Maya & Aztecs

23 days - from $2025

All the colour, history, vibrancy and beauty of this magnificent region in one tour! Our journey takes us from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, through the heart of the Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec civilisations, to the warm waters of the Caribbean. We’ll explore ancient ruins, snorkel for tropical fish and hike through national parks before finally calling it a day in one of Central America's oldest and most beautiful cities – Antigua Guatemala.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Mexico City2: Teotihuacan Ruins3: Mexico City4: Puebla5: Oaxaca6: Monte Alban7 - 8: San Cristobal de Las Casas9 - 10: Palenque11 - 12: Merida13: Chichen Itza - Cancun14 - 15: Cancun16: Tulum - Chetumal17 - 18: Caye Caulker19 - 20: Flores - Tikal Ruins21 - 22: Antigua Guatemala23: Antigua Guatemala

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko's expert English-speaking regional leader throughout the tour, and local guides most sites.

• Orientation walking tour in Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobel, Palenque, Merida, Caye Caulker, Flores and Antigua.

• Exploration of six archaeological ruin sites with local guides and entry included: Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque, the most famous Mayan site in Mexico - Chichen Itza, pre-Columbian walled city ruins of Tulum; and ancient city of Tikal.

• Visit to indigenous highland villages near San Cristobal.

• Time at the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha.

• Free time to relax on the beaches of Cancun and Caye Caulker.

• Free time to explore Mexico City, Spanish colonial Puebla; Oaxaca, the 'White City' of Merida, and colonial town of Antigua.

• Return speedboat ride from Belize City to the palm-fringed island of Caye Caulker.

• Guided walk to the summit of one of the volcanoes near Antigua.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, meals, entrance fees, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.