| Region | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Mexico City & Finishing: Mexico City
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. We recommend you arrive to Mexico City one or two day before the trip to explore this city. Modern meets ancient in Mexico City - one of the world's largest urban centres. Although crowded and smoggy, D.F. (Distrito Federal) offers a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting night life and delicious street food. Head to the Zocalo, the city's huge central square, to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture or relax in one of the many parks, plazas and gardens.
Day 2 - Starting: Mexico City & Finishing: Mexico City
Today we visit Teotihuacan. Located 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City are the 'must-see' archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan - the site of the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. This was once the country's biggest ancient city and capital of the Aztec people, who ruled over the largest empire in the pre-Hispanic era. Guarded by mountains this magnificent city is thought to have been founded early in the 1st century AD and reached its peak around AD 500, when its influence extended down to Guatemala and as far north as present-day Texas. With the help of a local guide we have time to stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’, uncover its many wonders and imagine what life must have been like nearly 2000 years ago. We will also visit Virgen de Guadalupe, the city’s major religious landmark.
Day 3 - Starting: Oaxaca & Finishing: Oaxaca
Today we travel by local bus (approx. 6 hours) to Oaxaca. A beautiful colonial town, Oaxaca is full of graceful arcades and colourful markets largely populated by descendents of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians, who come here to sell their colourful woven blankets and shawls. Oaxaca is also known for its well-respected arts scene, including folk art, fine art and dance. Explore the markets and narrow, cobbled streets or simply sit in the square drinking the local mescal and watch life go by.
Day 4 - Starting: Oaxaca & Finishing: Oaxaca
Today we visit the mountain temples of Monte Alban - located just a short distance from Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of cultures (Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs) and it is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were literally carved out of the mountain. This evening we take a first class bus (approx. 13 hours) to San Cristobal del las Casas. First class buses in Mexico can be quite comfortable. They are equipped with seats that recline and have more leg room than regular buses. They usually make a quick toilet stop every 4 to 5 hours, however they normally also have a toilet at the rear of the bus, which you may use in case of an emergency. They are all air conditioned, so make sure you take a light jumper with you as it may get a bit cold on board.
Day 5 - Starting: San Cristobal de las Casas & Finishing: San Cristobal de las Casas
We arrive in San Cristobal early in the morning. Check in at the hotel is usually not until midday, so if we can't check in upon arrival, we will be able to leave our luggage and start exploring San Cristobal straight away. The remainder of today is at leisure and, as always, the group leader will assist you arrange optional activities. With winding cobblestone streets and colonial Spanish architecture, San Cristobal de las Casas maintains a lovely old-world feel mixed with strong indigenous roots. Take the opportunity to go for a stroll and try to spot the cafe with the most locals in it for a taste of the traditional 'elote', a corn cob which makes a common snack in the highlands of Chiapas.
Day 6 - Starting: San Cristobal de las Casas & Finishing: San Cristobal de las Casas
Today we travel to the surrounding villages populated with Tzotzil and Tzeltal Indians who maintain their tribal origins through their varied traditional costumes and customs. We pay a visit to San Juan Cholula and its church. The floor is covered with pine needles and the air is heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings with firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets with colourful handicrafts for sale.
Day 7 - Starting: Palenque & Finishing: Palenque
Today we travel on a windy road by local bus to Palenque archaeological site (approx. 6 hours). Here we meet the archaeologist that will join us for the rest of the expedition. Palenque is situated on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle and is home to possibly the most impressive series of Mayan ruins, which date back at AD600. Whilst walking amongst the ruins it is often possible to hear the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle, giving an added dimension to this magnificent site. The temples are superb relics of Mayan culture and there are many ruins here still un-excavated and hidden in the surrounding forest. After visiting Palenque we travel to Lacanja Chansayab (1hr approx) for the night.
Day 8 - Starting: Jungle Exploration & Finishing: Jungle Exploration
Let the adventure begin! For the next five days your only form of transport will be hiking and river rafting. Today, we meet our Lacandon local guide (or guides depending on the group size) who call this part of the Mexican jungle home. Board your rafts and paddle (2hrs approx) to the riverside of Lacanja archaeological site. We then continue rafting another (2.5hrs approx) to the riverside of Monampak archaeological sites renowned for their exquisite murals and Maya artwork. It should takes us approximately 1 hour walking between the river and the site. Finally, a further 30min easy paddling takes us to our campsite for the night.
Day 9 - Starting: Jungle Exploration & Finishing: Jungle Exploration
The day starts with a 4hr rafting deeper into the jungle and a 4hr walk until we reach an unnamed Mayan archaeological site. This site is registered in the National Institute of Anthropology but its name remains unknown. Tonight we camp by this archaeological site.
Day 10 - Starting: Jungle Exploration & Finishing: Jungle Exploration
Today is an exciting day as we venture into a rarely explored section of the jungle. Be prepared for a long jungle walk joined by our expert local guide and archaeologist. It is estimated that 90% of the Mayan sites remain unfounded so who know...we may even stumble into one! The going will be slow and hard working as we machete our way through the jungle.
Day 11 - Starting: Jungle Exploration & Finishing: Jungle Exploration
Today we raft for 6hrs through the flattest section of the river. Macaws, Toucans, Hauler monkeys, Spider monkeys and Otters are frequently seen in this part of the world so keep eye on the shore in search for wildlife. Tonight we camp at an improvised campsite wherever we find a clearing in the jungle along the river.
Day 12 - Starting: Jungle Exploration & Finishing: Jungle Exploration
Today we raft another 4 hours on the way. The river become narrower and we will have to navigate a number of waterfalls. At times this will mean disembarking and hiking around the falls.
Day 13 - Starting: Lacandonia & Finishing: Lacandonia
Today we set up to raft the last 4 hours of this expedition to Lacanja river. From here we take a motorized boat (1.5 hrs approx) and minivan transfer (2hrs approx) to Lacandonia.
Day 14 - Starting: San Cristobal de las Casas & Finishing: San Cristobal de las Casas
Today we leave the jungle behind and travel by minivan (7hrs approx) back to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way we will stop in Montebello for a visit to the lake and the falls. Back in civilization we settle in our hotels and get ready for the last night in town. It's time to celebrate the end of successful expedition!
Day 15 - Starting: San Cristobal de las Casas & Finishing: San Cristobal de las Casas
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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