Itinerary
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Day 1
Mexico City Mexico City - The capital of Mexico stands at an altitude of 2240m (7350ft) beneath two snow-capped volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl. In the center of the Centro Histórico (Historic Center) is the Plaza de la Constitución, more commonly referred to as the Zócalo – the main square. The Anthropology Museum holds an enormous and absolutely fascinating collection of Pre-Hispanic artifacts. The Frida Kahlo Museum contains examples of the artist’s work. Another location worth visiting is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The shrine that is built around Tepeyac hill and signifies the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the Indian Juan Diego in 1531. It is now a major pilgrimage site. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle. Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver. Highly favored by travelers, and rated as a Top 10 Mexico City accommodation, the Nikko Mexico City Hotel is a great choice for those who enjoy the all-encompassing travel experience. Situated in the Polanco neighborhood, with access to all the city's restaurants and activities, the 752 room property is well-maintained and spacious. With sparkling views of the city, guests can choose from superior, executive, and standard level rooms with king size or twin size beds. Dine at any of the 6 restaurants and bars, featuring Japanese and international cuisine. Make use of the business center and check your email on the computers. Otherwise, hang out at the Athletic Club and try out the extensive range of exercise machines. Overnight at Nikko Mexico City. |
 Mexico City |
 Nikko Mexico City |
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Day 2
Mexico City Tour of Mexico City and Anthropology Museum: Mexico City is also known as the Ciudad de los Palacios (City of Palaces). The panoramic tour begins in the main square, where we will visit some Colonial palaces like the Palacio Nacional, in addition to the Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue to the Paseo de la Reforma to admire its monuments and buildings. The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of ancient Mexican pieces in the world. There are numerous rooms that house archaeological artifacts (originals or replicas) from the numerous ancient cultures in Mexico, including Olmec, Mexica, Maya, Golfo, Aztec and others. Overnight at Nikko Mexico City. |
 National Museum of Anthropology and History |
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Day 3
Mexico City Teotihuacan arose as a new religious centre in the Mexican Highland, around the time of Christ. Although little is known about the early beginnings, archaeological data shows the next two centuries were characterized by monumental construction, during which Teotihuacan quickly became the largest and most populous urban centre in the New World. The city seems to have functioned for centuries as a well-developed urban centre until its rather sudden collapse, possibly in the seventh century. The place was called Teotihuacan by Nahuatl speakers several centuries after the city's fall, but its original name, the language and the people who built the city are still unknown. In the morning we depart the city heading to the breathtaking archaeological site of Teotihuacan. Enjoy lunch at "La Gruta"; a cave that has been transformed into a restaurant. By the afternoon, after a magnificent tour of the ruins, we return to Mexico City. Conclude the tour with a visit of the famous Guadalupe Shrine. Overnight at Nikko Mexico City. |
 Teotihuacan |
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Day 4
Cancun The Isla de Cancún, made up of some of Mexico’s most expensive beachfronts occupies the northeast tip of the Yucatán. The Punta, or point of the island, is nestled between the Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women) and the Caribbean Sea and boasts some of the best areas for sunbathing on the Peninsula. Although the beaches of Cancún are known for their powder white sand and exquisite beauty, the waters along the east edge of the island are subject to strong undertow and should be treated with caution. Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver. MEX-CUN Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Leisure time in Cancun. Be sure to pre-book your local excursions to ensure that you make the most of your time in Mexico. Options include: Chichen Itza Tour, Coba and Mayan Villages Tour, Tulum Ruins Tour and more! Graced by beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort is a great choice amoung premier hotels. A Mexico vacation at the Cancun CasaMagna Hotel will recharge the spirit and reinvigorate the senses. This Cancun hotel offers 452 spacious guestrooms, each appointed with a 32" flat-panel LCD television, wireless Internet and Marriott's renowned Revive Bedding. Positioned in one of Cancun's most romantic locations, the CasaMagna is the only hotel in Cancun authorized to conduct Catholic weddings in front of the sea, making it an ideal location for your Cancun wedding. Overnight at Marriott Casa Magna. |
 Cancun |
 Tulum Ruins |
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Day 5
