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Multi-Country Landmark Tours Holidays

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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Tour Route

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 

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.

Tour Itinerary

Teotihuacan

Mexico City - 3 Nights

Day 1 - Fly to Mexico City

Day 2 - Guided visit to Teotihuacan

Day 3 - At leisure in Mexico City

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 02 December 2024

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. 


Tuesday, 03 December 2024

Guided tour to Teotihuacan

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


Wednesday, 04 December 2024

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. 

Zocalo Central

Mexico City - Tourist Hotel

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 facilities, TV and telephone.

1882 Zocalo Central

Condesa DF

Mexico City - First Boutique

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.

The rooms are comfortable with a calm, white and natural mid tones decoration and modern bathroom. Wonderful style!

1881 Condesa DF

Four Seasons

Mexico City - Deluxe Hotel

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 unmatched dining experience. There is also a pool and a spa.

1879 Four Seasons
Oaxaca

Oaxaca - 2 Nights

Day 4 - Fly to Oaxaca

Day 5 - Visit Zapotec archaeological sites

  • Full Description

Thursday, 05 December 2024

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. 


Friday, 06 December 2024

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

Merida, Uxmal & Chichén Itzá - 4 Nights

Day 6 - Fly to Merida 

Day 7 - At leisure in Merida

Day 8 - Visit Uxmal

Day 9 - Depart for Chichén Itzá

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 07 December 2024

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. 

 


Sunday, 08 December 2024

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. 


Monday, 09 December 2024

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. 


Tuesday, 10 December 2024

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. 

Casa del Balam

Merida - Tourist Hotel

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 has an advantageous location, situated only two blocks from the Main Square or Plaza Grande in the heart of the Historic Centre, near the Jose peon Contreras Theatre and the Yucatan University. 

The air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with colonial antiques, wrought iron accessories and marble floors. 

Public facilities include a garden cafe-bar, "Las Palomas" Bistro featuring Mexican and International Cuisine and a swimming pool. 

G6

Chable Yucatan

Merida - Luxury Hotel

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, the best preserved wetlands in the Yucatan.

The accommodation is a choice of luxury Casita, a family Villa, Presidential Villa or Royal Villa. All accommodation types are air-conditioned and spacious with luxury bedrooms, lounge area with views of the jungle, private terrace, bathroom and outside moon shower. Amenities include TV, hammocks, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries and bathrobes. 

The ingredients for the award-winning cuisine come mainly from the hotel's traditional organic Mayan garden. There are three eating venues to enjoy. Other public facilities include a swimming pool, spa and gym. Activities such as yoga, guided walks in the jungle and trips to nearby attractions are also available.

View At Night
Tulum

Playa del Carmen & Tulum - 2 Nights

Day 10 - Visit Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen

Day 11 - Explore Tulum and Xel-Ha Laguna 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 11 December 2024

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. 

 


Thursday, 12 December 2024

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. 

 

Illusion Boutique

Playa del Carmen - Tourist 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 the beach. Although, please note this also means a certain amount of activity and street noise.

The hotel is for adults over 18. There are 196 comfortable rooms and suites with private facilities, the Maison Pierre Bistro on the ground floor serving breakfast and international and French-Mexican cuisine. The roof top has "La Vista" Bar serving drinks and snacks, an outdoor plunge pool (30 square metres) and solarium with sun loungers. There is also a spa.

Rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.

1887 Illusion Boutique

Mahekal Beach Resort

Playa del Carmen - First 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 private facilities, a patio or balcony with hammocks and air conditioned. Some rooms have their own plunge pool or outdoor shower. In keeping with a relaxed environment, there are no televisions, radios or telephones in the rooms.

The hotel's facilities include two pools and jacuzzi, two restaurants and bar. Water sports such as scuba diving or windsurfing can be arranged at the hotel. The hotel is conveniently located to the shops and restaurants of 5th Avenue, or La Quinta as it is known locally and only 50 minutes from Cancun Airport.

What's included:

The resort offers a half board (breakfast and dinner breakfast and lunch). Drinks are additional.

Mahekel - beach front.jpg (1)

Fairmont Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen - Deluxe Resort

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 casitas have one king or two queen beds, spacious bathrooms with a soaker tub and separate shower, some with private terrace or well sized balcony, Bose wave radio, CD player and 32"LCD TV.

Guests spend their days enjoying one of the resorts 5 swimming pools, perhaps horseback riding on the beach, enjoying a round at Mayakoba's own golf course or in their private spa. Included in the price are a guided catamaran tour, use of sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment, boogie boards, beach balls, volleyball, beach games and competitions.

For additional cost (payable locally), you can take a coral reef snorkelling expedition, lessons in windsurfing, kite boarding, yoga, catamaran sailing and windsurfer rental. 

There are three restaurants to choose from. The Brisas is a stunning beachfront eatery offering delicious seafood and international dishes. El Puerto is the place for dinner with a menu of Latin/Asian choices and the Laguna Restaurant offers superb Mexican cuisine.

The resort also has two bars, cafe and a beautiful spa.

Playa del Carmen is located only 10 minutes away. The town is a great place to spend an evenings with a good choice of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. 

Great for Families:

There are many facilities to keep children of all ages stimulated, with children aged 5-11 being able to take advantage of the Discovery Club and Adventure Camp. Children aged 0-5 eat for free when dining with their parents. 

Rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis. Other room packages are available.

 

Resort view.jpg
Lamanai & Orange Walk

Lamanai Lodge - 3 Nights

Day 12 - Travel to Belize 

Day 13 - Visit Mayan Ruins and explore the forest 

Day 14 - Visit Mayan Ruins and explore the forest 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Friday, 13 December 2024

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. 


Saturday, 14 December 2024

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. 


Sunday, 15 December 2024

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. 

Lamanai Lodge

Lamanai & Orange Walk - First 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 to relax.

Each of the Outpost's cabañas offers rustic elegance while blending in with the lush tropical gardens. The cabañas are handcrafted of local hardwoods with a palm thatched roof and feature screened windows for an open feel, ceiling fans, private bathroom with hot and cold running water, 24 hour electricity and all have verandas overlooking the lush tropical garden or lagoon. 

Accommodation is on a full board basis including a full programme of excursions and guided walks.

Lamanaioutpostlodge 28
Tikal Site

Tikal - 2 Nights

Day 15 - Fly to Flores, Guatemala

Day 16 - Explore the Tikal Mayan ruins

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 16 December 2024

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.


Tuesday, 17 December 2024

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 - Tourist Lodge

The family run Jungle lodge 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 spacious rooms have private bathrooms with hot water (limited) electricity. High ceilings keep the rooms cool and each bungalow has its own small porch.

The main activity is guided tours of nearby Tikal and other impressive Mayan sites. 

The rates are on a full board basis and include one guided shared excursion of Tikal.

Jungle Lodge, Tikal

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

Tikal - First 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 Tikal are housed in thatched-roof bungalows and offer modern comforts including air-conditioning, private bathrooms, direct-dial phones, cable TV and private balconies. Every balcony enjoys magnificent views of Lake Petén Itzá. 

There are many activities on offer including kayaking on Lake Peten Itza, excursions to Tikal National Park and Yaxha and Topoxte National Parks, zip wire adventures and catamaran boat ride on the lake.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Camino Real Tikal Hotel

La Lancha Lodge

Tikal - Luxury 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 roof of the main lodge is the restaurant serving local and international cuisine. There is a small two level swimming pool to cool down in, or take a dip in the lake's refreshing waters. The lodge also has a bar and a shop.

The lodge has ten thatched bungalows: four lakeside casitas and six rainforest casitas, all rustically decorated with local artefacts and regional and Balinese furniture. Each has two spacious bedrooms, private bathroom and a balcony with hammocks and chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Wildlife viewing around La Lancha is rewarding with an abundance of bird life, and primates such as howler monkeys can be seen and heard.  Kayaking and fishing can be also be organised. Without doubt, the main attraction arranged by the lodge is to the ruins of Tikal, just a twenty-minute drive away.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis, with free use of the Lodge's mountain bikes and canoes.

La Lancha Lodge
Tikal Site

Chichicastenango - 1 Night

Day 17 - Tikal to Chichicastenango

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

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

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.

Santo Tomas Hotel
Mayan weaver, Guatemala

Chichicastenango market & Lake Atitlan - 2 Nights

Day 18 - Chichicastenango market & Lake Atitlan

Day 19 - Boat trip to Santiago Atitlán

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 19 December 2024

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. 


Friday, 20 December 2024

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

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 there is an area of relaxation with outdoor fireplace for lounging in the evening.

The rates include breakfast.

Casa Palopo
Colonial Antigua

Antigua - 2 Nights

Day 20 - Guided tour of Antigua

Day 21 - At leisure in Antigua

Day 22 - Departure 

Day 23 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 21 December 2024

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. 

 


Sunday, 22 December 2024

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. 


Monday, 23 December 2024

Departure

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


Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

El Meson de Maria

Antigua - Tourist Hotel

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 of luxury and hospitality in an owner-maintained establishment.

You will take delight in the long and beautiful corridors, soothing búcaros (fountains), numerous lounges and spaces to relax while admiring the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes that surround the valley. There are 20 beautiful rooms, including two Queen Suites and one King. All rooms have cable TV, telephone, safe, complimentary internet and a business centre for those who need to actually accomplish something other than relaxing and visiting a magnificent city.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

El Meson De Maria

Panza Verde Hotel

Antigua - First Hotel

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 has nine lovely suites and three double rooms. Just beyond the entrance, there is an inviting central garden and fountain surrounded by a veranda that is quintessential Antigua. Its restaurant is considered one of the finest in the country. Its reputation for "international cuisine with a twist" has made it a favourite with Guatemalans and international travelers alike. Many consider Panza Verde to be the preferred destination for their stay in beautiful Spanish Colonial Antigua, the land of eternal spring. Accommodation includes room and continental buffet breakfast.

Panza Verde Hotel

El Convento

Antigua - Luxury 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 simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in can be just as tempting. Fine dining is available at the hotel's restaurant.

Serene and private, each of the nineteen suites flows from a central courtyard graced by a hundred year old Tempixque tree. There are two grand suites, six suites and eleven junior suites. All offer cedar-beamed ceilings, sumptuous linens, some of them have a private garden. In each suite, the soothing décor combines eye-pleasing neutrals with vibrant accents from local, hand-woven textiles and fine pieces of art and sculpture.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Interior Courtyard

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 Room £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.


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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