Mayan roads. 5 days in southern Mexico
Description:
Exploring the ancient sites of the great Mayan civilization and studying the life of their modern descendants, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of beautiful colonial cities and admiring the natural treasures of the south of the country - you will get acquainted with truly beautiful and unforgettable Mexico!
The south of present-day Mexico became the place where the greatest civilizations of the American continent were born and developed. The most famous of them is the Mayan civilization, which mysteriously disappeared and left behind such beautiful architectural examples as the cities of Palenque, Tonina, Uxmal and Chichen Itza. The descendants of the inhabitants of these ancient capitals – numerous tribes of Maya-Yukateko, Tzocil, Celtal, Zoke and many others – still inhabit the lands of the state of Chiapas, combining in their culture ancient pagan traditions and the Catholic faith, worshipping the forces of nature and ancient gods in the person of many saints. The nature of this region is striking and fascinating. The grandiose Sumidero Canyon, rising 1000 meters above the river; the majestic Chiapas Mountains; picturesque waterfalls hidden in a densely tropical jungle; thickets of mangrove trees that stand on tiptoes, which are home to graceful pink flamingos and many other rare birds; the oldest underground rivers and lakes of Yucatana, filled with pure fresh water.
As part of the Mayan Roads tour, we:
Visit the most interesting cultural, historical and natural attractions of Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo; make a dizzying trip along the Grijalva River, which formed the giant Sumidero Canyon, the height of the walls of which reaches 1000 meters; Immerse yourself in the spirit of the most vibrant colonial city of Mexico - San Cristobal de las Casas; We will see the modern life of the descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization - the Tzotzil and Celtal Indians; Explore the grandiose ancient Mayan city of Tonina, which in the VIII century enslaved all neighboring kingdoms (including Palenque); Swim in the most beautiful waterfall of southern Mexico - Misol Ha; visit the mysterious Mayan city of Palenque, referring to the heyday of ancient civilization; Walk through the streets of the beautiful colonial city of Campeche, whose history is closely connected with pirates of the Caribbean Sea; ride on a motor boat in the reserve Celestun, as close as possible to the flocks of flamingos, swim through the thickness of mangroves and see many birds of the region; study the bas-reliefs and ornaments on the facades of palaces and temples in the most beautiful ancient Mayan city of Uxmal; explore underground lakes and rivers in the speleological park on the Riviera Maya; Visit one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza, a place of pilgrimage for spiritualists from all over the world.
Day 1: Cancun/Mexico => Tustla Gutiérrez => Sumidero => San Juan Chamula => San Cristobal de las Casas
Flight to Tustla Gutiérrez. Meeting at the airport. Moving to Sumidero Canyon. Tour of the canyon on a motor boat (2 hours). Moving to the Indian village of San Juan Chamula. Visit the church and walk around the city. Moving to San Cristobal de las Casas. Hotel accommodation. Sightseeing tour of the city. Free time.
In addition:
If you have time (depending on the arrival of the aircraft at Tustla Gutiérrez airport), you can tour the observation decks of the canyon, located on the tops of its slopes. Participation in the ritual of purification of the Tzotzil Indians with a healer and the use of the traditional alcoholic drink posh. Visit to the Indian village of Zinakantan famous for its hand embroidery.
Day 2. San Cristobal de las Casas => Tonina => Misol Ha => Palenque
Moving to the Tonina Archaeological Zone. Inspection of the archaeological area. Transfer to Misol Ha Falls. Swimming in the waterfall. Moving to Palenque. Hotel accommodation. Rest.
In addition:
Visit the karst caves in the suburbs of San Cristobal. Dinner in the village of El Panchan, famous for its evening shows with live music as well as handmade decorations. The ritual of the traditional Pre-Hispanic steam bath Temascal, used by the Indians to this day to purify the body and spirit.
Day 3. Palenque => Campeche
Visit to the archaeological area of Palenque. Moving to Campeche with a stop on the Gulf of Mexico. Hotel accommodation. Sightseeing tour of the city. Free time.
In addition:
Departure at 6:30. A magical tour of the surrounding archaeological zone of the jungle, during which you can see the awakening tropical nature: a huge number of animals in their natural habitat (parrots, toucans, monkeys, iguanas) and plants (orchids, bromeliads, medicinal herbs and mushrooms).
Day 4. Campeche => Uxmal => Celestun => Chichen-Itza
Moving to the Celestun National Reserve. A motor boat ride through the reserve lagoon (1.5 hours). Moving to the archaeological area of Uxmal. Visit to the archaeological zone of Uxmal. Moving to the archaeological area of Chichen Itza. Hotel accommodation.
Day 5. Chichen Itza => Speleogic Park => Cancun / Riviera Maya
Visit the archaeological area of Chichen Itza. Moving to a speleological park. Swimming on an underground river. Moving to a hotel in Cancun or on the Riviera Maya. Hotel check-in.