Mexico in Depth

Located 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City are the 'must-see' archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan - the site of the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline of the complex. This was once the country's biggest ancient city and capital of the Aztec people, who ruled over the largest empire in the pre-Hispanic era. Guarded by mountains this magnificent city is thought to have been founded early in the 1st century AD and reached its peak around 500 AD, when its influence extended down to Guatemala and as far north as present-day Texas. With the help of a local guide we have time to stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’, uncover its many wonders and imagine what life must have been like nearly 2000 years ago. After our exploration we return to Mexico City in the afternoon.

Mexico City is an exciting mix of modern cosmopolitan glamour with remnants from both its ancient and colonial history. Situated in the middle of a vast valley, this energetic metropolis with a population exceeding 20 million is one of the largest cities in the world. There is a saying that if it happens in Mexico, it happens in Mexico City! Our guide takes us on a walking tour of the historical heart that includes the expansive Zocalo. Aztec dancers perform to the sound of beating drums in this enormous paved plaza, which is flanked by the Presidential Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor Museum. We also visit the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology, which houses a huge and absorbing collection of artefacts from all over Mexico. In the afternoon we have free time to discover for ourselves the city's many other neighbourhoods and historic buildings.

We leave the metropolis of Mexico City and travel via Puebla, one of Mexico’s oldest Spanish cities, to the colonial splendour of Oaxaca. If you're interested in purchasing traditional Mexican handicrafts, this is the place! Oaxaca is famous for its colourful markets and unique shopping opportunities, as well as its relaxed, laid-back feel. It is also a great place to try out some regional delicacies, from ‘mole’ sauces and banana leaf-wrapped ‘tomales’ to the baked chilli and lime grasshoppers. These are sold by the little old ladies at the markets, with each of them declaring their’s to be the best! If the frenzy of finding a bargain becomes too much, chill out in one of the many laid-back cafés and soak up the ambience by observing everyday life passing by.

Today we drive the short distance to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, located on top of a hill near the city. The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200BC and it reached its peak during the period between 300 to 700AD, when the population was estimated to be around 25,000. Monte Alban exercised political, economic and ideological control over the local communities and surrounding mountain regions. With the help of our local guide, we have plenty of time to explore the remnants of plazas, tombs, palaces and temples that comprise this fascinating site. We return to Oaxaca for the night.

After breakfast we hit the road for a long day of travelling via the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, capital of the State of Chiapas. Our final destination is the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, where the most impressive feature is an elegant water fountain. Constructed in 1562 in the Spanish-Moorish style, the fountain is said to have been built to resemble the Spanish Crown. It was once the main source of water for the local inhabitants and a popular gathering place for them to do their laundry and also socialise. The town is well known for its local crafts, particularly the beautiful lacquered gourds which are painted with colourful flowers and animals.

We visit the magnificent Sumidero Canyon before travelling into the Chiapas highlands and up to the enchanting town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Surrounded by mountains and nestled in a valley of pines, San Cristobal is renowned for its superb colonial architecture, but also has a large indigenous Mayan population. Often described as mystical, the spirit of this ethereal town ensures that it remains a popular destination for travellers. We visit some of the many beautiful churches and it is possible to purchase some bargains at the colourful local market, which sells a wide assortment of local artisan handicrafts and textiles.

In the highlands around San Cristobal are villages like Chamula and Zinacantan, which serve as market places and religious ceremonial centres for the indigenous people who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and are often seen dressed in their own distinctive colourful costumes. We take time out to explore these villages and learn more about the culture and history of these mainly Mayan communities. The State of Chiapas contains some of the most stunningly scenic, wild and rugged areas in Mexico, with high mountains, forested valleys and deep blue lakes – home to a wealth of flora and fauna.

The Mayan ruins of Palenque were hidden from the modern world until the late 1700s, when Mayan hunters told a Spanish priest about the great stone palaces that lay in the jungle. The priest's report and those of other early Spanish explorers helped to unearth one of the most amazing Mayan sites in Mexico. The ruins span 15 square kilometres, of which only a small portion has been excavated. No doubt archaeologists still have a great many ancient buildings, sculptures and historical artefacts to unearth at this incredible site. We have the assistance of a local guide to help us uncover the secrets of these ruins as well as the noble but mysterious history of the Mayan people. On Day 10 we spend the night in Campeche.

We continue to Merida, the capital of the State of Yucatan, stopping en route at the Mayan ruins at Uxmal, where we have the opportunity to climb the Pyramid of the Magician. The view from the top is well worth the effort but be warned, as the steps are extremely narrow and steep and those who do not like heights should not contemplate going up! Known as the 'White City' due to its great use of limestone and white paint, Merida has been a centre for Mayan culture long before the arrival of the conquistadors. Today Merida is a bustling city with much of its colonial influences intact. We have plenty of time to explore the many sites and our guide will be able to recommend a number of sightseeing options, including the highly impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan.

Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous Mayan site in Mexico. Its name came from the deep, natural well known as a ‘cenote’ (sinkhole containing groundwater) located near the centre of the site, which was used during the city's heyday as a place for human sacrifices to appease the Mayan rain god Chaac! The magnificent Temple of Kukulkan stands over the ruins and those feeling energetic can climb to the top and be rewarded with fantastic views over the entire site. Not far from the temple is the ‘Ball Court’, where it is believed many disputes were settled in a game with combatants hitting a ball by using only their elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depict the violence of the play around the ball court walls, suggesting it was not such a casual sport! After our visit, we continue towards the Caribbean Coast and to the lively resort city of Cancun. The beautiful white, sandy beach of Playa del Carmen is only a short bus ride away and is an ideal place to soak up the warm rays of the sun.

Your tour ends after breakfast in Cancun.