Press Digest 08th January 2007

The domain of the ancient Maya encompassed what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, maintaining an advanced society founded on intricate art, architecture, writing, mathematics, astronomy and agriculture. Whatever flaws Mel ‘Mad Max’ Gibson may personally possess his latest indigenous language epic, Apocalypto offers a gripping insight one of the America’s most important yet enduringly mysterious civilisations. Tailor-made Latin America specialists, Trips Worldwide suggest Gibson’s Apocalypto as a cinematic pre-tour taster to their epic 28-night La Ruta Maya. The tour visits important Mayan archaeological sites en route from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize together with Modern Mayan culture, high lands and low lands, colonial towns and a sprinkling of stunning beaches. Departures available throughout 2007 – best time NOW!

From Cancun, La Ruta Maya takes the coast road to the magnificent beaches and archaeological sites of Tulum. Chichen Itza is next with an exploration of the site at Coba en route. Later, heading for the colonial town and Yucatan state capital of Merida. A short flight to Villahermosa brings the important ruins at Palenque within striking distance. Explore the impressive sites surrounded by rainforest on an escarpment overlooking the plains of the Yucatan Peninsula. Travelling by land and river travellers approach the Guatemalan border where the remarkable murals of the little-visited Bonampak temple and the pyramids at Yaxchilan are explored. Crossing the frontier to Guatemala, head to Flores by boat and road, taking a full-day guided tour of Tikal and its six striking Mesoamerican step pyramids. A domestic flight to Guatemala City precedes strolling the cobbled streets of Antigua, in the shadow of three volcanic peaks. After crossing the frontier to Honduras for the important Maya site at Copan a further boat trip through Rio Dulce Canyon takes in Rio Dulce, a relaxing lakeside town back in Guatemala. Following the Caribbean coast from Livingstone travellers cross into Belize and Punta Gorda for a choice of a three-night leisure or activity package. An air transfer to Belize City follows, connecting with a land transfer to a thatched lodge in the rainforest of the Cayo District. The tour concludes with a three-nights on Ambergris Caye – a truly relaxing end to a magnificent Mayan epic. As the film says, ‘When the end comes, not everyone is ready to go...’

The tour costs from £4,095 p/p (valid NOW till 28th March) including scheduled international flights (BA/AA) from London, internal flights, 27-nights hotel and lodge accommodation with breakfast, transport and tours.