The Kingdom of the Maya
(15 Days)

Close Details

Day 1: Join tour in Antigua

Check-in at hotel. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Posada De Don Rodrigo

Posada De Don Rodrigo You'll be warmly welcomed into this traditional colonial-style house built around a large central plaza, where local artists often display their wares. The rooms, although simply furnished, ooze character and are clean and comfortable. The hotel's restaurant also comes highly recommended.

Day 2: AM Antigua city tour. PM free

The stunning city of Antigua is set in a beautiful valley between the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. This graceful old colonial city, with its cobbled streets and magnificent old buildings, identifies it as one of the most charming in the country and shows how it can justly claim to be one of the most picturesque in Central America, despite the damage caused by a series of earthquakes and floods over the ages. This morning we intend to take a walking tour of the centre with a local guide, visiting the churches of San Francisco, Santa Clara, La Merced and Las Capuchinas. Once the country's graceful capital and the first fully planned settlement amongst Spain's New World colonies, much of the city has been repeatedly devastated by earthquakes, yet has still managed to retain an elegant charm, whilst its buildings and ruins give it the air of a snapshot in time. This afternoon has been left free for you to explore more of this fascinating city or relax back at the hotel. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Posada De Don Rodrigo Included meals: Breakfast

Posada De Don Rodrigo You'll be warmly welcomed into this traditional colonial-style house built around a large central plaza, where local artists often display their wares. The rooms, although simply furnished, ooze character and are clean and comfortable. The hotel's restaurant also comes highly recommended.

Day 3: Drive to Copan

After a leisurely start this morning, we board our bus for the (approx) 5 hour journey to Copan. En route we'll cross the border from Guatemala into Honduras, the second country on our journey through Mesoamerica. This afternoon as been left free to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or perhaps take advantage of the nearby therapeutic hot springs for a relaxing soak or massage or to visit Macaw Mountain (both optional). Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Don Udo's Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Don Udo's Hotel Don Udo's has an authentic local feel with modern-day comforts such as a sauna, wi-fi and air-conditioned rooms. Senor Udo and his staff extend a warm welcome to all their guests and the serene courtyard garden is a great place to unwind. The hotel's restaurant also serves excellent local and international cuisine.

Day 4: Visit Copan

This morning we visit this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copan with a local guide. Everyone familiar with Catherwood's incredible drawings (which first appeared in John Stephens' 1841 narrative – 'Incidents of Travel in Central America and Yucatan') will recognise scenes and objects from this marvellous site. Stephens actually bought the entire area for US$50 from a local farmer! Our exploration of the archaeological park begins with the Great Plaza, one of the most amazing achievements of the Classic Maya period (AD 750), which contains the greatest collection of Maya sculpture anywhere in Mesoamerica. Next to the Great Plaza is the Acropolis, a group of massive pyramidal structures where royal power was once concentrated, and which hold beneath them a wealth of information about Copan's ancient past. Ascending one structure is the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, composed of some 2500 individual glyphs, its sides flanked by serpentine birds and snakes, this is the New World's longest inscribed Pre-Colombian text. The subject of exploration and investigation since the 1830s, the continual discoveries being unearthed by archaeologists are uncovering remarkable finds that represent a Maya resurrection and have made Copan the most thoroughly researched and understood of all Maya sites. The afternoon has been left free for you to remain on site and explore at your leisure, perhaps utilising the time to visit the museums and learn a little more about what was once one of the most significant city-states in the Maya world. This evening there will be an option to enjoy a BBQ dinner amidst the lush highlands. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Don Udo's Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Don Udo's Hotel Don Udo's has an authentic local feel with modern-day comforts such as a sauna, wi-fi and air-conditioned rooms. Senor Udo and his staff extend a warm welcome to all their guests and the serene courtyard garden is a great place to unwind. The hotel's restaurant also serves excellent local and international cuisine.

