The Inspired Traveller

A country so lively that even The Day of the Dead is a hoot.

Mexico is a traveller's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna.

This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas or scrambling over Mayan ruins.

The imperialistic Mayan and Aztec peoples left an indelible stamp on Central America – a stamp that has imbued the modern countries with a rich cultural heritage. The ferocious Aztecs left the superlative step pyramids of Mexico, while the legacy of the Mayans includes some of the most enchanting and beautiful sites in the world. Central America is a world away from the West. The indigenous Indians still wear their traditional elaborately embroidered costumes as they till their fields and sell their produce in the world’s most colourful and vibrant markets.

La Ruta Maya ( the Mayan Route ) beckons us to explore the Western Hemisphere's greatest ancient civilization. To see Mexico without Guatemala is to not know the excitement of all things Mayan. The exquisite ancient city of Tikal set in the jungle , the National Parks bursting with exotic animal and birdlife, and the colourful Mayan people, are all part of the Mayan Discovery. The Maya world-view dates back more than 2000 years and belifs and rituals continue to be practiced in many traditional Maya communities. The tour provides first class opportunities to view the abudance and variety of wildlife, many exotic species found only in these jungles and waterways. The most striking attraction of Guatemala is its people. Visits to the raucous, colourful markets in rural towns will bring you close to the living culture of Gualemala's indigenous population.

CUBA: was once the playground of the Western Hemisphere, with its beautiful streets, exquisite Spanish colonial architecture, and a utopia of entertainment that had made it the premier destination for the rich and famous for years. It was also home to much of Latin-American music, art and culture during the 30s, 40s and 50s. Today, with its buildings crumbling and the remaining 1950s American cars, it's as if the country lives among the ghosts of its own past. Be transported back to the 1950s, and experience the splendor of what once was, while enjoying the minds, hearts and music of the Cubans now. Cuba - At Last! is a 7 day add-on to the 23 day Mexico and Guatemala tour, or choose to come just to Cuba.