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16 Days Ancient Civilisations and the Yucatan Tour Package
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $4,725 pp , dbl , Occ
Date: Feb, Nov /08
Though the majority of this 16-day tour is spent discovering the abundant bounties of Mexico and Belize, we first stop off in Guatemala in order to explore ancient Mayan temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500BC. From here, we fly to the world-renowned beach destination of Cancun, Mexico, where we find glistening white-sand beaches and warm blue-green lapping waters. Heading southwest, we enjoy the many historic attractions of Mexico's Yucatan region; the wholly unique fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture; Moorish and Rococo style mansions that reflect strong Old World influences; magnificent palaces covered with innumerable carved masks; and massive pyramids whose summits boast some of the most memorable sceneries in the country. In Belize, we witness some of Mother Nature's finest accomplishments in sanctuaries, national parks and zoos that teem with wildlife and along the banks of creeks and lagoons as we glide through tranquil waters on a riverboat. More spectacular Mayan structures and artefacts lie in wait for us in Belize and we pay a special visit to the once-most densely populated site in Mesoamerica, a place whose still-standing ancient buildings outnumber the entire number of modern houses in all of Belize today.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Guatemala City
Today we arrive in Guatemala City. Overnight in Guatemala City. Dinner if required.
Day 2 Guatemala City - Tikal
Today we fly from Guatemala City to Flores. On arrival we embark on a guided tour to experience the mystiques of Tikal, possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. The five great pyramids of Tikal give this ceremonial centre a majestic grandeur unique among Maya cities. The height of the temples, crowned with tremendous roof combs; the complicated assemblage of the palace structures of the central Acropolis; and the complexity of the chronology of the North Acropolis are staggering to anyone visiting Tikal for the first time. In ancient times Tikal functioned mainly as a ceremonial centre in which the aristocratic elite and their priests ruled, dictated, and directed the activities of the architects, builders, craftsmen, and labourers. All endeavours in the region of Tikal were directed to enhance the city, to glorify the gods, to amass wealth, and to acquire tribute for the ruling upper strata of society. To sustain this activity for over a thousand years demanded a well-disciplined peasantry. Overnight near Tikal. Breakfast.
Day 3 Flores, Guatemala - Cancun, Mexico
Today we fly from Flores, Guatemala to Cancun, Mexico. Overnight Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4 Cancun - Chichen Itza
Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. The El Castrillo, the temple of Panels and the Platform of Venus are superb architectural feats. The most impressive monuments here are the Temple of the Warriors, the group of a thousand columns, the Temple of Kukulcan, the Temple of Chac-Mool and the Ball Court. The Toltecs interest in astronomy and mathematics is evident with a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, perhaps one of the most impressive revelations is the phenomenon occurring during equinoxes, when shadows cast across the ramp of the castle appear to form the shape of a slithering serpent. Tonight we include a visit to the Sound and Light show. Overnight in Chichen Itza. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 Chichen Itza - Merida
Today we drive to Merida, probably the most beautiful town in the Yucatan peninsula. We find that the most enjoyable way to sightsee is from a calesa, or horse drawn carriage. We include a half-day's sightseeing in this most elegant of fashions. During the nineteenth century, European traders flocked to the bustling city to exchange their luxuries for the area's much sought after sisal hemp-- green and gold. The state capital's many buildings and the Moorish and rococo-style mansions of the Paseo Montejo reflect the strong Old World influences. Overnight in Merida. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6 Merida - Uxmal
Uxmal, our destination for today, is a stunning place. Uxmal was one of the sites to which the Maya returned again and again in the course of their civilization. The name means 'thrice built'. The Palace of the Governor at Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Maya structures in Central America. Here some 20,000 hand cut stones have been set into acres of geometric friezes. The nunnery is the quadrangle where vestals allegedly spent a licentious final year of worldly pleasure before their sacrifice to appease the rain god Chac. This truly is a step back into the years of the Maya glory (AD 7-10). The Palace of Large Masks with its magnificent stone mosaics and representations of the ubiquitous rain god. We also visit the nearby smaller sites of Kabah and Labna. Kabah is the most notable for its Palace of the Masks, the facade of which is covered with innumerable carved masks of the rain god Chac. Labna is another beautiful site. It is famous for its fine sculpture and its arch, this was one of the most ornate built by the Maya. Overnight in Uxmal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7 Uxmal - Coba
Today we depart Uxmal for Coba. The morning's drive takes us through Valladolid where we stop for our lunch break. The peaceful Zocalo in the heart of Valladolid is shaded by large trees and surrounded by a variety of restaurants. We continue on to Coba, one of the grandest Mayan city-states, and have a tour of this impressive site immediately upon arrival. As a large trading center, Coba was connected to other Mayan cities by an elaborate network of roads known as "sacbes". The ancient temples are still surrounded by the thick Yucatan jungle which adds a lot of natural flavour to a rich cultural experience. After our guided tour you may choose to rent a mountain bike available at the site. A bike is the quickest way to reach some of the most remote parts of this enormous ruined city that once rivalled Tikal in size. Because our hotel is so close to the site you may choose to stay in the site and climb up Nocoh Muh -the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. Watching the sun set from the top of this Mayan pyramid over an endless stretch of forests is truly one of Mexico's most magical experiences. Overnight in Coba. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 Coba - Tulum - Chetumal
