8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE LAND ONLY
February 25, 2009; March 4, 2009; April 29, 2009
May 27, 2009; September 30, 2009; October 28, 2009; November 25, 2009
$1,692 per person double, $1,992 per single.
The State of Chiapas lies at the southern tip of Mexico, where the thick rain forests intersect with the rugged mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur that cloak innumerable lakes, grand rivers and uncountable waterfalls.
It is here in the middle of beautiful forests and dense jungle that we find a unique blend of Colonial charm and the dense population of Mayan people, all of whom still speak their original dialect. Their archaeological structures that mark what once were grand cities or impressive ceremonial sites of the great Mayan civilization dating back thousands of years mix with a strong Spanish influence in quaint colonial cities where the customs and traditions still prevail.
DAY 1 – Mexico City
Today you will fly into Mexico City International Airport, transfer to the hotel and gather with your fellow travelers as you start your Mayan vacation with welcome dinner and overnight. (D)
DAY 2 – Villa Hermosa - Palenque
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will return to the airport for a short flight to the city of Villahermosa, a modern city that was once the land of the Olmecs and predecessors of the Chontal Maya. After lunch at a local restaurant we’ll drive across the marshlands, cattle ranches and banana plantations to the magnificent archeological site of Palenque located on a lush green hill at the edge of the Sierra de Chiapas. The serenity of this noble archeological compound dating from 500 AD is the ultimate expression of the Classic Mayan period, interrupted only by the noise of the spider monkey or the toucan. Dinner and overnight in the city of Palenque. (B L D)
DAY 3 – Yaxchilan - Bonampak
Today will be a truly unique experience in this living Mayan museum. An early departure allows us to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over picturesque landscape, stopping for breakfast in the lush Lacandon jungle. The Yaxchilan archaeological site, an extremely important Mayan city during the Classic period, can be accessed only by a motorboat journey down the Usumacinta River. After experiencing the jungle environment of this site, we stop for lunch before our visit to Bonampak, a place that has achieved its present fame because of the preservation of its brilliantly colored murals. Return to the city of Palenque for dinner and overnight. (B L D)
DAY 4 – Misol-Ha - Agua Azul Falls - San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breakfast will be at the hotel before our departure to climb the Sierra to San Cristobal. Our first stop is to visit the breathtaking waterfall of Misol-Ha plunging about 90 ft. into a large, shimmering pool. Topping that is the National Park of Agua Azul where you will be mesmerized by the beautiful aqua color and white falls cascading into the limestone bed. Lunch and take time for a swim before our continuation to San Cristobal. This evening we will arrive to this beautifully preserved place located atop the Sierra of Chiapas, an appealing colonial city with pastel color buildings, wrought-iron windows and red title roofs on hilly streets. Stroll to your heart’s delight on the cobblestone streets. Dinner and overnight. (B L D)
DAY 5 – San Cristobal de Las Casas - Indigenous Communities
Breakfast at the hotel. Today our program first takes us to the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan where we will have an opportunity to learn about their unique religious traditions, meander through the busy market and visit a weaver’s home to see them working on their colorful embroidery. We’ll sample regional food and liquor. Return to San Cristobal to visit the city’s open market and enjoy a pleasant city tour. Dinner tonight is at a “restaurant typico”, followed by a relaxing evening with a marimba serenade on the main plaza. Overnight. (B L D)
DAY 6 – Lagos de Montebello
A busy day. Our first stop is to explore the caves of Rancho Nuevo, then on to Montebello, set in the Lacandon Forest where more that 50 lakes reflect a myriad of color from pale blue to lavender, deep purple and reddish black. Concentrate on perfect picture taking or enjoying the beauty of the area. Lunch will served at an old coffee plantation. On our return to San Cristobal, we will stop at Amatenango Del Valle, a potter’s village famous for the immense jars up to 3 and 4 ft. high and often 20 to 30 inches in diameter. Dinner and overnight at San Cristobal. (B L D)
DAY 7 – Tuxtla Gutierrez - Mexico City
After breakfast we descend the mountains toward the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. Following a short stop at Chiapa de Corzo to enjoy its unique plaza, we embark on the Grijalva River for a trip through the Sumidero Canyon; this majestic landscape offers an unforgettable spectacle of unparalleled beauty and natural diversity. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Mexico City. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B L D)
DAY 8 – Return Home
After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Or provide you with your schedule if you have purchased additional nights and tours in Mexico City.
Call us at 602-276-9008
Synergy Tours & Cruises
2320 E. Baseline Rd. Ste 148 - 468 Phoenix, Arizona 85042-6951
mike@SynergyTours.com Registration form
