Mexico Explored tour: Nomadic tribes settled deep within the Mesoamerican rainforests some 3,000 years ago, establishing the foundations of some of the most sophisticated ancient civilisations.

Journeying through Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras we visit the diverse pre-Columbian pyramids, temples and relics of the Aztec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Toltec cultures. Crossing the mighty Usumacinta River by boat, we arrive at the lost archaeological ruins of Yaxchilan where Howler monkeys hide in the jungle canopy.

In Oaxaca, world renowned for its cuisine, we explore the vibrant markets in search of regional delicacies: try the hot, smoky chillis and Oaxaca’s delicious speciality ‘mole negro’ chocolate sauce, the perfect accompaniment to chicken, heaped on a hot, freshly made corn tortilla. The vibrant aromas and striking colours will leave you hungry for more.

Mexico Explored tour Trip Highlights:
Explore the history and culture of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, guided visits to the archaeological sites of Monte Alban, Palenque, Tikal and Copan, diverse pre-Columbian pyramids, temples and relics, boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon to see wildlife World renowned cuisine of Oaxaca!
Mexico explored tour: Day 1 Start Mexico City
After arriving on your flight transfer to your start hotel.

Mexico explored tour: Day 2 Mexico City
After a group briefing we set off for a walking tour of the historic centre of Mexico City. We will visit the largest cathedral in Latin America and the archaeological site of Templo Mayor (where the main pyramid of the former Tenochtitlan stood – please note, entrance to this last site is not included but we will see it from the outside). In the afternoon there is an excursion to the holy city of Teotihuacan, one of the oldest known archaeological sites in Mexico, thought to have had 25,000 inhabitants in its time. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 3 To Oaxaca
After breakfast we depart towards Oaxaca, stopping our journey after around 2 hours at the Great Pyramid of Cholula. By volume, this is the largest pyramid in the world, influenced by the Olmnec, Toltec and Aztec cultures. The pyramid was covered in grass when the Spanish conquered Cholula and they built a large church on top of it – one theory about this is that they mistook the pyramid for a hill!
Archaeologists have found some 8km of tunnels inside the structure – we will spend some time at this famous site to understand the history surrounding it. Our second stop will be in nearby Puebla, where we will walk around the colonial centre and see the many religious structures that it is famous for. This afternoon our journey continues for around 3.5 hours to Oaxaca City where we check into our hotel for the night. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 4 Visit Monte Alban

