07| Mexico Highlights | 10 Days - 9 Nights

07| Mexico Highlights | 10 Days – 9 Nights

According to UNESCO Mexico is the richest country in cultural heritage in the entire American continent. Mexico is a country full of culture, folklore, art, literature, and history. The identity of Mexico encompasses not one, but several cultures distributed throughout the country and each of them has unique traditions and customs that make them totally different from each other. Mexican culture is the product of the mixture of indigenous practices and traditions of pre-Hispanic Mexico and New Mexico (product of the Spanish conquest) and over the time, shaped the country…

Monuments / Attractions Envisaged

Mexico City: National Palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral, Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor Pyramids, National Anthropology Museum, Teotihuacan Pyramids, Virgin of Guadalupe Shrine

Oaxaca: Santo Domingo Monastery

Archaeological Zone of Monte Alban: The Palace, The Ballcourt, North plataform, South Plataform, Main Plaza, Danzantes Plaza

San Cristobal de las Casas: Sumidero Canyon, SanJuan Chamula town

Palenque: Temple of the Inscriptions, Temples of the Cross group, Palace, The Temple of the Skull, The Temple of The Jaguar, Temple of the Count

Campeche: Sightseeing on the City

Uxmal: Pyramid of the Magician, The Governor’s Palace, The Nunnery Quadrangle

Merida: Governor Palace, Montejo Palace, San Idelfonso Cathedral of Merida

Chichen Itza: Temple of Kukulkan, Great Ball Court, Skull Platform, Sacred Cenote, Temple of the Warriors, Group of a Thousand Columns, El Mercado, The Osario, Las Monjas, El Caracol

Accommodation Overview

As part of the Mexico Highlights tour you will be staying at a selection of four star hotels.

Equipped with modern day facilities, these hotels are known to offer the utmost care and comfort along with high standards of service.

Accommodation for your tour will be as described below, at the following properties:

3 Nights at Hotel Casa Blanca 4* or Similar in Mexico City on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Mision Oaxaca 4* or Similar in Oaxaca on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Calli 4* or Similar in Tehuantepec on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Villa Mercedes San Cristobal 5* or Similar in San Cristobal de las Casas on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar in Palenque on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar in Campeche on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar in Merida on Bed and Breakfast basis.

Hotel Casa Blanca 4* – Located in the political, historical, economic and cultural centre of Mexico City, a few steps from the most important avenues, Reforma and Juarez, a strategic point in Mexico City. The property has rooms for meetings or private celebrations, a restaurant serving Mexican cuisine prepared by old recipes and bar overlooking the city. In the 12th, next to the bar floor, there is an outdoor pool. There is also a small gym open 24 hours and a solarium.

Hotel Mision Oaxaca 4* – Hotel Mision Oaxaca offers first class accommodation in the most biodiverse state of Mexico, and one that has excelled in different periods of national history. It is a place designed for large groups and conventions as well as for tourists seeking peace and color in one of the most beautiful states of Mexico.

Hotel Calli 4* – Hotel offers an indoor pool and outdoor pool and is located on the outskirts of Santo Domingo Tehuantepec. There is free WiFi and breakfast is included. The rooms have a TV, air conditioning, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms overlook the garden. The restaurant specializes in typical dishes from the region.

Hotel Villa Mercedes San Cristobal 5* – Created to offer first class services and facilities in the main tourist destinations in Chiapas, Villa Mercedes Hotel make your stay in San Cristobal de Las Casas a very pleasant experience. The cultural richness of a unique colonial town combined with the elegant facilities and rustic details to bring you a cozy stay.

Hotel Tulija Express 4* – Tulija Express is the 4 stars Palenque hotel that you and your family are looking to discover the charm and unique mysticism of southeast Mexico. In addition to comfortable rooms, Tulija Express offers you a restaurant with great menu and room service, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a full list of services that guarantees your satisfaction regardless if you’re visiting us on business or vacation purposes.

Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* – The Hotel Plaza Campeche offers high quality, elegance, comfort and safety with all the services offered by modern hotels. Located in the historic centre of the city and port of Campeche, near all commercial, cultural and tourist activities. Decorated in a classic style, Hotel Plaza Campeche offers an outdoor pool, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and the seafront is just 500 m away.

