19 days from £2,92121st December 2012 is the end date of the Long Count Calendar - which dates back to a putative creation date of 3,114 BC - devised by the ancient Mayan civilisation in Central America. There is an ongoing debate as to its meaning, with speculation falling into two main camps: those who think it predicts the end of the world and those for whom it inaugurates the beginning of an era of renewal.
Either way, what better time to make a comprehensive visit to the principal archaeological sites in the territories once ruled over by the Mayan Empire, which had its apogée between 250 and 900AD but was still significant at the time of the Spanish Conquest and whose proud vestiges - its cities, temples, pyramids and carvings - have been revealed from under a cloak of stifling jungle vegetation.
The Mayan descendants still make up sizable populations in the region and have preserved their traditions and beliefs, maintaining a rich cultural landscape which blends so seamlessly with the natural one.
Suggested Holiday ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Guatemala City airport, transfer to Antigua (2 nights).
Day 2: At leisure in Antigua.
Day 3: Private transfer to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán, 2n.
Day 4: At leisure at Lake Atitlán.
Day 5: Visit Chichicastenango market.
Day 6: Private drive to Copán. Private guided tour of ruins. Overnight.
Day 7: Private drive via Quirigua ruins to Tikal, 2n.
Day 8: Private tours of Tikal and Yaxha.
Day 9: Drive/boat to Corozal in Chiapas state, Mexico. Overnight.
Day 10: Visit Yaxchilán and Bonampak, drive Palenque, overnight.
Day 11: Shared guided tour of Palenque ruins.
Day 12: Drive to Campeche, 2n.
Day 13: Visit the ruins at Edzna.
Day 14: Continue to Mérida via Uxmal and Kabah.
Day 15: At leisure in Mérida.
Day 16: Drive to Chichén Itzá (120km), overnight nearby. Guided tour.
Day 17: Shared transfer to Playa del Carmen, Caribbean coast, 2n.
Day 18: At leisure on the coast.
Day 19: Transfer to Cancún airport.
Owing to many clients' preference for flexibility, and the variation in flight price according to season and availability, the price quoted excludes the cost of international flights, which we will happily arrange for you. Flights to Latin America can be daytime or overnight, while the return flight is always overnight, so you will need to add at least one day to arrive at the total length of your holiday. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
You don't have to be an enthusiast for the history, romance and atmosphere of the Mayan civilisation but if you are, this in-depth tour will surely be inherently satisfying. The evocative ruined temples and pyramids with their intricate carvings are wonders in themselves, and their location in timeless jungles inhabited by parrots and spider monkeys only enhances the haunting atmosphere.
Rafe Stone, Product Manager |  Copán, Honduras
 Tikal, Guatemala
 Chichén Itzá, Mexico
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