Day 5: Visit Quirigua, then drive to Flores

Leaving early this morning we head back across the border into Guatemala, towards the small site of Quirigua, lying on the western fringes of the Sierra de Espiritu. Once an important trading centre between Tikal and Copan, this UNESCO Heritage Site is home to the tallest stelae to be found anywhere amongst the ruins of the ancient Mayans. Explored by Catherwood and Stephens in the mid 19th century, Quirigua reached its zenith during the 8th century, becoming an independent kingdom that controlled much of the surrounding Motagua Valley, before being abandoned sometime during the 9th century. The impressive stelae tell of the wars with nearby Copan, of the beheading of the Copan king and the emergence of Quirigua from the shadow of its powerful neighbour. The tallest of the stelae reached an impressive 12 metres and over a period of some 55 years the rulers of this tiny kingdom had a new monument erected every 5 years. Leaving the site behind we then head north, crossing the Rio Dulce before continuing to the Flores, close to Tikal, site of one of the greatest of all Maya cities. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Casona Del Lago Included meals: Breakfast

Casona Del Lago The rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering good facilities, whilst outside the pool makes a great place to relax and retreat to after a day of sightseeing. The hotel restaurant is renown for its excellent cuisine.

Day 6: Visit Tikal, free PM

We start today with a short drive to Tikal. Tikal can easily be compared with the masterpieces of Egypt and Greece. Initially settled about 600 BC, it was abandoned by its rulers around AD 890 and totally deserted a hundred years later. Rediscovered in 1848, the site itself comprises many great temples and pyramids, covering an area of more than 16 square kilometres, with palaces, causeways, ball courts, spacious plazas, and hundreds of other architectural ruins – a superb example of sophisticated Maya engineering. At its height the extended area of the city and its environs covered some 100kms and its population was estimated at between 50,000-100,000. Many of the main buildings were completed between the 6th and 9th centuries, during what was called the Late Classic Period, during which the city traded with Quirigua, Copan and even Teotihuacan to the far west. Economic instability, civil unrest and warfare finally brought the city down, echoing a general demise amongst the Maya civilisation. The remote jungle setting, with the constant companionship of Howler monkeys and parrots, gives the site a feeling of true isolation and its pyramid towers slicing through the lush canopy affords it an almost mystical feel. After exploring the site there's time to visit the on site museum (optional) before we return back to our hotel on the shores of Peten Itza Lake. This afternoon, if time allows, you may want to take an optional boat trip on the lake or visit Flores Island. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Casona Del Lago Included meals: Breakfast

Casona Del Lago The rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering good facilities, whilst outside the pool makes a great place to relax and retreat to after a day of sightseeing. The hotel restaurant is renown for its excellent cuisine.

Day 7: Visit jungle site of Bonampak, drive to Palenque (Mexico)

This morning we head to Bethel on the river Usumacinta where we leave Guatemala and cross the border into Mexico by boat to Frontera Corozal. From here continue by road to the fascinating site of Bonampak. Famed for its incredible murals, Bonampak is a superb example of Classic Maya art. The murals depict the rituals and lives of the ruling elite, including some pretty grim depictions of torture and death for its unfortunate captives. First revealed to the outside world in 1946, these remarkable murals capture a time of sumptuous pomp and ceremony and provide an interesting snapshot into the lives of the elite of Maya hierarchy and perhaps a reason for the civil unrest and eventual decline of the order. From here we continue towards one of the most beautiful ancient sites anywhere in Latin America. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Chan Kah Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel Chan Kah The rooms are situated in individual small cabins or 'casitas' which are nicely furnished with all the necessary facilities. The hotel boasts a large pool and a restaurant that serves a good mix of local and international food. The location is also ideal, being just a short distance from the ruins of Palenque, also hidden in the rainforest.

