archaeology. We travel first to Chichén Itzá, impressive Maya/Toltec site recently voted as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. You will see the ball court where the captain of the winning team was beheaded (no incentive to play your best, was there?!) and the cenote (well), where huge treasures as well as the remains of human sacrifices have been discovered. Of course, the main attraction is the wonderful pyramid, which was built with such precision that a shadow serpent descends it during the equinoxes!
Leaving Chichén Itzá we head to Mérida, Yucatán's capital and a base for exploring the ruins of Uxmal (optional). This site has the famous ‘Temple of the Magician'. Options in Mérida include taking a hop on hop off bus tour of the historical centre, an optional trip to swim in nearby cenotes, and shopping! This is a great place to buy Mexican hammocks, and the handicraft markets are overflowing with beautiful weavings, statues, batiks and much more. Merida is a lively traditional Mexican town, and the locals always seem to have something to celebrate! If you’re lucky you may catch a traditional dance performance in the central plaza. |
| 4-5 |
Palenque:
Next we visit the town and ruins of Palenque, famous for the tombs found filled with riches in honour of the renowned Lord Pakal and the Red Queen. This Maya site has a series temples and pyramids situated in a gorgeous jungle setting,! Other attractions near Palenque include the fantastic Agua Azul Nature Reserve with than 200 small waterfalls, and the incredible Misol-Ha waterfall with a 30m drop, to indulge in a cooling dip (optional half day tour includes both these falls). |
| 6-8 |
San Cristóbal de las Casas:
Ascending into the mountainous Chiapas region we drive through the Lacandon Cloud Forest on one of the windiest roads you'll ever experience (don't forget your travel sickness pills!) to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Situated in the middle of the Highlands, here you will find Mexico's richest example of indigenous culture, as it is surrounded by 21 indigenous villages of distinct languages, dress and customs. Red tiled houses painted in brilliant colours dominate the city, maintaining a delightful provincial charm. The next day you have the option to visit the beautiful Sumidero Canyon, and/or take a guided tour of some of the Indian villages on the outskirts, where you can buy the locally made handicrafts. This authentic cultural experience will give you a fascinating insight into how modern day indigenous villages operate. If time permits, you might also enjoy visiting one of the many museums in town. The Amber Museum, the Coffee Museum, the Maya Medicine Museum, and the ‘Na Bolom' Cultural Centre are just a few options to choose from. |
| 9-10 |
Panajachel (Guatemala):
Leaving Mexico we cross the border into Guatemala at Ciudad Cuauhtèmoc. You will find the Guatemalans to be some of the warmest and most colourful people in the World. Passing through the Guatemalan highlands we travel towards the Pan American Highway from where we will head down to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlán. The drive down has simply stunning scenery, with breathtaking views of the lake and its three volcanoes - San Pedro, Atitlán and Toliman - all of which are over 3,000 metres high. A relaxing lakeside town, Panajachel is known to the locals as 'Gringotenango' due to its popularity with foreigners and its hippie influence in the past. Rated by those who have seen it as one of the most beautiful and colourful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán sits at a little over 1500 metres above sea level. Here you can take a boat tour to some of the many surrounding villages (optional) or possibly go for a swim in the lake. Panajachel also has many restaurants and interesting bars lining the main street, where you can have a lakeside sunset drinks, listen to 60's music, and even eat some Asian food. |
| 11-13 |
Chichicastenango Antigua:
We now visit Guatemala's most famous market town, Chichicastenango. This village's population swells from approx. 1,000 to over 20,000 on market day (when we visit). The local indigenous people, mostly descendents of the K’iche’ (Quiché) Maya people, come down from the nearby hills to sell everything from kitchen pots and pans to live turkeys! Handicrafts, bags, jumpers and wall hangings are just a few of the bargains to be found here. After lunch we depart the market and continue to the former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, where the tour ends. Antigua is certainly an unforgettable place and well worth staying on for a few extra days. |
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