Mystery, magic and marvellous beaches await you in this exotic land of the Mayans
Mexico City > Oaxaca > Palenque > Chichen Itza > Riviera Maya
Discover the best of Mexico. Travel through history and spectacular scenery. Start your journey at the heart of Mexico’s capital, then explore the highlights of the South, many of them World Heritage sites. Go from Aztecs to Maya, from semi-desert to jungle, and from colonial gems to mystical archaeological sites. Experience colorful traditions before finishing your adventure by adding on an idyllic Caribbean beach. Viva Mexico!
Travel through vibrant cities, colonial gems, mystical Mayan sites with towering pyramids, before chilling on white sand Caribbean beaches – all you could want in a single exotic holiday. Includes all private transfers, private guides, accommodation and entrance fees..
You will be amazed by the size of the city from the moment you arrive. You’ll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. As the capital, the ‘Distrito Federal’ is a mosaic of contrasts in which all of Mexico comes together – the perfect place to start your trip.
Visit the World Heritage historical centre of the city, including the landmarks of the ‘Zocalo,’ in its heart. Marvel at the Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor, one of the most famous temples in the ancient city of Tenochtitlan. Drive down the beautiful Paseo de la Reforma Avenue to visit the Museum of Anthropology – considered to be among the world’s best.
After breakfast, visit the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a pilgrimage place for millions of Mexicans and people from all around the world.
Discover Teotihuacán, ‘the place where gods were created.’ One of the most important archaeological sites in the country and in its day probably the most significant and civilized cultural centre of ancient Mexico. You’ll see and perhaps climb the Pyramids of the Sun & Moon, walk down the Avenue of the Dead, visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Temple of the Butterflies and the Fortresses.
Today you’ll travel to Puebla, Mexico’s fourth largest city, passing the photogenic, snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. See Santa Maria Tonantzintla with its beautiful temple decorated by indigenous people.
In Puebla, also known as the ‘City of Angels,’ you will visit the extraordinary Rosary Chapel, Cathedral, main square and its beautiful historic centre. Continue to Oaxaca, one of the most picturesque colonial towns of Mexico, famous for its many indigenous traditions reflected in its beautiful crafts and typical gastronomy.
Visit Monte Alban, meaning ‘White Mountain,’ an ancient Zapotec capital on a plateau 1,940 metres above sea level. With pyramids, temples, tombs, ceremonial rock carvings, among many other mystical constructions. Its spectacular hilltop location guarantees breathtaking views of the valleys of Oaxaca.
Continue to Mitla, an old ceremonial center of the Zapotecs; known for its outstanding mosaics representing different geometric designs, unique in Mesoamerica.
See many local wonders on the way back to Oaxaca, including the Tule tree, before exploring the beauty of Oaxaca, including the Museum of Gold and the colorful ’20 de Noviembre’ market.
An early morning departure to the beautiful state of Chiapas. Take a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, measuring a thousand metres at its highest point. Marvel at the beautiful rock formations and abundant wildlife on the shores of the Grijalva river (crocodiles, spider monkeys and many species of birds).
You’ll pass through the historically significant town Chiapa de Corzo, on your way to San Cristobal de las Casas.
A day full of mysticism. Visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, located in the highlands of Chiapas. Both Tzotzil Maya communities still demonstrate a rich variety of customs and beliefs expressed in traditions of both pagan and Christian origin.
Your afternoon is at leisure to explore San Cristobal de las Casas with its colorful market, cathedral, and Jade Museum.
Visit the turquoise coloured waterfalls of Agua Azul, unique from the high level of mineral content. Enjoy the surrounding jungle environment and go for a swim.
Afterwards, continue your way through the lush jungle to Palenque – today’s final destination.
Visit Palenque, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan World. It rose to prominence under the reign of legendary King Pakal, whose tomb was found in one of Palenque´s most iconic landmarks, the Temple of the Inscriptions. This ruined city is home to some of the most beautiful architecture, exquisite sculptures, and carvings produced by the ancient Maya.
Next, head to Campeche, one of the most photogenic Spanish colonial towns in Mexico – an aging beauty full of naval history and restored Spanish historical buildings.
On the way to Merida, visit World Heritage site, Uxmal (meaning ‘built three times’), one of the Mayan cities most representative of the Puuc style. Explore the Magician Pyramid, Quadrangle of the Nuns, Governor’s palace and the ballgame court.
Next travel to Merida, the ‘White City’ founded in 1542, by the Spaniard Francisco de Montejo and now the capital city of the Yucatan. Experience the strong Mayan influence of cultural heritage, stunning architecture, lovely parks and delicious gastronomy.
Around 600 AD, Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most prominent Maya cities and is undoubtedly the best-preserved Mayan site on the Yucatan peninsula – recently declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Various architectural styles are seen in Chichen Itza. Most famous landmarks are the Temple of Kukulkan, Ballgame Court, Platform of the Skulls, Temple of the Jaguar, The Observatory, One Thousand Columns and the Sacred Cenote.
Take a refreshing swim in the cenote of Ik Kil, before continuing to Cancun.
This morning take your private transfer to the beach resort of your choice to immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and to recount the experiences you’ve had on this wonderful tour.
Add on as many days as you like from £135 pp per day for two in 4* accomodation.
