Ancient Civilisations

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 up a nearby hill to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, which looks out across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200 BC and it reached its peak during the period between 300 and 700 AD, when the population was estimated to be around 25,000. Monte Alban exercised political, economic and ideological control over the local communities and surrounding regions that include the peaks of three mountain ranges that converge in this valley. 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.

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 sights 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.

Saying farewell to Cancun, we stop to visit the remains of the ancient port town of Tulum. Set in a spectacular location on the cliff top, the walled city ruins offers breathtaking views over the coastline of the Caribbean Sea below. These ruins are much younger than other Mayan sites and date back to around the year 1200. The largest temple on the site is the Castillo, which also served as a fortress and was once coated in stucco, painted and decorated with masks. Perched over the water is the Temple of the Winds, which is said to whistle as a warning when a hurricane approaches. We continue to Chetumal, which lies on the border with Belize and is where we spend our last night in Mexico. This is quite a modern town, as it has been largely rebuilt after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1955.

Today we move to a new country as we leave Mexico and enter Guatemala, where we make our way to the tiny town of Flores. Our route takes us near jungle terrain, which is home to various species of wildlife. Flores is actually an island, situated on a lake known as Lago Petén Itzá and connected to the mainland by a causeway. The cobblestone streets of the friendly village on the island are flanked by handicraft stores and charming, brightly coloured houses. It is a pleasant place to spend a couple of nights relaxing, shopping for handmade clothing and crafts, as well as tasting Guatemalan cuisine. It is also great base for visiting the world famous Mayan site of Tikal.

Located in the jungles of the El Petén region, Tikal is the largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Mayan civilisation and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The name means 'Place of Voices' in the Mayan language and the site consists of over 3000 buildings, including a few very tall temples that tower above the tree-line. The earliest excavation dates from the 4th Century BC, but the city was at its peak between 200 and 850 AD, where at one point it was home to over 100,000 people. We are guided around to see all the main highlights on what is sure to be a memorable day. Being a national park, Tikal is also home to a large variety of wildlife and we have a good chance of spotting coati, grey fox, spider monkey and howler monkey.

We spend today travelling to the central mountains and the town of Antigua Guatemala, which is commonly referred to as Antigua or La Antigua. Full of historic buildings mainly constructed in Spanish Baroque style and spectacular ruined churches, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is not hard to see why! Antigua is surely one of the most superbly preserved of all Spanish American cities and a great place to spend a couple of days. Wandering around town it is easy to imagine ourselves living back in time in the Spanish colonial era, the influences of which permeate all facets of life from the houses and churches to parks, ruins and folklore.

Once the capital of Spanish Guatemala, Antigua is today a town of over 30,000 people nestled between three towering volcanoes. It was one time the country’s capital, which moved to Guatemala City after the earthquakes of 1773. It is a very popular stop for travellers because of its historical relics as well as pleasant ambience and the colour of the local people. There are lots of interesting markets, restaurants and cafes; be sure to try the famous Guatemalan coffee! It is also a place renowned for its many Spanish language schools. There are no shortage of things to do and places to discover during our time here.

We travel into the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands to Lake Atitlan, described by the writer Aldous Huxley as 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. Located at over 1500 metres above sea level, the lake reaches depths of 324 metres and is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes - Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. We spend a night in beautiful Panajachel town, considered the jewel of the highlands and inhabited by the Cachikel people for over 800 years. These people are one of the 22 distinct Mayan groups in Guatemala, each with their own traditional language, dress and custom. They have been described as the only indigenous culture in the entire Americas to survive the European invasion intact. As we wander around Panajachel and surrounding villages, we see these people going about their daily lives. We are sure to be amazed by the skills of the women weavers.

On the way back to Antigua we stop at Chichicastenango and spend time at what has been described as 'the most colourful native market in the Americas'. Mayan groups venture from all over Guatemala in their native costumes and gather around to buy or sell their wares against a backdrop of noise, smells and colours that are both vibrant and exotic. Everything from pottery to medicinal plant, pigs, chickens, flowers and machetes can be bought and sold here. We then return to Antigua, where we can commemorate the last night of our epic adventure with an optional dinner at one of the town's many excellent eating spots.

Our tour ends after breakfast in Antigua. Guatemala City airport is only 40 minutes away.