You will have the whole day to explore the city. At 8 am your guide will be waiting for you at the hotel reception, ready to answer your questions and give suggestions. Many of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico City are concentrated in the historic center. These sites include the Plaza de la Constitucion or Zocalo, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor. Afterwards you will see that the Plaza Garibaldi is one of the best places to listen to live mariachi music! 

Hotel Best Western Majestic*     Breakfast
*or similar

After breakfast we will go to the famous Ruins of Teotihuacan.  On our way we will visit Tlatelolco, also known as the Three Cultures Square.  We will then visit a silver factory, where you will have the chance to meet Rafael, one of the best silver designers in the world.  Afterwards, we will travel to the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe houses to see the original tilma (or cloak) of Juan Diego, which bears the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in all of Mexico. Finally, we will get to see the Moon Pyramid and the Sun Pyramid. After a guided tour you will have enough free time to climb both pyramids if you would like, take pictures, and appreciate the panoramic views from the summits!

Hotel Best Western Majestic*     Breakfast/Dinner
*or similar

Today we will go to the vibrant city of Oaxaca. On our way there, we will stop at Puebla de los Ángeles. The city was founded from nothing in 1531, just outside the boundaries of the indigenous Tlaxcala, Cholula and Cuauhtinchan, after Spain’s regal legislation demanded that colonists no longer take possession of indigenous territories. Puebla is located in the Valley of Cuetlaxcoapan, at the foot of Popocatepetl, one of Mexico’s highest volcanoes. Being part of world cultural heritage, Puebla combines the "new" and "ancient" Mexico. On a city tour, you will see colourful redbrick houses, old colonial-style buildings and traditional ceramic workshops. In the afternoon we will continue our way to Oaxaca. 

Estimated Travel Time:   6hr / 481 km (299 miles)

Hotel Oaxaca Real    Breakfast

We´ll start our adventure day with a visit to the archaeological site of Mitla, the most important known site for the Zapotec culture, where you can see wall ornaments of the pre-Columbian Zapotec tribe. We will then have the opportunity to visit one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca – Hierve el Agua offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience. The name Hierve el Agua translates to “the water boils”, and the natural mineral springs that are found here take their name from the bubbling of the warm water as it flows up from the earth, through the springs, and releases oxygen into the turquoise cliff-top pools.

When you arrive at Hierve el Agua you will see what appear to be massive waterfalls frozen to the side of the mountain.

Estimated travel time:   2hr /65 km (40 miles)

Hotel Oaxaca Real    Breakfast/Dinner

Oaxacan cuisine is among the most diverse and delicious in all of Mexico. On your stroll through Oaxaca’s world-famous markets you will pass colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, many of which will be unfamiliar to visitors from colder climates. Vendors will greet you with a friendly “¿Que le damos?” or call out the names of their wares: “¡Tamales!” “¡Chapulines!” “Tortillas!”. Before you see them, you will smell them: steaming pots of tamales, piles of aromatic herbs, stacks of ripe mangoes being sliced.

The most emblematic dishes of Oaxaca are mole (sauce), extra-large crispy tortillas called tlayudas, a type of string cheese called quesillo, and spicy fried grasshoppers, known as chapulines.  

In the afternoon we will visit a Mezcal Factory. Mezcal is a handcrafted Spirit made from the Agave plants which grow in the region.  When you are satiated, enjoy another relaxing evening at the Hotel Oaxaca Real.

Hotel Oaxaca Real    Breakfast

Today you will make the long but worthwhile journey to Chiapas. On the way we will stop for lunch and then check into the hotel. Relax in the afternoon and stretch your legs with a stroll through the town before a group dinner. 

Estimated Travel Time: 7.5hr / 607 km (377 miles)

Hotel Casa Mexicana     Breakfast/Dinner

Explore the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan on a cultural tour of the Chiapas region, which is going to last several hours. Wander around artisan markets and learn about ancient Mayan traditions. Learn about the native people and their traditions, and how ancient Mayan beliefs have intertwined with modern day Catholic practices.

Continue to Zinacantan, near San Cristobal de las Casas, and watch the weaver women create beautiful fabrics with traditional handlooms.

Hotel Casa Mexicana    Breakfast

Today you will have free time for optional activities. Well known for its Colonial architecture, the city has been named 'Pueblo Mágico', meaning magic place, by the Mexican tourist board. We recommend the San Cristobal Temple, the Ambar and Jade Museum and the Moxviquil Garden. You may also go on the Sumidero Canyon Tour or visit the Laguna Montebello. There really is something for everyone!

