Airport of departure – Mexico City. 1n Mexico City
Today you will arrive in Mexico City from you airport of departure. No activities planned for today. Just relax in the hotel an get some rest to get started tomorrow!
Hotel: La Alcobas Hotel
Breakfast included
Cancún – Mexico City. 1n Mexico City
You can start the day by visiting the beautiful Museum of Antropology in the morning at your own pace to get in touch with Mexican history and culture. It is going to give you an overview for trip. Then have lunch (we will recommend you several options according to your preferences), and after that, have a walking tour in the city centre, taking into consideration the best angles for photography. Visit the Casa de los Azulejos, the old Postal Palace, climb the tower of the cathedral or the Torre Latino. This is a magnificent building with a breathtaking view over the city, with an exquisite view, especially at sundown (if you close your eyes you will the beat of the “monster” – +20.000.000 people live here)! If it is windy, you will see as far as 100km and have a glance of the volcanoes as well. In general, the light is best in the afternoon to take pictures of buildings, people and monuments, but you can switch and have the guided tour in the morning as well.
Hotel: La Alcobas Hotel
Breakfast included
Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Basilica de Guadalupe – Mexico City . 1n in Mexico City
Today you will explore together with us the city where men converted themselves into Gods, also known as the ancient city of Teotihuacan (literal Nahuatl translation). Still a lot of questions are unanswered regarding the Teotihuacans. Where they came from, why they abandoned the city, etc. This is because there were not too many writings found on the site, while on other archeological sites, you could find stories on the stela’s etc., such as in Palenque. That makes this city so impressive. Also the size is huge, compared with the size of ancient Babylon or Constantinople, holding about 200.000 inhabitants, making it a bigger city than ancient Rome! Explore the housing structure, the pyramid of the Sun, the pyramid of the Moon and the hidden Pyramid of the feathered snake (Quetzalcoatl). This site is together with Chichén Itza the most visited archeological site in Mexico. You will be in awe and inspired after visiting this place!
After visiting the archeological site, you will either have lunch, if you have included this option in your tour. If not, you will continue to the Basilica de Guadalupe. The second most visited Basilica in the world, after the Vatican in Rome. A lot of Mexicans come to the Basilica as a pilgrimage paying their tributes and respects to our Lady of Guadalupe. On weekends, and special occasions, such as Easter, Christmas etc. this place is packed with devote believers. You will notice on the square the old Basilica, and the new Basilica built be a famous Mexican architect in the 70ies. The new Basilica holds about 10.000 people.
You will go back to Mexico City with a better understanding of the Teotihuacan civilization and the importance of our Lady Guadalupe for the Mexicans.
Hotel: La Alcobas Hotel
Breakfast included
Mexico City – Airport CDMX – Teotitlán – Tlacolula – Oaxaca. 1n Oaxaca
We pick you up at the airport and according to your time, we can bring you to your hotel or start immediately the tour to Teotitlán and Tlacolula market. On the market of Teotitlán you can see the precious rugs of natural wool that are elaborated here, which have given this population a worldwide fame. Our professional guide will make sure to bring you to the art ateliers which are very recognized and more distinguished than the common and general tours where everybody is going. We exactly where to go to make sure we won’t end up in mass tourism. On the market of Tlacolula you can taste one of the local typical dishes if you want. Tlacolula is a traditional market that has been taking place since Zapotec and Mixtec times. Every Sunday this place undergoes a dramatic transformation as streets are closed and filled with hundreds of colorful stalls selling everything imaginable. This will be an unforgettable experience!
Hotel: Casa Oaxaca Hotel
Breakfast included
Oaxaca – Monte Alban – Cuilapam – Tilcajete – San Bartolo – Oaxaca. 1n Oaxaca
Today we will take you to Monte Alban, archaeological site of the majestic capital of the Zapotecs. You will admire the ball game court, the tombs and get to watch the stelas of the rulers and Gods with hieroglyphic inscriptions and finally the local museum. In it, you will find the biggest treasure of Mesoamerica. Last but not least, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the valley. We continue our visit to Cuilapam monastery, the ideal place to take pictures as the architecture of the convent is really impressive. Then, we continue our visit to the town of Tilcajete, which is characterized by the elaboration of alebrijes (invented word that means that it is a complicated tangled thing and of confused or fantastic type) elaborated in copal tree wood. To finish this fantastic day, we stop in San Bartolo and check out the main attraction: black clay pottery made by the craftsmen of the village, achieving pieces of extraordinary beauty.
Hotel: Casa Oaxaca Hotel
Breakfast included
Oaxaca – Tule- Mitla – Tlacochahuaya – Oaxaca . 1n Oaxaca
You will start your day with a visit to Tule. Tule is known for a tree. This tree has over 1.000 years of age and is the largest tree in the world, with a diameter of 11,62m. Even though the record is controversial, it is still amazing to visit this place and watch this ancient tree and the quaint little town.
After that, we will visit the beautiful Mitla, an ancient Zapotec commercial centre. Mitla means “place of the death” or “underworld”. The Zapotec people called it “Lyobaa”, which means “place where people rest”. This place flourished between 750 and 1512 AD. Our last stop is Tlacochahuaya. The construction of this temple was done between the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeeth century. The Dominicans saw it as a convent and as a place to meditate and reflect, which makes it a peaceful and harmonious place to visit!
