Day 1: Mexico City
On arrival in the capital Mexico City, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will spend three nights.
Day 2: Mexico City
An exploration of the historic centre of Mexico City begins at the Zocalo, where you will witness resplendent colonial architecture. Later, you will travel to the floating gardens of Xochimilco where you will experience a change of pace from lively Mexico City. Board a traditional and vibrantly decorated trajineras boat for a trip along just a small section of the 50 miles of canals. The final stop today is at the district of Coyoacàn, which was the seat of the first Spanish government in 1521.
Day 3: Mexico City
Another full day exploring the city and its surroundings, starting at the Museum of Anthropology, which offers an unbeatable introduction to Mexican culture. This afternoon, the tour continues on to the archaeological site of Teotihuacàn. On a guided tour, you will witness the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Temple of the Butterflies and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. End the day’s exploration at the modern Virgin of Guadalupe shrine.
Day 4: Mexico City to Oaxaca
This morning, travel east to the city of Puebla, which was founded in 1531. Join a city tour, taking in the baroque cathedral, the beautiful main square and the 16th Century Church of Santo Domingo. Continue on to Oaxaca City where you will spend two nights. Today will be rounded off with a cultural dinner show.
Day 5: Oaxaca
Today begins with a visit to the pre-Colombian archaeological site of Monte Alban. A tour will include a visit to the onsite museum as well the Main Plaza, the Observatory and the Dancers’ Gallery in the ruins themselves. Take a guided tour of a food market before enjoying a chance to taste local flavours at lunch. This afternoon, there will be a tour which takes in the Museum of Cultures, the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the city market.
Day 6: Oaxaca to Tehuantepec
Leave Oaxaca and head for the archaeological site of Mitla, stopping en route at the impressive 2000-year-old and 42m high Tule Tree. Mitla offers an interesting perspective on how the pre-Colombian world was changed by the colonial settlers. While in Mitla, you will enjoy a tasting of the traditional Oaxacan drink of mezcal, a drink similar to tequila yet with a strong smoky flavour. Continue on to Tehuantepec, which is the centre of the indigenous Zapotec culture.
Day 7: Tehuantepec to San Cristobal de las Casas
The tour continues east today as you head towards the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and the narrow and deep Sumidero Canyon. This morning, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Grijalva River. Keep an eye out for various wildlife species including monkeys, crocodiles, herons and kingfishers. Journey on to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, which is set 2300m above sea level in the Chiapas highlands.
Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas
Begin the day with a visit to the two Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, which showcase the regions fascinating indigenous cultures. Return to San Cristobal for a walking tour of this cosmopolitan city where colonial architecture and fiercely protected indigenous cultures combine.
Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque
Mexico’s beautiful natural landscapes are the focus this morning as you travel towards Palenque, with a visit to the Agua Azul Waterfalls. It is then just under an hours’ drive to Palenque, where you will spend one night.
Day 10: Palenque to Campeche
Today begins with a visit to one of Mexico’s most spectacular archaeological sites – the ruins of Palenque. You will see the most significant structures, including the Temple of Inscriptions, which contains the tomb of the 7th Century Mayan ruler Pakal. This afternoon, you will travel to Campeche.
Day 11: Campeche to Mérida
There is an early start this morning for your tour of Campeche. The city was fortified in the 17th Century following repeated attacks by French, Dutch and British pirates and you will see the well-preserved defensive walls as well as a selection of colonial buildings in the historic centre.
Day 12: Mérida
A morning at the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal is today’s highlight. Set in a jungle landscape, these 8th to 11th Century structures are some of Mexico’s best preserved Mayan relics. Return to the city for a brief city tour during which you will witness the grand mansions, squares and magnificent colonial architecture.
Day 13: Mérida to Chichen Itza
The final full day of your tour will be spent exploring the world renowned Chichen Itza ruins, see some of the finest and most beautiful examples of Mesoamerican architecture such as the Ball Court, the Temple of the Skulls, the El Caracol observatory and the iconic El Castillo pyramid.
Day 14: Chichen Itza to Cancun
If a little rest and relaxation is what you're after, after your journey through Mexico, extend your stay in mesmerising Mexico. We can help you plan it!
