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Mexico Coast-to-Coast: Puerto Vallarta to the Mayan Riviera

22 days, Puerto Vallarta to Playa del Carmen

Map of the route for Mexico Coast-to-Coast: Puerto Vallarta to the Mayan Riviera
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Itinerary

Day 1Puerto Vallarta

Arrive at any time. Attend the welcome meeting in the evening and then opt to grab dinner with the group.

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 Puerto de Luna (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Puerto Vallarta

Get ready for a full free day in Puerto Vallarta for optional activities. Your CEO will help arrange and give you some insider recommendations, but you could spend some time on the beach, go whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), a day trip with snorkelling to Isla Marietas or find a nice place to grab some food and people watch. In the evening meet with the group to trade stories and go out to search for some delicious local street food.

Free Time
Puerto Vallarta07:00-19:00 Full Day

Enjoy a full free day for optional activities in Puerto Vallarta, like whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), beach hanging, or a day trip with some snorkelling at nearby Isla Marietas. Spend the evening in search of the most delicious local food you can find.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Whale Watching - Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta

Take to the open seas in search of migrating humpback whales. Observe local marine life and enjoy this unforgettable half-day adventure with commentary from a marine biologist. Have those cameras at the ready should you see any action. Please note that this tour is seasonal and only available (Dec-Mar).

Beach Time
Puerto Vallarta

Explore the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and gorgeous sun-kissed weather make a beach trip the perfect relaxing activity. Opt to lounge or swim in the water until your heart is content.

Sunset Sailing Tour
Puerto Vallarta

Set sail and awaken your senses to the stunning sights in Banderas Bay on a sunset cruise. Relax with some music, a drink, and some snacks as you watch the sun sink below the horizon casting impressive colors across the bay. A great way to cap off a day in paradise.

Marietas Island Snorkel Tour
Puerto Vallarta

Looking for the perfect active day in Puerto Vallarta? Head out on this snorkeling tour to the Marietas Islands. Hop on a boat and cross the calm waters in search of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales along the way. Then, get underwater for a look at the colourful array of tropical fish just below the surface.

Food & Drink Tour Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta

Set out with a food guide through the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a food and cocktail tour. Learn about the culutral roots of mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Taste michelad, Mexico's signature beer cocktail and stop at some popular local sports for food tastings of some pretty delicious tacos.

Accommodation

Hotel Puerto de Luna (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara

Travel inland to Guadalajara this morning. Make a stop along the way near the town of Tequila to visit a distillery to learn about how tequila is traditionally made with a tasting included and lunch. Continue on arriving in Guadalajara in the early evening for a CEO-led orientation walk.

Private Vehicle
Puerto Vallarta – Guadalajara5h-6h333km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tequila Distillery Visit & Tasting
Tequila

Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Visit a distillery in a town between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight –a tasting session with lunch. Sip, don't shoot!

Guadalajara Orientation Walk
Guadalajara

Set off on foot to get to know this city in western Mexico. Known for tequila and mariachi music Guadalajara packs a lively atmosphere appealing to any traveller. Wander the colonial plazas and spot landmarks like the Teatro Degollado and the Palacio del Gobierno houses.

Accommodation

Hotel Laffayette (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4Guadalajara

Enjoy a free morning today to discover Guadalajara's charm. In the afternoon, set off on a city tour including the nearby vibrant city of Tlaquepaque. Think mariachis, historical centres, and loads of fun and street food. The rest of the evening is open to do as you please. Maybe go for another walk through the main square and find a cool tavern to grab a drink with the group.

Free Time
Guadalajara Evening

Spend some time shopping, eating, and relaxing in Guadalajara for your last night in the area.

City Tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque
Guadalajara

See more of Guadalajara on this in-depth city tour including some free time to explore the gastronomy hub of Tlaquepaque. See the work of Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco and discover the best views in the city.

Accommodation

Hotel Laffayette (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Guadalajara/Guanajuato

Travel by public bus to Guanajuato today. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour to discover the city's beautiful architecture, tunnels, cultural history, and of course, street food.

Your Foodie Moment: Guanajuato City and Street Food Tour

Gain a deeper understanding into this town located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Filled with brilliantly coloured buildings around a central park and loads of great places to try some local eats. Make a stop to a local bakery, head to a stall for some fresh squeezed juices, then try some tlacoyos, a sort of folded taco, stuffed with cheese and chicken. Next, head underground to see the labyrinth of tunnels below the city. And spend the remainder of the tour learning about the history and culture of this place while eating different kinds of street food from tamales to sopes, you'll taste vibrant flavours.

Local Bus
Guadalajara – Guanajuato3h-4h275km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hotel Santa Regina (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende

Wander through Guanajuato during your free morning. Grab a bite to eat on your own before the bus ride to San Miguel de Allende. Here the group will go on a CEO-led orientation walk before time to have dinner on your own.

Free Time
Guanajuato Morning

Free morning to grab a pastry on your own and walk through the main square one last time before moving on. Plenty of time for a quiet morning coffee and some people watching.

