Roundtrip of Mexico and Guatemala
Feel the excitement from the first touch to the remains from the mysterious Mayan civilization.
Amidst the pulsing with life world of the tropical jungle you will encounter incredible constructions granted to us by a contradictory people – dreamy star-counters but also cruel warriors sacrificing humans to bloodthirsty gods. They were a people of builders, as well, who could throw a glimpse from the top of their pyramids not only to the stars but also over the green expanses of the endless jungle squeezing with its humid arms their life and buildings. In spite of the power of the jungle, they have beaten it – go and assure yourselves! To the magic of this almost archeological expedition we have added the charming ambience of several colonial towns, a pinch of Caribbean seaside and the unforgettable touch to one of the largest megalopolises in the world – Mexico City!
Highlights:
♦ Mexico city and it its surroundings - Zokalo Square, Theatre Bellas Artes and Museum, The National Anthropological Museum, The Government Palace, The Black Madonna from Guadalupe, the ancient capital of the Mayan empire Teotihuacan
♦ Archeological sites in Mexico - La Venta (Olmec culture), Bonampak, Palenque, Yaxchilan (Mayan culture)
♦ Yucatan Peninsula with probably the most significant Mayan cities-states - Uxmal (Pyramid of the Dwarf, Nunnery and Ball Court.), Chichen Itza (Temple of Warriors, Observatory, Big Ball Court, Kukulkan Pyramid), Kabah (Chaac Temple), Kobah
♦ The old colonial towns of Campeche, Merida and Valladolid
♦ Tikal (Guatemala) - Mayan city-state with the best surveyed history till present
Itinerary:
Day 1. Mexico City
Arrival in Mexico City, transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 2. Guadalupe, Teotihuacan
In the morning tour to Guadalupe and the Temple of Black Madonna, afterwards transfer to Teotihuacan to see the ruins. Climb the Pyramid of Sun. Return to Mexico city.
Day 3. Mexico city
City tour including Main Plaza (Zocalo), Diego Rivera’s murals in Government Palace, La Metropolitana cathedral, Theatre Bellas Artes and Museum. Transfer along Boulevard Paseo de Reforma to Chaputepec park. Afternoon visit of one of the most acclaimed Museums worldwide, The Museum of Anthropology. Return to hotel.
Day 4. Mexico city – Villahermosa, La Venta
Transfer to the airport and flight to Villahermosa. Reception and visit of open the air museum La Venta where colossal stone heads and altars are on display from the Olmec culture. Addition to the park is the Zoological garden where you can encounter a big variety of local animal life. Transfer to Palenque.
Day 5. Palenque, Palenque - Corozal
Morning visit of the Mayan town of Palenque built in emerald-green rain forest. Encounter the famous Temple of Inscription carrying deep inside tomb of ruler Pakal. There is unique observatory tower in the palace section. Afternoon transfer to Corozal situated right on the bank of Usumacinta River.
Day 6. Bonampak, Corozal – Yaxchilan, Yaxchilan – Flores (Guatemala)
Early morning transfer to Bonampak where you will encounter the best preserved murals in the Maya World. Return transfer to Corozal and boat ride to Yaxchilan built in a river loop with its exotic fauna and flora. Discover well preserved steles and lintels with extraordinary carvings of ancient kings and queens. Boat transfer to Bethel (Guatemala). Transfer from Bethel to Flores (Guatemala).
Day 7. Tikal
Tour from Flores to the remains of the ancient Mayan town Tikal. Visit of the pyramids, temples and the other ruins emerging from the lush tropical jungle.
Day 8. Flores
Walk along the picturesque little streets of Flores. Shopping. You will have an option for excursion in the region (paid extra on spot).
Day 9. Flores – Palenque
Transfer from Flores to the Mexican border and from there through Corozal to Palenque.
Day 10. Palenque – Campeche
Transfer via Gulf of Mexico to Campeche. En route stop in the tranquil fishing village Champoton. Afternoon city walking tour in the historical center of Campeche with its typical baluartes built against the notorious pirate attacks. Visit of small pirate museum in Baluarte San Carlos.
Day 11. Campeche – Kabah, Kabah – Uxmal, Uxmal – Merida
Transfer to the small Maya site Kabah with its intriguing Chaac Temple adoring the Rain God. Short transfer to Uxmal with its steep pyramid of the Dwarf, Nunnery, Ball Court and Governors Palace. Transfer to the capital of Yucatan: Merida.
Day 12. Merida, Merida – Chichen Itza
Morning city tour of Merida including the oldest Cathedral, Governors Palace and the Palace of the city founder Montejo as well as the lively and colorful market. Transfer to Chichen Itza and visit of the biggest and most visited site in Yucatan, Chichen Itza with its famous Kukulkan pyramid, Temple of Warriors, Holy Cenote and Observatory. In the evening: Sound & Light show Chichen Itza.
Day 13. Merida – Valladolid, Valladolid – Coba, Coba, – Tulum, Tulum – Cancun
Transfer to the quiet city of Valladolid where we will enter the mystical underworld of the Mayas in the cenote Dzitnup where ceremonies were celebrated. Drive to Maya site Coba admidst lush tropical vegetation. Climb the highest pyramid in the Yucatan for a breathtaking view over the endless jungle. Short transfer to Tulum built on clifftop overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Transfer to Cancun.
Day 14. Cancun – Sofia
Transfer to the airport of Cancun for flight to Mexico City and from there back home.
Included in the price: ►accommodation: 12 overnights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in 2-star hotel in Corozal ►13 breakfasts ►local English-speaking guides according to the program ►tour-leader from Penguin Travel for a group with minimum of 8 pax ►transport by A/C bus or minibus along the itinerary ►all entrance fees for archeological sites and museums included in the program ►boat transfers Corozal-Yaxchilan-Bethel-Corozal ►airport transfers ►flight ticket Mexico City - Villahermosa.
Not included: ►intenational flight tickets ►all meals not mentioned as included ►extras in hotels ►tips for local guides and drivers ►re-entry fee in Mexico - 20 USD ►departure tax in Guatemala - ca. 3 USD
Other expenses: Single room supplement 245 EUR.
Good to know: It is recommended that you bring with you a raincoat, insect repellent, body and face sun cream with high UV-factor.
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