CTG - Ruta Maya Towns and Markets (TUR)

Early in the morning, pick up at your lodging or meeting point to head to the Ek Balam archaeological zone in the state of Yucatán, 30 minutes from the city of Valladolid.

Breakfast. We will head to the archaeological site of Ék Balam, which, judging by the size and quality of its buildings, was a political entity of great wealth and prosperity. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the cenotes in the area. We will continue on to the colonial city of Valladolid for a panoramic tour. In the afternoon, we will continue to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, an enigmatic place, declared a World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. After lunch, we will continue to Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan. There we will check in at the hotel.

After the tour of two of the most impressive ancient Mayan cities, we arrive in Merida with the night free for dinner, rest and overnight. 

We begin our tour, visiting the heart of the Yucatecan Capital. Panoramic tour of the Plaza Mayor, the Casa Montejo, the Cathedral of San Idelfonso, the Government Palace, the Episcopal Palace, among others. We will continue along the legendary Calle 60, until we reach the famous Paseo Montejo, an example of the splendor of Yucatan's Golden Age.  

We will continue our day to the spectacular archaeological site of Uxmal. This beautiful Mayan city, belonging to the Classic period (250-950 A.D.), was the capital of the ancient Xiu Kingdom, which exercised rigid control over the communities of the northern Maya, until it became the political and economic capital of the Puuc region. Among its constructions, of the architectural style also known as Puuc, stand out the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Ball Court, the Dovecote, the House of the Old Woman, the House of the Turtles, and the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the most outstanding, for its singular elliptical structure and its 35 meters of height. The Governor's House is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Mesoamerica; its façade was exquisitely decorated with very detailed mosaic-like sculptures. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since December 7, 1996. In the afternoon, we will take the road to Campeche and have the rest of the afternoon free. Check in at the hotel.

Arrival in the colonial city of Campeche in the afternoon, free time to explore the historic center on your own, dine at local restaurants, rest and spend the night. 

Breakfast.We will begin our panoramic tour of the historic center of San Francisco de Campeche, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. We will visit the main attractions of the city: Colonial mansions, museums, San Miguel Fort, San José, the Cathedral, Independence Square, San Carlos Bastion, Puerta de Tierra, San Román Church, among others. At the end of the tour, we will continue along the coast of Campeche until we reach Palenque. Lunch in route. Arrival in Santo Domingo de Palenque and rest of the afternoon at leisure. Check in at the hotel.

Arrival in Santo Domingo de Palenque is a community founded in the 17th century and the archaeological site is more than 1500 years old. We will enjoy the afternoon with free time for sightseeing, dinner and finally rest. 

Breakfast. Today we will visit the archaeological site of Palenque, one of the most important sites of the Mayan World, we will visit the famous Pyramid of the Inscriptions where the sarcophagus of King Pakal was found, with a tombstone engraved in relief, the Temple of the Foliated Cross, the Temple of the Sun and the Palace. After the visit we will enter the jungle to discover one of the most beautiful natural sanctuaries: Misol ha, a waterfall of approximately 25 meters high, natural scenery. In the afternoon, return to Santo Domingo de Palenque. Accommodation.

After touring the archaeological zone of Palenque and admiring the Misol-ha waterfalls, we return to Santo Domingo de Palenque to rest, have dinner and sleep.

Breakfast. In the morning, departure to the border between Mexico and Guatemala, El Ceibo. After the migratory procedures, we continue to the Peten jungle. From Palenque in Chiapas to the Petén in Guatemala, 148 km across the border at El Ceibo. 

Overnight, Accommodation.

Breakfast. Today we will visit the Mayan city of Tikal, the jewel of the Classic Mayan World. Picnic lunch inside the archaeological site. Transfer to Flores airport to take a flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel.

Guatemala City, also known as “Guate,” is the vibrant capital of Guatemala, where modernity blends with pre-Columbian history and colonial heritage.

Breakfast. Departure to the Guatemalan highlands to the town of Chichicastenango, where we will visit one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of Latin America. This day we will have an experiential visit, where we will have a workshop with the local women to learn how to make corn, the staple food of Guatemala. After the visit we will continue to Lake Atitlan, which Huxley said to be the most beautiful lake in

the world. Accommodation

After the tour and shopping in Chichicastenango and the visit to the crater lake, free night and overnight at the hotel in Lake Atitlan. 

We will take a boat to visit two of the twelve towns that surround this beautiful lake. We will visit the Tzutuhil village of San Juan La Laguna, characterized by the harmony in which its inhabitants coexist with nature and culture. We will continue to Santiago Atitlán, a town inhabited by Tzutuhil Indians who live from fishing and handicrafts, although they are better known as worshipers of a Mayan-Catholic deity they call Maximón. 

Having toured Lake Atitlan we will visit two of the twelve towns that surround this beautiful lake. 

Breakfast. Departure to the city of La Antigua Guatemala. On the way, we will visit the archaeological site of Iximché, ancient Mayan capital of the Cakchiquel kingdom. Upon arrival in La Antigua, orientation visit of this colonial city declared a World Heritage Site, we will visit the Cathedral, La Merced Church, the Central Plaza and its main streets and monuments.

Lodging.

The picturesque town of La Antigua is a good place to rest and spend the night.

Breakfast. Transfer to Guatemala City airport. End of our services.