Suzanne and Andrew's 
Trip to Mexico for Total Solar Eclipse (2024-04-08)
and some Mayan Archaeological Sites
3rd April to 19th April 2024

Date

Day

Location

"Brochure" Description + Excursions added

03-Apr-24

0

To Mexico City

Fly KLM to Mexico City
Overnight: Mexico City

04-Apr-24

1

Mexico City

When they arrived here Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes and his men were awestruck by the sight of the imposing temples of the Aztecs. Surrounded by some of the finest buildings of the colonial era, lay the remnants of one of the Aztecs’ principal monuments, the Templo Mayor. Its mysterious shapes stand as a haunting tribute to the pre-Hispanic civilization that flourished here long ago
Overnight: Mexico City

05-Apr-24

2

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco and then Coyoacan

Visit the enchanting Floating Gardens of Xochimilco which were once linked to the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) by a causeway. These historic gardens were a vital food source for the capital. Board a ’trajinera’ (a flower-decked punt) and navigate the scenic waterways. Next, explore Coyoacan, a charming former colonial village with narrow streets, plazas, and a bohemian atmosphere which is home to the Museum of Frida Kahlo. Walk along Coyoacan main plaza, admire churches and beautiful old buildings, including the house of conqueror Hernan Cortes.
Overnight: Mexico City

06-Apr-24

3

Teotihuacán

Journey back in time to the revered city of Teotihuacán. Located 40km northeast of modern-day Mexico City, at its zenith, this flourishing pre-Columbian city was the largest in the Americas. Running down the middle of the site is the Avenue of the Dead which links the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the most significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian era. Explore the temples and palaces of the site including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Conches and of course the colossal Pyramids.
17.00 Pre-eclipse Briefing in Reforma Meeting Room, Barcelo Reforma
Overnight: Mexico City

07-Apr-24

4

Fly to Torreon

Fly across Mexico’s wide central desert plain region for two nights in Torreon. Torreon lies along the Nazas River and is a city of contrasts in the middle of semi-desert. A relatively new city by Mexican standards, it lies at the heart of much of Mexico's industrial development.
Overnight: Torreon

08-Apr-24

5

Eclipse Day

A short coach trip from the hotel to the eclipse centre line which is close to the longest duration point of the eclipse.
Overnight: Torreon

09-Apr-24

6

Cancun

Fly to Cancún, gateway to the Yucatan peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and nightlife. Stay overnight in this lively beachside resort.
Overnight: Cancun

10-Apr-24

7

Coba [and not Tulum]

First, journey to Coba, a sprawling Mayan city built around a group of lakes (located 2½ hours from Cancun). Explore the ancient temples hidden deep within the tropical jungle and ascend the impressive Great Pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the tallest structure on the Yucatan Peninsula. Witness the remnants of Coba's powerful influence during the classical and post-classical periods of Mayan history, including the fascinating system of ceremonial roads. Onwards to the captivating archaeological site of Tulum, the only walled city ever built by the Maya by the ocean's edge (now known as the Riviera Maya). During our guided visit, you will have time to explore the fascinating ruins, including the iconic Castle, a magnificent pyramid which perches on the edge of a cliff. From this vantage point, witness the grandeur of the ancient city while being treated to a spectacular panorama of the Caribbean coastline and its pristine beaches.
Overnight: Cancun

11-Apr-24

8

El Rey, Cancun

Free Day: We got the bus to El Rey bus - Excavated Mayan ruins date to 250 A.D., comprising 47 buildings, including a pyramid-shaped temple.
Overnight: Cancun

12-Apr-24

9

Tulum, Chichen Itza then on to Merida

Tour Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and the best restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. Explore the magnificent ruins set in a dense jungle, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan – its height and striking geometric design dominating the whole site. Afterwards continue on to Merida for an overnight stay in this beautiful Mayan town that retains its colonial charm and a laid-back tempo.
Overnight: Merida

13-Apr-24

Uxmal the overnight in Campeche

Coach journey from Merida to Campeche via Uxmal sightseeing
(approx 180km)
The archaeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site, is located 80km south of Merida. Its architecture is characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with a profusion of symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the long-nosed rain god Chaac. Overnight tonight in the Mexican port city of Campeche on the Gulf of Mexico.
Overnight: Campeche

14-Apr-24

11

Palenque

Coach journey from Campeche to Palenque (approx 370km)
In the foothills of the Tumbala mountains, the ancient Mayan site of Palenque sits on a ledge overlooking the swampy plains that stretch northward all the way to the Gulf Coast. Once a ceremonial centre, the archaeological site and the surrounding jungle comprise the Parque Nacional Palenque. It is home to wildlife, including howler monkeys and jaguars. The site’s main structure is the Temple of Inscriptions, a pyramid named for its hieroglyphic writing.
Overnight: Palenque

15-Apr-24

12

  Aqua Azul the on to San Cristobel de las Casa

Coach journey from Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casas via Agua Azul sightseeing (approx 230km)
Today we travel by coach via Agua Azul to the stunning town of San Cristobal de las Casas. 69km from Palenque the Cascadas de Agua Azul are a series of waterfalls found on the Xanil River. San Cristóbal de las Casas is a highland town in the southern state of Chiapas. It is a characteristically indigenous town nestled in the heart of the jungle highlands. It’s known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, such as the centuries-old, yellow San Cristóbal Cathedral on the Parque Central. Los Altos Museum, in the baroque former Santo Domingo de Guzmán convent, has regional history and textile exhibits. Outside the building, a market sells colourful weavings and other handicrafts. San Cristobal is our base for the next two nights with optional sightseeing available.
Overnight: San Cristobel de las Casas

16-Apr-24

13

Chamula, Zinacantan and San Cristobel de las Casa

Chamula, Zinacantan and Walking tour of San Cristobal
Travel to the picturesque village of San Juan Chamula to visit the pretty White Church before continuing the tour at the nearby village of Zinacantan, known for its beautiful church and vibrant handicraft market. Back to San Cristobal for a walk through the colonial city centre to explore the cathedral on the main square, adorned with a lavish interior and a gold-encrusted pulpit. Stroll a few blocks to the Templo de Santo Domingo, a 16th-century Dominican church boasting an intricate pink facade and a gilded Baroque interior. Enjoy the handicraft market in front of the church, bustling with Tzotzil Indians from the surrounding hills, showcasing their unique crafts. 
Overnight: San Cristobel da Las Casas

17-Apr-24

14

St Cristobal then off to Mexico Citty

Travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez to join  flight to Mexico City for the last night of the tour.
Overnight: Mexico City

18-Apr-24

15

To UK

Morning in Mexico City before joining return flight 
Overnight: KLM Aircraft to Amsterdam

19-Apr-24

16

Arr UK

Amsterdam - Manchester
Overnight: Culcheth