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BUENA VISTA - TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 Fri Fly to Mexico City
On arrival to Mexico City we will transfer to our centrally located hotel.
Mexico City or “Cuidad de Mexico” is the capital of México, very old, the worlds largest city, the financial, political and cultural center of México, the nightlife capital of México, one of the worlds great cities, huge, one of the world's most difficult cities to drive in, filled with exciting things to see and do, sinking, an energetic metropolis or just an incredible place to visit.
Day 2 Sat Mexico City (B)
Anthropology Museum
Enjoy a day of sight-seeing today – Mexico City has plenty ot offer. First to this impressive museum. Crammed full of relics from the many temples scattered around Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, it is easy to ‘lose’ ourselves for half the day. A bonus is the entertainment by Mayan dancers outside the museum garbed in their exotic dress. Rest of the day to explore more of this sprawling city.
Museo Nacional de Antropología...Extensive collection of artifacts, spanning some 100,000 square feet. This is one of the finest anthropological museums anywhere in the world and certainly the most important in México. The ground floor focuses on the native cultures and societies of México before the Spanish conquest. The famous Aztec sun stone is displayed among the extraordinary collection of artwork from the indigenous population. The museum also provides information about how the descendants of these cultures live today.
Mexico City
Day 3 Sun Teotihuacan Ruins – Mexico City (B)
Take the local metro and bus out to these magnificent ruins situated outside the city. Spend the day exploring. Climb the Sun and Moon pyramids, marvelling at the superb workmanship of these fantastic buildings covering 25 square miles that were once home to one million people.
Teotihuacan arose as a new religious center in the Mexican Highland, around the time of Christ. Although its incipient period (the first two centuries B.C.) is poorly understood, archaeological data show that the next two centuries (A.D. 1-200) were characterized by monumental construction, during which Teotihuacan quickly became the largest and most populous urban center in the New World.
By this time, the city already appears to have expanded to approximately 20 square km, with about 60,000 to 80,000 inhabitants. The development of the city seems to have involved inter-site population movements, exploitation of natural resources, an increase in agricultural production, technological inventions, establishment of trading systems and other kinds of socio-political organizations, and attractive belief systems.
By the fourth century, unmistakable influences of Teotihuacan were felt throughout most parts of Mesoamerica.
Teotihuacan was the sixth largest city in the world during its period of greatest prosperity, according to an estimated population of 125,000).
The city seems to have functioned for centuries as a well-developed urban center until its rather sudden collapse, possibly in the seventh century.
Mexico City
Day 4 Mon Mexico City- Puebla (B)
This morning we take a bus to Mexico’s fourth largest city- Puebla
Puebla is best known for the beautiful Talavera tiles that adorn its walls, domes, and interiors; and for the mole poblano, Mexico’s national dish that originated here. The streets of Puebla, a World Heritage Site, are lined with churches, mansions, and other handsome buildings and are a delight to stroll around.
Ten km west of Puebla lies Cholula, a small colonial town with some fine churches, and the remains of the Tepanapa pyramid, measuring 450 metres along on each side of the base and 65 metres high, making it larger in volume than Egypt’s pyramid of Cheops. Now overgrown and topped by a church, it is difficult to recognise the remains of this magnificent pyramid.
Day 5 Tues Puebla – Oaxaca (B)
Bus to Oaxaca this morning. Oaxaca, located in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur, was once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. Today's Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences. The early Zapotecs developed a great civilization at nearby Monte Albán centuries before the birth of Christ. Two of Mexico's most famous presidents, Benito Juárez and Porfirio Diaz, were of Zapotec origin.
After the Spanish conquered Oaxaca in 1533, the city quickly took on a Spanish flavour, with ornate buildings, churches, elegant archways, balconies, decorative grill work and charming plazas. Yet despite its colonial heritage, the city remains basically Indian at heart, wherein lies its charm.
Day 6 Wed Oaxaca (B)
We will visit Monte Alban – a World Heritage Site – spectacularly situated on a mountain 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley, a few kilometers west of Oaxaca. Monte Alban is the greatest of the Zapotec cities, and it came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic life of the region. It is also a triumph of engineering; the mountain top was leveled to allow for the creation of the ceremonial site. We will explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace, and other beautiful structures.