Local Bus
Guanajuato – San Miguel de Allende1h30m-2h80km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende

Your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende. This colonial-era city is located in Mexico's central highlands and is home to a budding art scene and many cultural festivals. Wander the cobblestoned streets and learn the history and stories of this place while in the shadow of the pink towers rising above the El Jardín main plaza.

Accommodation

Hotel Hacienda Monteverde (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7San Miguel de Allende

Start off with a half-day city tour of San Miguel de Allende. See various historical sites like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri. Learn the cultural significance of various places and admire the architecture of this place before a free afternoon for various optional activities.

San Miguel de Allende City Tour
San Miguel de Allende

Get to know the historical and cultural significance of local landmarks in San Miguel de Allende on a half-day city tour. Visit important sites like, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.

Free Time
San Miguel de Allende

Enjoy some free time for optional activities in the area like, horseback riding, a cooking class, tequila tasting, or a visit to some nearby hot springs. Your CEO can help you organize whichever you choose.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Cooking Class - San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende

Opt to reserve a private cooking class to test your culinary skills and learn how to make some traditional regional cuisine. The teacher will teach the class to create authentic dishes that can be replicated at home, when you're finished dig in and enjoy your dish!

Horseback Riding in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende

Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Ride through the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende on this leisurely 2-hour horseback riding tour admiring the scenery. Trot through Benito Juárez Park, toast your evening in a Mexican ‘cantina’; and listen to a moving serenade performed by ‘mariachis’ before a candlelit dinner inspired by Mexican culinary classics.

Accommodation

Hotel Hacienda Monteverde (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8San Miguel de Allende/Mexico City

Hop on the local bus to Mexico City this morning and arrive around midday. Enjoy a free afternoon and opt for an evening out on the town.

Local Bus
San Miguel de Allende – Mexico City3h-4h265km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

National Museum of Anthropology
Mexico City
95MXN per person

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Taco Street Food Crawl
Mexico City

Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

District of Coyoacán Visit
Mexico City
50-75USD per group

Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

Accommodation

Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Mexico City

Take a free day to discover the busting and vibrant megalopolis of Mexico City. With so much to see, do, and eat in this vibrant city, be sure to get recommendations from your CEO about the best things to experience on any particular day. Maybe grab some street tacos and people watch in the main square.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

National Museum of Anthropology
Mexico City
95MXN per person

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
Mexico City
320MXN per person

Visit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en

Taco Street Food Crawl
Mexico City

Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

District of Coyoacán Visit
Mexico City
50-75USD per group

Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

Accommodation

Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Mexico City

Take advantage of a day get to know Mexico City. Opt to check out the sprawling zócalo (main square), visit the Frida Kahlo museum in vibrant Coyoacán, or view impressive Mayan and Aztec artifacts at the National Anthropology Museum.

Free Time
Mexico City Full Day

Take advantage of free time to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings. Opt to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, visit the Juarez neighbourhood, an area teeming with restaurants, bars, parks, and boutique shops. Maybe make a stop at the Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera's famous mural, "The History of Mexico". Or eat like a local and join a food tour and get a sense of the vast culinary scene here.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
Mexico City
320MXN per person

Visit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en

National Museum of Anthropology
Mexico City
95MXN per person

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Accommodation

Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Mexico City/Puebla

Rise early and explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan on a guided tour. Stand in awe of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, stroll down the Avenue of the Dead and learn all about the site's importance to Mexico's ancient cultures for thousands of years, at one point being the largest city in the entire Americas. Continue to Puebla and enjoy an orientation walk downtown.

Orientation Walk
Puebla

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.

Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit
Teotihuacán

Visit 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.

Private Vehicle
Mexico City – Teotihuacán1h-2h50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Teotihuacán – Puebla2h-3h145km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Puebla

Enjoy a free day to explore the city. Opt to visit a ceramics workshop, check out the pyramid of nearby Cholula, sample delicious local specialties, or watch a lucha libre wrestling match at night.

Free Time
Puebla

Take advantage of free time to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Cholula Ruins Visit
Cholula2h-3h 1-2km
85MXN per person

Also 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.

Accommodation

Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Puebla/Oaxaca

Journey south to beautiful Oaxaca, and get a feel for the city on an orientation walk, stopping to visit one of its sprawling markets. After, visit the Alebrijes Artisan Community for your G for Good moment. Meet a local artisan, speak with them, ask any questions the group may have, and learn more about how the Alebrijes are crafted.

Orientation Walk
Oaxaca

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.

Your G for Good Moment: Alebrijes Artisan Community Visit

Alebrijes were created by a Mexican artisan named Pedro Linares who was known for making piñatas and carnival masks. After falling ill and hallucinating crazy figures and creatures inside his mind, the artist decided to bring what he saw to life by creating the small figurines we know as Alebrijes. Often made of a mash-up between animals, these figurines are now made by Oaxacan artisans out of wood and then painted with vibrant pigments and lots of patterns. Learn more about how these figurines integrated themselves into Oaxacan/Mexican folklore and how the craft expanded from originally being made from cardboard to now being carved from Copal wood. Meet a local artisan and speak with them, ask any questions the group may have and to learn more about how the Alebrijes are crafted.

