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Mexico and Guatemala will fascinate you with their vibrant way of life, traditional costumes and colourful houses, colonial architecture, proud traditions, and tasty cuisine. Whether you are visiting the birthplace of tequila, marvelling over ancient archaeological sites from the Mayan, Aztec or Toltec civilizations, visiting a coffee plantation, shopping for local handicrafts, swimming with whalesharks or just chilling out in the Caribbean, this trip has something for everyone and you will discover new delights every day. Come and share the magic of Mexico and the grandeur of Guatemala - two charming countries that will leave their mark on you forever.
Itinerary Highlights
Guadalajara - Mexico's second largest city, birthplace of mariachi music and tequila.
Guanajuato - a World Heritage Site, the old city is a living monument
to its prosperous and turbulent silver mining past; for over 2 centuries
30% to 40% of the world silver was mined in Guanjuato State. Delightfully
colonial with a maze of tunnels beneath the town and crooked cobbled streets above.
San Miguel de Allende - charming colonial town in a beautiful setting; a
hands-on cooking class preparing traditional Mexican fare
Mexico City - Mexico's vast Capital city of 24 million, once
the site of an ancient Aztec city.
Taxco - visit Mexico's silver city
Oaxaca - fine colonial architecture and bustling craft markets, visit a traditional weaving village and Monte Albàn a famous Toltec site.
San Christobal de las casas - fascinating villages where the indigenous people still practice many of the customs and beliefs of their Mayan ancestors. A thrilling boat ride between the towering rock walls of Canyon Sumidero.
Antigua - among the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas, Antigua is stunningly beautiful located, nestled between three volcanoes. Climb active Volcan Pacaya for spectacular views over Guatemala City and countryside.
Lake Atitlan - a massive caldera (collapsed volcanic cone) surrounded by 3 volcanoes that loom over the landscape, scenery and sunsets are spectacular! Boat tour, bathe in thermal pools, lakeside walks and horse riding on the slopes of Volcan San Pedro.
Chichicastenango - a fascinating town with shamanistic and ceremonial undertones as its citizens adhere to pre Christian religious beliefs and ceremonies. The mountain town of Chichi is home to Central America’s largest indigenous markets, a wonderful selection of traditional weavings and other handicrafts.
Ancient Sites of the Maya, Toltec and Aztec - climb pyramids and spires,
explore mysterious structures; Chichen Itza and Palaneque;
at Tikal (Guatemala) tall pyramids pierce the dense rainforest canopy
and the call of the howler monkeys reverberates through the trees; at Teotihuacan, Mexico's biggest ancient site, climb to the top of
the world’s third largest pyramid.
Merida - one of Mexico's oldest cities, the heart of the Yucatan, with lots of traditions and tasty cuisine.
Hol Box - Swim with the whale sharks in this tiny island paradise and marvel at the array of wild life.
Cozumel - End the trip with some R and R on this beautiful Caribbean Island, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling.
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Guadalajara - depart late afternoon, arrive late evening
Day 2. Guadalajara - sightseeing in the home of mariachi and tequila
Day 3. Guanajuato - this historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage living monument
Day 4. Guanajuato - sightseeing
Day 5. San Miguel de Allende - take part in a Mexican cooking lesson
Day 6. Mexico City - en route visit the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan including the world's 3rd largest pyramid
Day 7. Mexico City - sightseeing in the Capital.
Day 8. Taxco - famous for silver, great shopping
Day 9. Oaxaca - Travel through the rim of volcanos to this enchanting part of Mexico.
Day 10. Oaxaca - Sightseeing, including Monte Alban (Toltec site), weaving villages
Day 11. Overnight Bus - fee day in Oaxaca before taking the bus to Tuxtla Gutierrez
Day 12. San Cristobal de las Casas - thrilling boat ride along Sumidero Canyon
Day 13. San Cristobal de las Casas - visit the indingenous villages of Zinicantan and Chamula
Day 14. Lake Atitlan - cross the border into Guatemala, to Lake Atitlan, the most beautiful lake in the world.
Day 15. Lake Atitlan - by boat, visit the traditional villages around the lake
Day 16. Antigua - en route visit the Chichicastenago Markets, important since Mayan times.
Day 17. Antigua - sightseeing, free time and a hike up Volcan Pacaya for those who wish (conditions permitting)
Day 18. Antigua - Visit coffee plantation, or do a countryside excursion by bike or van.
Day 19. Flores - Early flight to Flores to visit the impressive Mayan Ruins of Tikal, zip lining available
Day 20. Palenque - travelling by road and river return to Mexico visiting Bonampak & Yaxchilan en route
Day 21. Palenque - visit the Mayan site of Palenque, then Misol Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, great swimming holes
Day 22. Merida - daytime bus across the Yucatan Peninsular
Day 23. Merida - morning city sightseeing, afternoon visit Progresso Beach
Day 24. Merida - swim in the fresh water cenotes, evening cultural show
Day 25. Hol Box - en route we visit Chichen Itza
Day 26. Hol Box - excursion to swim with the Whale Sharks
Day 27. Cozumel - end of trip R and R time in a tropical paradise.
Day 28. Cozumel - island tour and free time to enjoy!
Day 29. Flight - free morning, afternoon flight to Los Angeles
Day 30. In flight - (date line)
Day 31. Arrive Auckland - early morning
Travel Style
Travelling as a backpacker carrying lightweight travel packs (under 10kg) or soft wheelie bags and for the most part using public transport.
A good degree of walking fitness is required, as during this trip most sightseeing will involve walking. In addition, you must be able to carry your luggage between transport depots and hotels on some days, i.e. for up to 15 minutes. More extended day walking, snorkelling and horse riding are included (optional participation). Please keep in mind that the climate in these countries is considerably hotter than New Zealand so the fitter you are, the better you will be able to cope.
Accommodation
Star** to Star *** standard, centrally located, clean and comfortable
twin share rooms with private bathrooms are the norm.
Trip Data
Price will included - Flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), Hotels, transports, sights/activities as per itinerary.
A continental breakfast (hot drink, bread, butter/jam) is included most mornings, 3 dinners and 2 lunches however allow US$25+ a day to cover other meals.
Special Note
This trip will be lead by Eileen Cameron. We are very sorry to advise that Eileen will be leaving Grassroots towards the end of 2010 as she is returning to South America to live. This means that this Mexico Guatemala departure will be the last opportunity to enjoy this magical area of the World in her company. Eileen has lived and worked in Mexico and Central America for many years and speaks fluent Spanish. If you would like to join her for this finale please advise urgently as it is only 4 months until departure.
Code Number:
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| Departure (ex Auckland): |
Date not yet available |
| Estimated Price : |
$2010 price was $8,900 |
| Minimum Number: |
11 |
| Days: |
31 |
| Trip Status: |
Unscheduled |
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