Call Today www.acloserlooktours.com 1-877-938-0951 Legacy Of The Maya - All Inclusive 8 Days, 7 Nights The culture of the Maya is the stuff of ancient legend, but that history dates back longer than many realize. The Olmec people preceded the Maya, colonizing the city of La Venta in the modern-day state of Tabasco. Here, the giant Olmec heads -- such a landmark feature of Mexico – were discovered. Tour Breakdown DAY 1 – TUXTLA GUTIERREZ (INCL. DINNER) Arrive at Tuxtla Gutierrez. Once part of Guatemala, the capital city of Chiapas is now a commercial center and gateway to the state. Check in to the hotel, enjoy dinner and prepare for the days ahead. DAY 2 – SUMIDERO CANYON AND SAN CRISTOBAL (INCL. BREAKFAST) Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and board the boat for a voyage up the Sumidero Canyon of the Rio Grijalva. Surrounded by canyon walls as high as 2,000 ft., view awesome rock formations and caves, plants and wildlife. Have lunch in the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, and see a historic fountain, built in 1562 to resemble the Spanish Crown. Then, head to San Cristobal de Las Casas and the Valley of Jovel. Explore markets, shops and galleries along cobblestone streets, then check in to the hotel for a two-night stay in San Cristobal. DAY 3 – SAN CRISTOBAL AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES (INCL. BREAKFAST) Breakfast at the hotel, then visit two unique towns to learn about the customs of the Maya. First, San Juan Chamula, where local religious practices blend ancient Mayan traditions with the influences of Spanish Catholicism and other ideologies. Next, visit San Lorenzo Zinacantan, where the citizens are known for producing fine textiles and musical instruments, as well as growing flowers. Return to San Cristobal for lunch PRICE PER PERSON and spend the remainder of the day touring the city at your leisure. Single: $2,008 Double: $1,654 DAY 4 – AGUA AZUL, MISOL-HA, AND PALENQUE (INCL. BREAKFAST) After breakfast at the hotel, leave the cool highland country for low jungles. Stop along the way for a quick visit to Ocosingo, known for its cheese production. Continue and view the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha. Finally, arrive in Palenque, a city of ancient Maya and a UNSESCO World Heritage Site. Palenque flourished in lush jungle surroundings from 500 AD to 700 AD. After its abandonment, it went practically untouched for 700 years. Have dinner and spend the night in Palenque. DAY 5 – CAMPECHE (INCL. BREAKFAST) Have breakfast and relish a leisurely morning exploring more of Palenque. Travel to the city of Campeche, another World Heritage Site along the Gulf of Mexico. Many lavish mansions remain from the city’s beginnings. Founded by wealthy Spaniards, the city was a target for pirates, hence the forts and defensive walls that have endured. Have dinner and spend the night in Campeche. DAY 6 – UXMAL AND MERIDA (INCL. BREAKFAST) After breakfast, journey to the archeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site of great historical importance to the Maya culture. Uxmal’s impressive architecture showcases the brilliant engineering of the Maya. This active city thrived for 300 years before it was abandoned around 900 AD due to drought conditions. Rediscovered in 1929, the city has many buildings yet to be excavated. Have lunch on the way to Merida, the capital of Yucatan. The city offers elements of old Europe combined with modern culture. Grand government buildings surround lovely parks. Hear the music all around as you explore the city and dine at your leisure. Spend the night in Merida. DAY 7 – CHICHEN-ITZA AND RIVIERA MAYA (INCL. BREAKFAST AND DINNER) Have breakfast at the hotel and set out to discover the famous architectural site of Chichen-Itza. Wonderfully well-preserved, these remnants of ancient Maya make up one of the New Seven Wonders of World. Abandoned in the 14th century for reasons unknown, it has endured as a Mayan pilgrimage site. Conclude the tour along the Riviera Maya on the Mexican Caribbean and enjoy the powdery white sand of its beaches. Have dinner and spend the night in Cancun. DAY 8 – RETURN FLIGHT (INCL. BREAKFAST) Say farewell with breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the airport..