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Mexico & Belize & Guatemala

Mayan Pyramids, Dense Forests and Ancient History

Zapotec Tour - 21 Night Itinerary

Journey to the mighty Aztec and Mayan civilisations, exploring cosmopolitan cities, exhuberant rainforest to admire ancient pyramids, colourful markets and colonial heritage in architecture, museums and the arts.

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Travel Highlights

  • Combine the Mayan ruins and idyllic beaches of Mexico with the remote tropical beauty of Belize and the beguiling landscapes of Guatemala
  • Visit mighty Aztec pyramids and explore ancient Zapotec ruins near Oaxaca
  • Explore the world famous Mayan sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal
  • Relax on a Caribbean beach and admire the picturesque clifftop ruins of Tulum
  • Cross into Belize to discover remote tropical forest and exotic flora
  • Discover the mighty ruins of Tikal, buried in jungle and with abundant wildlife
  • Experience local life and the vibrant colour of a local Indian market
  • Marvel at the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan and its traditional villages
  • Finish in the charming colonial city of Antigua, surrounded by towering volcanoes 

Tour Route

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.

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Map of Zapotec

Tour Itinerary

Teotihuacan
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  • Accommodation
Friday, 13 June 2025

Fly to Mexico City

Depart Thursday for Mexico City, arriving in the evening. On arrival, our representative will meet you and take you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. 


Saturday, 14 June 2025

Guided tour to Teotihuacan

Today we visit Mexico City's Archaeological museum and continue to Teotihuacan, dominated by the Pyramid of the Sun. 


Sunday, 15 June 2025

At leisure in Mexico City

Explore Mexico City at your own pace today, or take an optional excursion (bookable locally). Please ask your guide for details. 

1882 Zocalo Central
Mexico City - Tourist Hotel

Zocalo Central

This hotel offers good value and a very good location on a side street by the Plaza, Zacalo, Cathedral and Presidential Palace. The area is the centre of Mexican life in the city with numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and people.

The rooms are modern, well decorated, relatively small but with fresh warm colours, with private…

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1881 Condesa DF
Mexico City - First Boutique

Condesa DF

The Condesa DF was built in 1928 in French neoclassic style and updated by its owners with a completely new interior. Located in a tree lined street in the trendy Condesa district, the hotel has a rooftop bar, terrace with sofas and treetops all around. The interior patio restaurant serves breakfast and Japanese/Mexican modern cuisine.…

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1879 Four Seasons
Mexico City - Deluxe Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

The 5* Four Seasons Hotel is ideally situated on the Paseo de la Reforma (near Chapultepec Park and the museums), an ideal base to explore one of the world's largest and most dynamic capitals.

There are 240 guest rooms with modern amenities and some overlook the courtyard and fountains. The Reforma 500 restaurant offers a…

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Oaxaca
  • Full Description
Monday, 16 June 2025

Oaxaca

Fly to Oaxaca for 2 nights. Its narrow streets are lined with colonial buildings, graceful patios, handicraft stalls and the main square zócalo. Rest of the day at leisure. 


Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Monte Alban

Morning visit in the company of our expert guide to the immense Monte Albán, the ancient capital of the Zapotecas. In the afternoon we visit Mitlá with its elaborate and intricate mosaics.  

Uxmal
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  • Accommodation
Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Merida

Fly to Mérida where we stay for three nights. The city has many delightful colonial buildings, painted in soft pastel colours, enclosing airy colonial patios which blend with strong Mayan influences. 

 


Thursday, 19 June 2025

At leisure in Merida

Spend the day at leisure exploring Merida, with its excellent museums, interesting markets and perhaps take an optional excursion to the surrounding countryside at Izamal or Celestun Nature Reserve. 


Friday, 20 June 2025

Uxmal

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Uxmal, where our guide will showcase the fine examples of the ornate Puuc style with intricate stone lattice work, mosaics and towering pyramids. 


Saturday, 21 June 2025

Chichén Itzá

We depart for Chichén Itzá, where we stay for 1-night. Opportunity to explore Chichen Itza in the afternoon; this  mighty Mayan site dominated by El Castillo, full of cosmological significance, with steps, panels and terraces depicting various stages of the Mayan calendar. 

