15/03/2011

Mexico Gap Year Adventure Tours

Take a gap year in Central America and a gap year tour in Mexico. Mexico is a world class holiday destination with thousands of miles of Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean coastline, snow-capped volcanoes, tropical jungles, vast deserts and immense canyons. Complimenting these natural wonders are fascinating pre-Columbian ruins, world-renowned cuisine and music and warm and passionate people who bring smiles to even the most seasoned adventure traveller.

Consider exploring the tropical jungles of Palenque and discover hidden waterfalls and playful monkeys, or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Mayan Riviera, enjoying freshly grilled seafood on the beach. Expore traditional villages and colourful markets or trek the trails of Oaxaca's Sierra Norte and the Copper Canyon, four times larger than the USA's Grand Canyon!

Mexico Gap Year Tour Highlights:

* Merida, the state capital and founded at the Mayan site of Tihoo, is the business centre and cultural heart of the Yucatan. It was known as the 'Paris of the West' and had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world. Known today for its markets and famous hammocks, the city also boasts an excellent archaeological museum featuring the rich Mayan culture which dominates the region. Don't miss the murals at the Palacio de Gobierno on the Zocolo.

* Palenque, the fascinating archaeological site of Palenque is considered by many the most outstanding of all the pre-Columbian sites in Mexico. Set deep in the jungle at the foot of a chain of hills, Palenque has that 'Indiana Jones' feel, as if you've stumbled by chance upon an ancient city lost in the jungle. It is also historically important as the body of Palenque's most noted leader Pakal, was discovered in "The Temple of Inscriptions" 1952. This and other unexplained links to the far and middle east, help keep Palenque's mystique alive.

* Monte Alban, Oaxaca Between 800 and 500 BC, the Zapotecs began the monumental exercise of levelling the top of a mountain overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, where they would build the city Monte Albán. At its peak the city housed over 30,000 people, but fell into decline and was largely abandoned by 800 AD. Around the 13th century, it was adopted by the Mixtecs, who built magnificent gold-laden tombs for their royalty. Excavations at Monte Albán have revealed over 170 tombs, numerous ceremonial altars, pyramids and palaces.

* Chichen Itza, pronounced "chee-CHEN eet-ZAH", which means 'at the mouth of the well of Itza', is the largest of the ruined Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula and one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza, known as "El Castillo" (the castle), is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is thought to have acted as a calendar with exactly 365 steps. These impressive temples and monuments, dating back over 1500 years, spectacularly highlight Mexico's rich past.

More Information / Book A Gap Year Trip:

Grand American Adventures offers a wider selection of gap year tours and more varied styles of travel than any other North American tour operator. Whether you're joining one of their classic camping, dedicated walking tours, more comfortable lodging tours or family friendly Discovery tours, you are guaranteed to experience the real Americas.

Telephone: UK: 0844 576 1370
E-mail: info@grandamericanadventures.com


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Mexico Yucatan Highlights Tour