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Mexico: Cities, Cuisine & Ruins
15 days, Mexico City to Playa del Carmen
Itinerary
Day 1Mexico City
Arrive at any time.
Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Benedicta (or similar)
Day 2Mexico City
Opt to visit the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán or explore bustling Mexico City.
Explore one of the world's largest metropolitan areas or take an optional day trip to the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacán.
If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start. At night, you’ll have the option to witness the high-flying practitioners of “lucha libre,” Mexico’s world-famous brand of wrestling.
Free Time
Get out and explore this Mexican metropolis.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit
1350MXN per personVisit the ruins of Teotihuacán northeast of Mexico City. This ruin site dates back to 100BC and has the impressive Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Bring water, wear a hat and solid walking shoes to learn all about this pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city that at its peak was once the largest city in all of the Americas.
Lucha Libre Match
350-500MXN per personCombatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture.
Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.
Accommodation
Hotel Benedicta (or similar)
Day 3Mexico City/Puebla
Enjoy an orientation walk through Puebla's cobblestone streets. Explore the walkable centre and check out the city's famous hand-painted ceramics that tile the walls of its historic buildings. Don't miss sampling the delicious Mole Poblano sauce. By night, opt to witness a high-flying "lucha libra" (Mexican wrestling) match, or go out for a night on the town.
After a short drive on one of Mexico’s comfortable and often colourful buses, we arrive in Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Orientation walk around town upon arrival to help you get your bearings.
If you want to get out of town, head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Orientation Walk
The route will vary for each tour, allowing our CEOs to share their personal favourites. You can expect to see the zócalo, artisans' market and visit the historic buildings within centre of this World Heritage city.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Cholula Ruins Visit
85MXN per personAlso known as Tlachihualtepetl, Cholula is a massive archaeological site west of Puebla. Dating from at least 100AD, it’s the oldest continuously occupied ceremonial centre in the western hemisphere. Most impressive is the Great Pyramid of Cholula – a tall grass-covered structure which is actually at least four successive pyramids built one on top of the other. The Spanish built a church at the very top in 1594. Visit the museum to learn about the history, explore tunnels, and climb to the top for breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes.
Mole-Making Demonstration
1200MXN per personLearn to make the traditional and timeless sauce of mole, made with an assortment of chilis, chocolate and spices. Sample your mouth-watering creation when you're done and sit down for an included dinner with the group.
Accommodation
Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Day 4Puebla/Oaxaca
Travel to colonial Oaxaca. Orientation walk to the main square and nearby markets.
Upon arrival in Oaxaca, your CEO will take you an orientation walk around town to introduce you to this fascinating city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
First-class buses in Mexico are generally quite nice with reclining seats, an on-board toilet, and movies playing throughout the ride. They also tend to be heavily air-conditioned, so bring a few layers.
Orientation Walk
All walks will be slightly different, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots. You can expect to see the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre, walk through the zocalo and the famous 20th of November market. Opt to sample some delicious Oaxacan foods along the way such as mole, tlayudas or chapulines.
Accommodation
Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Day 5Oaxaca
Opt to travel to nearby artisan communities, visit a beautiful petrified waterfall, or check out the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.
Free Time
Get out and explore colonial Oaxaca and the surrounding area.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Accommodation
Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Day 6Oaxaca/San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Opt to travel to nearby artisan communities or visit the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. Hop on an overnight bus to San Cristóbal.
Free Time
Get out and explore colonial Oaxaca and the surrounding area.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Accommodation
Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Day 7San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Orientation walk around this colonial town. Opt to visit the nearby indigenous Mayan village of San Juan Chamula to see unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride or scour the market for beautiful textiles.
Crossing into the highlands, we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. An included orientation tour will introduce you to the city and help give you your bearings.
Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day-to-day village life—an experience which should not be missed. You can also take a horse ride in the mountains, a day trip to Sumidero Canyon or mountain bike in the local hills.
The people here are as curious about foreigners as foreigners are about them. Please respect their traditions. Dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Put yourself in their place before you act.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in San Cristobal de Las Casas, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Sumidero canyon, Lagunas de Montebello National Park, and nearby indigenous villages. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Lagunas de Montebello Visit
30USD per personVisit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. Each is a different colour of green and blue.
Sumidero Canyon
40USD per personDrive an hour before boarding a boat for a 2-hr journey through the deep Sumidero Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, birds, monkeys and maybe even a river crocodile. Marvel at the tall waterfalls, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations along the Grijalva River. After, stop in a village to visit markets and enjoy lunch.
Indigenous Villages Tour
30USD per personVisit the communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinancantán with a local guide and learn about this unique way of life. Visit the main plaza and places of worship to better understand the life of the local Tzotzil people. Buy carpets, textiles and hand-made "Zapatista" dolls made to honour former rebel leader, Subcomandante Marcos. Please be respectful when taking photographs here, it's not always welcomed by the residents.
Accommodation
Hotel San Martin (or similar)
Day 8San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Enjoy another free day to visit nearby villages, check out the natural beauty of Chiapas, and scour the markets. Don't miss the night life.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in San Cristobal de Las Casas, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Sumidero canyon, Lagunas de Montebello National Park, and nearby indigenous villages. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Lagunas de Montebello Visit
30USD per personVisit Lagunas de Montebello National Park and the group of beautiful lakes near the Guatemalan border. Each is a different colour of green and blue.
Sumidero Canyon
40USD per personDrive an hour before boarding a boat for a 2-hr journey through the deep Sumidero Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, birds, monkeys and maybe even a river crocodile. Marvel at the tall waterfalls, hidden caves, and unusual rock formations along the Grijalva River. After, stop in a village to visit markets and enjoy lunch.