Cancun Experience the wonders of the ruins at Chichen Itza on a private guided tour. Chichen Itza was a major regional center in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic through the Terminal Classic and into the early portion of the Early Postclassic period. The site exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, from what is called “Mexicanized” and reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico to the Puuc style found among the Puuc Maya of the northern lowlands. The presence of central Mexican styles was once thought to have been representative of direct migration or even conquest from central Mexico, but most contemporary interpretations view the presence of these non-Maya styles more as the result of cultural diffusion. Archaeological data, such as evidence of burning at a number of important structures and architectural complexes, suggest that Chichen Itza's collapse was violent. Following the decline of Chichen Itza's hegemony, regional power in the Yucatán shifted to a new center at Mayapan. The ruins of Chichen Itza are federal property, and the site’s stewardship is maintained by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. Overnight at Marriott Casa Magna. |
 Chichen Itza |
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Day 6
Cancun Enjoy a fun day on a private guided visit of Tulum, an ancient Mayan city, before spending time at Xel-Ha - one of the most spectacular natural aquariums to be found. In ancient times, the Mayan developed a holy inner city that ascended high above the majestic cristal blue seaside of the Caribbean and was protected by 3 enormous walls and a steep cliff. This walled abode was given the honorary name of Tulum, the walled Mayan city. With over 60 restored temples, Tulum has hidden secrets that are spoken within the sacred walls with genuine paintings of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings. Only the high priests, mathematicians, astronomers, architects and engineers were allowed to dwell within the arms of this sacred city while the commoners remained living beyond this holy city. These gifted Mayans invented a calendar more accurate than the one existing today and also left the legacy of the creation of the zero. These inventions and calculations are clearly proven by the distinct position between the temples and the precise timing of the sun called the Equinox. The most important structure is called The Castle, situated on a 40 foot bluff overlooking aqua blue waters. This temple is considered the tallest in the city.
From Tulum, you'll be transfered to Xel-Ha Eco park where you will be able to explore the park and enjoy all it has to offer from lagoons, to natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to the beautiful Mexican Caribbean Sea. The activities to choose from in the park include activities on water, land, and adventure themed. Land based activities include biking through the jungle, jumping off cliffs into the limpid blue, making friends with dolphins, or walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea. Water based activities include swimming with dolpins, a sea trek, snuba, snorkel, and a manatee encounter. The adventure themed activities include a floating bridge, the cliff of courage, and tight rope walking over water. You are sure to have a great afternoon exploring the park and partaking in the activities that are of most interest to you. Overnight at Marriott Casa Magna. |
 Tulum and Xel-Ha Echo Park |
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Day 7
Flores Flores is built on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itza. A causeway connects Flores to the mainland town of Santa Elena, where the banks and main shops are located. Buses run throughout the day from both Santa Elena and Flores to Tikal. The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq km (6 sq miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later. Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. You will be met at the airport and provided local assistance to continue on your tour. Enjoy a short flight from Guatemala City to Flores. Upon arrival to the airport you will be met and transferred to La Lancha. A Francis Ford Coppola Property
La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment. Overnight at La Lancha. |
 Flores |
 La Lancha, Peten |
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Day 8
Flores Pick up from your lodge and begin your privately guided tour of Tikal National Park. Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at La Lancha. |
 Tikal National Park |
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Day 9
Flores Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through us to ensure you make the most out of your time in Guatemala. Optional activities in Flores include: Yaxha & Topoxte Maya Ruins, Yaxha Sunset Tour, Zip Canopy Adventure. Pick up from your hotel and transfer with your driver and guide to Yaxha National Park. Enjoy the sites and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys as well as many colorful tropical birds and other mammals in this wildlife area. Sunset drinks are then enjoyed at the end of the tour on top of the main temple with views over the surrounding rainforest and nearby Lake Yaxha. The site has more than 500 structures, including 40 stelae, 13 Altars, 9 Temple Pyramids, 2 Mesoamerican ballcourts, and a network of sacbeob (causeways) that connect the central, northern (Maler), and eastern 'acropoleis', and the Lake causeway that was the main entrance in the past. The top of Temple 216 (restored) provides a view of the two lakes on one side and the jungle and the stepped-pyramids on the other. Trek back through the jungle with torches as it starts to turn dark (perhaps spotting nocturnal wildlife along the way). Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight at La Lancha. |
