Latin Legends (Until December 2016)
COUNTRIES
3
DAYS
18
FROM
$4,819
COUNTRIES
3
DAYS
18
FROM
$4,819
3 Departures between October 2016 and December 2016
Do a lap of the Central American circuit. Explore the hotspots of Mexico & two of our newest destinations Belize & Guatemala in-between. Live it local as you explore a mix of stunning sites, local food & diverse experiences, you’ll be wanting to do a few extra laps!
Do a lap of the Central American circuit. Explore the hotspots of Mexico & two of our newest destinations Belize & Guatemala in-between. Live it local as you explore a mix of stunning sites, local food & diverse experiences, you’ll be wanting to do a few extra laps!
parrafo con datos
parrafo con datos
parrafo con datos
Choose a date
All dates for Latin Legends (Until December 2016)
October 2016
- Saturday 22nd October
- Tuesday 8th November
Definite departure
$4,819
$4,819
November 2016
- Saturday 19th November
- Tuesday 6th December
Definite departure
$4,819
$4,819
December 2016
- Saturday 24th December
- Tuesday 10th January
Definite departure
Full
Full
WHAT'S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
17 nights:
We always provide comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere - think comfy hotels, jungle lodges and bright communal areas for you and your new squad to relax and socialise.
TEAM
Don't fret, you'll be accompanied by the best Drivers, Trip Managers and English-speaking Local Guides around. Whether providing local knowledge or lols, our team members are people you can trust 100%. Not to mention your new squad of Contiki travel buddies.
FOOD
26 meals:
We'll get 26 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect to refuel with hearty breakfasts, luscious lunches and delicious dinners from us but we'll also give you the opportunity to sample some of the best local cuisine. You'll taste it all - from simple street eats to gourmet fare.
INCLUSIONS
Apart from transport, accommodation and meals along the way, we provide sightseeing tours of all major areas as well as a ridiculous amount of activities. Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, Mexico City, relax on a sunset boat cruise in Belize and visit a sacred highland temple in Chiapas, Mexico.
ME TIME
With Contiki, there's plenty of time to relax and do your own thing, but for travellers seeking a little extra, we've also got plenty activities to fill your ME Time. Whether you want to ride in a horse-drawn carriage through World Heritage Antigua, kayak the Caribbean coast of Mexico or experience a Mayan culture adventure complete with ziplining, rappelling and canoeing, we've got you sorted.
TRANSPORT
You'll be jet-setting across the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala, with 2 internal flights and airport transfers. Then, for all your overland adventures you'll be riding in style on our air conditioned Contiki coaches, mini-coaches and vans.
ITINERARY
YOU WILL VISIT
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala
+5 MORE
SEE FULL ITINERARY
APPROX TIME SPENT
DAY 1:
Mexico City
Mexico City
It’s a busy one today, travellers. The archaeological city of Teotihuacan, floating gardens, pyramids, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera plus the Aztec temples are all on the agenda for today (don't say we don't spoil you). As we go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge so you're in the know on anything and everything. We'll even take to the water on a traditional Trajinera boat, where you can grab a drink, do some shopping and watch the world float on past. Tonight, re-fuel with city eats like enchiladas, tamales and tacos, then head out and get a little loco. If luck is on your side, maybe you'll even catch some Lucha Libre - Mexican wrestling.
INCLUSIONS
Tour the Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Learn about ancient civiliasations from this area
Visit Coyoacan birthplace of Frida Kahlo
Cruise on a Trajinera
Mexico City
DAY 2:
Mexico City to Merida
Mexico City
Now you bid farewell to Mexico City before the finale of the trip where you will meet again. You’ve seen and learnt a lot, but now it is time for a change of scenery and pace – a an included flight out to the white stone city of Merida is on the cards.
INCLUSIONS
Included flight to Merida
Merida
Soft and beautiful, Merida will take you in its arms and show you the quieter side of Mexico. A walking tour will show off this small town’s gorgeous atmosphere, it won't take you long to feel right at home once you reach the old town. You’ll have some free time to explore the bustling markets, where you will find many treasures to take home. Later, ask your Trip Manager for the best place to head to feast o Yucatan specialities that will delight the tastebuds, before no-doubt dalling into blissful slumber.