In order to beat the crowds, we depart early today for Tulum, one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. The most impressive site at this area is the large Pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. A wide staircase leads to a two-chamber temple on the top. Two serpent columns divide the entrance and above the middle entrance is a carved figure of the Diving God. The sight at the top of the pyramid is stunning with a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding jungle. You will have free time to explore this site on your own. Tulum was once considered to be as grand as Sevilla in its day (ca. 1500). Our journey continues on to Chetumal travelling along the edges of the Sain Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a vital preserve for the rich flora and fuana of the region. Chetumal, the capital of the state of Quintana Roo was once a Mayan port for shipping gold, feathers, cacao and copper from this region and Guatemala to northern Yucatan. The town's name is derived from the Mayan Chactemal, meaning "Where the Red Trees Grow." The trees referred to were once used to produce a red dye for use in weaving. We visit the Museum of Mayan Culture, where we learn how the Mayans were the dominant culture in the area for over 100 years. The museums highlites aspects of mayan society, mathematics, cosmology and astronomy. Overnight in Chetumal. Hotel Los Cocos or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9 Chetumal, Mexico - Corozal, Belize
After crossing the border into Belize we have an excursion to Cerro Maya. We leave Corazal aboard a small boat and travel across the bay to Los Cerros, one of the oldest commercial sites dating back to 400 BC. Overnight in Corozal. Tony's Inn or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10 Corozal - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Orange Walk
Today we travel to Belize City via the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a large reserve covering inland waterways, logwood swamps, and lagoons. It is ideally located as a resting point for thousands of migrating birds such as kites, tiger-herons, snowy egrets and ospreys. The reserve's most famous visitor is the rare Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the New World with a wing span of 2.5 m/8 ft. We will also stop at Altun Ha, an important ancient trading centre as well as a religious ceremonial centre. We see a concentration of structures including plazas surrounded by palaces and temples. Over 300 jade pieces have been discovered including the largest Mayan jade carving, Kinich Ahau, the sun god, found in the Temple of the Green Tomb. Overnight in Orange Walk. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11 Orange Walk - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Belize City
Today we explore one of the many temples or palaces of Lamanai. Travelling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the elusive crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. The river is lined with hardwood trees with lots of orchids and bromeliads. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for submerged crocodile) rise into view. Once at the site we tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai. This ancient archaeological site reveals a civilization that is known to have occupied Belize as far back as 1500 BC. Among the most spectacular of these archeological wonders is the ruins of one of the Maya's largest ceremonial centers and home to several large temples located on the banks of the New River Lagoon. The Lamanai Archeological Reserve also contains a museum, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill from 1860. We then return to the river boat for cruise back to Tower Hill and continuation tour bus drive to Belize City. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12 Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio
Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America but the zoo is actively involved in conserving habitat for these species and part of our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the wild relatives of these now caged animals can live free. We move on to San Ignacio, via Guanacaste Park, to take a pleasant nature walk through the forest and view the oldest and largest Guanacaste tree in the country. San Ignacio is an agricultural area nestled in rolling hills of forest and valleys with clusters of houses scattered throughout. After arrival at our hotel, we will spend several hours at the recently excavated site of Cahal Pech. Located just a short walk from our hotel, this remarkably well preserved site has a small but very informative museum where we will watch a video outlining the complexity of Mayan civilization in the lands that are today part of Belize (NOTE: We may visit Cahel Pech tomorrow if timing does not allow today.) Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13 San Ignacio - Caracol - San Ignacio
We have a full day excursion to Caracol, the largest site in Belize and once the most densely populated site in Mesoamerica. This is the largest site in Belize and once home to over 150,000 Mayans. This extensive site is one of the most interesing to visit in Central America; afterall, Caracol once ruled over the mighty city of Tikal. The number of Mayan houses found in the countryside around Caracol is greater than the number of modern houses standing today in all of Belize. Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14 San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker
This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial centre. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. The frieze on the side of El Castillo is a recreation in stucco. Not much is known about the history of Xunantunich except that it was abandoned after being hit by a massive earthquake around AD 900. As with most Mayan buildings, the architecture here is layered, with new buildings erected on top of old ones. We continue to Belize City to connect with our 45 min water taxi or short flight to Cay Caulker. Overnight in Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 15 Cay Caulker
On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name. Despite the growth of tourism, Caye Caulker remains a small village with a distinct cultural flavour not necessarily found in large-scale tourist development. Almost all the businesses are locally owned, vehicles larger than golf carts almost never roam the streets, and lodging is small scale compared to many other tourist destinations, including neighbouring Ambergris Cay. Today is at leisure to enjoy the barrier reef, located just off shore, or to just sit and relax in the tiny island's legendary tropical atmosphere and friendliness. Your Tour Leader can you help you plan your day. Overnight on Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 16 Cay Caulker - Belize City - Departure
Today we fly to Belize City to connect with our onward flights. Departure from Belize City. LAND ONLY CLIENTS: Your flight out of Belize City, the tour end point, should take into account the trip from Cay Caulker. Those with morning flights may have to overnight in Belize City at an extra cost. Breakfast.
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11/08
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