South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/491683
84 Perhaps discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum which look out over a pristine Caribbean coastline Day 13. San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula. Set in a highland valley surrounded by vast pine forest, San Cristóbal de las Casas resonates with a peaceful atmosphere combined with bohemian flair. As you walk among the cobblestone streets, you'll notice the beauty of the red-roof tiles and follow white-washed walls which lead to hidden nooks. Visit the city oasis of Casa Na Bolom, once the home of renowned journalist, photographer and anthropologist Gertrude Duby Blom and her archaeologist husband Frans Blom. While Frans surveyed the ancient sites of the region, Gertrude dedicated her life to being an advocate for the Lacandon people of eastern Chiapas and their jungle home. Casa Na Bolom is now a museum with hundreds of Lacandon artifacts, including photographs, pottery, clothing and maps. Next, head to San Juan Chamula, a village known for its devotion to time-honoured traditions. You can easily identify the townsfolk by their clothing. The local women wear beautifully embroidered blouses, shawls and long black skirts and men dress in wool tunics called chujes. This fascinating town is truly a world apart, with shamanism and other forms of ancient folk medicine still widely practiced. BL Day 14. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Agua Azul, Palenque. Today, travel north towards the town of Palenque. During your journey, stop to gaze in wonder at the majestic waterfall, Agua Azul. Cascading to create wonderful natural pools, the water's high mineral content gives the falls their vibrant turquoise colouring. Arrive in Palenque and settle in to your hotel, a modern retreat inspired by the tropical rainforest surrounds. Stay: Palenque, Villa Mercedes Hotel. BD Day 15. 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 16. 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. Next, drive through the hills in one of the most beautiful areas of the Mayan world known as the Puuc region, which is surrounded by many archaeological sites. You'll 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. Here you'll spend two nights in a luxurious hacienda, the perfect place to relax and take in the Mexican charm. Two Night Stay: Mérida, Hacienda Xcanatun. BLD Day 17. Mérida, Celestún National Park. Today, you'll board 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 quaint fishing village of Celestún before returning to Mérida for a 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 18. Mérida, Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya. Discover Chichen Itza today, the most famous Mayan temple city, which served as the political and economic centre of this ancient civilisation. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and a dip 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 down to the water. Later, travel to the pristine Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast and check in to your luxurious beachfront hotel in the seaside city of Playa del Carmen. Two Night Stay: Riviera Maya, The Fairmont Mayakoba. BL www.aptouring.com.au