Mexico Unveiled

Fly to Cancun via Houston. On arrival transfer to our hotel.

Travel along the Riveria Maya to the impressive Maya ruins of Tulum, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea. Continue to our hotel in Bacalar and this evening get to know your travelling companions at our special welcome dinner.

This morning enjoy a boat ride on the Bacalar Lagoon, famed for its myriad shades of blue, then explore the historic town centre and the 17th century Spanish fort.

Drive to the picturesque Sayab Kuxtal Cenote Centre for a short nature walk or a cooling dip in the clear waters of the cenote (a natural sinkhole set in limestone). Continue to Chichen Itza to overnight in a hacienda, founded in 1523.

This morning we tour the famed ruins of Chichen Itza in their jungle setting. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the history of this wonderfully-preserved Maya site is explained as you visit the Sacred Cenote where human sacrifices to the Gods were once made. Continue to the charming colonial city of Merida.

Established over 450 years ago, Merida is the social and economic centre of the Yucatan, featuring large squares, tree-lined boulevards and European-style mansions. Today is the Mexican “Day of the Dead” festival which honours the lives of loved ones who have passed away. We will visit a cemetery filled with life and colour, as families decorate graves with marigolds, candles and offerings. An interesting and very authentic experience.

Today we explore the UNESCO Heritage listed Maya ruins at Uxmal. Continue to the delightful seaside city of Campeche.

The fascinating history of this historic walled city unfolds as we explore its Baroque architecture and 17th Century hilltop forts. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

A scenic drive takes us to the charming town of Palizada with its vibrantly coloured houses. Visit the excellent little museum, take a short cruise on the jungle-fringed river to spot wildlife, then witness traditional craftswomen creating fine cotton blouses. Continue to Palenque where you overnight.

Perched on a plateau 200m above the savannah, Palenque offers wonderful views across the surrounding landscape. The temples of this UNESCO World Heritage Site feature beautifully painted murals, sculpted stone and stucco panels. Continue to Villahermosa to tour its historic city centre.

This morning visit the La Venta Museum and sculpture park which houses artefacts from the ancient Olmec civilization. Continue through lovely countryside to San Cristobal de las Casas.

A walking tour visits the cathedral with its lavish interior, the 16th century Dominican church and the handicraft markets of the Tzotzil poeple. In the scenic highlands visit the colourful indigenous village of San Juan Chamula and nearby Zinacantan with its pretty church and excellent markets, before returning to San Cristobal. Evening at leisure.

Today’s highlight will be the magnificent Sumidero Canyon. Take a boat trip through towering canyon walls, looking for river crocodiles and spider monkeys as we gently glide along. Continue to Tehuantepec.

Visit the Zapotec site of Mitla, then continue to one of the true gems of Mexico, Oaxaca, for three nights at a delightful 16th century hotel oozing charm and atmosphere. This evening enjoy a superb dinner and wonderful cultural show.

This morning visit the magnificent 2,500 year-old ruins of Monte Alban, an amazing example of Zapotec civilization and construction. After lunch a walking tour of Oaxaca’s historic centre reveals the rich culture of this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The Gold Museum here offers a stunning display of pre-Columbian treasures.

Those interested may take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some local dishes. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Today visit the botanical cactus reserve at Zapotitlan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, cared for by the local communities and housing over 80 different native cactus species. Continue to Puebla.

Puebla is an historic jewel in Mexico’s crown, with its cathedral, artist’s quarter and local market. Leaving Puebla, we stop at the largest pyramid in the world, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, twice as tall as the pyramid of Cheops in Cairo. Continue to Mexico City for four nights in our lovely hotel located right in the historic centre.

Mexico City was built by the Spanish on the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Visit the magnificent Cathedral and the Museum of Anthropology, home to some of the finest treasures of Aztec and Maya cultures. Afternoon at leisure.

This morning visit the local markets to buy fresh ingredients for our cooking class conducted by an expert local chef. Later enjoy a short ride aboard a traditional trajinera along ancient canals then visit Coyoacan, a picturesque neighbourhood of cobblestone streets, historic plazas and markets. Lastly, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum which houses an extensive collection of her artworks. The rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning visit the magnificent pyramids of the Sun and Moon at Teotihuacan, founded in the 1st century AD. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland via the USA.

Arrive in Auckland early this morning.