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Arrival to Mexico City, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2. MEXICO CITY – TEOTIHUACAN - MEXICO CITY (B & L)
After breakfast, a half day city tour of Mexico City starting from the Zocalo, the historical centre of Mexico City. The tour includes a visit to the National Palace, famous for its colourful murals by one of
Mexico’s greatest artists, Diego Rivera; the Cathedral Metropolitana, perhaps the most impressive in
all of Mexico. Built by the Spanish in the 1520s, it was erected directly above the sacrificial ceremonial site of the Aztecs where rows of skulls were displayed. After lunch, an excursion to the fabulous archaeological site of Teotihuacán lying in the valley of Mexico, some 40km from Mexico City. This is the world famous site of the huge Pirámides del Sol y de la Luna (Pyramids of the Sun and Moon), and was once Mexico's largest ancient city and the capital of what was probably the country's largest pre-Hispanic empire. The site's main ‘road’ is the famous Avenue of the Dead, a monumental 2km (1.2miles) thoroughfare lined with the former palaces of Teotihuacán's elite. To its south is the pyramid-bedecked La Ciudadela, believed to have been the residence of the city's supreme ruler. Enclosed within the citadel's walls is the Quetzalcóatl Temple, with its striking serpent carvings. Heading north, the avenue passes the world's third-largest pyramid: the awe-inspiring, 70m (230ft), 248-stepped Pyramid of the Sun. The pyramid was originally painted a suitably sun-drenched, bloody red. The avenue terminates at the Pyramid of the Moon, flanked by the 12 temple platforms of the Plaza de la Luna. Nearby are the beautifully frescoed Palace of the Quetzal Butterfly, the Jaguar Palace and the Temple of the Plumed Conch Shells. Teotihuacán's most famous mural, the Paradise of Tláloc, is in the Tepantitla Palace, a priest's residence northeast of the Pyramid of the Sun. The site also has a museum to help make sense of it all. After the tour, return to Mexico City.
Teotihuacan - Mexico
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Merida - Yucatan
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Day 3. MEXICO CITY – MERIDA (B & L)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the one hour forty minute flight to the city of Merida, located in the Yucatan Peninsula. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, a tour of Merida, one of Mexico's most nostalgic colonial cities. Merida combines colonial-era architecture with a rich Indian heritage. Many of the city's older buildings, date back to the 17th and 18th century, and have white and pastel exteriors and have earned the city its nickname, "White City".
A visit to nearby Kabah and the pyramids of Uxmal, site of perhaps the finest of all Mayan cities, where you will also enjoy a sound & light show (8:30 pm).
Day 4. MERIDA – CHICHEN ITZA (B, L & D)
After breakfast, visit to the first of our NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD, the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, dating back to 514 AD.
It is clear that a large Mayan community thrived here between around 700AD and 900AD, and built most of the structures in the southern area. However, the main buildings in the central area, including the Pyramid of Kukulkán, the Temple of the Warriors and the Ball Court, are Toltec in design and influence. Towering above the other buildings at 79 feet (24 m) high, the Pyramid of Kukulkán has a structured feel about it. Two of its sides have been completely restored, the other two were left to show the condition before work commenced. Each side had originally 91 steps, adding the platform at the top as a final step there are 365 in total one for every day of the year. Further evidence that this building was linked to the Mayan interests of astronomy and the calendar is demonstrated at the spring and autumn equinox. On these days the shadow of the sun playing on the stairs causes the illusion of a snake processing down the pyramid in the direction of the cenote. Naturally, it’s an impressive sight, and there are usually thousands of people on the site at these times.
It’s quite a climb to the top, but once you’re there you’ll have a terrific view of the rest of the ruins. The temple at the top of the pyramid has carvings of Chac, the rain god, and Quetzalcóatl, the serpent god. As at Uxmal, this temple was built over the top of an original structure and at limited times of the day (check at the entrance) you can enter the old temple via a passage under the northern stairway. Inside, you will see a sculpture of a jaguar, painted red and with jade eyes, exactly as it was discovered.