Indigenous Villages Tour
30USD per personVisit the communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinancantán with a local guide and learn about this unique way of life. Visit the main plaza and places of worship to better understand the life of the local Tzotzil people. Buy carpets, textiles and hand-made "Zapatista" dolls made to honour former rebel leader, Subcomandante Marcos. Please be respectful when taking photographs here, it's not always welcomed by the residents.
Accommodation
Hotel San Martin (or similar)
Day 9San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Palenque
Travel towards the jungle of Palenque via Villahermosa.
A scenic travel day through the mountains takes us to the outskirts of Palenque.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Accommodation
Hotel Mayabell** (or similar)
Day 10Palenque
Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque, set deep in the jungle.
One of the most significant ruins in the entire Mundo Maya, Palenque is set within the lush Chiapas jungle. The colourful, riotous wildlife and profuse flora will impress you as much as the ancient structures.
Free Time
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle during free time.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Palenque Ruins Guided Tour
Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights -- the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
54USD per personVisit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios and swim in stunning turquoise cascade waterfalls. Then, join an agroecological experience at the Pej'Pem Center you will support local entrepreneurship and the sustainable transformation of communities in Chiapas.
Accommodation
Hotel Mayabell** (or similar)
Day 11Palenque/Mérida
Take an orientation walk in Yucatán's capital.
Mérida is a fascinating and beautiful city and easy to explore on foot. If cities aren’t your thing, escape to the beach town of Progreso and see the Dzibilchaltun ruins on the way. Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. Visit a nearby cenote (water-filled sink hole) near the town of Cuzama, not far outside Mérida. Transportation is an adventure as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that run along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore this city and region.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Day Trip to Progreso Beach
4USD per personRoughly an hour drive from Meridá, Progreso is a perfect spot for relaxing on the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Stop along the way at the Dzibichaltun archaeological site.
Anthropology Museum Visit
55MXN per personInstalled on two floors of a refurbished mansion, this museum is considered to be one of the most important collections of Pre-Columbian Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn everything there is to know about Mayan society, from war to writing, art to architecture, calendars, customs and offerings to the dead.
Cenote Visit
60-70USD per personSwim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience.
Uxmal Ruins Visit
70-110USD per personFounded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites.
Accommodation
Hotel Reforma (or similar)
Day 12Mérida
Explore Mérida, and opt to visit a nearby cenote (underground pool) near the town of Cuzamá or the Mayan ruins of Uxmal.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Mérida, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Uxmal ruins, the anthropological museum, and swimming in a nearby cenote. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Day Trip to Progreso Beach
4USD per personRoughly an hour drive from Meridá, Progreso is a perfect spot for relaxing on the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Stop along the way at the Dzibichaltun archaeological site.
Anthropology Museum Visit
55MXN per personInstalled on two floors of a refurbished mansion, this museum is considered to be one of the most important collections of Pre-Columbian Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn everything there is to know about Mayan society, from war to writing, art to architecture, calendars, customs and offerings to the dead.
Uxmal Ruins Visit
70-110USD per personFounded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites.
Cenote Visit
60-70USD per personSwim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience.
Accommodation
Hotel Reforma (or similar)
Day 13Mérida/Playa del Carmen
Guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge on Mayan Riviera beaches.
Begin the day with an included guided tour of the beautifully restored ruins of Chichén Itzá.
Our final stop is Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. The town is your last chance to enjoy some nightlife, buy last-minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean Sea. There is also snorkelling and diving available, and long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Chichen Itzá Guided Tour
Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float
135USD per personSian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment.
Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!
Accommodation
Ko'ox City Garden Hotel (or similar)
Day 14Playa del Carmen
Opt to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Playa del Carmen, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like scuba diving, swimming in a nearby cenote, and visiting the Tulúm ruins. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Skydiving
269USD per personBuckle up your harness, practice your exit, then take a plane up and over the blue Caribbean waters. Take a deep breath, leap out and freefall with an instructor before he opens the parachute. Admire the view over the Yucatan as you descend and land on the beach. Wow!
Coco Bongo Disco and Show
90USD per personCoco Bongo lives up to its name. Visitors describe it as “insane”, “exciting” and “amazing”. This Vegas-style disco and show features a range of high energy acts including Elvis, Lady Gaga, Moulin Rouge and more. The price includes all your drinks and the show is cheaper on weekdays. Go wild!
Cozumel Diving (Certified Divers)
85-140USD per personTake the ferry to Cozumel Island and discover one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. See schools of tropical fish (over 250 species) swimming in and amongst colourful coral, look for sponges and other aquatic marine life. Two main coral reefs provide plateaus beginning in less than 9m (30 ft) of water. All this, plus clear, warm water. Every diver’s dream!
Cenote Visit
40-60USD per personPack your swimsuit, hail a shared van (colectivo) and ask for directions to one of Yucatan’s many cenotes. These natural swimming holes were formed thousands of years ago, when the peninsula's porous limestone collapsed to reveal fresh water pools fed by underground systems of canals and rivers. Dive into the turquoise waters surrounded by cave walls or tropical foliage, watch fish dart in and out of the shafts of sunlight and realize why the Maya called cenotes “sacred wells”.
Tulum Ruins Visit
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
Accommodation
Ko'ox City Garden Hotel (or similar)
Day 15Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 minute drive) so you can easily head directly there without returning to Cancún.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.