Mision Merida Panamericana 4* – Mision Merida Panamericana will surround you with its unique architecture of a traditional colonial house. Located near of the most important historical sites in the beautiful city of Merida, in the historic city centre, less than 10 minutes walk from the downtown; is surrounded by museums, theatres, restaurants and colonial buildings, its location will allow you to visit the most important tourist sites including the Main Plaza and The Cathedral. Its airy rooms with a mix of streamlined and Spanish Colonial–style decor provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and sitting areas, as well as desks.

* Please note that should accommodation in the above listed hotels not be available at the time of your visit we will offer a similar standard.

Board Basis (Meal Plan) & Included Services

Welcome greeting at the airport in Mexico City.

Transportation in air conditioned vehicles.

English speaking guide during the days of the tour.

09 nights accommodation at the hotels mentioned above on DBL occupancy.

Daily breakfast at all the above hotels.

Visits mentioned in the itinerary, including entrance fees to the archaeological sites.

One lunch in Mexico City. Fixed menu in local restaurant (No drinks included).

Government taxes.

Exclusions

Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport taxes, any insurance etc.

Any meals other than the mentioned.

Gratuities in hotel (maids and bell boys).

Beach extension hotel.

Information

10 Days - 9 Nights

Mexico City & Country South

Departure/Starting City

Mexico City
Hotels during Tour

Hotel Casa Blanca 4* or Similar (Mexico City) | Hotel Mision Oaxaca 4* or Similar (Oaxaca) | Hotel Calli 4* or Similar (Tehuantepec) | Hotel Villa Mercedes San Cristobal 5* or Similar (San Cristobal de las Casas) | Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar (Palenque) | Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar (Campeche) | Hotel Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar (Merida)

From Our Gallery

Day 1: Mexico City. Arrival in México City

Mexico City, once the Capital of the Aztec Empire, is 2,200 meters above sea level and has in the Valley of the Nation’s capital, a population exceeding 22 million people, plus another 5 million in a radius of 70 kilometers. Development of such a megalopolis contains a path full of historic and physical factors that permitted the City to reach such size. All over, as well as nearby, you find the heritage of the Pre-Hispanic societies that populated or influenced the configuration of such colossal urban settlement. The 16th Century witnessed the Conquest of the Country by the Spanish expeditionary army and the religious missionaries, both changing believes and way of life of the aborigine groups. A new architecture was enforced using as foundation for the new buildings, the religious monuments of the existing people. Churches were placed on top of the aborigine temples and today you find Colonial Churches with rich and artistic furnishings and in some cases next to the church, what was not used as a foundation, has been uncovered to its original archeological formation. Mexico City has a Historic District which central square known as the Zocalo right in the Center of the City.

Overnight in Mexico City | Hotel Casa Blanca 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 2: Mexico City. City Tour & Anthropology Museum

Mexico City Guided Tour, visiting major attractions. We will start visiting the National Anthropology Museum, continuing to El Zocalo you will see the National Palace with an extended series of Mural Paintings that show a Graphic evolution of the History of the Country and which were painted by Diego Rivera. The Metropolitan Cathedral The oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, a spectacular building intended to distract the Aztec people from their own previous believes and convert them to the new religion. Also right in the rear of the Cathedral, the Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor Pyramids, part of the big Ceremonial Center of the Aztecs, used as a foundation for other religious buildings. Templo Mayor was not only the most visible sight of an immense urban complex, but also represented the cosmic center of the universe for the Aztecs. You will see The Palacio de Bellas Artes a 19th Century all white marble building performing as a theater as well as an Art Museum. To get a feeling of the City you will drive along the Paseo de la Reforma, inspired by the “Champs Elysee” in Paris.

Overnight in Mexico City | Hotel Casa Blanca 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 3: Mexico City – Guadalupe Shrine - Teotihuacan – Mexico City

We will undertake a guided excursion to the outstanding Teotihuacan Pyramids, starting with a visit to the Virgin of Guadalupe Shrine. This Church is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Mexicans and other parts of the World. The day will then dedicate a visit to the ancient archaeological zone of Teotihuacan north of Mexico City. This was the Toltec-Aztec Ceremonial Center of Teotihuacan with an archeological Site as impressive or more, as the Egyptian Pyramids. These Monumental Buildings where constructed by Toltec Architects, a very advanced Culture dominated by the Aztecs before the Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards. You will see its impressive Toltec Pyramids dedicated to the Sun, the Moon, the Quetzalcoatl Temple and the fortresses, the largest monuments of their type in the World.