Hotel: Casa Oaxaca Hotel
Breakfast included
Oaxaca – Tuxtla – Cañon de Sumidero – San Cristóbal . 1n in San Cristóbal
We will pick you up at the Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport in Chiapas and provide you with a private transfer to the spectacular canon de Sumidero National Park. Here, we will go by boat for two hours over the Grijalva river, between imposing 1.000 meters high walls. You will see crocodiles, monkeys and a huge diversity of birds. Depending on the time and schedule, we can visit Chiapa de Corzo and some of the most important lookouts. Finally, after a day of incredible sights, experiences and pictures, we will transfer you to your hotel in San Cristóbal.
Hotel: Casa Santa Lucia
Breakfast included
San Cristóbal– San Juan Chamula – Zinacantán – San Cristóbal. 1n in San Cristóbal
We will be visiting the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. 2 villages where the people are still living according to the traditions of the Maya Tsotsil tribes. They still speak Maya Tsotsil here, next to Spanish off course. In San Juan Chamula we will visit the local church. Don’t be afraid, it will not be boring one bit, as the church shows an incredible mix between catholic reverence of saints with traditional indigenous rituals being performed in the church. Very interesting to see how the 2 different things are mixed. After that, you will visit Zinacantán, where you will visit a women’s association. Here you can see the traditional way the use to make clothes . Get to know the local and traditional kitchen, and prepare yourself a delicious taco, as if you were part of the community.
After this experience, you will head back to San Cristóbal, where you can have some lunch and enjoy the free time in the city to go and explore what makes this city so special and loved by all travelers.
Hotel: Casa Santa Lucia
Breakfast included
San Cristóbal – Agua Azul – Misol-Ha – Palenque. 1n in Palenque
Today, you will be on the road for a long time. Luckily, there are some interesting stops on the way.
On the road, you will visit the waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. First of all, you will visit Agua Azul. You will notice a bit more people here, but it is a stop really not to skip, just because of the sheer size of the waterfalls. At some places, you will see some locals that will want to guide you through the waterfalls to allow to explore the waterfalls in a more adventurous way. After that, you make your way towards the Misol-Ha waterfalls, a 35 meter waterfall that breaks down in 3 main streams before dropping down to the natural pool. After that, you will continue further to Palenque.
In Palenque you can enjoy some relaxation time, because of the long time you will have been on the road. Stay nice and cosy in the hotel, go out to the city centre, or go to a place near the archaeological site that offers live music and shows on some evenings.
Hotel: Hotel Boutique Quinta Chanabnal
Breakfast included
Palenque – Campeche. 1n in Campeche
You will leave early in the morning to discover the ruins of Palenque. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites. Not just because you can still access every temple and climb them, but especially because these ruins are in the middle of the jungle. If you get lucky, you will get to spot some monkeys and other species that are common in this region. It truly is a marvellous archaeological site, that you simply cannot miss!
After this cultural activity, you will be heading to Campeche, which is quite some time driving. In Campeche you can walk around the city centre, or head over to the Malecon to catch a breeze. This colonial little city is mainly known for its romantic streets and colourful houses.
Hotel: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Breakfast included
Campeche. 1n in Campeche
Today, there are no activities planned. Check the travel documents you received for our recommendations to spend the day, or just relax at the hotel.
Hotel: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Breakfast included
Campeche – Uxmal – Mérida. 1n in Mérida
Take some time in the morning to explore the city a little bit before getting on the road to the archaeological site of Uxmal. Learn a little bit about the origin of the city, which is greatly linked with pirate stories!
After that, you will visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, one of the best conserved Maya sites on the whole peninsula of Yucatán. Climb the palace of the Maya rulers where you can take one of the most breath-taking pictures with views of the jungle surrounding the Maya site. After visiting the Uxmal ruins, you can visit the local chocolate museum and decide for yourself whether the local Mexican chocolate is better than the Belgian or Swiss chocolates. You will then continue your road towards Mérida.
Hotel: Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel
Breakfast included
Mérida. 1n in Mérida
Today, there are no activities planned. Check the travel documents you received for our recommendations to spend the day, or just relax at the hotel.
Hotel: Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel
Breakfast included
Mérida – Chichén Itza – Cenote Oxman – Valladolid. 1n Valladolid
An early wake up call, but who would not be excited to visit one of the seven world wonders! Upon arrival your private tour starts so you can beat the crowds, and more important, the heath of the sun. Discover the secrets of Maya civilisation and glance at the most known pyramid, known as the pyramid of the feathered snake, or Kukulcan, in awe.
After that amazing visit of Chichén, you will get to know the amazing cenote of Oxman. Take some time to refresh in this amazing and sacred place for the Mayan community.
At the end of the activity, you will continue the road to the Riviera Maya to go and relax in a resort at the Caribbean. Well deserved after such intense travelling.
Valladolid – Riviera Maya. 1n in Playa Del Carmen
If you do want something active to do, we can arrange:
- Snorkelling trip
- Visit of a cenote on the Ruta de los cenotes
- Day trips to Holbox, Sian Ka’an, Isla Mujeres etc.
However, we do recommend to take some time to contemplate your travels, take in all the moments and relax on the beach while drinking some cocktails, eating some ceviche, and catch up on some reading.
Hotel: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Breakfast included
Riviera Maya. 1n in Playa Del Carmen
Free time to spend as you please.
Hotel: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Breakfast included
Riviera Maya – Cancún – Airport of arrival
A sad day today, as you will head to Cancún airport to return back home. Spend those last pesos you have on souvenirs so you will remember this amazing trip in this unique country forever!
