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15
days:
$2985
/ GB£1490
Cancun to Cancun -
contact us
for help with flights
Countries visited: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala
Please see departure
dates below
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Mayan Adventure is a 15-day trip
which takes in the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize,
northern Guatemala, and Mexico's Chiapas state.
We'll start out on the beach at Cancun; swim in the sacred
sinkholes of
the Yucatan Peninsula; explore the Mayan sites of Chichen Itza,
Tulum, Tikal, Bonampak, Palenque and Uxmal; snorkel or dive off the world's second
largest barrier reef; take rainforest walks in Guatemala; and visit the colonial cities of
San Cristobal de las
Casas and Merida.
And as on all
Southern Crossings tours, you're taken care of from beginning to end: airport
transfers are included!
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Day |
Location |
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1 |
Arrival
Day Cancun |
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2 |
Chichen
Itza, Tulum |
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3 |
Tulum |
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4 |
Travel
to Caye Caulker, Belize |
|
5-6 |
Caye
Caulker |
|
7-8 |
Tikal,
Guatemala |
|
9 |
Travel
to Palenque, visit Bonampak |
|
10 |
Palenque |
|
11-12 |
San
Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico |
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13 |
Flight
to Merida - city tour |
|
14 |
Uxmal -
Cancun |
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15 |
Departure day - transfer to airport |
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Departure Dates
2008: Sep 6, Sep 20, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 27
2009: Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Mar 7, Mar 21, Apr 4, Apr 18,
May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug 8,
Aug 22, Sep 5, Sep 19, Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 14, Nov 28, Dec
12, Dec 26
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MAYAN ADVENTURE TRIP ITINERARY
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Day |
Activity/Location |
|
1 |
Arrival Day,
Cancun. Our adventure begins at the tip of the Yucatan
Peninsula in the beach resort of Cancun. We'll transfer
from the airport to our hotel on Cancun's Maya Riviera where we can
hit the beach or relax in one of the hotel's great pools.
Or come a day early and
enjoy Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island just a short boat ride
from downtown. You can chill out for the day on one of the island's white sand
beaches, go snorkeling, swim with dolphins, or go exploring on a rented motorcycle, scooter or golf
cart! Only $150.00
more
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2 |
This morning we head out to Chichen Itza, one of the "new seven
wonders of the world". Chichen Itza is
the most well-known of the many Mayan sites and also one of the
largest. Rising to prominence at the end of the Mayan Classic era
and then reborn under Toltec influence just before the Spanish
arrived, Chichen Itza boasts several large temples and pyramids, an
astronomical observatory, a sacrificial well, many excellently
carved stelae, and the largest ball court of any Mayan ruin.
It is a great introduction to pre-Columbian civilization. We'll take
a guided tour and then spend some time exploring this fascinating
site on our own, or you have the included option of visiting nearby Dzitnup
cenote (sinkhole). In the early evening we'll continue on to our
beachside cabanas at Tulum.
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|
3 |
Tulum is a
pretty special place, with stunning beaches, a coral reef and its
famous seaside ruins. A snorkeling excursion on the reef or in
an ancient sinkhole and a guided visit to the ruins are included activities today.
Overnight in Tulum.
|
|
4 |
And now for
something completely different... Welcome to Belize mon!
Belize is a laid-back yet orderly slice of
English-speaking Caribbean plopped down on the coast of Central America.
We'll travel down the Yucatan Peninsula into Belize and then take the water taxi from Belize City out to Caye
Caulker, our home for the next two days.
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5-6 |
Caye Caulker is a heavenly Caribbean island within sight of
the world's second longest barrier reef. Many are content to
relax and enjoy the island’s delicious seafood and plentiful rum
punch, but really it's the snorkeling and diving we're here for,
with an all-day included excursion by sailboat to Shark and Stingray
Alley, the Coral Gardens and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
We've also included an afternoon paddling around the island on sea
kayaks, ending up with a spectacular Caribbean sunset!
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7-8 |
A short plane
ride lands us near
Tikal, just over the border in neighboring Guatemala.