Day 7 Thur Oaxaca –San Cristobal de las Casas
A full day travelling by bus to to this delightfully colourful town.Nestled in a valley of pines, surrounded by mountains, San Cristobal is blessed with both beauty and charm. Its wandering streets, colonial architecture and Indian spirit have made this a popular and enchanting destination for curious travellers.
During your stay you will have time to visit some of its beautiful churches, pick up a bargain or two at the weekly market or continue the search for the best taco in Mexico!
You will also visit a nearby highland village where the indigenous inhabitants have their own distinctive and colourful dress. San Cristobal will be a place to remember.
Day 8 Fri San Cristobel de las Casas (B)
Enjoy the tranquillity of this small Spanish built town situated in a pine-clad valley and surrounded by distinctly mysterious Indian villages which we will visit. These villages are colourful and they all have their special cults – the churches are quite different as they blend Catholic with their own ancient religions.
We will explore on foot the colonial city center of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will visit the cathedral, on the north side of the pretty main square, with its lavish interior and gold-encrusted pulpit. We then walk a few blocks to the impressive 16th-century Dominican church Templo de Santo Domingo, with its intricate pink façade and gilded Baroque interior. Time to browse the handicraft market in front of the church, where Tzotzil Indians from the surrounding hills come to trade. We then drive 10km into the Chiapas highlands, to the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The Tzotzils descend from the ancient Maya and maintain some unique customs, costumes and beliefs. We will visit the beautiful white church in San Juan Chamula. The candles, incense and chanting worshippers make a powerful impression. We then drive to the nearby village of Zinacantan, with its pretty church and handicraft market.
Day 9 Sat San Cristobel de las Casas- Palenque (B)
A bus-ride through wonderful scenery. We will visit Agua Azul, where over 500 cascades thunder into turquoise pools surrounded by jungle en route to your first real Mayan ruins – stunning Palenque – it’s remarkable Mayan temples in the midst of emerald green rain forest.
In the foothills of the Tumbala mountains, the ancient Maya site of Palenque sits on a ledge overlooking the swampy plains that stretch northward all the way to the Gulf coast. Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700 A.D., when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta river. The elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes, attest to the creative genius of this civilization.
It was the flood plain of the Usumacinta river that most likely provided Palenque's inhabitants with the resources to construct their extraordinary city. Blessed with the highest average rainfall in Mexico, this fertile alluvial plain could have been successfully farmed with raised beds, and would have produced a harvest that not only could sustain a large workforce but would also have provided an abundance that could be traded along the Usumacinta. It seems that the gods were as enchanted with Palenque as today's visitors.
Day 10 Sun Palenque (B)
We take the whole day to enjoy the ruins – they defy description – impressive to say the very least and set in pristine rainforest.
This is one of those days you will never forget.
The Mayan ruins of Palenque were hidden from the modern world until the late 1700s when Mayan hunters told a Spanish priest about the great stone palaces that lay in the jungle. The priest's report and those of other early Spanish explorers helped to unearth one of the most amazing Mayan sites in Mexico.
Day 11 Mon Palenque - Merida (B)
This morning depart by bus to Merida, the capital of the State of Yucatan. Merida - known as the ‘White City” due to the large amount of limestone and white paint used, was a centre for Mayan culture long before the Conquistadors arrived.
These days Merida is a bustling, colonial city and there is plenty to see and do. Enjoy the ambience of this friendly town, marimba bands plus the famous mariachi bands.
Culture in the Yucatan. For centuries, the people living on the Yucatan Peninsula were isolated from the rest of Mexico. Largely due to geography, Yucatecan residents have always communicated more easily with parts of North America, the Caribbean and Europe. In addition, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to North America's largest indigenous Indian population, the Mayans, who still speak their own language in addition to Spanish.
All of this, mixed with traditional Mexican and Spanish influence, has created a culture unique to this part of the world.
Day 12 Tues Merida (B)
Time to enjoy what Merida has to offer – many plazas, museums, theatres and Historical sites. There really is a lot to see and do.