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Merida - Tourist Hotel

Casa del Balam

El Hotel Casa del Balam is one of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula, but also one of the few original Mexican Art Deco houses left in the colonial city. Newly renovated, this historic mansion has been carefully outfitted with today's modern comforts and conveniences. The Casa del Balam…

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View At Night
Merida - Luxury Hotel

Chable Yucatan

Chable Yucatan is a small luxury hotel set in the jungle about 40 minutes drive from Merida, close the the village of Chochola where the jungle shelters the largest group of white tail, gray tail and red deer in the Yucatan. The location is also ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Celestun River,…

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Tulum
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  • Accommodation
Sunday, 22 June 2025

Visit Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen

A morning visit to Chichen Itza before the crowds of tourists arrive. In the afternoon, we travel to the coast staying at Playa del Carmen for 2 nights. 

 


Monday, 23 June 2025

Explore Tulum and Xel-Ha Laguna

Today enjoy a full day guided excursion to the dramatic Tulum ruins, perched on a craggy cliff top overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Return via XelHá Laguna, to snorkel in a beautifully clear lagoon where iridescent tropical fish dart around the coves and inlets. 

 

1887 Illusion Boutique
Playa del Carmen - Tourist Boutique

Illusion Boutique

Illusion Boutique Hotel is a small hotel in the centre of Playa del Carmen, between the main street "Quinta Avenida" and the beach, which is located only a 2 minute walk walk down the road. It is ideal for everyone who likes to be within walking distance of all the attractions, shops, restaurants, bars and…

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Mahekel - beach front.jpg (1)
Playa del Carmen - First Resort

Mahekal Beach Resort

Nestled between lush tropical gardens, a pristine white sand beach and the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea, Mahékal is one of the most picturesque Hotels in Playa del Carmen.

The 121 rooms are divided into three sections, each with a different atmosphere - Caribe Ocean, Caribbean Garden view and Aventura Ocean. All rooms have…

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Resort view.jpg
Playa del Carmen - Deluxe Resort

Fairmont Mayakoba

Located within an incredible 240 acres of tropical forest and designed around crystal clear waterways, the Fairmont Mayakoba has the sense of a grand Mexican home. The grounds and gardens are something special, with golf carts to get around the site and trails to explore.

The 401 beautifully appointed air-conditioned bedrooms and 34 beach and lagoon…

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Lamanai & Orange Walk
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Travel to Belize

Transport to Chetumal where we cross the border into Belize. We continue to Lamanai Lodge, located in the forest, where we will stay for three nights on a full board basis. 


Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Visit Mayan Ruins and explore the forest 

Today we travel with our local guide into the forest like the explorers of previous generations discovering the lesser-visited Mayan ruins at Lamanai. We also take a boat trip to spot the wildlife and birds that make this remote area their home. 


Thursday, 26 June 2025

Mayan Ruins deep in the forest 

A further day of adventure in the forest discovering the incredible feats of the Mayan people and the wonderful natural history that abounds. 

Lamanaioutpostlodge 28
Lamanai & Orange Walk - First Lodge

Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Perched on a hillside overlooking the waters of the New River Lagoon and adjacent to the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is the Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

Public facilities include an open air restaurant and bar affording panoramic views of the New River Lagoon. There is also a reference library and lounge area…

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Tikal Site
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Friday, 27 June 2025

Fly to Flores, Guatemala 

We transfer to Belize airport this morning and and fly to Flores, Guatemala. On arrival, we travel to Tikal where we stay at the comfortable Jungle Lodge for 2 nights. Rest of the day at leisure.


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Explore Tikal Mayan Ruins

Today our guide will show you Tikal, one of the most famous of Mayan archeological sites with vast ruins, temples and massive pyramids standing high above the surrounding dense tree canopy. 

 

Jungle Lodge, Tikal
Tikal - Tourist Lodge

Jungle Lodge Hotel

The family run Jungle lodge Hotel is ideally situated within the Tikal National Park, offering the closest accommodation to the temples & pyramids. The lodge has a rich history in providing accommodation for archeologists and explorers over many years.

The public areas include a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, games room and bonfires at night.