INCLUSIONS
Walking tour of Meridas sights
DAY 3:
Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza
Merida
Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza
These ancient ruins are the most famous and best preserved of their kind in Mayan history, and right now they’re all yours to explore. With our Local Guide dishing out the facts, Chichen Itza will provoke questions about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us - a truly special spot on the trip and a history head’s delight. Brains full to capacity with knowledge, let’s change up that scenery – who’s up for a dip in a cenote? Refreshing, lush and wonderful, these underground lakes will make you fall in love with Mexico just that little bit more.
INCLUSIONS
Locally guided tour of the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza
Refrenshing cenote swim
Cancun
Scene change (again) – welcome to Cancun, Mexico’s super resort. You’ll feel the party energy as soon as we arrive, so really, it would be rude not to. After all, this is Cancun! Head out for dinner at Mercado 28, a busy market serving up tasty Mexican delights, then do your worst in this party capital…
DAY 4:
Cancun and Playa Del Carmen
Cancun
Sore heads from the night before will soon be forgotten when you hear what’s on the agenda for today – who’s up for some Playa del Carmen action?
White sand beaches, snorkelling, colourful cafes lining the streets and friendly locals will see you living the good life, leaving a little slice of your heart behind in Playa del Carmen.
With a fully ticked list in Playa, we’ll head back to Cancun for another night of mischief and mayhem. Grab the squad, your best d-moves and let’s go…
White sand beaches, snorkelling, colourful cafes lining the streets and friendly locals will see you living the good life, leaving a little slice of your heart behind in Playa del Carmen.
With a fully ticked list in Playa, we’ll head back to Cancun for another night of mischief and mayhem. Grab the squad, your best d-moves and let’s go…
ME TIME
Day trip to Playa Del Carmen
Cancun
DAY 5:
Cancun
Cancun
Another day in paradise beckons us today. Ease those party pounding heads with horchata on the beach, or for those up for an adventure, with got some super tasty optionals to tempt you with. Like the sound of rural island hopping, zipling at the Garrafon National Park and exploring offshore coral reefs and caves, or more scrambling around yet more incredible ancient Mayan ruins as the mind boggles at their creation? Both are on offer today. Tonight back in Cancun, we’ll be treating you to a seafront open-air fresh seafood dinner – YUM.
INCLUSIONS
Relax on the white sand beaches
Sunset beach dinner
ME TIME
Jungle Maya Expedition & Zipline
US$128.00
Maya Encounter
US$110.00
Cancun
DAY 6:
Cancun to Caye Caulker via Chetumal
Cancun
With a heavy heart and a long face you’ll wave good-bye to the super fun and over the top Cancun. But don’t worry; it’s certainly not the end of tequila, beer and fun beach times. Time to ditch the road travel and jump in a water taxi.
Chetumal
Stopping for lunch in Chetumal we’ll breathe in our last little taste of Mexico air (for now). What’s that on the horizon we spy? It looks a whole lot like Belize…
Caye Caulker
Here on this Caribbean island off the coast of Belize, the motto ‘go slow’ couldn’t be any more suited to the locals and the beauty of this place. Tonight we’ll be treating you to a fresh seafood feast (we're talking pick your own, grill it then indulge), followed by some sweet reggae to jam the night away.
INCLUSIONS
Experience the Belize Barrier Reef
DAY 7:
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker
Ain’t no time for lie-in’s when you’ve got a Caribbean island to explore. Today is all yours to conquer Caye Caulker as you please, though for most we reckon the stunning Belize Barrier Reef will be beckoning. Opt to dive or snorkel with the fishies and multicolour coral, or explore the water from above on a kayak excursion. Back on land, there will be little not to love about life right now. Stoll the sandy streets, sip cocktails or beers in a hammock flanked by palm trees, and play cards in colourful bars and restaurants. As sunset nears, we’ll re-group to hop on board a sail boat, cruising round the island as the sun dips below the horizon.
INCLUSIONS
Sunset sailing cruise around the island
ME TIME
Kayak the crystalline Caribbean
US$25.00
Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley
Barrier Reef Dive
US$215.00
Caye Caulker
DAY 8:
Caye Caulker to Guatemalan Rainforest
Caye Caulker
Water taxis will take us away from our island paradise, but the prospect of yet another new country will beat away the blues.