We will explore the historical center of Merida, built more than 450 years ago on the site of T’ho, an ancient Mayan city. We will visit the magnificent Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built with the stones of ancient Maya temples. Construction of this cathedral began in 1561, and it is therefore the oldest one in Latin America. Inside we can find murals depicting the meeting between Francisco de Montejo – founder of Merida - and the Mayan King Tutl Xiu. We will visit Casa Montejo - the grandiose home of Francisco de Montejo, and the Governor's Palace - housing 27 huge murals by Don Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating the somewhat violent history of Yucatan. From the beautiful tree-shaded Plaza Principal (central square) we can take pictures of the Cathedral, the Palacio Municipal (town hall), Casa Montejo, and the Governor's Palace. Finally, we drive along the historical boulevard Paseo Montejo - fashioned after the Champs Elysees - with its stately homes, shops and quaint restaurants.
Day 13 Wed Merida –Chitzen Itza –Cancun (B)
Take the morning bus to Chitzen Itza to visit the most famous of all the Mayan Temples .
Chichen Itza, founded in 432 AD. Here we find some of the finest examples of Mayan temples, pyramids, ballcourts, plus the only observatory to be found on the Yucatan.
Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous Mayan site in Mexico. and derives its name from the deep, naturally occurring well, located near the centre of the site. During the hey-day of this city, this well was used for human sacrifice! But it is the astounding and unique architecture - a result of the invasion by the Toltecs people - that makes this site so incredible.Later today continue on to Cancun
Day 14 Thurs Cancun – Flores (B)
An early morning flight from Cancun (a huge holiday resort ) where we take to the air and fly south to Flores.
Enjoy the colourful houses. This small island is just delightful. It’s history bloody. This was the last stand of the Maya against the Spanish.
Flores is a slow-paced village with Caribbean sensibility, pastel-colored buildings and friendly people. Flores is situated on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, 45 minutes from Parque National Tikal.
Enjoy exploring the cobble-stone streets flanked by handicraft stores and charming houses, many of which are small hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
The shops stay open well into the evening and you can purchase colorful hand-made garments, fabrics and other souvenirs.
Day 15 Fri Tikal (B)
There is nothing like Tikal. The majesty of the pyramids and the sheer enormity of the area make this the king of all Mayan pyramids. Enjoy the day exploring and discovering this fantastic place set in beautiful rain forest.
Parque Nacional Tikal is located in Guatemala, about 50 miles northwest of it's border with Belize. In this remote area, one of the greatest civilizations of it's time established a city that endured for centuries.
Set in the jungle canopy, the site today consists of over 3,000 buildings, including a handful of impressively tall temples that tower above the forest. At its peak some 1,500 years ago, Tikal was home to an estimated 100,000 Mayans.
As is the case with all Mayan sites, the origins of Tikal are only barely discernible. Findings of pottery dating from a few hundred years before Christ give evidence that Tikal was inhabited then.
By the time of Christ, the Great Plaza had already taken its basic form, with platforms and stairways on the north side.
Tikal is a place for wondering, not only at the engineering accomplishments of the Maya, but at the jungle splendors of the Peten region in Guatemala. The site of Tikal is a national park where the native flora and fauna still flourish relatively undisturbed. In addition to it's numerous well-excavated temples and pyramids, Tikal presents an excellent opportunity for animal- and bird-watching. Along the paths, spider and howler monkeys, gray foxes and red coatis are often seen. Today, one can sit atop a pyramid, gaze at the Great Plaza and roof combs rising up from the sea of jungle and imagine the times more than a thousand years ago when the plaza was alive with activity and the city was surround by cultivated fields dotted with houses.
Day 16 Sat Flores – Quirigua- Rio Dulce (B)
Leaving the Parque Nacional Tikal travel south to the small site of Quirigua , once an important trading centre between Tikal and Copan. It is home to the tallest stelae to be found anywhere amongst the ruins of the ancient Mayans.Continue on to Rio Dulce for overnight .
Day 17 Sun Rio Dulce – Copan (B)
Continue to Copan in Honduras to visit this magnificent Mayan UNESCO World Heritage site.
Copan combines a modern ambiance with a legendary past. The Mayan culture, one of the most important in America, flourished in the western part of Honduras, leaving many different costumes and traditions which can be traced to long times past.
The majority of Archeologist agrees that Copan formed part of the three largest and most lavish cultural centers of the new world. The Mayas developed a civilization based on a complex sociopolitical structure; at the same time they incurred, with amazing dexterity, in the fields of science, mathematics and astronomy. They also developed a writing system based on hieroglyphs, which enabled the interpretation by epigraphs of not only contribution made in this disciplines to shed light on aspects of their historic evolution.
