South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
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90 Marvel at Chichen Itza's remarkable Group of a Thousand Columns Day 11. Palenque, Campeche. This morning, you'll visit the ruins of ancient Palenque, a wonderfully restored site of Mayan architecture. Encircled by verdant hills, the dense jungle serves as a dramatic backdrop to the creative splendour of Mayan art. Take a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the buildings, constructed well before the luxury of metal tools. Afterwards, journey to the city of Campeche and arrive at your hotel, a beautiful 17th-century colonial mansion. Stay: Hacienda Puerta Campeche. BD Day 12. Campeche, Uxmal, Mérida. After breakfast, embark on a tour of the enchanting city of Campeche, the only walled city in Mexico. Explore the historic centre with its delightfully restored pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and fortified ramparts. This includes the quaint old fishing docks with their rich naval history – the result of Campeche's location on the Gulf of Mexico. Next, drive through the Puuc region, one of the most beautiful areas of the Mayan world, which is surrounded by many archaeological sites. Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch before heading to the main site of Uxmal. In the Mayan language Uxmal means 'built three times' and although the name remains a mystery, its beauty needs no explanation. Afterwards, arrive in the cultural capital of Mérida, where you'll spend two nights in a luxurious hacienda, the perfect place to relax, recharge and soak up the Mexican charm. Two Night Stay: Mérida, Hacienda Xcanatun. BLD Day 13. Mérida, Celestún National Park. Step aboard a cruise to Celestún National Park, a natural paradise of freshwater springs and calm beaches attracting flocks of pink flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy lunch on the beach in the pretty fishing village of Celestún before returning to Mérida for an enthralling city tour. Discover the city's superb colonial monuments and see how Mayan culture is still intertwined with everyday life, creating a captivating mix of cultural influences. BL Day 14. Mérida, Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya. Journey to Chichen Itza today, the most famous Mayan temple city, which served as the political and economic centre of this ancient civilisation. Wander about the site's many monuments, including the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Playing Field of the Prisoners and the Group of a Thousand Columns, which are all examples of an incredible ode to space and composition. You'll then enjoy lunch at the Ik Kil cenote, a natural underground swimming hole. The Maya believed cenotes to be a secret underworld from which they could communicate with the gods. The perfectly round Ik Kil cenote is an ideal place to take a dip, with a grand stairway leading you right down to the water. Later, travel to the pristine Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast and check in to your luxurious beachfront hotel, The Fairmont Mayakoba, in the seaside city of Playa del Carmen. Two Night Stay: Riviera Maya, The Fairmont Mayakoba. BL Day 15. Riviera Maya, Freedom of Choice. Today, perhaps explore the ancient city of Tulum, reigning high on a cliff above the spectacular Caribbean coastline. You may prefer to visit Akumal, the 'Place of Turtles', where an abundance of green and hawksbill turtles come to lay their eggs and feed on the sea grass in the shallows. Put on your snorkel and head out in search of these majestic creatures. Later this afternoon, return to Playa del Carmen where you'll have free time to explore, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak up the seaside bliss. This evening, say goodbye to your fellow travellers during a special Farewell Dinner in the city. BD Day 16. Depart Riviera Maya. After breakfast, your incredible Mexican discovery comes to an end with a transfer to Cancun airport. B www.aptouring.com.au