Day 1
Mexico City
Arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. After check-in, perhaps get your first taste of Mexico City as you head out on a stroll in the exciting capital. There will be a Welcome Meeting at 7pm, so go and meet your group leader and travelling companions. There will be an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant tonight.
Meals are not included today.
Day 2
Mexico City
Today, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour that incorporates the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace and Museum of Anthropology. You can then spend the day doing whatever you like.
Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Mexico City. Grab an Uber Taxi for approximately £6.00, to take you to the La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum).
If you fancy a bit of Mariachi music, the Plaza Garibaldi is only one kilometre away or you can visit the Leon Trotsky Museum. If you fancy getting out of the city, why not take a trip to the canals and gardens of Xochimilco? An Uber taxi here should cost about £12.00.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Puebla
Today you will be leaving Mexico City and visiting the mysterious site of Teotihuacan, ‘The City of the Gods’. You’ll discover the amazing Aztec ruins of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon and get to take a stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’. You'll then continue on to Puebla for an orientation walk and an explore of the city centre. This city is well-known for its amazing food scene, and your tour guide can point you to the best places to go.
Breakfast included
Day 4
Oaxaca
Once in the stunning colonial city of Oaxaca, you’ll see why it’s well-known for its food and art credentials. Browse for traditional Mexican handicrafts in the shops and markets and check out the brightly woven shawls and blankets that are sold by descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians. This relaxed city with its artistic vibe, has a great culinary scene, so why not try some banana-leaf-wrapped ‘tomales’ and spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers whilst in Oaxaca? Your group leader will take you on a walk first to get your bearings.
Breakfast included.
Day 5
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has so much interest to offer. This morning your leader will take you on a tour to see the Mitla archaeological ruins, which was once the religious centre for the Zapotec people. Then, you'll visit the famous Tule Tree, one of the wident Montezuma cypress trees in the world, before enjoying lunch at the home of a local Zapotecan family where you can try traditional dishes and learn more about their culture.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6
Oaxaca
Today is free for you to explore Oaxaca at leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the archaeological site of Monte Alban? The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200 BC. Have your camera ready, for amazing shots across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca.
Breakfast included.
Day 7
Salina Cruz
Today is a travel day, with a long drive to Salina Cruz, a city located along the Pacific coast. There'll be plenty of stops for you to grab some local snacks. Once there, why not stretch your legs with a walk on the beach.
Breakfast included.
Day 8
San Cristobal de las Casas
Continue your journey to the Sumidero Canyon, a beautiful natural canyon with walls reaching as high as 1,000 metres. Here, you'll enjoy a boat ride to see the natural beauty up close. Afterwards, you'll continue to San Cristobel de las Casas. Once in 'San Cris', you'll enjoy a walk to see the incredible architecture and soak up the old-world atmosphere.
Breakfast included.
Day 9
San Cristobal de las Casas
Explore the Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Nestled in the highlands, these villages serve as marketplaces and religious ceremonial centres for the people living in the surrounding hills. See the locals in their colourful and distinctive clothes going about their traditional way of life.
Enjoy some free time in SanCris and explore the town. Perhaps visit the Na Bolom Museum, which was the home of anthropologist and photographer Gertrude Duby-Blom and her archaeologist husband Frans Blom. Or, you may want to visit the amber (jade) museum, which displays and aslso sells beautifully carved items and insect-embedded pieces.
Breakfast included.
Day 10
Palenque
Leaving San Cristobal de Las Casas, you’ll be heading for Palenque. On the way you'll visit Misol-ha – a fast-moving waterfall where you can see water plunging and crashing into the pool below. You’ll also visit the Agua Azul to see it trickling more languidly over the limestone rocks. Pack a swimsuit so you can enjoy an afternoon dip in the waters. There will be free time for you to explore the town of Palenque today too.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 11
Palenque
Make an early start today and visit the archaeological site of Palenque. Located on a hilltop within the jungle, you’ll witness the region’s remarkable Mayan ruins, dating back as early as AD 600. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and as you explore this lost city, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys, echoing through the jungle. Afterwards, you'll have some spare time to relax by the pool at your hotel.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12
Merida
It's another driving day today, heading towards the historic city of Merida. After the drive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get accustomed with the colonial buildings and rich Maya heritage.
Breakfast included.
Day 13
Merida
Today you can explore Merida at leisure. Perhaps check out the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets that are full of art and culture. The Plaza Grande is a pleasant shady spot to relax awhile and has a 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the other.
Stroll along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo and explore the outdoor market with its colourful hammocks and Mayan replicas. Sample some local cuisine and try some mind-blowingly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. You may also like to visit the ancient ruins of Uxmal and see the amazing Palace of the Governors, which is considered to be one of the best examples of Mayan architecture.
Breakfast included
Day 14
Playa del Carmen
Chichen Itza is our first stop today and an unmissable Mayan site on any visit to Mexico. Explore the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan and the ‘ball court’ and much more. After your guided tour you’ll be heading to the resort town of Playa del Carmen. At lunchtime, you'll be dining with a local family in the town of Piste, enjoying a traditional Pibil feast, a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground. Then, you'll move on to Playa del Carmen for your final meal together.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 15
Playa del Carmen
Today marks the end of your trip.
Brekafast included.
