Mexico is a country with a bewildering amount of heritage, influences and landscapes. In this exciting journey though the Mexican land we explore its diverse past and present, taking a trip in time through the impressive remains of ancient civilizations like Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque and Chichen Itza, charming Spanish colonial cities like Mexico City and Puebla and beautiful cities of mestizo heritage like Oaxaca and Merida. We also have opportunities to meet the people, from the metropolitan streets of the enormous capital city to the living descendents of ancient civilizations in the deep jungle, before ending this amazing journey in the lively resort of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Itinerary:

Day 1, MEXICO CITY Arrival day. Day 2, MEXICO CITY - TEOTIHUACAN Today we visit the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The site is impressive for its scale, both in the size of the Pyramid of the Sun (the third largest pyramid in the world) and the majesty of the Calle de los Muertos (Street of the Dead) - originally 4km long and flanked by temples, palaces and platforms. Day 3, MEXICO CITY - PUEBLA Free morning for a last wander in Mexico City. In the afternoon we drive to Puebla. Established by the Spanish in 1531 on the main route between the port of Veracruz and Mexico City, Puebla was the principal city of colonial Mexico. Its historic downtown is a delight to explore and is filled with elegant 17th and 18th century European architecture and art. Day 4, PUEBLA - OAXACA Free morning to enjoy the city. In the afternoon we take a bus to the city of Oaxaca, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Day 5, MONTE ALBAN This morning visit the ruins of Monte Alban, the capital city of the Zapotec nation, and one of the first and most populated Meso- American cities during its peak. After exploring the ancient city we return to Oaxaca by bike, riding back through small villages. Day 6, OAXACA A free day to explore this beautiful city that owes its fame to the beauty and harmony of its architecture, the richness of its cultural traditions, the wide variety of its typical dishes, and its soft temperate climate throughout the year. In the evening we take an overnight bus to San Cristobal. Day 7, SAN CRISTOBAL Free day in San Cristobal, home to a large proportion of Mexico's indigenous population and with a character all of its own. (B) Day 8, SAN CRISTOBAL A free day in San Cristobal. You can visit the nearby Sumidero Canyon, a series of cliffs that reach an impressive 1,500m in height. Alternatively, you could take a horse ride into some of the nearby villages. Day 9, SAN CRISTOBAL-PALENQUE We take a bus to Palenque, the town close to the impressive site of the same name. Day 10, PALENQUE - YAXCHILAN - BONAMPAK We head into the jungle early in the morning in a quest for these little visited Mayan ruins. A boat ride take us to Yaxchilan (Place of the Green Stones), one of the few Mayan cities where women have ruled as well. In the afternoon we visit Bonampak, a site that is known for its well preserved frescoes. The Lacandon Indians are the original inhabitants of this part of the jungle, and we spend the night at an original Lacandon settlement in a simple multi-share cabin. (BLD) Day 11, LACANDON JUNGLE - PALENQUE After breakfast we take a walk through the Lacandon jungle with an indigenous Indian guide. Along the way we stop at small waterfalls to take a swim. Later this afternoon we drive back to Palenque. (BL) Day 12, PALENQUE A free day to visit the amazing Mayan ruins at Palenque, set amidst stunning rainforest. We also have the option of visiting Agua Azul, an area of beautiful jungle scenery and superb waterfalls. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Merida. Day 13, MERIDA We arrive in Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and packed full of markets and old colonial buildings. Nearby are the ruins of Uxmal and the Celestun National Park, home to huge flocks of flamingos. A free day to enjoy the city. Day 14, MERIDA - CHICHEN ITZA In the afternoon we drive to Chichen Itza. We have plenty of time to visit the magnificent Mayan site and spend time exploring its temples and pyramids. Day 15, CHICHEN ITZA - PLAYA DEL CARMEN After having time for a last visit to the ruins before the crowds arrives, we then head to the lively coast town of Playa del Carmen. Day 16, PLAYA DEL CARMEN Tour ends.

Group Size: Max 18
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, cycling in Monte Alban, hiking in the Lacandon jungle
Accommodation: 12 nights simple hotels, 1 night simple multi-share cabin, 2 nights overnight bus
Transport: Public and private bus, boat, foot
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, local guides in Teotihuacan and in Lacandon jungle
Trip Reference: LATE