Belize
It’s a super swift passing by of the beloved Belize City before we take to the road to journey across the border to Guatemala.
Guatemalan Rainforest
Lush, tropical, exotic – all words to describe Guatemala’s Peten forests. And how better to experience it than a stay in a wonderfully remote jungle lodge complete with zipline, should you feel the urge. Falling asleep tonight to the sounds of the surrounding jungle sure is something pretty special.
INCLUSIONS
Stay in Tikal National Park
ME TIME
Jungle ziplining experience
US$30.00
DAY 9:
Guatemalan Rainforest to Santa Elena
Guatemalan Rainforest
It’s a very early start today but well worth the yawns because seeing daybreak from the very top of Templo IV is something you’ll never forget. We'll hike to the top of the Mayan wonder just in time to catch the sunrise, backed by the sounds of wildlife awakening and temples as far as the eye can see. Sunrise captured, we’ll take a stroll through the dense jungle ruins as our guide fills us in on the history, before hopping over to the island of Flores.
INCLUSIONS
Locally guided tour of Tikal National Park
Santa Elena (Flores)
This afternoon’s hop-over to the inland island of Flores will include a look at Tayasal, an ancient Mayan center named after a tribe of the same name. This town is centered around a lake, so dining waterside tonight is the only way to go.
DAY 10:
Santa Elena (Flores) to Antigua
Santa Elena (Flores)
Today you’ll push on from the serenity of the beautiful and unique Flores and Santa Elena to the hype filled streets of Antigua, via a quick stop in Guatemala City.
INCLUSIONS
Included Flight to Antigua
Antigua
Step into Antigua and you’ll instantly be filled with a sense of belonging. Maybe it’s the clip-clop of the horse drawn carriages, the inviting rooftop gardens dotted amongst old buildings, or the friendly locals keen to share a secret smile. Whatever the secret recipe, Antigua has it. Listen in to our guide as we roam colonial buildings, tiny squares and fountains, and revel in the happiness of being able to spend two nights in this blissful little town.
INCLUSIONS
Locally Guided Sightseeing tour of Colonial Antigua
DAY 11:
Antigua
Antigua
Ready to put your own little stamp on Antigua? Today is all yours to do just that. We’ve got optionals a-plenty to tempt you with, think hiking up Pacaya Volcana on a guided hike, making (and eating) your own chocolate from locally sourced cacao or hitting the peddles to explore the local region, including its coffee plantations. Or, if you prefer to make your own magic, that’s cool too. Tonight we’ll de-brief our respective adventures over chiles rellanos (that’s peppers stuffed to the brim with veggies, meat and sauces to you and I). Get ready to hear a collective mmmm.
INCLUSIONS
Guatemalan feast
ME TIME
Hike the Pacaya Volcano
From US$65.00
Make your own chocolates from locally-sourced cacao
US$23.00
Bike Ride and Plantation
US$50.00
Antigua
DAY 12:
Antigua to Panajachel
Antigua
After a final breakfast in glorious Antigua our journey continues north through the highlands and on into Panajachel, home to the spectacular Lago Atitlan.
Panajachel
Have we got a cultural experience for you. After arriving in Panajachel we’ll hop straight on a private boat destined for a local Mayan community who, nestled amongst a volcano, will welcome you with open arms. Here we’ll be taught the art of tortilla making – and naturally we’ll be eating just as many as we make. Feasting complete and perhaps after a necessary hammock snooze, we’ll cruise back over to Panajachel, all the while ogling at the impressive volcanic backdrop. Tonight the culture vibes continue as we make for the centre of town, setting up camp in the various vibrant cafes and bars.
INCLUSIONS
Visit a Mayan community
DAY 13:
Panajachel to San Cristobal de la Casas Via Comitan
Panajachel
Cameras at the ready today peeps. As we say goodbye to Lake Atitlan and move on to even smaller highland communities, the true Guatemala continues to reveal herself.
Comitan
Skipping back over the border to Mexico, we’ll find ourselves in the rugged territory of Chiapas. Our first stop of the day, Comitan, is the fourth largest city in the state, although its quaint aesthetic would make you think otherwise. Whilst here we’ll keep refreshed on tascalate – a drink make of chocolate, toasted corn and archiote. Sounds kinda crazy but interesting, right?
