Days
15
Price from
Discover Maya ruins, colonial towns and a coastal paradise on this in-depth Mexican adventure.
This is our most comprehensive tour in Mexico. Having explored Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan, we discover the delights of Oaxaca before continuing southward to the town of San Cristobal, complete with its traditional Indian communities. The magnificent Palenque Maya ruins are next, along with the Yucatan Peninsula including stops in Merida and the Maya site of Chichen Itza. Finish on the powdery beaches of Playa del Carmen with your feet up and a margarita in hand.
- Start
- Mexico, Mexico
- Finish
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Destination
- Mexico
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PSMI
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 28 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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This is our most comprehensive trip in Mexico, rich in historical and cultural highlights
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Get up close and personal with the country's diverse heritage, from the extraordinary temples of Teotihuacan to the colourfully-dressed Maya folk of the hills of San Cristobal
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There's something for everyone in this trip, whether you're a history buff, nature-lover or Epicurean
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Compare Mexico City's street-food scene to the subtler forms found in Oaxaca
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Your 3-night Feature stay at Hotel Geneve in Mexico City is a property with more than 100 years of history. This elegant 'museum hotel' is located in the Pink zone, close to restaurants and shops
Is this trip right for you?
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Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites, can be strenuous. Be sure to bring comfortable and sturdy footwear.
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There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. So be prepared for some driving. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations along your way to break things up.
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Due to sporadic Zapatista protests in the region around Palenque, some changes to day 8 of your itinerary may be necessary.
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The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
Gallery
Itinerary
Arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport; a complimentary transfer is included with your trip so please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. You’ll meet your tour leader and other group members for a pre-tour briefing in the evening, which will be followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. This is normally held at 6 pm but please check the notice board at reception to confirm the time and place. Please bring your passport, next of kin details and travel insurance documents along with you. Mexico City could easily keep you busy for a week, so you may want to consider arriving a day or two before the start of your trip. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo museums are two popular sights worth checking out that aren’t included in this trip. Trotsky, having come off second-best to Stalin in the Soviet era, was expelled and found refuge in Mexico City where he was eventually murdered, while Frida Kahlo is perhaps the most renowned Mexican artist in history.
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum - MXN40
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (Cheaper for students, pensioners & on weekdays. Closed Mondays) - MXN200
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
This trip can be booked as part of a longer combination trip; Mexico & Cuba Highlights (PSCMC). As such, some of your fellow travellers may continue travelling to Cuba at the end of this trip. Please contact your booking agent if you wish to book or know more information on these longer combination trips.
Today is a long but worthwhile day with a city tour starting at approximately 8.30 am. Visit the impressive National Museum of Anthropology before heading to the Zocalo (main square) for a trip to the Cathedral and National Palace. You’ll discover that Mexico City is an exciting mix of modern cosmopolitan glamour with remnants from both its ancient and colonial history. The tour will finish at approximately 3 pm, and in the evening your leader will take you on a taco crawl around town to try the locals’ favourite taquerias. Be warned: you may not want to know the ingredients before you try them, just trust your taste buds.
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology
- Mexico City - Leader-led city tour of Historic center
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral
- Mexico City - National Palace and Diego Rivera murals
- Mexico City - Taco crawl
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Travel by private vehicle to Teotihuacan, about 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City. Here you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. With the help of a local guide, you'll have time to stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago.
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Farewell Mexico City at approximately 8 am and head south to Puebla. The drive takes about 3 hours, depending on local traffic, and your leader will take you on a walk around town on arrival. Puebla has retained its colonial heritage despite rapid growth and development, and you’ll visit Calle de los Dulces (Candy street) and El Parian (handicraft market), as well as the impressive Rosary Chapel and Town Hall Palace. Continue the journey south to Oaxaca (5 hrs drive), a city renowned for its cuisine, vibrant art scene and traditional Mexican handicrafts.
Accommodation
- Hotel Mision de los Angeles or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Puebla - Visit Puebla on route to Oaxaca
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca has much to offer to travellers and today you’ll take a full day tour of the city including lunch at a local family’s home. Your local guide will take you to the Mitla ruins, which were once the religious centre for the Zapotec peoples. After, sip on the famous, tequila-like local booze, mezcal, but not before checking out the Tule Tree, a 1500-year-old tree that's over 11 metres in girth. Later, learn about a peculiar tradition not many have the opportunity to witness when visiting Oaxaca: beeswax candle making. You will visit a local shop that keeps this tradition alive to learn about the technique involved in making these delicate candles and maybe have a go yourself. The evening is free for you to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy Oaxaca’s nightlife.
Accommodation
- Hotel Mision de los Angeles or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Oaxaca - Beeswax candle shop visit
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Be ready to rise early to fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez at noon, the capital of the Chiapas state in southern Mexico. Travel by private vehicle to the Sumidero Canyon, an 800-metre deep canyon and World Heritage Site dating from the same time as the Grand Canyon. You’ll take a boat tour on the Sumidero River, the canyon’s architect, before continuing a further 1.5 hours to San Cristobal de las Casas. Expect to arrive by 7 pm, with the evening free for you take in the distinctive old-world feel courtesy of the Spanish colonial architecture and pretty, cobbled streets.
Accommodation
- Hotel Parador Margarita or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (Entrance & Transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that occasionally towards the end of dry season (November to April) the water level in Sumidero Canyon may become too low for us to safely take the boat tour. If our staff deem this activity to be unsafe, we will replace it with another included activity of similar value.
