Essential Mexico Adventure - 10 Days

Mexico City - our adventure begins this afternoon in the hostel lounge, where you'll meet your travel group and tour leader for a trip briefing covering the itinerary and key safety tips for Central America.

Then, dive straight into the action with Lucha Libre—Mexico’s electrifying take on wrestling. Expect colourful masks, flamboyant costumes, and gravity-defying moves in this must-see spectacle!

Arriving early? History buffs - can explore the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the iconic Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Cultural explorers can visit Xochimilco, the vibrant canal district, for a scenic gondola ride through floating gardens. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, traditional Mexican food, and maybe even a tequila shot.

Kickstart your day with a walking tour of Mexico City’s top landmarks, including Zócalo Main Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and Templo Mayor. Then, refuel with some authentic tacos—a must-try!

Next, take a break from the city buzz with a Spanish class led by your tour leader. Learn key phrases to use throughout your trip.

The afternoon is yours to explore. We recommend cycling to Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in the Americas. Once home to emperors and presidents, it now stands as a museum with incredible city views. Not a fan of cycling? An Uber will get you there just as easily.

Wrap up the day with a group dinner, complete with music, hearty Mexican food, and your choice of tequila or mezcal!

Mexico City - Puerto Escondido. Today we take an early flight to Puerto Escondido, arriving around lunchtime. The afternoon is yours - relax on the stunning beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the hostel pool with your travel buddies.

As the sun sets, head to the beach for a surf lesson in this world-class surfer’s paradise. A pro instructor will teach you the basics on the sand before you hit the waves to put your skills to the test.

The evening is yours! Enjoy fresh seafood, sip cocktails at a beachfront bar, or dive into La Punta’s nightlife if you're in the mood to party.

We're in one of Central America's most beautiful spots, so its only right we enjoy a chill day for you to unwind, soak up some sun, or put your new surf skills to the test. You can also book a dolphin and whale watching cruise.

As evening falls, opt for an unforgettable swim at the iconic Manialtepec Lagoon, where bioluminescent creatures illuminate the dark waters. Then it's back to town to enjoy a few drinks and dinner.

Please note: The Manialtepec Lagoon swim is unavailable on the days around a full moon, due to visbility issues.

Puerto Escondido - Oaxaca. Kick off the day with an early departure to Oaxaca (Wahaca), a city known for its Indigenous heritage, vibrant festivals, and colonial charm. Along the way, unleash your creativity by crafting alebrijes—intricately painted wooden creatures inspired by Mexican folk art.

Arriving in Oaxaca by early afternoon, check into your hostel and explore at your own pace. A leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens is a great way to admire Mexico’s diverse plant life.

Later, join the group for a cooking class, where we'll master the art of Oaxacan mole, a rich and flavourful sauce with smoky, sweet, and spicy notes.

With the evening free, dive into Oaxaca’s vibrant atmosphere—browse artisan markets, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar, or enjoy live music and traditional dance.

We start the morning with a visit to Tule Tree, the world’s widest tree! This 2,000-year-old Montezuma cypress has a massive 14-metre diameter—as wide as a tennis court or a blue whale!

Next, we journey to Hierve el Agua, a breathtaking natural site 70km east of Oaxaca, famous for its mineral-rich rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. We’ll take in the views and enjoy a refreshing dip in the spring-fed pools.

On our way back, we’ll dive deeper into Mexico’s rich culture with two incredible stops. First, we’ll explore the Mitla Ancient Ruins, a Zapotec site known for its intricate geometric mosaics and sacred history. Then, we’ll savour a mezcal tasting, where an expert will guide us through this smoky, time-honoured spirit.

As night falls, we’ll step into another quintessential Mexican experience—salsa! Together, we’ll master the lively steps and rhythms of this iconic dance in a fun-filled class.

Oaxaca - Tulum. This morning, we’ll head to the airport for our included flight to Cancun, then transfer by bus to Tulum, arriving around 3pm. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. If the weather’s nice, why not join a sunset sailing tour to take in the stunning views?

This morning, we’ll explore Chichén Itzá, a magnificent ancient Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the site also boasts other incredible structures that showcase the Mayans’ rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Afterward, we’ll visit a local, community-run cenote, a crystal-clear limestone sinkhole considered sacred by the Mayans. You and your group can enjoy a refreshing dip in the vibrant blue waters, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Next, we’ll head to Valladolid, a charming colonial town famous for its colourful streets, historic architecture, and Yucatecan street food—a delicious mix of local flavours. After lunch, we’ll make our way back to Tulum.

In the evening, spend time with your group, catching the stunning sunset at a local beach bar, or explore the lively downtown of Tulum.

This morning, we enjoy an included cycling tour of Tulum, stopping to admire ancient Mayan ruins, ocean views and colourful towns. We stop at the beach for a swim before you can decide how to spend the afternoon. Opt to cycle back to the hostel if you'd like to chill, take some time to swim in another nearby cenote, or enjoy the white sands of Playa Paraiso. In the evening, head into Tulum town for traditional tacos and a mojito or two. There's live music at Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar, one of our favourite spots in town.

This morning, your Mexico adventure comes to a close in Tulum. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers. If needed, airport transfers or post-night accommodations can be arranged at an additional cost.