INCLUSIONS
Visit the cute town of Comitan
San Cristobal de las Casas
After an action packed day we’ll pull the brakes for the night in the hilly and uber cultural setting of San Cristobal de las Casas. To describe this place as cute wouldn’t even come close. The night is young, so head to the main square or hit the town to get right into the global groove.
DAY 14:
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas
Rise and shine! Today is yet another free day for you to explore at your own pace. All you need to decide is - mountain bike or horse? Whatever your mode of transport this morning, you can expect a busy day visiting the hillside communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan where you will take in the stories of the Native American and European cultures that abound here. Tonight, hit the town with the crew for a taste of Tamales Chiapanecos (stuffed corn husks) and some local rhythms.
INCLUSIONS
Visit the communities and see the sights of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
ME TIME
Horseback ride the evergreen highlands of Mexico
US$16.00
Mountain bike the evergreen highlands of Mexico
US$45.00
San Cristobal de las Casas
DAY 15:
San Cristobal de la Casas to Tehuantepec
San Cristobal de las Casas
This morning you will have time to explore iconic Mexican monuments, indulge in some local culinary delights or simply relax by the pool under a canopy of the mango trees. Once you have finally soaked up all of the great outdoors and culture that San Cristobal has on offer, it is time to move along the road heading through the southern highlands.
Tehuantepec
Interestingly, the isthmus of Tehauntepec is the narrowest stretch of land that sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Descending upon this city, you’ll notice the leafy hills and beautiful coastline, simultaneously. It is here that you will visit the charming city square before heading back to the hotel. Pool time is guaranteed to be the best way to chill amongst the mango trees before a bite to eat with the crew.
DAY 16:
Tehuantepec to Oaxaca via Mitla and Matatlan
Tehuantepec
We’ll be up early today, bound first for Mitla.
INCLUSIONS
Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
Sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca
Mitla
The Zapotec religious center of Mitla will be an otherworldly experience, so make sure you take in all the ideas created by sacred geometry as seen in the very well preserved and intricate stonework ruins.
INCLUSIONS
Visit the Zapatec religious center Mitla
Matatlan
Before Oaxaca, we'll make one last, very important stop. Why you ask? To sample the local drop, mescal. Here, we’ll visit a distillery, watch the process from plant to bottle, and probably pick up a sample or three…
INCLUSIONS
Taste fiery mescal
Oaxaca
Not just a culinary capital, Oaxaca is well known for textiles and ceramics. Kicking off with a walking tour to get us fully acquainted with this colonial city, we’ll learn that many of the buildings we’re spotting are actually made from old volcanic stone. But that’s not all Oaxaca has to offer. The city is also well known for its mole (mo-lay), spicy chapulines and dried grasshoppers. Pull a face, but don’t knock em’ till you’ve tried em’…
DAY 17:
Monte Alban Day Trip
Monte Albán
Up for another culture hit? This morning we’ll be making our way to the UNESCO site of Monte Alban for a guided tour to learn about the Zapotec people. On route back to Oaxaca we’ll stop off at a local pottery shop to watch a local artisan flex her skills, then this afternoon is free to fill as you please. Tonight is all about celebrating our last night together as a group, and damn right we’re treating you to a tasty feast to make it one to remember.
INCLUSIONS
Final Night Dinner
Visit the UNESCO site Monte Alban
Shop for traditional masterpiece ceramics and textiles
Visit a local workshop
Monte Albán
DAY 18:
Oaxaca to Mexico City via Cholula
Oaxaca
It may be the last day of our adventure, but we’ve got plenty more to squeeze in before our trip comes to a close.
Cholula
First up, Cholula, which shares its name with a certain famous hot sauce. Here we’ll soak up one last little slice of history, visiting the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios which stands above the historical buried pyramid of Tlachihualtepetl.
INCLUSIONS
Visit Cholula
Mexico City
Third times a charm as we pull back in to Mexico City, and it’s here our Mayan adventure wraps up for good. The time has come to say ‘Adios Amigos’, but no doubt those reunion plans are already in motion. Hug it out, and we’ll see you again sometime soon…