This morning we visit the incredible pre-Columbian ruins of Monte Alban, sitting 1,315 feet up on the side of a mountain overlooking the fertile valley of Oaxaca. It is thought that the Zapotecs (also known as the ‘Cloud People’) began levelling the top of the mountain around 500 BC in order to build Monte Alban, a place of divine worship where rituals, sacrifices, ball games and astrological observations took place. A 30 minute drive takes us back to Oaxaca where we will spend the afternoon exploring the plazas and colourful food markets. Oaxacan cuisine is famous for its oversized tortillas, quesillo (a type of cheese in long strips wound into a ball) and of course the world- renowned mole sauce – a blend of chocolate, garlic, nuts, chilli and onions that has tantalised the nation! Mole negro chocolate sauce is the perfect accompaniment to shredded chicken heaped on a freshly cooked tortilla. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 5 To Tehuantepec
We have a short drive to Teotitlan del Valle (‘Place of the Gods’), a Zapotec community that make traditional weavings in a myriad of colours. The textiles and pottery produced by the Zapotec people follow ancient traditions and have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years – we will learn about the weaving process and see this traditional craft in action. Our journey then continues to the archaeological site of Mitla, impressive ruins surrounded by a town of the same name that was recently crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricately carved stone mosaic patterns found throughout the site are unique to the area. We spend some time exploring Mitla, crowned as one of the architectural wonders of Mexico, before contiuning our journey for around 4.5 hours to Tehuantepec. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 6 To San Cristobal de las Casas
This morning we drive for 4.5 hours to Chiapa de Corzo, the site of the first Spanish city in the state of Chiapas. After a break in the small city for lunch (not included), we will take a 2 hour boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon, where the Rio Grijalva flows. Canyon walls as high as 2,500 feet tower above our boat as we travel through the river approaching the hyrdo-electric dam. Wildlife abounds in this area and we may see crocodiles, iguanas, herons, egrets, vultures and kingfishers. Our final location today is 45 minutes away in San Cristobal de las Casas, considered to be the cultural capital of the state. We will have some time to explore the cobbled streets this evening when we head out for dinner (not included). (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 7 To Palenque
We set off for Palenque today, stopping our journey after around 2 hours at the archaeological site of Tonina which is less well known
than some of Mexico’s other sites and as a consequence tends to have relatively few visitors. Tonina is an impressive site with 2 ball courts, one that is sunken and, at 60 metres long, one of the Mayan world’s largest and another that has an altar where it is thought that sacrifices took place. A 2 hour drive this afternoon brings us to Palenque where we check into our hotel for the night. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 8 Palenque
This morning we have a guided tour of the impressive Mayan site of Palenque. The jungle-covered complex is one of the most famous in Mexico and is located in the low hills of Chiapas. The pyramids, sanctuaries and temples, with their sculptured wall-panels and roofs are remarkably well preserved and are probably the finest surviving examples of Mayan buildings. This afternoon we offer an optional excursion to Misol Ha waterfall, a cascading stream pouring 120 feet into a deep pool of water below. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Misol Ha is perfect for a relaxing afternoon! There is a small trail behind the waterfall that can be explored. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 9 To Guatemala
We have an early departure to Bonampak this morning and will eat breakfast en route. Bonampak is famous for its story telling murals which are considered masterpices of ancient Maya art and gave archaeologists some of the first clues about the dark past of the Mayan culture. Our second stop is Yaxchilan, a chance to visit some ‘lost’ ruins that are surrounded by jungle. We board fibreglass boats and travel along the Usumacinta River in order to reach Yaxchilan, hopefully giving us a chance to see some of the wildlife that frequents this region: ocasionally Howler monkeys and red macaws can be seen. Later today we’ll cross the border in Guatemala where our journey continues with a 4.5 hour drive to the small village of El Remate, close to tomorrow’s attractiion: Tikal. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 10 Tikal
Tikal is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular of all Mayan sites, surrounded by rainforest and with pyramids rising above the tree tops. We spend the morning here, in the middle of the jungle, exploring nearly 20 square miles of classic Mayan ruins. We take a tour of the city, visiting the Q complex, Main Plaza, North and Central Acropolis, Seven Temples and Mundo Perdido (Lost World). Tikal is a superb area for observing wildlife in the jungle environment and visitors regularly see Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, toucan, Weaver birds, coatimundi and even tarantula (if you know where to look and wish to find one!) In the afternoon there will be free time to relax by Lake Peten Itza. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 11 To Honduras
Today is a long travel day of around 7 hours which also involves a border crossing to get to Copan in Honduras. We will stop near Rio Dulce where there will be options for lunch (not included). (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 12 Copan
Nestled in the Rio Copan Valley, the ancient city of Copan was once a major Mayan capital, the most southerly site of the Mayan empire. Copan is renowned for its striking carvings and architecture and has a huge number of sculptures making this one of the most artistic of all sites. The jungle surrounding Copan is a haven for birds and wildlife and we will also spend some time exploring the eco-park before we return to the quaint town of Copan Ruinas. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 13 To Antigua, Guatemala
We make our way to Antigua after breakfast this morning, crossing the border back into Guatemala. The drive should take around 4 hours giving us a free afternoon in Antigua to explore the cobbled streets and numerous churches. Beyond the tiled roofs there are stunning views of the Agua and Fuego Volcanoes – it is not hard to see why Antigua is regarded as one of the most attractive cities in Latin America. (B)

Mexico explored tour: Day 14 End Antigua
Our trip ends today in Antigua, you can either transfer to the airport for your onward flight or relax a little longer in this marvellous little town . (B)