Embark on a half-day tour this morning to the Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Nestled in the highlands, these villages serve as marketplaces and religious ceremonial centres for the indigenous people who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and are often seen dressed in their own distinctive colourful costumes. You’ll explore these villages with a guide and learn more about the culture and history of these mainly Maya communities.
Accommodation
- Hotel Parador Margarita or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led city tour
- Maya village - San Juan Chamula Church (Entrance Fee)
- Maya village - Zinacantan church (Entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Textile making interaction with Maya Community
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Prepare for a long travel day as you depart San Cristobal de Las Casas and travel north to Palenque. You’ll visit the Agua Azul waterfall on the way, so wear or pack your swimmers in your day pack. Cool off in the turquoise waters before continuing towards Palenque and expect to arrive around 6 pm. Situated in the jungle, Palenque is the jump-off point to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name which you’ll visit tomorrow. Tonight enjoy an included dinner together.
Accommodation
- Hotel Chablis or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Agua Azul waterfall - Visit with option to swim (Entrance fee)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque, some changes to your itinerary may be necessary for your safety. The Zapatistas have recently been targeting tourists in order to draw attention to their cause. As a result, some transport to and from Palenque may need to be rerouted, which means longer travel times of up to 9 hours. Some activities, including the visit to Agua Azul waterfalls, will be unavailable until this situation is resolved. Alternative activities will be organised as required and explained by your tour leader at the welcome meeting. Currently there are no safety issues within the city of Palenque itself, or at the nearby Mayan archaeological site. We’re constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders.
Today you’ll meet a local archaeologist for a memorable visit to the ruins of Palenque. Archaeologists have been hard at work uncovering the secrets of this ancient city, but around 90% of the site remains unexcavated and concealed in the forest. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they first came across the hidden ruins, and try to listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and the echoes of screeching parrots as you walk through the jungle. After lunch, you’ll continue driving six hours north to Campeche, the last long travel day on this itinerary.
Accommodation
- Hotel Castelmar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Palenque - Archaeologist-led visit to Palenque Ruins (Entrance, Guide & Transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Campeche is a port city located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and was once the most important seaport for the Spanish conquerors. Campeche’s history is well-preserved and it was awarded World Heritage status as an urbanisation model of a baroque colonial town and because of the defensive walls and fortification system, a result of ongoing pirate attacks throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Your leader will take you on a tour of the city in the morning, and the afternoon is yours to continue exploring or catch some rays and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodation
- Hotel Castelmar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Campeche - Leader-led city tour
Optional Activities
- Campeche - San Miguel Fort - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Continue along the coast this morning to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve where you'll take a guided boat tour. Here, near extensive beaches lined with coconut trees, you'll see a variety of coastal birds. Depending on the season (usually Nov-Mar), you may be lucky enough to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. Arrive at the historic town of Merida in the evening and take an orientation walk with your leader before finding some Yucatan cuisine for dinner. Merida, founded in 1542, is the Yucatan capital and retains much of its old-world charm. Take in the splendour of its many colonial buildings and learn more about the Maya heritage of the town.
Accommodation
- Hotel Castellano or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Boat tour
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida and your leader will be able to recommend some good options. There are several museums including the impressive Regional Museum of Yucatan, and the streets are perfect for strolling and enjoying the city’s art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, the State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the other. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, take a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. The outdoor market is another essential visit with an array of hammocks and Maya replicas for sale, plus a selection of mouth-watering local foods including a Yucatan specialty, cochinita pibil (little pig).
Accommodation
- Hotel Castellano or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN52
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN810
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Depart Merida at 6.30 am and arrive at Chichen Itza when the doors open at 8 am. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan by UNESCO. You’ll take a two-hour guided tour of what is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. You’ll also visit Ik Kil, one of the most beautiful cenotes (Fresh water natural rock pool) in Mexico. After an option to swim (remember to pack your swim gear in your day pack again), enjoy a buffet lunch. Continue approximately three hours to the Caribbean coast and Playa del Carmen. Blessed with azure waters, powdery beaches and an almost European feel, Playa del Carmen is a popular resort town famed for its coral reefs and excellent diving.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Cenote I'kil - Fresh water rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Take today to enjoy Playa del Carmen as you see fit. Kick back with a book, stroll along the white sands or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. For adventures further afield, take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, explore another cenote or take a guided tour of the nearby Tulum ruins. In the evening, settle in beachside and watch the world go by with a margarita in your hand.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip) - MXN326
- Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN800
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Adios! Your trips comes to an end after breakfast today. Please keep in mind that you must comply with the hotel's internal rules regarding check out times.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, PlaneAccommodation
Hotel Feature stay (3 nights), Comfortable hotel (11 nights)Included Activities
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology
- Mexico City - Leader-led city tour of Historic center
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral
- Mexico City - National Palace and Diego Rivera murals
- Mexico City - Taco crawl
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Puebla - Visit Puebla on route to Oaxaca
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
- Oaxaca - Beeswax candle shop visit
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (Entrance & Transport)
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led city tour
- Maya village - San Juan Chamula Church (Entrance Fee)
- Maya village - Zinacantan church (Entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Textile making interaction with Maya Community
- Agua Azul waterfall - Visit with option to swim (Entrance fee)
- Palenque - Archaeologist-led visit to Palenque Ruins (Entrance, Guide & Transport)
- Campeche - Leader-led city tour
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Boat tour
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Cenote I'kil - Fresh water rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led orientation walk
Dates & availability
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Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. For the included internal flight ticket, please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking or at least 45 days prior to travel. Airline luggage restrictions will apply.
4. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
Essential trip information
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