Uxmal. Its architecture is characterised
by low palaces set around courtyards,
decorated with symbolic motifs and
sculptures depicting the long-nosed
rain god Chaac. Later in the day,
continue to Kabah to see the amazing
Palace of Masks. (B)(L)DAY 1 0
MERIDA – PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Travel by road to visit one of
Mexico’s iconic archaeological sites,
the 1500-year-old Mayan pyramids at
Chichen Itza. After exploring the site,
continue on to Playa del Carmen for
a few days of relaxation on the
Riviera Maya. (B)(L)DAYS 11–12
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
After exploring the cultural and
archaeological highlights of Mexico,
spend two days at leisure in Playa
del Carmen. Snorkel, dive, enjoy
local seafood and admire the
white sand beaches and sparkling
turquoise waters. (B)DAY 1 3
PLAYA DEL CARMEN – CANCUN
Transfer to Cancun Airport for your
onward flight. (B)AT A GLANCE13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS
★★★★
DEPARTS DailyTR AVEL ST YLE IndependentHIGHLIGHTS
• Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
• Culinary delights of Oaxaca
• Jungle-covered ruins of Palenque
INCLUSIONS
12 nights’ accommodation, meals as
indicated, sightseeing with bilingual local
guides, transfers and flights as specified.FROM AU$3,425* / NZ$3,685*
*Prices are per person, twin share, based on
low-season travel. Terms and conditions apply.DAY 7
VILLAHERMOSA
Today, travel deep into the jungle to visit
the mysterious ruins of the Mayan city of
Palenque. Dating from 226 BC, Palenque
prospered as part of an inland trade
route for the Mayan Empire before it was
abandoned in the early ninth century.
Left to the jungle for centuries, the ruins
were uncovered by Spanish explorers
in the 1520s. The site at Palenque is so
vast it’s estimated that, despite nearly
500 years of exploration since its
rediscovery, there may be upwards
of a thousand buildings still hidden
in the jungle. (B)
DAY 8
VILLAHERMOSA – MERIDA
Transfer to Villahermosa Airport for your
flight to Merida. Built upon the ruins of
the ancient Mayan city of T’ho, modern-
day Merida dates back to 1542 and
is home to one of the largest historic
districts in the Americas. (B)
DAY 9
MERIDA
One of the highlights of any visit to
Merida is the archaeological site of
wINTER ISSUE 2018 157CONCIERGE