Lunch at the hotel before returning to the site for further self discovery. Accommodation at the Mayaland Hotel. This was the first Hotel built at Chichen Itza (in 1923), and with its superb location amidst the temples, the first within an ancient site in the world. Mayaland is a creation of Old Yucatan, built and operated by its original owners and their descendants in a style reminiscent of the hacienda nobility of a century ago. Dinner at the hotel.
Chichen Itza - Mexico |
Pyramids of Uxmal |
Day 5. CHICHEN ITZA – CANCUN (B)
A final day to visit this incredible site before the main throng of tourists arrive. Exclusive to your lodge, you enter Chichen Itza this morning through a private entrance, with the El Castillo pyramid in its majesty just around the bend. After your guided tour of the site’s temples, platforms and ball courts, there is time for more personal reflection or as an alternative, a visit to lesser-known Ek-Balam, once a pivotal site in the public affairs of eastern Yucatan and a former burial site of Mayan royalty. Return to Cancun for accommodation and an early night in early preparation for the early morning flight to Lima.
Early transfer to the airport for the 06.54 Copa flight to Lima via Panama. Arrival to Lima at 15.00, reception at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel. Free afternoon to relax after the flight.
Cathedral - Lima |
Main Square Night - Lima |
After breakfast, a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima. The tour continues to the Cathedral, dating from 1654, the Main Square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site.
We shall then visit the Bohemian capital of Lima, Barranco where we will enjoy lunch at the Al Grano restaurant before visiting the adjoining private museum, the Palacio de Osma. The museum focuses on colonial Peruvian art from areas that were among the most distinguished cultural centers of the day, including Cusco, Arequipa, and Ayacucho. Return to your hotel.
Day 8. LIMA – CUZCO (B & D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to your hotel. After a recommended light lunch (not included), a guided walking tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the house of Garcilaso de Vega, the Inca chronicler and finally the Inca Museum. Return to your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and folkloric show.
Day 9. CUZCO – MACHU PICCHU (B & D)
Enjoy a good night’s sleep before boarding the 06:00 AM Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival to Aguas Calientes, assistance with your luggage and bus ride up to the Sanctuary Lodge, your accommodation for the night and located at the very entrance to Machu Picchu. A guided tour of the second of our NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD. Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world was built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Free time at leisure before returning to your hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 10. MACHU PICCHU – CUZCO (B & L)
Early opportunity to return to the site and enjoy a wonderful sunrise over Machu Picchu and time for some private reflection. Today no guide is provided as we feel that Machu Picchu requires a certain amount of self discovery to be fully understood. Take any of the several paths around various parts of the site (we will provide a map to help you), trek up to Wayna Picchu or walk down to the Inca’s bridge. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains, or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Either way, your day of self discovery will be a day never to be forgotten. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before returning back down to Aguas Calientes by bus. Some free time to visit the colourful town before boarding the return train to Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel.
Machu Picchu
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Machupicchu - Cusco
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Day 11. CUZCO – LIMA – RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
After breakfast, free morning before your transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Lima and onward for your night flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Day 12 RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro in the morning, reception and transfer to your hotel. Free day at leisure.
Day 13. RIO DE JANEIRO (B & L)
After breakfast, a full day private visit of the “marvelous city” by convertible 4x4 jeep including a sightseeing tour to Sugar Loaf Mountain. A two-stage cable car takes you to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain where you will enjoy a splendid view of Rio, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay. After lunch, the tour continues to Corcovado through the borough of Cosme Velho (Ancient Noble), where we can still find the mansions of the Coffee Barons from the 19th century. The road takes us to the top of the mountain where the giant statue of the third and final NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD, Christ the Redeemer is situated. The statue stands 39.6 metres (130 feet) tall, weighs 700 tons, and is located at the peak of the 700-m (2296-foot) Corcovado Mountain. A symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of Rio and Brazil. Here you will be treated to a panoramic 360º view of the magical city of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings. The visit continues through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. We will pass the Emperor’s Table and the Chinese Observation spot, with a magnificent view of Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Return to your hotel.
Day 14. RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
Free day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful setting on the Atlantic Ocean and reflect on three of the 7 New Wonders of the World that you had visited in the previous two weeks.
Copacabana Beach
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Corcovado Mountain |
Day 15. RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
End of our services.
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