South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
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94 Discover Mexico's passion for all that is bright and beautiful Day 19. Oaxaca. After breakfast, travel to Oaxaca. Arrive at your luxurious 16th-century hotel, where floral gardens, brilliant courtyards and serene fountains inspire. Embark on a tour of the city's sightseeing highlights where you'll journey along the charming pedestrian street and see the impressive cathedral and Convento de Santo Domingo. Three Night Stay: Oaxaca, Quinta Real. BD Day 20. Oaxaca, Freedom of Choice. Choose from two exciting sightseeing activities today. You might wish to explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán. Resting high on a hilltop an impressive 400 metres above the valley floor, you'll take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and city below. Alternatively, see the remarkable 2,000-year-old Cyprus tree, before arriving at the ruins of Mitla. You'll then journey to a Zapotec village in the Teotitlán Valley, home to expert weavers, famous for creating colourful, hand-woven rugs. B Day 21. Oaxaca. Learn the secrets of Mexican cuisine during cooking class at a local restaurant today, focusing on dishes that can easily be recreated at home. Before putting on your apron, you'll take a tour of a bustling market nearby, where delicious local ingredients and the best ways to use them in your cooking are explained. Return to the restaurant for your lesson, all the while, learning about the wondrous depth and flavour of Mexican cuisine as you prepare lunch. BL Day 22. Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas. Journey to one of the most stunning locations in Mexico's south-east, Cañon del Sumidero, for an awe-inspiring boat ride through its 1,000-metre-high walls. Next, fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, then travel to the city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Two Night Stay: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Casa del Alma. BD Day 23. San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula. Set in a highland valley surrounded by a vast pine forest, San Cristóbal de las Casas resonates with a peaceful atmosphere combined with bohemian flair. Visit Casa Na Bolom, a city oasis and once the home of the renowned journalist, documentary photographer and social anthropologist Gertrude Duby Blom and her archaeologist husband Frans Blom. Next, head to San Juan Chamula, a village known for its devotion to old traditions. BL Day 24. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Agua Azul, Palenque. Travel north towards the town of Palenque. During your journey, stop to gaze in wonder at the majestic waterfall, Agua Azul, where the water's high mineral content gives the falls their vibrant turquoise colouring. Arrive in Palenque and check in to your hotel. Stay: Palenque, Villa Mercedes Hotel. BD Day 25. Palenque, Campeche. Today, visit the ancient city of Palenque, a beautifully restored site of Mayan architecture. Encircled by verdant hills, the dense jungle serves as a dramatic backdrop to the ruins. Next, travel to Campeche and settle in to your stylish colonial mansion for the night. Stay: Hacienda Puerta Campeche. BD Day 26. Campeche, Uxmal, Mérida. Embark on a tour of Campeche, the only walled city in Mexico. Explore the historic centre with its delightfully restored pastel buildings and fortified ramparts. This includes the charming 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 relaxing hacienda. Two Night Stay: Mérida, Hacienda Xcanatun. BLD Day 27. Mérida, Celestún National Park. Step aboard a cruise to Celestún National Park, a natural paradise attracting flocks of flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy lunch on the beach in the quaint fishing village of Celestún before returning to Mérida for a city tour. Discover the superb colonial monuments and see how Mayan culture is still intertwined with everyday life. BL www.aptouring.com.au