Intrepid Travel  >  Latin America 2008  >  Browse pages 1-17  >  Latin America 2008

central america mayan highlights ORIgInAl GB£615* EU¬900* 22 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen itiNerary... Day 1 cancun Take an orientation tour of this resort town and prime yourself for the Mayan adventure ahead. Cancun is unlike any other place in Mexico. A haven for sun-worshippers, retirees and American spring-breakers, Cancun is full of resorts, bars and shops and there is always something going on. Its strange to think that in the 1970s this was a small fishing village. Days 2-3 chichen itza/Merida Visit the 2,000 year old Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, a fusion of religion, architecture and science. In the Yucatan capital, Merida, wander through museums and plazas, relax in outdoor cafes or discover the weird and wonderful wares on sale at the markets. Days 4-5 Palenque Admire temple walls sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies on a stroll around these ruins. Discover Pakals jade-encrusted sarcophagus. Nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls. Day 6 san cristobal de las casas Enjoy the cooler climates of a city rich with local culture. Days 7-8 Panajachel Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages, the view from the shores of Lake Atitlan is beautiful. Modern Panajachel is a great base for outdoor activities: take a cruise on the lake, hike, swim, surf, kayak or try a spot of paragliding for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Days 9-11 chichicastenango/antigua Stop here to visit the famous highland village market before travelling to the historically important town of Antigua. Days 12-13 Flores/tikal Visit the impressive ruins of Tikal. Towering above the jungle of a national park, the five limestone towers are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Mayan ruins. Later, chill-out in the charming city of Flores. Days 14-15 san ignacio Over the border in Belize, this town is surrounded by fast flowing rivers and forested hills that just beg to be explored. Days 16-18 caye caulker After all that activity, its time to relax on this tiny island. Snorkel or dive in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the second largest reef in the world, or just kick back on the beach and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere. Days 19-22 Playa del carmen This beach town is a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have some fun in the sun or enjoy the easy-going Mexican nightlife. For a last look at some Mayan ruins head to Tulum, perched high upon seaside cliffs. Above: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Beachside fun, Belize - Sam Beveridge Below: Wonderful weavings, Antigua - Sally Johnson accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (21 nts) traNsPort Minibus, boat, local bus GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow US$440 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed Notes Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.55 out of 5 start 2008 12 Jan 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr 19 Apr 03 May 17 May 31 May 14 Jun Finish 02 Feb 16 Feb 01 Mar 15 Mar 29 Mar 12 Apr 26 Apr 10 May 24 May 07 Jun 21 Jun 05 Jul 21 Jun 28 Jun 05 Jul 12 Jul 19 Jul 26 Jul 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 12 Jul 19 Jul 26 Jul 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 27 Sep 04 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 13 Dec 27 Dec 2009 10 Jan 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 25 Oct 08 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 20 Dec 03 Jan 17 Jan 31 Jan 14 Feb 28 Feb 14 Mar 28 Mar 11 Apr 04 Apr 18 Apr 02 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 25 Apr 09 May 23 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 04 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul *plus Local Payment US$500 Physical culture shock " snorkel over the worlds second largest reef in caye caulker " Pick up colourful wares at the famous highland markets of chichicastenango " climb the tikal ruins for amazing jungle views " experience lakeside life in Panajachel " escape to the cooler climates of san cristobal de las casas " relax on the white sand beaches of Belize " explore the forested hills of san ignacio real life experiences& A wonderful trip, a chance to see 3 countries, the best bits and the bits most people miss! Kathryn Pearce QSC 13 triP coDe