Our exploration of the archaeological park begins with the Great Plaza , one of the most amazing achievements of the Classic Maya period (750AD) which contains the greatest collection of Maya sculpture anyweher in Meso-America
Day 18 Mon Copan – Antigua (B)
We head west on a journey through the winding roads of the Guatemalan highlands to Antigua .
Antigua Guatemala is one of the most idyllic destinations in the world, with painstakingly restored Spanish Colonial architecture, manicured parks, stylish hotels, superb international cuisine and a horizon shaped by three spectacular volcanoes.
Nestled in the mountain valley and surrounded by evergreen forest, Antigua retains the aura of the 17th Century capital that it was, while blending modern amenities that make it an internationally appealing gateway. Walking along cobblestone streets, visitors find high-end art galleries, fascinating museums, luxurious shops with international treasures and traditional markets packed to the rafters with locally made textiles and woodcrafts.
With it architecture, culture and unique setting, Antigua, Guatemala, quite simply is the most charming city in all the Americas.
Day 19 Tues Antigua (B)
Antigua is among the world's best conserved colonial cities, it is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times!
Antigua Guatemala offers something for all travel tastes. Colonial history that is always present combines with an array of cultural activities which include art galleries and exhibits, performing arts, popular arts, films, forums, and cultural tourism in general.
This city was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town. Its setting is majestic, nestled between three dramatic volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.
Half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents, and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church
Day 20 Wed Antigua (B)
Day at leisure.
A visit to Antigua can include excursions to a nearby coffee plantation, a macadamia nut farm or mountainside villages where indigenous artisans ply their craft. From here visitors can easily reach the country’s other must-see retreats. With its architecture, culture and unique setting, Antigua, Guatemala, quite simply, is the most charming city in all the Americas.
Day 21 Thurs Antigua – Chichicastenango -Panajachel (B)
Travel to the highland town of Chichicastenango passing through the central highland region and see the local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives - working in the fields, collecting firewood, traveling between markets, selling their wares. Upon arrival at Chichicastenango explore this famous market both the local areas of the fruit & vegetables & everyday items as well as the craft area where you can find endless variety of beautiful textile, wooden & ceramic crafts. Also visit the famous St Tomas Church where local Maya people come to perform Maya rituals within the Catholic church - demonstrating the interesting way the two faiths have combined in recent times. Continue on to Lake Atitlan to the town of Panajachel
Day 22 Fri Santiago Atitlan (B)
Boat transfer to Santiago.Founded in 1547 at the foot of the Toliman volcano, this is the largest town with a population of over 32,000, about 95% indigenous of Tz’utujil descent. Livelihoods include fishing, farming and making Cayucos (local canoes). Artisans specialize in painting, woodwork and weaving textiles. The stunning men’s pants and women’s huipiles are woven and then beautifully embroided with birds. Some of the older women still wear the traditional tocoyal, an 8 meter length of red fabric wound round their heads like a halo. Santiago is home to one of the three “original” Maximon characters, a pagan deity or god who receives offerings of alcohol and cigars. The market is held in the streets on Fridays and Sundays. The people of Santiago suffered terribly during the countries 36-year civil war, while hurricane Stan in October 2005 brought a mudslide which destroyed the nearby village of Panabaj.Much to see and do in this beautiful city. This morning take a locally-guided walking city tour and learn about the fascinating history and the many wonderful colonial churches and buildings in this pretty city. Enjoy the afternoon to explore this pretty colonial town of pastel coloured houses and brightly coloured market.
Day 23 Sat Atitlan –Guatemala-Havana (B)
Return to Guatemala City. Fly to Havana, capital of Cuba and transfer to your hotel.
Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the Malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on a walking tour (tomorrow). Allow the traditional and modern sides of the enigmatic city to unfold before you.
In Havana there are many churches, museums and memorials all worth taking a further look at. Street after street is graced with grand facades, boasting massive wooden doors, barred windows and narrow sidewalks. This is Havana, a place you may have never known, but a place that you will never forget once you have been to it.
Day 24 Sun Havana (B,L)
Explore this colonial city and feel the beat. Wonderful churches, palaces and museums, colourful handicraft markets. Formidable Spanish castles of El Morro and La Cabana. Intriguing revolutionary monuments, including the Pavilion Granma, the Museo de la Revolucion and the Memorial Jose Marti. Gran Teatro de La Habana, the oldest functioning theatre in the Americas. – lots to see and do.