Overnight in Mexico City | Hotel Casa Blanca 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 150 km

Day 4: Mexico City – Oaxaca

We will take an early morning departure to transit towards the Colonial City of Oaxaca. When arriving (at the afternoon), we will be able to have a Sightseeing tour on the City. Oaxaca past was enhanced by Gold producing mines that led to impressive palaces, churches and public buildings, which stand today as an architectural Colonial Treasure, already recognized by the UNESCO as a Historic Value of Mankind. Oaxaca in its Colonial Monuments has received the title of “Very noble and loyal city” from King Charles V of Spain. Among the many colonial buildings with green quarry stone there is the Santo Domingo Monastery.

Overnight in Oaxaca | Mision Oaxaca Hotel 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 468 km

Day 5: Oaxaca – Tehuantepec

On day 5, before driving towards Tehuantepec, we will go to the hills on the western outside of the City, to visit the Archeological Zone of Monte Alban, which was the capital in its time, of the Zapotec Empire which before the Spaniards was overtaken by the Mixtecas, another group of intensive builders and warriors. In its time, Monte Alban gathered up to 35,000 inhabitants. Investigators studying Monte Alban's outstanding architecture, the buildings, burials, ceramics and jewelry, divided Monte Alban in five different stages. Starting 500 BC until 1521 when the Spanish Conquerors arrived. It´s peak is considered between 350 and 750 A.D. Over 180 tombs have been opened, since the first one. Tomb No. 7 was the one that started the whole recovery of Monte Alban. This happening started out the Archeological conciseness in Mexico, which initiated in 1932. There are many inscriptions and carvings on their Monuments. Monte Alban is on an artificially flattened plateau, there is a great plaza, which is the nucleus of the compound. The buildings stretch out harmoniously. There are remarkable slabs showing relieves of human figures known as “Danzantes” (the dancers). Around the ball game court several burial sites have been found with rich treasures, such as the splendid offerings. From the heights of this settlement, there are spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and the city of Oaxaca. Completed our visit, we will continue to Tehuantepec, world famous destination for its matriarchal social system unique in Mexico. On the way we will stop at “Arbol del Tule” one of the largest, widest and most ancient trees in the world. We will stay overnight in Tehuantepec an agricultural town with its own traditions and influence from the Zapotec-Mixteca Culture.

Overnight in Tehuantepec | Hotel Calli 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 253 km

Day 6: Tehuantepec – San Cristobal de las Casas

We will start our day with a transit of a bit more than 4 1/2 hours, arriving to Cahuare, a quite aborigine place located in Chiapa de Corzo Municipality, to initiate our decent in to the Sumidero Canyon, a natural geological wonder, carved as an incision through the Mountains by the forceful waters of the Grijalva River. The cliffs and granite walls of the canyon reach up to 800 meters above the river level. According to the legend, the Chiapa Indians resisting the Spanish would rather throw themselves down than become prisoners. After the Canyon, we will continue to San Cristobal de Las Casas. It was formerly the state’s capital and used to be called Ciudad Real. This town combines its colonial heritage and a strong Indian culture. The rich and colorful dresses are a characteristic of each ethnic group. Overnight will be in San Cristobal Las Casas a beautiful colonial town very proud of its art and traditions.

Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas | Hotel Villa Mercedes San Cristobal 5* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 383 km

Day 7: San Cristobal de Las Casas – Indian Community – Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas life’s appears to be concentrated in its prodigious market which combines the picturesque costumes of Tzotzil Indians descended from their villages with donkeys and baskets. One of the most colorful of the country and a true encounter with the Indians of Chiapas selling the products of their culture. Chamulas are distinguished by their long woolen tunic maintained at the waist by a colorful and their tunics and white trousers and straw hats. This day we will depart to the picturesque village of San Juan Chamula to visit its interesting church, where ceremonies are held astonishing shamans to cure the illnesses Chamulas spiritual, by curses and cures surprising. Afterwards continue to Palenque.

