2016 - APT USA

79 MEXICO EXPERIENCE LA VIDA 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 Blom, 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. Next, head to San Juan Chamula, a village known for its devotion to time-honoured traditions. This town is a world apart, with shamanism and 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 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, which is the only walled city in Mexico. During your time here, you will explore the historic centre with its delightfully restored pastel buildings, enchanting 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 of the Yukatán Peninsula capital. Discover the city's superb colonial monuments and gain an understanding of how Mayan culture is still intertwined with everyday life, creating a captivating mix of cultural influences. BL Wander through the pastel-coloured streets of Campeche Explore the colours of San Cristóbal de las Casas MEXICO Mexico City Puebla Riviera Maya Oaxaca Flight (included) Coach No. of nights stay Palenque Campeche Mérida San Cristóbal de las Casas 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 1

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