Tikal is truly the granddaddy of all excavated Mayan sites, with
five enormous pyramids towering over the jungle canopy and countless
other palaces and temples jutting out of the lush green rainforest.
Lose yourself amid this ancient splendor to the sounds of red
howler and spider monkeys, toucans and macaws.
The archaeological site is situated within the protected Tikal
National Park, so exploring the miles and miles of jungle trails is
an adventure of natural as well as historical discovery. Also, don’t
miss the experience of sunset from atop one of the pyramids, as the
sun disappears over the jungle expanse and the creatures of the
forest come to life in a symphony of sounds. We'll have two
days to explore the ruins, staying in El Remate, an attractive town on
the shores of Lake Peten Itza.
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9 |
Today is an
exciting day of travel as we make our way across the Peten
rainforest of northern Guatemala, and then hop into a
dugout canoe for a trip down the Usumacinta River to the Mexican
border post. After border formalities, we'll visit the beautiful and
well-preserved Mayan murals at Bonampak before continuing on
to Palenque.
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10 |
Palenque,
though not the largest of Mayan sites, is many people’s favorite by
far. Its architecture, particularly the ornate and well-preserved
"bell tower", is highly advanced and its inscriptions, murals
and paintings are
some of the best in the Maya world. Trace the rise and fall of
Palenque's dynasty as you explore this ancient city, then trek past
a series of beautiful riverine pools in the hills below the site.
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11-12 |
Today we make our way into a whole new
ecosystem as we twist and turn into the Chiapas highlands and arrive
at the colonial city of San Cristobal. On the way we'll visit
the spectacular waterfall sites of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.
In the San
Cristobal region, many ancient Maya ways
are still vividly alive in the dress and customs of the region’s
inhabitants, and we’ll spend days 12 and 13 getting to know the
San Cristobal area and its people. We'll shop for textiles,
jewelry, and weavings in the many indigenous markets, visit the
well-known Casa de Bolom, former home of activists and researchers
Gertrude and Frans Blom, and take walks and excursions to small
villages in the nearby countryside. Compared by many to Cuzco in
Peru and Antigua in Guatemala, San Cristobal is an extraordinarily
special place that you won’t tire of spending time in.
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13 |
We catch a
flight this morning from nearby Tuxtla Gutierrez to
Merida. Merida is a pleasant colonial city with great
restaurants, cafes, museums, churches and shopping! We'll have
an included city tour, then you're free to go off and bargain for
that, sombrero, hammock or Panama hat!
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14 |
This morning we
head out to our final Mayan site, Uxmal. Uxmal has some
of the most ornate and complex architecture in all of the Mayan
World, exemplifying what is known as the "Puuc style". After
our guided tour, we'll head back to Cancun for a night on the Mayan
Riviera to round out our tour!
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15 |
Departure Day
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TRIP DETAILS 15
days:
$2985
/ GB£1490
Cancun to Cancun
Countries visited: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala
Please see departure dates at the top of
the page
Joining the tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the
airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings
placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No
bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis!
Trip briefing
Upon purchase of this trip, we will send you via
email, fax, or regular mail (your choice) a trip briefing, which
includes hotel contact info, a list of things to bring, and a
climate/currency/visa guide.
What's included in the trip:
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Airport pick
up/drop off and transfer to/from hotel
-
Southern Crossings bilingual guide
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Internal flights, Belize City-Tikal and Tuxtla Gutierrez-Merida
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Seven nights
tourist class hotel accommodation, six nights comfortable, modern
beach/jungle cabanas
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Entrance fee and guided tour
of Chichen Itza, Tikal, Tulum, Bonampak, Uxmal and Palenque ruins.
Two days entrance to Tikal.
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All
day snorkeling excursion and afternoon sea kayaking on Caye Caulker
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Excursions
in Tulum of snorkeling/diving and Tulum ruins
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Mayan villages excursion
and San Cristobal city tour
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Merida city tour
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All internal
transport
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Southern Crossings T-Shirt and Cap
What's not included
International flights, international airport
departure taxes, pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations,
personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry,
souvenirs, optional excursions, tips and other items of a personal
nature. Travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings
though we do require that you have a policy. Check
www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.
