El Grande adventure tour

Product Details

About this adventure tour...

So much to see and so much to do - with plenty of time to do it all.

The El Grande guarantees a close up encounter with the Real Mexico. By combining our popular Canyons & Pyramids and Tierra del Sol treks, we have created an intensive look at this fascinating country. Deserts, mountains, beaches, jungles, colonial cities and fantastic activity options make this trek a memorable experience.

Begin this fascinating trek in Acayucan and experience the unhurried pace of small town Mexico before exploring the giant stone Olmec heads of La Venta near Villahermosa. Next enter the deep, emerald-green jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and the centre of the Mayan world. Visit the ancient ruins of Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichén Itzá before settling into our secluded beach camp on the Caribbean coast - swim, scuba dive, or relax on miles of unspoilt beaches.

Leaving the jungle behind, marvel at the turquoise-blue waters of Agua Azul waterfalls, before ascending into the centre of the Chiapas highlands to the fascinating village of San Cristobal de las Casas. Wander its cobblestone streets, teeming with local Tzetzol and Tzotzil Indians dressed in colourful costumes reminiscent of their Mayan ancestors.

Explore local markets filled with exotic foods and beautiful handicrafts. Drop out of the highlands for an exciting boat ride up spectacular Sumidero Canyon. Head for the colonial city of Oaxaca and climb the historic steps of the centre of ancient Zapotec culture in Monte Alban. Spend the last few days exploring Oaxaca's markets and exciting nightlife, before ending back in Mexico City.

Investigate the incredible ruins of Teotihuacan, the grandest metropolis of ancient America. Are you ready for a challenge? Climb the 248 steps to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun - the third largest pyramid on earth! On to San Miguel de Allende and nearby Guanajuato - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - where subterranean passageways and remnants of great silver mines echo this proud country's colourful and often turbulent colonial past.

Back roads and local villages lead to beautiful Lake Patzcuaro where Spanish colonial heritage mixes splendidly with Tarascan Indian culture. Wander the cobblestone streets of picturesque Patzcuaro and shop for arts and crafts at El Mercado, then boat to Isla de Janitzio to observe fishermen casting butterfly-nets much as their ancestors did centuries ago.

We continue with a visit to Paricutin Volcano, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and can explore its slopes with a horse riding adventure.

We then return to city life and take time to investigate modern Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara. Next, four days along the Pacific Ocean - sandy beaches, watersports, exciting nightlife, even a boat trip through the jungle on an included swamp tour. Then, hold onto your seats and hop aboard North America's most thrilling train ride as we climb from sea-level to the top of the world's largest canyon, The Copper Canyon.

Based in the town of Creel we spend three nights exploring the surrounding countryside, from where we hike the trails of the legendary Tarahumara Indians or visit isolated hot springs nestled against steep canyon walls.

Our Mexican odyssey finally comes to a close as the cactus forests of Sonora lead us to the border of the USA.

NB: This tour also departs from Los Angeles.

Remember, if you quote '10% gapyear.com' when booking this tour, you'll get 10% off the price quoted above!

Included in the price

- Transportation by adventure vehicle
- Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader
- All camping fees and equipment
- Five hotel nights
- Guided tour of Indian village
- Swamp Tour
- Copper Canyon scenic train trip
- Sumidero Canyon boat tour
- Numerous attractions
- Admission to all the Parks and archeological sites

Optional activities

- Marietas Island boat trip
- Parasailing
- Hiking tours at Copper Canyon
- Jungle tour
- Volcano hike
- Horseback riding
- Jet-skiing
- Sea kayaking
- Mummy museum
- Snorkelling/Scuba diving
- Xel-Ha Marine Reserve
- Hot Springs

TrekAmerica - the specialists in 'off the beaten path' adventure travel across the Americas.