We have a half day guided walking tour so we can get the lowdown on the colourful history of this city.
Havana preserves more of its historic colonial legacy than any other city in the Americas. In 1982, UNESCO declared Old Havana a World Heritage Site, a veritable living museum, in which no fewer than 144 buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries are preserved.
Day 25 Mon Havana (B,L)
We have the day to explore the many museums and take the Ernest Hemmingway Tour.
The Museum of the Revolution is a must see – also the cemetery where the guards change every half hour at the mausoleum of Jose Marti – which is quite a spectacle.
Ernest Hemmingway Tour :
Travel 15km to the Finca Vigia, the farm that Ernest Hemingway bought in 1940. The Museum consists of Hemingway's house, a three-story tower, a guest bungalow and a garage. The exhibits attempt to show the flavor of Hemingway's life, with furnishings, hunting trophies, paintings and books that suggest something of his personality. This farm is where Hemingway wrote several things, including The Old Man and The Sea, the novel for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
Visit the Ambos Mundos Hotel, built in the 1920's and recently reopened after a long restoration. Off and on throughout the 1930?s, Hemingway slept in room 511, a gloomy room, 16 meters square, with a double bed made of ordinary wood, two night tables and a writing table with a chair translated from the words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. A plaque on the exterior wall reads The novelist Ernest Hemingway lived in this Hotel Ambos Mundos during the decade of the 1930's.
Walking to El Floridita. “My daiquiri at El Floridita and my mojito at La Bodeguita” Hemingway used to say.
This has been Cuba's most famous restaurant since that time. Hemingway, John Ringling and various Cuban presidents have been regulars here because of the excellent food. Our special recommendation is that you do not leave the Island without trying one of the daiquiris concocted in the Floridita Bar. Lunch at the Floridita.
Day 26 Tues Havana – Trinidad (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart for the quaint coastal town of Trinidad. You’ll enjoy the rolling countryside stopping en route at Che Guavara’s enormous monument at Santa Clara. Our rather plush hotel is right on the beach.
Trinidad is the best-preserved colonial city in Cuba, in the shadow of the Escambray mountains, and was not even linked by road to the rest of the country until the 1950s.
Declared a national monument by the Cuban government this city is very much as it was four centuries ago, the beauty of its baroque architecture and cobblestone squares harking back to a bygone era when Trinidad was a key player in the Caribbean slave trade.
Day 27 Wed Trinidad (B,L,D)
Take a city tour to get orientated. This delightful ‘museum’ town is on the coast, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – 50,000 inhabitants. Enjoy the lively and famous Cuban music.
Afternoon free to explore the many museums – giving you a picture of life before communism and Fidel Castro.
Or relax and enjoy the Carribean sunshine and the fabulous beach.
Day 28 Thurs Trinidad – Pinar del Rio (B,L)
Time for an early morning dip in the Caribbean before it’s time to leave this tropical paradise and travel through the countryside to the beautiful Pinar del Rio Province, famous for it’s tobacco and hops growing.
Day 29 Fri Vinales (B,L)
Vinales and especially the surrounding valley are among the absolute top attractions of Cuba.
About 40 km north of Pinar del Rio in the Pinar del Rio province, the valley is stunning. The flat land, full of tobacco and palm trees is scattered with 20-30m mogotes. These are the remnants of the former plateau which is almost entirely washed away by water during the last couple of million years. The process is comparable with that in Cappadocia, (Turkey) but here the mogotes are completely covered with green vegetation.
Like everywhere in Cuba, the people in Vinales are very friendly. Today visit a tobacco farm and factory and see how it’s done.
Day 30 Sat Vinales- Havana (B,L)
Last day in Cuba – return to Havana with a visit to the Las Terrazas community , a Biosphere Reserve .
Enjoy our last night in Cuba.
Day 31 Sun Havana (B)
Transfer early morning for your homeward flight
The above itinerary is a guide only and is subject to alternation on occurrence of any unpredictable conditions and circumstances which may arise in this delightfully chaotic continent.
N.B. B= Breakfast Included, L = Lunch Included, D = Dinner Included.
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