Day 1-2 Arrive Mexico CityArrive in Mexico City at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Explore one of the world's largest metropolitan area or take an optional day trip to the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacan. The former Aztec Capital (you can still see some of the ruins of the great Tenochtitlán in the centre of the city, or take a subway ride through one of the temples) was destroyed in the struggle with Cortez and those who followed him. Today it is the world’s fastest growing urban centre, offering a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and range of architecture, perhaps unequalled anywhere else in the Americas. Mexico City or D.F., as the locals refer to it, also has a variety of food to match its impressive visual style. If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start.
A word of caution: Mexico City may be slightly overwhelming at first. The world’s most populous centre is a crowded, smoggy, urban place where the altitude combined with atmospheric conditions may cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Also be aware that the heat may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside. This is also a more eco-friendly method compared to air conditioning.
Day 3 PueblaAfter a short drive on one of Mexico’s comfortable and often colourful buses, we arrive in Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Your tour leader will give you an orientation walking tour to introduce you to the city.
Puebla has managed to incorporate its colonial past with a growing and progressive modern city centre. There are enough churches and well-maintained, colonial buildings to satisfy the most ardent lover of architecture. The markets, of course, are also present for buying, browsing or photographing. If you want to get out of town, you can head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km
Day 4-5 OaxacaThe colourful and lively markets and the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernán Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain in the Americas and many visitors have followed in his footsteps. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain ranges, Oaxaca is a lovely colonial city, which has maintained not only the physical structures, but also the serenity of an era gone by. We include an orientation walking tour.
Monte Albán, a spectacular grouping of pre-hispanic (Zapotec) mountain top temples, is just a short bus ride away, as is the Valley of Mitla with its colourful ruins and hand-loomed carpets. Stepping from the cultural to the culinary, Oaxaca is also a great area for trying out new tastes and textures. From the sublime to the exotic, the restaurants and markets around town will challenge you to one adventure after another. After all, this is the home of Mezcal (look for the unfortunate worm at the bottom), Oaxaca chocolate, cheese, and yes, even dried grasshoppers covered with chili and lime, if you are so inclined.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 320 km
Day 6-8 Puerto EscondidoTravel by bus over the mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur to the Pacific coastal town of Puerto Escondido, famed for its waves that attract surfers from around the world.
Once inhabited by indigenous peoples, the modern town of Puerto Escondido ("Hidden Port") was established in 1928 as a port for shipping coffee. These days, the port is used mainly for commercial fishing activities. The town has three main beaches; Playa Principal, Playa Marinero and Zicatela, but currents at these beaches can be quite strong so take care when swimming or surfing.
There are several optional ecotourist activities to check out, such as exploring a nearby lagoon to observe mangrove marine birds and other wildlife. The town also has a lively nightlife scene, with excellent restaurants and cafes to spend time in.
Estimated Travel Time: hours
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Day 9-10 San Cristóbal de las CasasCrossing into the highlands we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day-to-day village life—an experience which should not be missed. You can also take a horse ride in the mountains, a day trip to Sumidero Canyon or mountain biking in the local hills.
The Highlands of southwestern Mexico retain a more traditional feel. Only about 210 km (130 miles) separate the Atlantic and the Pacific, at the hot heavily jungled Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Entering the state of Chiapas, you will see and feel its uniqueness. This is the richest area of Mexico in natural resources, yet it is also home to the poorest citizens of the country. The mountains of Chiapas are the birthplace of the revolutionary Commandante Marcos and the Zapatista movement. It is also home to some of Mexico’s poorest people, the majority of whom are of pure or mixed indigenous descent.
San Crístóbal De Las Casas, the old State Capital, stands in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). An included orientation tour will introduce you to the city and help give you your bearings. You will find fine examples of 16th century architecture, including a church whose engraved altar is solid silver, and a crown shaped fountain. The city enjoys a temperate climate and most visitors find that walking the old cobble-stoned streets is the best way to discover the city’s past and present. The city’s mountain valley setting and proximity to the jungle of the Chiapas lowlands, also allows various opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, where you will appreciate the natural scenery of the area.
Most indigenous groups in this area are members of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal groupings. Within these groups are the Tenejapans who wear black knee-length tunics, the Chamulans who wear white wool tunics and the Zinacantecos who wear multi-coloured outfits, with the ribbons on their hats signifying how many children they have. The people here are as curious about foreigners as foreigners are about them. Please respect their traditions. Dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Put yourself in their place before you act.
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Day 11-12 PanajachelGuatemala is a country of rare and varied natural beauty, chains of lush mountains and volcanoes, huge volcanic lakes and winding tropical rivers, a Caribbean coast, miles of untouched jungle, and thousands of indigenous species of flowers, birds and animals. The possibilities for adventure are nearly limitless.
Our first destination in the country is the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlán. We stay in Panajachel, a lakeshore town surrounded by spectacular volcanoes and small villages. We also take a day trip to visit the Sunday market of Chichicastenango. The bustling market and parade make this an event not to be missed! Our final stop in the Guatemalan highlands is the colonial town of Antigua. Here you can choose from a number of optional activities: climb a volcano, mountain bike through the countryside or simply relax and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere. In Panajachel, you’ll want to pay a visit to Maximon, the fabled effigy said to be a combination of Mayan and Spanish deities. Revered and cared for by the traditional Mayan villages, people leave donations of rum and cigarettes for good blessing.
Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.
Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets in its centre, with a great deal of old world flavour and charm. The best way to see Panajachel is on foot but beware as there aren't any street signs! Visit the old churches and explore the back streets to see the more traditional side of Panajachel.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the villages on the lake by boat, departing in the mornings and returning in late afternoon. Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area have received tourists for some time and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as readily as they will at a life-long friend. You can test your communication and bargaining skills in the local markets, of which there are many. The Chichi market is the best known, but there are a number of others, where you may wish to purchase any number of handicraft items.
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 380 km
Day 13-14 AntiguaOnce the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than 200 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Antigua today is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Your tour leader will give you an orientation walking tour to help you get your bearings. Walk through quiet cobblestone streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. It is a short 45 km from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys, every inch of land covered with lush growth. The point of reference for finding one's way around Antigua is the Central Park, which is directly in the centre of town and the place to be in the late afternoon or early evening. You can pick up a map from the tourist office located on the ground floor of the Palace of the Captains-General on the south side of the Central Park. Explore the museums, the colonial buildings and other sites in this delightful town.
Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom. Jade, in carved statues and jewellery, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewellery is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km
Day 15 Depart AntiguaDepart Antigua at any time.
Note: Antigua is located just west of Cancún airport (45 minute drive) so you can head directly there by taxi or shuttle following your trip.
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