A Taste of the Maya World

Mexico, 14 Nights

Day 1 - London/Mexico City
Depart London Heathrow with the British Airways direct flight to Mexico City. Arrival transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel for two nights.

Day 2 - Mexico City
Morning visit to the astonishing archaeological zone of Teotihuacan, famous for the world's third and fourth largest pyramids, the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Afternoon guided tour of Mexico City's historic centre including the main square, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor.

Day 3 - Mexico City/San Cristobal de la Casas
Morning flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Enjoy a private, scenic boat tour through the towering walls of the Sumidero Canyon before continuing by road to San Cristobal de las Casas, the centre of one of Mexico's predominantly Indian regions. Two nights at Casa Felipe Flores.

Day 4 - San Cristobal de la Casas
Experience the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, isolated communities where Maya highland traditions live on including back-strap weaving, religious syncretism and colourful markets.

Day 5 - San Cristobal de las Casas/Palenque
Early start for a scenic drive descending the Sierra Madre to the steamy jungle lowlands, visiting the impressive temples at Tonina and Misol Ha waterfall en route. One night at the simple Chan-Kah Village Resort.

Day 6 - Palenque/Campeche
Morning guided tour of the striking site of Palenque including the 'Templo de las Inscripciones', one of the most renowned burial monuments in the Americas limited to special entry permits only. Afternoon drive north to the walled fortress and colonial city of Campeche. Two nights at Hacienda Puerta Campeche.

Day 7 - Campeche
At leisure to enjoy your wonderfully restored luxury hotel. Alternatively wander the cobbled stone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Evening brief city tour and sound and light show, illuminating the bygone pirate era of this fascinating city.

Day 8 - Campeche/Temozon
Today, continue your exploration of the Maya world by visiting Uxmal, one of the their most fabled archaeological sites. Enjoy a classic Maya lunch of 'pollo y cochinita pibil' (earth cooked chicken and pork wrapped in banana leaves). Continue to beautiful Hacienda Temozon for a three-night stay.

Days 9 and 10 - Temozon
At leisure to relax and enjoy the colonial splendour of Hacienda Temozon. Alternatively, we recommend a 'Taste of Yucatan' one-day culinary overview and cooking lesson available for a private or group session. Guided visits to colonial Merida and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve also available.

Day 11 - Temozon/Riviera Maya
Early morning departure (to avoid the crowds) for Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and awesome site, displaying the high level of astronomical and engineering accomplishments the Mayas are famous for. Continue on to the Caribbean coastline of the Riviera Maya. Four nights at Esencia.

Days 12 to 14 - Riviera Maya
Relax and enjoy Esencia, a small boutique hotel hiding away on one of the Riviera Maya's finest white beaches.

Day 15 - Riviera Maya/London
Midday flight to Mexico City to connect with the British Airways flight to London Heathrow. Arrive day 16.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 15 day suggested journey in Mexico will cost from £4,295 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.