Educational tours, student tours, adult and student trips, travel to Yucatan Mexico

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1. Fly to Mexico
Board your flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapa’s capital, where a Fitzmaurice Tours representative meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free before this evening’s included dinner.

Day 2. Sumidero Canyon – San Cristobal de las Casas
Begin the day with a transfer to Chiapa de Corzo, a small colonial town on the banks of the Grijalva River. Here you will take a boat trip into the awe inspiring Sumidero Canyon, a spectacular, sheer-sided gash in the landscape that extends northwards for over 12 miles and with walls over 3300 ft. high. As you ride through the canyon, you’ll view not only the gaping cliffs but the river’s green waters and the surroundings forest’s alligators, monkeys, exotic birds and colorful butterflies. Then travel to the highlands of Chiapas on your way to San Cristobal de las Casas, a colonial city with arcaded porticoes, cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and red-roofed houses.

Day 3. San Cristobal – San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan
Your guided sightseeing tour of San Cristobal de las Casas takes you to the Plaza Mayor (city’s main square), home to the 17th-century Cathedral and the Palacio Municipal (town hall). You’ll also visit the 17th- century Church of Santo Domingo, a gorgeous example of classic European baroque architecture, and the colorful Market, where you can find beautifully colored hand-woven textiles created locally by surrounding villagers. Also included is a visit to the nearby indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, with their bustling Indian markets. In Chamula’s colonial church, ancient Indian rituals intermix with Catholicism. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at your leisure in San Cristobal.

Day 4. Agua Azul Waterfalls – Palenque
Today you’ll leave the mountains for the lowlands, stopping to swim at Agua Azul Waterfalls—a long series of turquoise cascades set against a deep green jungle background. It’s then on to Palenque, one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Mexico. Located in the middle of a tropical rainforest, its pyramids, palaces and temples are magnificent examples of Mayan artistry. As you tour the site, climb to the top of the 90-foot-tall Temple of the Inscriptions, which is the funerary monument of Pacal, the king who ruled Palenque for almost 70 years. Also view the tomb inside the temple, at the foot of a long staircase. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in the town of Palenque (5 miles from the archeological site)

Day 5. Bonampak – Yaxchilan
Your adventure continues with a visit to Yaxchilan and Bonampak. You’ll first travel by boat down the mighty Usamacinta River to the mysterious ancient Mayan site of Yaxchilan. This incredible boat ride through the rainforest with its huge trees and abundant wildlife makes you feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones movie! The tremendous archeological site of Yaxchilan, situated on the riverbanks, rises in levels to temples with breathtaking views of the rainforest stretching far into Guatemala. This site is so unique it deserves plenty of time to fully explore. See howler monkeys and many exotic birds as you roam this well organized ancient Maya city. Then take the boat ride back up the river and go to Bonampak, home of famous Mayan murals. Their ancient colors remain clear and vital, making them an excellent representation of Mayan art. At the end of the day you will return to your hotel in Palenque.

Day 6. Villahermosa – La Venta Olmec Museum
Travel to Villahermosa, capital of the state of Tabasco, a rich, fertile region of Mexico, and once the center of the Olmec civilization; the first ever civilization in Mesoamerica. Upon arrival, enjoy an included visit to La Venta Park, an outdoor museum featuring a fabulous collection of important Olmec artifacts as well as a zoo with animals native to southern Mexico. Then transfer to your hotel.

Day 7. Sand, Sun, and Sea Extension
Fly home on day 7 or fly to the Caribbean resort of Cancun or Playa del Carmen for a three-day extension. Highlights include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, relaxing among sandy beaches and shopping.

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