PRE-TRIP PLANNER
Required documents
All
travelers to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize are required to have a
passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are
not
required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport
holders. Other nationalities, visit
www.mexicanconsulate.org.uk/visas/AVISA_WEB.htm
for Mexico and consult the nearest embassy or consulate for Belize and
Guatemala. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be
required at entry and should be available to show to immigration.
Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or
printed off the internet, is sufficient for proof of funds.
Before you can confirm your booking through Southern Crossings, we need
proof that you have Travel Insurance. To get a policy, we recommend
www.travelguard.com
Health and Required immunizations
No
immunizations are required of travelers except a yellow fever
vaccination if coming directly from a yellow-fever infected area such as
sub-Sahara Africa or South America. Travelers may wish to
receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other
standard vaccinations. Some areas are technically a malaria zone,
and travelers may wish to take a malaria prophylaxis. Please
consult your physician or local health department.
Travelers should expect some mild, temporary discomfort such as diarrhea
from the change of diet. For more serious intestinal illnesses,
medicines such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole are available over the
counter from pharmacies. We will not reach any elevations above
2400m on this trip.
Things to bring
Our trip
will be an active tour which includes rainforest walking, exploring
ruins, snorkeling (or diving if certified),
boat rides and day hiking. Please note you are not required to snorkel. One should come well prepared for outdoor
activity at temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and for
extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A suggested list of things
to bring would include:
•Passport and, if necessary, visa
•Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
•Airline ticket
•Photocopies of airline ticket, documents
•Wearable pouch for documents and money
•Large, sturdy backpack (much preferable to a suitcase)
•trekking boots, comfortable and worn-in
•Sandals or flip-flops for beaches, showers
•Rain poncho or jacket
•Hat for sun
•Warm clothing for moderately cold weather
•T-shirts, shorts, for hot weather
•Socks, undergarments
•Towel
•Torch (head torches are very handy)
•Sunscreen lotion
•Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
•Lip balm
•Earplugs
•Camera and film
•Alarm clock or watch
•Sanitizing hand wipes or lotion
•Camera and film
•Camera batteries
•Playing cards, games, reading material
•Prescription medications
•Toiletries
Note
that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries
as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene
items are available in the Maya World. Best to bring from home such
items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, shoes, unusual film and
camera batteries.
Climate
Rain is
possible at any time of year, especially in the rainforest and in the mountains,
and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is
as follows:
Yucatan
Peninsula: Mostly dry
and arid, extremely strong sun.
Palenque: rainforest conditions. Humid, very hot days. Warm nights.
Some rain likely.
Belize: hot and humid with chance of rain.
Tikal
(Guatemala): rainforest conditions. Humid, very hot days. Warm
nights. Some rain likely.
San
Cristobal: Warm when sunny, can be chilly at night or with clouds.
Good chance of some rain.
Money guide
The unit
of currency in Mexico is the peso. Approximate currency conversion:
1 U.S. dollar = 10.50 pesos
The
currency of Guatemala is the quetzal. Approximate currency
conversion:
1 U.S. dollar = 7.57 quetzales
The
currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar. Approximate currency
conversion:
1 U.S. dollar =1.96 dollar
Automatic cash points are available in all cities we will visit in
Guatemala and Mexico (Cancun, Merida, Valladolid, Chetumal,
Flores, Palenque, San Cristobal). Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are
the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks or a Visa or
MasterCard for cash advances are your options in Caye Caulker. Best
to grab cash in Belize City beforehand - we'll make a stop. Banks and
exchange houses are available in all cities. For currency, U.S.
dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged.
Expect
to spend about US$5 on a meal, US$1 on a beer or soft drink in Mexico.
Prices are slightly lower in Guatemala and almost double in Belize.
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