Mayan Explorer - 16D/15N

Chichén Itzá, Palenque, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Panajachel, Lake Atitlán, Antigua, Tikal, Playa del Carmen.

photo of Chichén Itzá, courtesy of Tourism Board of MexicoThe Mayan world straddles several modern-day countries, but a shared culture and history give modern Maya an identity beyond borders. From ancient ruins in the Yucatan to colonial Chiapas and colorful, traditional Guatemalan markets, immerse yourself in the ancient and the thriving on this journey through the land of the Maya.

G.A.P. Adventures Tours
To emphasize our eco-friendly approach even more, we have elected to operate many programs with G.A.P. Adventures, a leader in eco tourism operation, committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike, working with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. These adventures offer travelers a grassroots, small group adventure vacation, with a focus on culture, nature and active travel.

Comfort Tour
By day, dart around markets, explore the heritage sites and hike through the jungle to discover rare flora and fauna; by night, cozy up in a comfy bed or have a nice dinner with new found friends. Authentic experience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Comfort is ideal for travellers looking for a little extra cushiness from their adventure, while maintaining the grassroots travel experience. Comfort adventures make use of upgraded hotels with continental breakfast, travel by private and first class transportation, and include your arrival transfer.

Local Payment - Helping to keep the cost to you down…
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

Included: Comfortable hotels (15 nights), Guided tour of Chichén Itzá Ruins - Guided tour of Palenque Ruins - Guided tour of Tikal Ruins and National Park - Village tours of San Cristóbal de Las Casas area - Tour of villages at Lake Atitlan (boat) - City tour of Antigua - Visit to Misol-Ha and Agua Azúl waterfalls - Visit the Chichicastenango Market - Arrival transfer and daily continental breakfast.

Not Included: International Airfares - Local payment - Passport and visa expenses - Government arrival and departure taxes - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is compulsory) - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

Departure Dates: Aug 15, 2008 ; Aug 29, 2008 ; Sep 05, 2008 ; Sep 19, 2008 ; Sep 26, 2008 ; Oct 10, 2008 ; Oct 17, 2008 ; Oct 31, 2008 ; Nov 07, 2008 ; Nov 21, 2008 ; Nov 28, 2008 ; Dec 12, 2008 ; Dec 19, 2008 ; Jan 02, 2009 ; Jan 09, 2009 ; Jan 23, 2009 ; Jan 30, 2009 ; Feb 13, 2009 ; Feb 20, 2009 ; Mar 06, 2009 ; Mar 13, 2009 ; Mar 27, 2009 ; Apr 03, 2009 ; Apr 17, 2009 ; Apr 24, 2009 ; May 08, 2009 ; May 15, 2009 ; May 29, 2009 ; Jun 05, 2009 ; Jun 19, 2009 ; Jun 26, 2009 ; Jul 10, 2009 ; Jul 17, 2009 ; Jul 31, 2009 ; Aug 07, 2009 ; Aug 21, 2009 ; Aug 28, 2009.

Tour rates from: $ 1,545.00 + Local Payment 250 USD.

photo of Palenque, courtesy of Tourism Board of MexicoDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive Cancún - Arrive in Cancún at any time.
  • Day 2-3 Chichén Itzá / Mérida (2B) - Start the day with a tour of the beautifully restored stepped pyramids of Chichén Itzá. By early evening, arrive at the charming colonial city of Mérida for a two-night stay.
  • Day 4 Palenque (B) - Take a cozy minivan ride to the town of Palenque. The nearby Palenque archaeological site is one of the most significant ruins in the whole Mundo Maya, and the jungle setting is as impressive as the ruins themselves.
  • Day 5-7 San Cristóbal de las Casas (3B) - Travel deep into the Chiapas highlands, passing the spectacular and sacred Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls. The Spanish Colonial architecture of San Cristóbal de Las Casas is a highlight of our stay. Explore the nearby indigenous communities—some of the most traditional in Mexico—on a guided tour. There are too many great options in the area to see them all; some of the most popular include a boat trip up the Sumidero Canyon, horseback riding, biking, and shopping in the local markets.

    • photo of Antigua, courtesy of Tourism Board of Guatemala

  • Day 8-9 Guatemalan Highlands / Panajachel (2B) - A day of travel ends with a quiet evening on the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán. Volcanoes and small indigenous villages surround this pristine lake, truly one of the most beautiful spots in Central America. Two nights in the town of Panajachel provide an excellent base to explore this fascinating region. Here is our chance to admire some of the villages of Lake Atitlán on an included boat tour.
  • Day 10-11 Antigua (2B) - Visit the fascinating Sunday market at Chichicastenango. Our final stop in the Guatemalan highlands is the colonial town of Antigua, where we have a free day to explore. Climb a nearby volcano, mountain bike or just relax in a pleasant street side café.
  • Day 12-13 Flores / Tikal (2B) - Travel north to visit the charming town of Flores, where you may choose to explore, shop or take a swim in Lake Petén Itzá. A highlight of the stay is a visit to the famous ruins of Tikal.
  • Day 14-15 Playa del Carmen (2B) - Travel back to Mexico on the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean. Take a ferry to the nearby diving mecca of Cozumel or a short trip down the coast to the Mayan beachside ruins of Tulúm.
  • Day 16 Playa del Carmen - Depart.

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, North America, Central America, Archaeology, Mexico, Guatemala, Special Destinations, Mundo Maya, Trekking, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Join-In Tour, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, Peninsula, GAP


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