 Topoxte Maya Ruins |
 Lake Yaxha |
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Day 10
Copan Copán is 171km (106 miles) from San Pedro Sula. The Copán Ruins Archaeological Park in western Honduras is the best remaining testament to the culture of the Mayan Indians. Among the best of the ruins are the magnificent Acropolis composed of courts and temples, the Great Plaza, a huge amphitheater, and the Court of the Hieroglyphic Stairway. Near the Great Acropolis, recent archaeological work has brought to light invaluable excavations. The majority of the site’s original sculptures are on display at the Copán Sculpture Museum, the four-story centerpiece of which is the Rosalita temple, a full-scale replica of a temple recently excavated beneath the Acropolis. Upon arrival to the airport you will be met and transferred to La Lancha. Transfer to Copan by private vehicle and English-speaking driver. Drive to the wonderful Hacienda San Lucas in time to enjoy sunset cocktails (drinks not included ). Enjoy an amazing presentation of some of David's work for the University of Pennsylvania Museum at Copan which covers the amazing discoveries of the royal tombs that most visitors to Copan never get to see. Have a chance to ask questions to one of the worlds up most authorities on Copan about the site, Copan & Honduras in general. Finally enjoy a 5 course gourmet dinner in the al fresco dinning of Hacienda San Lucas complete with their unique & warm hospitality. Tour includes presentation and dinner. The 100-year old Hacienda San Lucas has managed to transcend age and time by presenting guests with a chic, restored retreat overlooking the Maya ruins of Copan. The 8 bedrooms are each equipped with delightful beds, linen, and private bath, while espousing local design techniques and handcrafted art in the decor. The chef and kitchen help are exceptionally well-trained, with flavorful native dishes prepared alongside international staples. Enjoy fresh ingredients, high standards of service, and a fine candle-lit ambiance when dining. Visit the Copan ruins or take a 5 minute ride into the center of town to understand the community and its history. Otherwise, simply lounge in a hammock and sink into paradise. Overnight at Hacienda San Lucas. |
 Copan |
 Carved Stella |
 Hacienda San Lucas, Copan |
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Day 11
Copan Drive to the Archaeological site at Copan. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful site which is famous for its intricately carved Stelea and the amazing hieroglyphic stairway. Return to the town of Copan and continue up into the hills to the wonderful Hacienda San Lucas. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and time to relax. Tour includes lunch, entrance fees at site and museum. Overnight at Hacienda San Lucas. |
 Archaeological site at Copan |
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Day 12
Roatan Roatán is a hilly, tropical island, protected by a great coral reef that provides fine diving. 50km (30 miles) off the Caribbean coast of Honduras lies the exotic archipelago of the Bay Islands. Consisting of three major islands (Guanaja, Roatan and Utila) and several smaller islands, the Bay Islands have a history that spans the ancient Mayan civilization, early Spanish exploration, colonial buccaneers and the British Empire. Pick up from your hotel in Copan and transfer to San Pedro Sula by private vehicle and English-speaking driver. Enjoy a direct flight from San Pedro Sula to Roatan. Private airport transfer with professional English-speaking driver. Mayan Princess Beach and Dive Resort is located on West Bay Beach, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.This is Caribbean living at its best with condos, suites and tropical gardens designed to make your vacation in paradise relaxing and unforgettable! Experience world-class snorkeling and diving on the second largest coral reef in the world. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the beachfront patio or your private balcony. Relax by the signature Mayan pool with waterfalls, secluded jacuzzi and surrounding tropical gardens or pamper yourself at Kukut Spa, meaning "body" in ancient Mayan. Find out for yourself why Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort is the first choice for discerning travelers. Overnight at Mayan Princess (4*). |
 Roatan |
 Leaping dolphins |
 Hotel |
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Day 13
Roatan Enjoy some leisure time on the Caribbean shores of Roatan, Honduras. Optional activities include;deep-sea submarine dive, diving, snorkeling, beach exploration, glass bottom boat, sailing, sea kayaking, Gumbalimba National Park, canopy tours, submarine dives, fishing, carambola gardens, iguana farm, horseback riding and more! Activities listed are at an additional cost. Overnight at Mayan Princess (4*). |
 Poolside Relaxation |
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Day 14
Roatan Private airport transfer with professional English-speaking driver. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) . |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
International airfare between Canun, Mexico & Guatemala City, Guatemala and Guatemala City, Guatemala & San Pedro Sula, Honduras - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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