Hotel Casa Mexicana    Breakfast

We will travel from San Cristobal to the Jungles of Palenque. On the way, we will stop and appreciate the majesty of two magnificent waterfalls, the Agua Azul and Misol Ha. The name 'Agua Azul', meaning blue water, fits even better during the dry season, when the ponds appear in very different colours from azure-blue to emerald green.   

In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or explore the area.

Hotel Tulija Express    Breakfast

Today you will go on a guided tour of the Palenque Ruins. This ancient Mayan city is a great example of ancient urban design. You will learn about the Mayan culture and life, which indigenous community ruled the mesoamerican region for over centuries and then collapsed for unknown reasons.  In the afternoon you can explore the jungle or participate in optional excursions.

Hotel Tulija Express*     Breakfast
*or similar

Today we will go to Campeche City. On the way, we will stop at the enchanting town of Palizada. This timeless town is the perfect place to go for a calming stroll. Walk past small colorful houses and the meandering Palizada River, which converges in the Terminos Lagoon. Enjoy eating a delicious fried fish before we continue the journey to our daily destination. Tonight you will stay at the beautiful Hotel Ocean View.

Estimated travel time:  7hr / 473 km (293 miles)

Hotel Ocean View    Breakfast

Today we will spend the morning in charming Campeche before heading to Merida after lunch. Campeche was fortified with bastions in the 19th century as a defense against pirates. Bastions include: Solitude, San Francisco, San Pedro, Santiago, San Luis, San Lucas, Santa Rosa, San Juan, and San Carlos. For nature lovers, we recommend the Laguna de Terminos instead. Tonight you will stay at the delightful Hotel Dolores Alba or similar.

Estimated travel time:  2hr / 173 km (107 miles)

Hotel Dolores Alba    Breakfast, Dinner

There’s nothing on the agenda today so please take your time and enjoy exploring this beautiful city. The main city of Yucatán is regarded to be the centre of the Mayan world. Spectacular sites in the area include the Uxmal Ruins, the Cuzama Cenotes and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, living place of numerous flamingos and waterfowls.

Hotel Dolores Alba    Breakfast

Today we will visit the Magical town of Izamal, “the yellow city”, which is knowen for the yellow houses and churches and previously has been a religious Mayan centre. Therefore, nowadays you can find archaeological remains. We will have a short city tour and visit the Monastery of San Antonio de Padua. Afterwards, you will have a guided visit of Chichén Itzá, a Mayan archaeological site that was recently declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. This ancient city is the home of Yucatan’s most popular and visited pyramid. 

Estimated Travel Time:  2.5hr /192 km (119 miles)

Hotel Dolores Alba Chichén Itzá*     Breakfast
*or similar

After breakfast we will travel to the magical town of Valladolid, one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Mexico, where we will have a city tour and visit the Tequila Museum! Tonight you will stay at the elegant Hotel Meson Del Marques.

Estimated Travel Time: 40 min /52 km (32 miles)

Hotel Mesón del Marqués    Breakfast/Dinner

Today we will go for a swim in the X'keken Cenote. This cenote is the most famous in all of Yucatan. It was the first of these unique natural pools discovered and opened to the public. For the Mayan the cenotes have already been holy places where to hold ceremonies. After you have explored this dazzling natural feature we will make our way to the beautiful town of Chetumal where you will spend the night at the lovely Hotel Marlon.

Estimated travel time: 6hr /266 km (165 miles)

Hotel Lagoon    Breakfast

Today you may either explore Chetumal or visit the beautiful Lagoon of the seven colors. This spectacular natural pool is some 100 km in length from North to South and looks like a wide turquoise river flowing through the jungle. Bacalar Lagoon’s turquoise waters are the perfect habitat for lush mangroves and reed beds. Laguna Bacalar is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico and remains virtually untouched by tourism. If you like, you can borrow a kayak or go on a boat trip to see even more of the scenic views found in this area.

Hotel Lagoon    Breakfast

On the way to Playa del Carmen, guests will have the opportunity to visit Tulum, a walled Maya city with numerous temples overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival at the seaside village of Playa del Carmen, guests will check into the Hotel Playa del Carmen before having the night to explore the area.

Estimated travel time: 3hr/ 275 km (171 miles)

Hotel SC Playa del Carmen    Breakfast

Today you can enjoy the white sand beach of Playa del Carmen. Swim, tan, or explore the town. This is a perfect opportunity to shop for souvenirs! 

Hotel SC Playa del Carmen*    Breakfast
*or similar

Alas, it’s time to leave radiant Mexico! If you’re still not ready to head home we would gladly help you extend your stay in Mexico. We can also arrange your transfer to the airport. 

Breakfast