Aztecs, Mayans & Zapotecs
 

A fascinating tour of Central and Caribbean 
Mexico where ancient cultures thrived
The Yucatan Peninsula carries deep within its river-less plateau 1,500 years of fascinating Mayan history. Visit this vast area to discover why the Maya abandoned their great cities that once flourished with 50,000 or more citizens. They sacrificed humans and built huge pyramids. Their civilization was so advanced they invented a calendar superior to the one we use. They discovered the wheel but never used it? Their Civilization was so indomitable it absorbed the War-like Toltec Indians after being conquered by them. -- And then came the Spanish Conquerers and their evil! What affect did they have on the Maya? Find out.

Day 1 We arrange airfare to Mexico City & check into our central hotel for 3 nights. Mexico City stands at 7,300 feet above sea level in the shadow of two snow-capped volcanoes. A great setting from which to start a magnificent adventure.

Day 2 Enjoy a hearty breakfast and depart on a guided walking tour of the largest city in the world. A great place to begin is the Zocalo, or main square. Historic buildings surround us including the great Cathedral, begun in 1573. The National Palace was constructed over the Palace of Montezuma in 1692. We’ll visit the Basilica Nuestra Senora de Guadeloupe. This is one of the most sacred shrines in the Western World. The Virgin is said to have appeared before a peasant on this spot in 1531. Step into the National Anthropological Museum in Chapultepec Park and depart for the great Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. This is an incredible day!

Day 3 Spend a second day in Mexico City or depart to the south to the silver mecca of Taxco. A National Monument, this beautiful colonial city is a maze of winding streets on hilly landscapes. The views are spectacular, especially from the cable car ride over Quarry Mountain. In the center of town is the Baroque Church of Santa Prisca and steps away are shops selling silver that has been mined near here for many centuries. Return to Mexico City for overnight.

Day 4 After breakfast we depart for Oaxaca. We arrange motor coach or flight as desired and transfer to our hotel. Unpack for the next two nights. Oaxaca, the Jade City, is an educational wonderland. Feast your eyes on Baroque Architecture. In the Church of Santo Domingo, exhibits include priceless works of art and vast ornamental plasterwork.

Day 5 Drive south to the Monte Alban Ruins, presiding high above the valley. Built by the Zapotecs around 600 BC it was later absorbed by the Mixtecs and then the Aztecs. Our local guide explains the significance of the major buildings including the Temple of Dancers. Later climb into the catacombs of Oaxaca to see first-hand the "Place of the Dead".

Day 6 Our motorcoach delivers us from the Zapotec Native world into the Mayan World. Our gracious hosts welcome us to the city of Merida where we discover why this is called the "Paris of Mexico". Step into the Governor's Palace, Main Plaza, Cathedral (finished in 1598) and the Montejo House. We have some free time this afternoon to explore and look for souvenir bargains. Stroll the Zocalo, (or main Square), next to Governer's Palace and catch some shade under centuries old Laurel trees. Surrounding the Zocalo are outdoor cafes, banks, and candy and ice cream shops.

Day 7 Uxmal. Enjoy breakfast and depart south to the 1,400 year old ruins at Uxmal, set among the rolling hills of the Puuc range. The steep Pyramids are built into natural hills rising from rocky ridges. Explore the massive ruins of several of the cities that were built here. Uxmal, you see, was built and abandoned at least five times! First built in the 7th century it was abandoned for the last time in the 16th. We enjoy a special treat this evening as we are treated a marvelous sound and light show. Overnight Merida.

Day 8 Chichen Itza to Cancun. Fantastic Chichen Itza will amaze us. Stand before Chac Mool where Mayans placed still beating hearts of sacrificial victims. Walk between the spires of the Temple of a Thousand Columns, see the Pyramid of Kukulkan which sits atop El Castillo (The Castle), approach the Cenote (large well) where divers are recovering jewels and many human bones and play in the ball court where Mayans played a game many centuries ago. The winner of these games was rewarded with jewels and fame. The loser could suffer a much more permanent and sordid fate. Ask our experienced tour guide why the Mayans abandoned their great city. Later climb into the underground world of the Balancanche Caves. Continue to Cancun (or the Mayan Corridor as you prefer). We can recommend a fabulous cabana style hotel on the Mayan Corridor that is right on the ocean.

Day 9 or 10 We have a free day (or more) to enjoy the fabulous beaches. Walk on sand that never burns your feet, no matter how hot it gets. We can enjoy an optional visit to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), Xcaret, Xel-Ha, the Mayan port of Tulum or the Scuba heaven of Cozumel. Jacques Cousteau himself labeled the island of Cozumel the World’s 2^nd best dive sight.

Day 10-11 Transfer to the Cancun International Airport for the flight home.