Inspired by the Mel Gibson film of the same name, this itinerary visits some of the lesser known Mayan sites, some of which are as yet only partially reclaimed from the jungle, and receive few visitors. Itinerary Day 1 Morning flight to Campeche, a beautiful UNESCO protected coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico. Day 2 Full day excursion to the archaeological site of Edzná, a huge ceremonial centre featuring the 30m high Temple of the Five Storeys. Day 3 Depart Campeche for the drive south towards Chicanná, where the great doorway of the House of the Serpent Mouth is elaborately decorated with masks. Overnight at the smart Chicanna Ecovillage. Day 4 Visit the archaeological sites of Chicanná, Xpujil and Calakmul, the biggest archaeological area in Mesoamerica with 7000 buildings in the central zone. The Great Pyramid is the largest Mayan building in existence with an amazing rainforest view from the top. Day 5 Drive to Kohunlich, a large site deep in impenetrable forest. The Temple of the Masks has a central stairway flanked by 3 metre-high stucco masks of the Sun God. Overnight at Explorean Kohunlich, perched on a jungle ridge. Days 6&7 At leisure, visit Kohunlich archaeological site. Day 8 Transfer to Chetumal airport. How about? Continuing across the border with Belize and a short flight to the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, or heading back along the Mexican coastline to Tulum via the fortified city and seven lagoons of Bacalar.

Read more about: Pre-Columbian Cities