Mexico: A Rare Archaeological and Historical Experience

June 13 to 24, 2013

Enjoy a mixture of ancient ruins, colonial cities, talented artisans, and beautiful beaches. Explore a variety of ruins from huge ancient cities to small mountain top temples. Admire the beauty of colonial churches and architecture. Observe artisans creating their traditional crafts in villages. Escape to cool mountain temperatures and relax on dramatic Pacific beaches.

$2800 plus airfare to and from Mexico City. This includes all meals, hotels, transportation and flights in Mexico, guide service, and entrance fees.

Day 1: June 13	Fly to Mexico City. Take a walking tour of the historic district including the Zocalo, Templo Mayor, the ceremonial center of the Aztecs, the cathedral and the governor's palace with murals by Diego Rivera. Overnight in Mexico city.
Day 2: June 14	Visit the Basilica de Guadelupe, the most revered church to Mexicans. Go back in time with a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacan, established around 100BC and one of the largest per-colombian cities. Pyramids of the Sun and Moon dominate the site. Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 3: June 15	Learn about the ancient civilizations at the world class Museum of Anthropology. Then take a relaxing boat ride at Xochimilco, the floating gardens that date back to Aztec times. In the afternoon, visit the childhood home of artist Frida Kahlo in the peaceful town of Coyoacan. Spend the night in the colonial city of Cuernavaca where Cortez had several haciendas.
Day 4: June 16	Explore the site of Xochicalco, a trading and ceremonial city from 650-900 AD with influences from Teotihuacan, the Olmecs and Mayas. In the afternoon relax in pleasant Cuernavaca.
Day 5: June 17	Visit the village of Tepotzlan, known for its market place, XVI century Augustinian convent and an archeological site atop the cliffs overlooking the town. Overnight in Cuernavaca.
Day 6: June 18	Fly to the World Heritage colonial city of Oaxaca. Get oriented in the city with a walking tour. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 7: June 19	Explore the spectacular mountain top ruins of Monte Alban, the sacred capital of the Zapotecs. in the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop or visit one of the many excellent museums. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 8: June 20	Tour the ruins of Mitla with its intricate stonework from Mixtec cultures. Learn about the traditional weaving and dyeing techniques from artisans in the village of Teotitlan del Valle. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 9: June 21	Visit several of the small towns around Oaxaca that specialize in various crafts. Ocatlan is famous for ceramic figurines, San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for the unique black pottery and cochineal farm (red dye) and Arrazola for colorfully painted animals and creatures. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 10: June 22	Catch an early morning flight to Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast. Enjoy watching the world class surfers while relaxing on the beach. Overnight in Puerto Escondido.
Day 11: June 23	Enjoy a boat ride to a secluded beach to enjoy seaside restaurants, swimming and beach combing. You can usually see sea turtles on the boat ride. Overnight in Puerto Escondido.
Day 12: June 24	Take a morning flight to Mexico City to catch your flight home.