Ancient Civilisations
Overview
Highlights
- This is our most comprehensive tour in Mexico and Central America.
- Having explored Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan we discover the delights of Puebla and Oaxaca.
- From Monte Alban we visit the ruins of the Zapotec capital before continuing southward to the town of San Cristobal, complete with its traditional Indian communities.
- The magnificent Palenque Mayan ruins are next and then comes the Yucatan Peninsula with stops in Merida and the Mayan sites of Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
- Having discovered ritzy Cancun and the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean we continue via the stunning seaside ruins of Tulum to Tikal, deep in the Guatemalan jungle, before finishing up in Antigua.
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Itinerary
On arrival at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport you will be transferred to a hotel in the heart of the downtown area. In the evening (usually around 6pm) you will meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Pleas...
Mexico City is an exciting mix of modern cosmopolitan glamour with remnants from both its ancient and colonial history. Situated in the middle of a vast valley, this energetic metropolis, with a population exceeding 20 million, is one of the largest cities in the worl...
This morning you will travel by private minivan to Puebla, stopping at Teotihuacan along the way. Located 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City are the 'must-see' archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan - the site of the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon...
This morning you will travel by minibus to the colonial city of Oaxaca. If you're interested in purchasing traditional Mexican handicrafts, this is the place! Oaxaca is famous for its colourful markets and unique shopping opportunities, as well as its relaxed, laid-b...
Today you will drive the short distance up a nearby hill to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, which looks out across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200 BC and it reached its peak during t...
This morning we drive south towards the Pacific coast on our way to Tehuantepec. On the way we will stop to see the Tule Tree (an impressively large Montezuma cypress tree), a Mezcal factory, and the ruins at Mitla. Mitla is an important Zapotec archaeological site a...
Today we continue driving east into the state of Chiapas. On the way we visit Sumidero Canyon, an 800-metre deep canyon carved out by the Sumidero River and dating from the same time as the Grand Canyon. We then continue on to San Cristobal de las Casas. San Cristobal...
You will depart San Cristobal de Las Casas and head for Palenque today. Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque some changes to your itinerary may be necessary due to safety concerns. The Zapatistas have recently been targetin...
Pack your swimsuits today as we drive north towards the Gulf of Mexico, where we stop at the beach for a swim. We then drive on to Campeche where we spend the night. Campeche is a typical Spanish colonial harbour town, complete with walls and fortifications. A UNESCO ...
This morning we head into the ancient ruins of Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan architecture, and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician, which consists of 5 super-imposed temples. We then co...
Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous Mayan site in Mexico. Its name came from the deep, natural well known as a ‘cenote’ (sinkhole containing groundwater) located near the centre of the site, which was used during the city's heyday as a place for human sacrifices ...
You will travel by minibus to the cliff-top ruins of Tulum today. From the crumbling walls of the city ruins, you will enjoy breathtaking views across the coastline of the Caribbean below. Dating back to to the year 1200, these ruins are quite young by Mayan standards...
Today you head to San Ignacio (approx. 3 hours). It is situated in the highlands, and is surrounded by forest, waterfalls, rivers, and Mayan ruins, a beautiful place in its own right, and a great base for uncovering the beauty and history of the area. This afternoon w...
You will continue by minibus to Tikal today. Home to some of the most magnificent Mayan ruins, the Tikal National Park is awash with wonder. The five granite temples of Tikal tower above the impressive jungle canopy, while a veritable feast of smaller structures remai...
Following your early morning tour of the Tikal ruins, we have a short drive to Flores, where we spend the afternoon. Take time to stroll through the cobblestone streets past pastel-coloured buildings, buy local handicrafts or take a dip in Lake Peten Itza.
This morning, we drive to the nearby airport and fly to Guatemala City, from where we transfer to Antigua. A beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua is home to a plethora of Spanish Baroque architecture and ruined churches. Once the capital of Spanis...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings
Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews
Good impression overall
My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...
Ruth
Mar 2020
very reasonable
Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...
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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.
We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.
Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.
At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.
We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.
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