Like I said my build order for my capital is: Scout->Monument->Pyramid(omitted, oops)-> Atlatlist-> Settler-> Settler-> Settler-> Settler-> Settler-> etc.
I keep building settlers till I'm DoW'd on by someone. That 14 would have been a lot higher had I had more hills near my capital and Hiawatha hadn't gotten uppity.
As for my other cities they build: Pyramid->Monument->Colosseum->Library-> Market-> Temple. Pyramid always goes first as Mayans.
In turn, at least on Emperor, I usually found the 1st or 2nd religion with the Messenger of the Gods pantheon and pick up Ceremonial Burial and Pagodas. The more cities I build the faster I can build Pagodas which makes my faith per turn that much higher. Eventually It gets to the point of being able to buy a new Pagoda every 3-4 turns and I build settlers every 4-5 turns so all I have to do is preemptively build a road to the next location and its all set to go. If I need troops I just sell luxes and strategics and rushbuy Composite Archers. As for culture... yeah it gets shot.
My policy path typically follows Liberty-> Right Side of Commerce->Order
Also build Machhu Pichu no matter the cost. Use a GE and rush build it somewhere. You'll thank me later
Do you rushbuy all your workers? Do you take the free worker first?!? Don't you build any workers?
I doubt that's a good idea.