Tour "The great civilizations of Mexico" - a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient cultures of pre-Columbian Mexico: the Aztecs, Toltecs, Olmecs and Mayans. The program will introduce you to the monuments of cultural and historical heritage, architectural structures, under UNESCO protection, as well as unique natural sites.At the same time, you will discover authentic Mexico, learn about the customs and traditions of Mexicans, and try national dishes. Each region that you will visit, is unique and inimitable, there is no state similar to each other, so the trip will be intense and unforgettable.
Day 1: Mexico City
Meeting at the airport. Transfer and accommodation in hotel of 4*. Free time
Day 2: Mexico City – City Tour - Teotihuacan. (140 km)
Sight-seeing tour around the city center includes the inspection of the Socalo - the political center of the country, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace with the famous murals of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. Also, you will pass on the most beautiful street in Mexico City - Paseo de la -Reforma, which is famous for a huge number of monuments and memorials. After the city tour you will discover the city "Where the men become gods" - Teotihuacan and see the famous pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Full day excursion. Lunch is not included.
Day 3. Mexico - Puebla (130 km) - Veracruz (285 km).
According to legend, angels told one bishop the location of the future city.
To the «City of Angels» leads a picturesque road, guarded by two active volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, theirs snow-capped peaks rushes into the sky. The city will impress you with magnificent colonial architecture, historical monuments, including the Chapel of Rosario, the monastery of Santo Domingo, the city's cathedral, protected by UNESCO.
Churches and houses are decorated with ceramic tiles "Talavera", landscape of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes turns this city to a dream of lovers beautiful photos and ancient architecture.
But if your main weakness is kitchen, the "gastronomic capital of Mexico" will not disappoint. Surely try the sauce of "mole poblano", combining taste of chocolate and hot chili pepper, as well as the famous stuffed peppers - Chiles en nogada.
After lunch you will go to the most important port of country - Veracruz, famous for cooking culture divine drink - coffee.
Accommodation at the hotel 4 *
Day 4. Veracruz - Villahermosa / park-museum "La Venta" (465 km) - Palenque (145 km).
After breakfast you will go to a fertile state of Tabasco, where are grown such crops as cocoa, avocado, oranges, mangoes, and more.
You will visit a unique park-museum under the open sky - "La Venta", a collection of cultural monuments of the Olmecs – foremother of all Mesoamerican cultures, the oldest and most mysterious civilizations of America.
Giant heads with Negroid features - this is one of the biggest mysteries of this civilization, which scientists still have not figured out.
Next by the program - moving to the city of Palenque, located in the state of Chiapas.
Accommodation at the hotel 4 *
Day 5. Palenque - Yashchilan (165 km) - Waterfall Misol-Ha - Palenque (210 km).
Breakfast. Early departure from the hotel.
On the bank of the River Usumacinta hidden from prying eyes situated Yashchilan city. The only possible way to get to the ancient settlement - on a boat on the river, what makes the trip especially fascinating. In the ancient city you will be amazed by ritual scenes, murals, steleы, you will see a statue of the ancient Ruler, seated on a throne among the impassable jungle. You will be able to appreciate the beauty of untouched nature, surrounding you during the tour, as well as get acquainted with the howler monkeys and lots of marvelous birds.
Then you will go to the picturesque waterfall Misol-Ha where you can swim and cool off after a busy day. Return to the hotel.
Day 6. Palenque - Gulf of Mexico - Campeche (365 km).
Palenque ruins are considered to be the most important archaeological sites of the Maya in Mexico. The ancient city is located among the overgrown jungle on a high hills. In the early morning ruins shrouded in thick fog, beside flows a small stream, you can often hear the roar of a jaguar or monkey - howler.
The combination of nature and ancient ruins imparts to this place special energy. About the legends and traditions of the mysterious city of Palenque will tell excursion guide.
After the tour, transfer to the city of Campeche. You will walk through the narrow colonial streets, look at fortress walls, with stood numerous pirate attacks.
Accommodation at the hotel 4 *
Day 7: Campeche - Uxmal (160 km) - Merida (85 km).
Breakfast. In the morning, you will find yourself on the sacred Mayan ceremony. During the ceremony, the chief priest will apply to the Rain God for spiritual cleansing and blessing. You will learn how grows and makes the most delicious cocoa and also try traditional cocoa drink prepared according to ancient recipes of Maya. Next you will go to the majestic Uxmal, which has numerous legends. For example, some say, that Wizard built the pyramid-temple in just one night, and in the city still live forest guards - Alushes. Governor's Palace, the House of Turtle, Pigeon yard, Convent - all this you will find here in a unique Uxmal. Later, you will get acquainted in the world of Spanish aristocrats and visit an old hacienda. Moving to Merida.
Accommodation at the hotel 4 * («Gobernador» or similar). Evening walk on the colonial city.
Day 8: Merida - Chichen Itza (130 km) - Cenote Ik-Kil - Cancun / Riviera Maya (220-280 km).
Breakfast. Departure to the center of the Yucatan Peninsula to explore its main attraction - Chichen Itza. This ancient city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Warriors, and the world's largest golf ball Pok Ta Pok, the Temple of the Jaguars, the Observatory and other buildings of the city will appear before you and will amaze with its greatness. Next, you will swim in the crystal clear karst lake or cenote, where you can experience the healing properties of underground water.
Near the town is the factory of tequila, where you can taste the traditional drink of Mexico and see the process of its production.
Moving to Cancun / Riviera Maya, hotel accommodation according to reservation.
•Transportation (depending on the number of people in group: minivan, sprinter or bus)
•Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and nature reserves mentioned in the program.
•Accommodation category of hotels not less than 4 *, tip to the maids, porters. Includes breakfast buffet or American breakfast.
•English/ Spanish speaking guide.
•All transfers by route
•Wet wipes, water
•Lunches and dinners on the route
•Tips to guide and driver
•Accommodation in hotels before and after the program