Overnight in Palenque | Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 191 km

Day 8: Palenque – Campeche

In the morning of day 8 we visit the archaeological site of Palenque. This ancient Mayan City reached its peak from the sixth to the eighth centuries A.D. Palenque, is a more rigidly conservative architecture compared to other Classic Maya sites. Still Palenque is one of the most enigmatical sites and has held its secrets for over twelve hundred years. The setting is nestled against the mountain wall, surrounded by flourishing vegetation deep in the rain forest. You will see endless levels of Maya man-made terraces, bearing uncounted structures, most of which appear to have been mausoleums. You will find a marked contrast between Palenque and other Classic Maya sites. The most outstanding buildings are: The Temple of the Inscriptions, a majestic pyramid with a secret crypt; The Fabulous Royal Pakal Tomb; with an exquisitely engraved monolithic sarcophagus; The Palace with a four story high square tower, probably used as an astronomical observatory; The Temples of the Cross, The Temples of The Jaguar and The Temple of The Sun. Palenque added additional roof toppings to its buildings producing an extra height, compared to other Classic Buildings. In the Afternoon we will transit towards the City of Campeche through the Tropical Forest and later along the Gulf of Mexico Coast, as we enter the Yucatan Peninsula’s West side. We will see different types of villages as we cover our route until our arrival in Campeche which used to be the main town of the Mayan province of Ah Kim Pech, which means "Serpent Tick" and was founded around the 3rd century AD. The City of Campeche was one of the Head Quarters of the Spanish Conquerors that established their reign over the big Mayan Civilization settled all along the Yucatan Peninsula and way down it to Central America. The First Spaniard soldiers got to Campeche in the year 1517 and although were defeated on the first intent, stayed anyway and took over this Mayan Provincial Capital, proceeding with its colonization. In the Mid 16th Century, Campeche had become an important port with an already established wall around the City in order to prevent a further defeat. Later it prevented attacks from Pirates that would move in from the Caribbean. UNESCO has awarded the recognition to The City of Campeche for its beautiful colonial architecture and restoration of its facades.

Overnight in Campeche | Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 354 km

Day 9: Campeche – Uxmal – Merida

This day we will transit towards Uxmal. Uxmal meaning “Three times constructed”. Uxmal is considered a major site. The architecture of Uxmal is among the most majestic on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its beauty is characterized by low and horizontal palaces, placed around patios and quadrants richly decorated with detailed sculptures. Uxmal is enveloped by legends and myths, situated within a series of hills known as the Pucc or mountainous area in Mayan Country. We will then drive another hour and go to Merida the Capital of Yucatan, known as “The White City” to take a city tour. Merida the capital of the State of Yucatan is today a large City with over a Million inhabitants. Merida has preserved its Colonial Heritage in the Historic District of the Town. It is the Centre of the State and all the roads converge at the State Capital. Such is the case of The ceremonial Centre of Uxmal and the nearby Puuc Route, The Circuit of The convents and Izamal or the Coastal scenic roads leading to Flamingo Territory. Eastwards a Modern Highway take you to Chichen Itza sacred Maya Ceremonial Centre, voted one of today’s Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Merida’s Central Square or “Plaza Grande” is surrounded by ancient buildings that form the Historic District such as The San Idelfonso Cathedral of Merida, the most antique church of the American Continent, built in the second half of the XVIth Century. Merida’s Cathedral has one of the biggest interior Statues of Christ in the World. Merida was founded on January 6th, 1542 on the indigenous trace of Ichcaanzihó’s City, called also T’hó.

Overnight in Merida | Hotel Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 174 km

Day 10: Merida – Chichen Itza – Cancun

On the 10th day, we will transit just over 2 hours to Chichen Itza the Mayan Post Classic Sacred City, which represents the most intact and impressive of the Ruins of the Mayan Civilization that the modern world preserves. Chichen Itza means “The Mouth of the Well”. Chichen itza has a huge “Cenote” a big pond nourished by underground rivers which supplied clean water to the complex. Chichen Itza, as other Mayan Centers was originally a ceremonial and spiritual site instead of a commercial area. Has maybe the most impressive Pyramid of all the Maya World. The Castle with 4 staircases (One for each season of the Year) with 91 steps each, totalling 365 with the top platform. The orientation of the pyramid is such that for about an hour around 4 o’clock during the spring and fall equinoxes (march 21 & September 21), the shadow of north-west edge of the pyramid on the side of the north stairway, draws seven triangles of light that imitates a serpent creeping downwards until it joins the huge serpent’s head at the bottom of the stairway. This was a Religious message telling the people its time to seed the land or it is time to harvest with the Blessing of Kukulkan. At Chichen Itza, you will see an Astrological Observatory with a design similar to other built in the Modern Age. There are many more buildings such as The Temple of the Warriors, part of the “Thousand Columns Complex”, the Temple of the Jaguars, the Ball Court, the biggest in Mezzo America. Chichen Itza was voted One of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World. After a visit of almost 2 hours, we will take another 2 and a half hour transit to Cancun. Drop off at the Beach hotel.

Travelling Distance Approx. 327 km