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The Great Pyramid of Cholula. Towering snow-capped volcanoes. Majestic waterfalls. Miles and miles of coffee plantations. Fields of orchids. Olmec culture on display at the Museo de Antropologia in Xalapa. Mole poblano and chiles en nogada, both highlights of Mexican cuisine. The sun shining on your face as you bike along ancient roads. This is Mexico.
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• Explore the Great Pyramid of Cholula
• Rafting on Rio Pescados
• Walk the streets of Puebla's colonial center
• Descend to the majestic Texolo waterfalls
• Indulge in a relaxing temazcal, an Indian steam bath
• Experienced Bike Riders guide, Peter Willams
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Day 1 & 2 Puebla and Cholula
Our trip begins with a visit to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, among the world's largest monument and the largest pre-Columbian pyramid. Climb the pyramid and visit the Nuestra Senora de los Remedios church, while enjoying views of the snow-cappedPopocateptl volcano to the west. Next we set off to explore this stunning countryside and visit Tonantzintla and Acatepec, two exceptional Indian churches. We admire the mixture of pre-Hispanic images with Christian icons before our ride back to Cholula. Experience and enjoy the cuisine of central Mexico...La Cocina Poblana.
• Two nights at Estrella de Belem in Cholula, a charming inn with a view of Popocateptl.
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Day 3, 4 & 5 Cofre de Perote, Coatepec & Xalapa
After breakfast we transfer to the mountain pass at Cofre de Perote. This towering extinct volcano of over 14,000 feet got its name from its unique shape of a treasure chest. Once we reach the top at a mountain pass high on the continental divide with views of Pico Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, we set up our bikes to enjoy a delightful descent. Quiet roads lead to the stunning Texolo waterfalls at Xico, Veracruz, where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Tonight we dine in style at Posada Coatepec in the village of Coatepec. Coatepec, known as the "Coffee Capital" of Mexico, charms us with coffee plantations and orchid filled gardens.
The next morning we ride through banana and coffee plantations to the small city of Xalapa, the birthplace of the jalapeno pepper. This restored city center showcases colonial architecture dating back from the 1500's. Later, explore the renowned Anthropology Museum of Xalapa and view artifacts from the Olmec civilization dating from 1200-400 B.C. The following day, we transfer to the Selva Azul base camp where we embark on our rafting adventure down the Rio Pescados on Class III rapids. Enjoy a free afternoon in the village of Jalcomulco before dining at Posada Coatepec.
• Three nights at Posada Coatepec, a colonial inn located just blocks from town
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Day 6 Oriental & Cantona Ruins
We weave our way through flat farmland, past haciendas dating from the 17th century and through corn and cotton fields. Upon reaching the Cantona ruins we stop to visit this relatively unknown site dating back to 1000AD. This newly excavated archaeological site contains 24 ball courts and numerous ceremonial buildings. After a transfer back to Puebla city we toast to a wonderful week and dine at a special local favorite.
• One evening at La Purificadora, a chic, boutique hotel
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Day 7 Puebla & UNESCO World Heritage Site
After our farewell breakfast, we have a guided walking tour of Unseco site city center. Walk the Zocalo, or central square, and admire the huge baroque Cathedral and Capilla de Rosario cathedral with its gold encrusted ceilings. After our tour we wander the local handicrafts market, picking up last minute souvenirs of our amazing journey through colonial Mexico before our transfer to the Puebla airport.
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Dates: Apr 26-May 2, Dec 1-7, Feb 22-28, 2009
Length: 7 days / 6 nights
Level: 1 A/B
Daily Mileage: 20-35 miles of flat terrain
Cost: $3780
Single Supplement: $600
Meals: All breakfast, all dinners but 1; picnic and snacks along the way
Hotels: Luxurious colonial inns and boutique hotels
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