The…

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Camino Real Tikal Hotel
Tikal - First Hotel

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

In the lush Peten jungle, the Camino Real Tikal provides guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites and relax in an unspoiled natural paradise.

Public areas include the Ceibal Restaurant, bar, a Mayan sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool, shop travel agency, jacuzzi and lounge. 

All rooms at the Camino Real…

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La Lancha Lodge
Tikal - Luxury Lodge

La Lancha Lodge

La Lancha is located in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. Part of the Francis Ford Coppola family of lodges in central America, La Lancha is a perfect luxury retreat to be your base for discovering the incredible Mayan ruins that are hidden in the nearby national parks.

Under the tall thatched…

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Tikal Site
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Sunday, 29 June 2025

Tikal to Chichicastenango

Early morning walk in the magical tranquillity of Tikal. Afternoon flight to Guatemala City from where we continue to Chichicastenango for a 1-night stay.

Santo Tomas Hotel
Chichicastenango - First Hotel

Hotel Santo Tomas

The Hotel Santo Tomas is a colonial hotel situated in the marketplace in central Chichicastenango. There are 43 well decorated rooms and also a swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant. The staff all wear traditional costume. Accommodation includes room and American breakfast.

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Mayan weaver, Guatemala
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Monday, 30 June 2025

Chichicastenango market

Today we visit Chichicastenango's Sunday market with an abundance of colour in the weavings, masks and flowers that adorn the stalls. In the afternoon continue to Panajachel lying at the foot of volcanoes, staying for 2-nights on the shores of Lake Atitlán. 


Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Boat trip to Santiago Atitlán

Today we take a scenic journey by boat across Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlán, a village where local people retain their strong Indian culture and traditions. 

Casa Palopo
Lake Atitlan - Tourist Hotel

Casa Palopó - Relais & Chateaux

Located in Santa Catarina Palopo & near to Panajachel, Casa Palopo has four suites & four standard double rooms with private outdoor terraces with incredible views to the lake & volcanoes. The villa enjoys a private 50 feet long pool, spa, indoor and outdoor living room, a dining area, and a library. By the pool…

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Colonial Antigua
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  • Accommodation
Wednesday, 02 July 2025

Guided tour of Antigua

Travel back to Antigua and check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Our local guide will take you on a half-day guided tour of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 500 year old city has much to explore including many churches, convents, the cathedral, the pre-Columbian and Glass Art Museums. Crumbling Spanish colonial architecture is seen throughout the cities and one of the highlights is browsing in the wonderful markets famous for their fabrics. 

 


Thursday, 03 July 2025

At leisure in Antigua

The last day of your Central American odyssey. Relax and enjoy the charms and delights of Antigua, do some last minute shopping or perhaps take a trip to the nearby Volcano de Pacaya. 


Friday, 04 July 2025

Departure

Transfer to the airport in Guatemala City for your overnight flight home. 


Saturday, 05 July 2025

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

El Meson De Maria
Antigua - Tourist Hotel

El Meson de Maria

The hotel Mesón de María is located in the heart of La Antigua Guatemala just a few steps from the main street, La Calle Del Arco. Constructed in harmony with the old colonial style and beauty, "El Mesón de María" provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere, personalized service, inviting you to stay in a combination…

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Panza Verde Hotel
Antigua - First Hotel

Mesón Panza Verde

Mesón Panza Verde was established in 1986 as one of the first European style bed and breakfasts in Antigua, Guatemala. Ideally located at the quiet end of famous Fifth Avenue, it is a pleasant four block walk from Antigua's main plaza and cathedral down a cobble stone street past wonderful ruins and delightful shops. 

It…

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Interior Courtyard
Antigua - Luxury Hotel

El Convento Boutique Hotel

Situated in one of Antigua's famed cobblestone streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary from which you can discover the city's magnificent sites.

The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-30 Jun, 6 Sept - 9 Dec 1 July - 5 Sept, 10 Dec - 24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £5,894 £6,877 £6,269 £7,197
Single Traveller - Own Room £7,508 £8,577 £7,852 £10,184

Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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What's Included

  • 23 Days / 21 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 21 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners 
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

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