Day 8: Visit Palenque site. PM optional Agua Azul waterfalls

This morning we will visit the site in the company of a local guide, visiting the intricate labyrinth of buildings that surround the palace and temple, its four-storey tower dominating the city. Engulfed by the rainforest and often shrouded in mist, the palaces and ruins of Palenque were only discovered in the 19th century. Once the choking forest was cleared, the ruins revealed the tomb of the high priest Pakal, his body adorned with a marvellous jade death mask – one of the most prized relics of the Maya culture, only discovered in 1952. Evidence indicates that the site was first occupied more than 1500 years ago and reached its zenith around 600-700AD, when many of the plazas and buildings were constructed, all without the use of metal tools, pack animals or the wheel. Palenque flourished for some 600 years, between the 4th and 10th centuries, but it was under the reigns of Pakal and Chan-Bahlum during the 7th century AD that saw it reach the peak of its prestige and power. Many of the buildings that we see today date from this period, including the Temple of the Inscriptions and its tomb (closed to visitors). At the centre of the city lies El Palacio, with its unique tower and intricate reliefs. Later this afternoon there will be an option to stay on the site and explore further, or perhaps take an optional trip out to swim at the picturesque waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Chan Kah Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel Chan Kah The rooms are situated in individual small cabins or 'casitas' which are nicely furnished with all the necessary facilities. The hotel boasts a large pool and a restaurant that serves a good mix of local and international food. The location is also ideal, being just a short distance from the ruins of Palenque, also hidden in the rainforest.

Day 9: Drive to Campeche via Champoton

Leaving early this morning we drive along the gulf coastline to the pleasant colonial city of Campeche, the state capital and once one of Spain's main ports in Mexico. En route we will stop for lunch at the fishing village of Champoton. On arrival in Campeche this afternoon there will be time to wander around the old port where defensive walls and fortresses are still in evidence. Although Campeche is not on the usual tourist trail it does boast an elegant and well-maintained colonial quarter with 18th and 19th century houses painted in soft pastel colours. This city makes a refreshing change to the crowded plazas of Merida and is perhaps one of the nice unexpected highlight of the tour. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Plaza Campeche Included meals: Breakfast

Plaza Campeche The hotel is very new and offers comfort and elegance in keeping with the surrounding colonial architecture. The goodsized rooms are well appointed with modern facilities and the hotel pool is the perfect place to relax.

Day 10: Visit Uxmal; drive to Merida

We start this morning with a short drive to Uxmal. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive in its design, with majestic palaces, templepyramids and long geometrical friezes that rank amongst the most splendid examples of ancient American Art anywhere. The incredible Pyramid of the Magician and the beautiful Governor's Palace must also rate as two of the finest examples of Mayan art on the entire continent. Today we will visit this extraordinary site, spending some time exploring what for many is considered the crowning glory of Puuc architectural style, with its classical lines and abstract designs. Leaving Uxmal behind we continue on to Merida – famed for its beautiful Spanish- Moorish style architecture. Known as the "White City", Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and its centre reflects its colonial heritage, with a church or mansion on every street and its plazas alive with markets, entertainment and visitors. Indeed the city is probably the most European in feel than any other in Mexico. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Casa Del Balam Included meals: Breakfast

Casa Del Balam This is said to be one of the finest of Merida's downtown colonial hotels and perfectly situated to explore the main plaza, catherdral and museums. The beautiful lobby is situated within a former family home and reflects a delightful blend of spanish tiles, terracota, carved stone arches and walled gardens. The air conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with colonial antiques, wrought iron accesories, and marble floors.

