South America Touring, Amazon River Cruise, Brazil, Chile, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Antarctic Cruising
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89 MEXICO EXPERIENCE LA VIDA the site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and city below. Known as 'White Mountain', this remarkable location boasts immense pyramids, temples, tombs and altars, all constructed around a rectangular Grand Plaza. Alternatively, see the remarkable 2,000-year-old Cyprus tree, before arriving at the ruins of Mitla. Here you'll discover a vivid sense of architectural harmony upon gazing at the intricate mosaic designs that tell an interesting story of the past. Following Mitla, you'll travel to a Zapotec village in the Teotitlán Valley, home to expert weavers who are famous for creating colourful, hand-woven rugs. B Day 7. Oaxaca. Discover why Oaxaca is the gourmet heart of Mexico during a fun cooking class at a local restaurant today, focusing on dishes that can easily be recreated when you return home. Before putting on your apron, you'll take a tour of a bustling nearby market, where delicious local ingredients and the best ways to use them in your cooking are explained. Head back to the restaurant for your lesson, all the while, learning about the wondrous depth and flavour of Mexican cuisine as you prepare lunch. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. BL Day 8. Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas. After breakfast, journey to one of the most spectacular places in Mexico's south-east, Cañon del Sumidero, for an awe-inspiring boat ride. The canyon's creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the USA, sculpted from a crack in the Earth's crust and erosion by the Grijalva River. Its almost vertical walls are adorned with colourful caves and waterfalls, including the Árbol de Navidad (Christmas Tree). You can also see the many birds and monkeys who call the area home, and perhaps catch a glimpse of crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. Next, fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, before travelling to the magical city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Two Night Stay: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Casa del Alma. BLD Day 9. San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula. Take the time to explore San Cristóbal de las Casas. Set in a highland valley surrounded by vast pine forest, the city resonates with a peaceful atmosphere combined with a bohemian flair. As you walk 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 strong devotion to time-honoured traditions. This fascinating town is truly a world apart, with shamanism and other forms of ancient folk medicine still widely practiced. BL Day 10. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Agua Azul, Palenque. Today you'll 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 levels give the falls their vibrant turquoise colouring. Arrive in Palenque and settle in to your hotel, a modern retreat inspired by the lush rainforest surrounds. Stay: Palenque, Villa Mercedes Hotel. BD Wander through the pastel-coloured streets of Campeche MEXICO Mexico City Puebla Riviera Maya Oaxaca 1 3 Flight (included) Coach No. of nights Palenque Campeche Mérida San Cristóbal de las Casas 2 1 2 1 3 2