Private Vehicle
Puebla – Oaxaca5h-6h340km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Oaxaca

Take advantage of free time, and opt to learn how to make mole in a cooking class, shop at nearby artisan villages, Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla, or sample some mezcal at a local distillery - look out for the worm! In the evening enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local expert and taste a variety of regional cuisine.

You can pre-book the Hierve el Agua Day Trip during check-out and pay a visit to a petrified waterfall outside of Oaxaca.

Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Cooking Demonstration

Attend a cooking demonstration in Oaxaca with a local expert who will be making a variety of authentic regional cuisine. You'll learn about the ingredients and enjoy a tasting with some samples.

Please note that this will not be a full meal.

Free Time
Oaxaca

Take advantage of free time to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Mezcal Factory Tour
Oaxaca

The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.

Monte Albán Tour
Monte Albán – Oaxaca1h-3h 1-2km
950MXN per person

The 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.

Hierve el Agua Day Trip
Oaxaca

Begin this activity in the morning with included transport to Hierve el Agua. This stunning natural formation consists of a series of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff. Over thousands of years, the heavily calcified water has flowed over the cliff, leaving mineral deposits as it goes. The result is known as a "petrified waterfall" – nearly white rock formations that resemble a cascading fall. Upon arrival, enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and perhaps go for a swim in one of the mineral pools. Then, travel to a Mezcalería for a tour of the distillery which includes an explanation of the production process of mezcal and a tasting. The group will return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon.

Please note these approximate travel times below:
Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua - Between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
Hierve el Agua to Mezcalería- 1 hour
Mezcalería to Oaxaca - 45 minutes.

Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
950MXN per person

The 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.

Mole Cooking Class
Oaxaca
1200MXN per person

Take a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.

Accommodation

Hotel Oaxaca Real (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Oaxaca/Palenque

Travel in style and fly to Villahermosa, then transfer to Palenque by land.

Private Vehicle
Villahermosa – Palenque2h-3h145km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane
Oaxaca – Villahermosa

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Accommodation

Hotel Maya Tulipanes (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Palenque

Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque, set in the jungle of Chiapas. Opt for a jungle walk in the afternoon.

Free Time
Palenque

Take advantage of free time and do as much or as little as you would like.

Palenque Ruins Guided Tour
Palenque2h-3h

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow

Jungle Trail Hike
Palenque2h-2h30m 4km
25USD per person

Only two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas.

Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
Palenque
54USD per person

Visit 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 Maya Tulipanes (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Palenque/Mérida

Travel to the Yucatán Peninsula, stopping off in the seaside historic city of Campeche. Upon arrival in Mérida, enjoy an orientation walk to get to know the city's layout and attractions.

Private Vehicle
Palenque – Campeche5h-6h370km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Campeche – Mérida2h30m-3h185km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 18Mérida

Enjoy a free day to explore Mérida and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or explore the main square and historic buildings of Mérida.

Your Discover Moment
Mérida Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow

Anthropology Museum Visit
Mérida
55MXN per person

Installed 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
Mérida5h-7h 48km
60-70USD per person

Swim 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
Uxmal Ruins8h-9h 200km
70-110USD per person

Founded 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 Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 19Mérida/Valladolid

Explore the ancient Mayan City of Chichén Itzá with a guided tour, then continue on to the quaint city of Valladolid. Opt to cool off with a swim in a nearby cenote, a natural water-filled sinkhole.

Private Vehicle
Mérida – Chichén-Itzá1h30m-2h120km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Chichén-Itzá – Valladolid45m-1h45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chichen Itzá Guided Tour
Chichén-Itzá – Chichen Itza2h

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Fundadores (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 20Valladolid/Playa del Carmen

Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge on Mayan Riviera beaches.

Free Time
Valladolid Morning

Enjoy the morning to explore this beautiful colonial city.

Private Vehicle
Valladolid – Playa del Carmen

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Playa del Carmen

Opt to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach!

Your Discover Moment
Playa del Carmen Full Day

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!

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Optional Activities - Day 21 HideShow

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float
Tulum
135USD per person

Sian 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!

Cenote Visit
Playa del Carmen1h-4h 30-60km
40-60USD per person

Pack 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”.

Cozumel Diving (Certified Divers)
Cozumel5h-8h 32km
85-140USD per person

Take 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!

Tulum Ruins Visit
Tulum1h-4h

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.

Tequila Tasting
Playa del Carmen
850-1100MXN per person

Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight – a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!

Accommodation

Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 22Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

The Cancún airport is approximately 1 hour from Playa del Carmen. There are frequent public buses and shuttles from Playa del Carmen to the airport throughout the day.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Mexico Coast-to-Coast: Puerto Vallarta to the Mayan Riviera

| 22 days - Puerto Vallarta to Playa del Carmen - from $3749 USD