Day 11: AM free, PM drive via convent at Izamal to Chichen Itza

Built over, and partly from, the ruins of a Maya city, Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo. Trade with Europe brought the city much of its wealth and at one time a substantial proportion of the world's rope was manufactured from Yucatecan henequen(green gold). It went on to become one of the richest cities in the country and boasts the oldest cathedral in Latin America, the imposing Cathedral of San Idelfonso. In 1849, during the Caste Wars, the Mayan armies besieged the city and came within a whisker of taking it and thus regaining control of the entire peninsula. Unfortunately for the Mayans, at that moment the peasants left the fight to return to their fields to plant corn and so the city was saved and the Yucatan was brought back under Mexican control. With its trading franchises all but forgotten and the riches of the past but a distant memory, the city still retains an air of elegance and vitality and this morning we have an opportunity to explore the bustling downtown area before we depart. This afternoon we will drive via the convent of Izamal, a once important Maya ceremonial site that become a focal point of the Spanish attempts at converting the locals to Catholocism. The colonial forces built the imposing Convent of St Anthony of Padua, a huge building that claims the honour of possessing the second largest atrium in the world on the foundations of a Mayan building. We then drive onto Piste, a small village to the east located close to the ruins of Chichen Itza. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Chichen Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel Chichen This hotel makes a comfortable and convenient place to spend a night. The colonial style entrance, small, colourful garden and central pool make for a welcoming sight. The rooms are nicely furnished and have good amenities.

Day 12: Visit Chichen Itza, drive via Valladolid to Playa del Carmen

One of the most outstanding archaeological ruins in Central America, Chichen Itza was founded in AD432, re-founded in 987 and reputedly conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century, the culture of the Maya and the Toltec gradually fusing together to create an amalgam of designs and influences. The pyramids, palaces, temples and ball court (where death was the penalty for defeat) are adorned with astonishing sculptures. Believed to have reached its zenith during what was termed the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000AD), the city's origins can be traced back some 500 years previously and there is some debate still as to the influence that the Toltecs had on the city and its architectural styles. Whatever its origins and influences though, little can detract from what is, for many, the quintessential image of a Maya city. We will actually explore the city today during the quieter periods, allowing more time to soak up the feel and ambience of this most magical of settings. The buildings to the north are dominated by the imposing presence of El Castillo (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan), a remarkable building that is in fact a stone representation of the Maya calendar, its summit decorated with symbols of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. One unique feature of the building occurs at sunset on the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the heads of the serpents at the foot of the staircases are joined to their tails at the top by the shadows cast by the setting sun. The 'Toltec Plaza' is littered with more structures, including the Temple of the Warriors and the Group of a Thousand Columns, whilst the ball court that occupies its western edge is largest of its kind anywhere. After spending the best part of the day here, we'll then continue via the town of Valladolid to the Caribbean at Playa del Carmen. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Hacienda Real Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel Hacienda Real This hotel features comfortable rooms and a variety of thoughtful amenities. The Hotel Hacienda Real del Caribe is ideally situated within walking distance of many popular sites including the famous Quinta Avenida, filled with shops, restaurants and bars. Pristine beaches and endless recreational activities are also available nearby. The hotel offers guests a tranquil atmosphere, complete with many modern amenities, including a spacious courtyard swimming pool.

Day 13 to 14: In Playa del Carmen

The next couple of days have been left free for you to be as active or relaxed as you wish. You can choose to relax on the beach or around the hotel pool or perhaps take a side trip to one of the fascinating nearby sites such as Tulum. The site of Tulum is a stunning set of Maya-Toltec ruins that occupy the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean. You could also choose to join a 'Maya Encounter' tour to the 1,500 year old site of Coba and the fabulous Cenotes or water-filled caves that are perfect for swimming in. The Maya Encounter journey also takes you to an authentic Maya village, a self-sufficient Maya community living next to an integral part of the region's lagoon system. You will walk through the Maya community's forest, learning about the local fauna and flora. The adventure tour then continues with exciting zip-line flying over a beautiful Cenote, a refreshing swim, rappelling down into another Cenote, and finally canoeing on a particularly beautiful lagoon. To end it all, you can enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by the women of this Maya community. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Your tour leader will be on hand to help organise any of these optional trips. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Hacienda Real Included meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Tour ends Playa del Carmen

Included meals: Breakfast