Majestic Mexico Culture, Castles, and Coasts - 14 Days

Upon arriving in vibrant Mexico City, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Once you've had the chance to relax, you'll have some free time to explore the lively city at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, our guide will reach out to you with further details and to address any questions you may have. It's worth noting that throughout the journey, fellow travellers may join or leave the group at different stages, but at no point will the group exceed the maximum size. Enjoy delving into the captivating spirit of Mexico's capital city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Our adventure in Mexico City begins today with a journey to the awe-inspiring site of Teotihuacan, located just 40 km from the heart of the capital. After breakfast, we delve into the history-rich Plaza of the Three Cultures, where the past and present of Mexico meet harmoniously. Then, we venture to the breathtaking archaeological wonder of Teotihuacan. Here, we explore the grandeur of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. A visit to a local artisan centre adds a cultural touch to our day. En route back to Mexico City, we stop at the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a key pilgrimage site in Latin America, which offers a glimpse into the region's deep-rooted religious heritage. Upon our return to the hotel, you'll have the afternoon free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Spend a leisurely morning in Mexico City at your own pace. After lunch, we’ll arrange your transfer to the bus station for a scenic journey to Puebla, located 135 kilometres away, via a regular coach service. Upon arriving at Puebla's bus station, you’ll have another transfer waiting to take you to your accommodation. The afternoon invites you to explore this enchanting city, established in 1531 and famed for its exquisite colonial architecture, intricate churches, and deep historical roots. Puebla buzzes with cultural and culinary offerings, thanks to its vibrant university scene. During your time here, you can discover highlights such as the breathtaking cathedral, the historic Palafoxiana Library – known as the first public library in the Americas – and the delightful Calle de los Dulces, lined with traditional sweet shops. Don’t miss the Callejón de los Sapos, renowned for its intriguing antique stores. An overnight stay in Puebla is included, and over the coming days, you can continue uncovering the many gems this fascinating city offers.

Today, we embark on a captivating five-hour excursion with entry included to the Ex Hacienda de Chautla, established in the 18th century. This former estate is celebrated for its English-style castle, beautifully situated on an artificial lake amidst picturesque forests. Following our exploration there, we visit Val’Quirico, a charming tourist complex designed to evoke the atmosphere of a medieval European village. It’s the ideal setting for a leisurely stroll through artisan shops and delightful cafés. After our cultural journey, we return to Puebla, where you'll have the remainder of the day free to enjoy and discover the lively ambiance of the city at your leisure. Please note that this excursion is conducted as a regular service with a local tour company.

On the fifth day of our journey, we'll embark on an engaging 6-hour excursion. Our first destination is Cholula, recognised as a Pueblo Mágico, where we'll uncover its main attractions, including San Francisco Acatepec, Santa María Tonantzintla, the San Gabriel Convent, the Royal Chapel, and Soria Park. We'll climb to the Sanctuary of La Virgen de Los Remedios, perched atop the Great Pyramid. Following this, we'll head to Chipilo, a community distinguished by its Italian immigrant roots and famed for cheese production – a cheese-tasting session is included here. Our adventure continues to Atlixco, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the Historic Centre, admire the murals adorning the Wide Staircase, check the time on the Floral Clock, and wander through the Magical Garden with views from the Glass Viewpoint. We then return to Puebla, providing you with free time to explore and savour the city at your leisure. Note that this excursion is organised as a regular service by a local tour company.

Today, we set out for the state of Oaxaca, traversing scenic mountainous landscapes that provide a beautiful backdrop to our journey. We'll arrive in the city of Oaxaca by late morning, ready to explore its historic charm. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca was originally established by the Aztecs and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Our visit here includes a guided tour with entry tickets to Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec city perched 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley. After immersing ourselves in its awe-inspiring ruins, we'll return to the city. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring Oaxaca's vibrant streets and unique atmosphere at your leisure.

We'll set off early in the morning, pausing briefly at San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a delightful Pueblo Mágico. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rustic streets and appreciate the 16th-century Church of San Pablo. Our journey continues through the mountainous landscapes of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus, where lunch will be provided along the way. By late afternoon, we'll arrive in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the bustling capital of Chiapas.

In the morning, we journey to the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon for a boat ride through this vast gorge, which towers nearly 1 km high and stretches for 14 km. Then, we explore Chiapa de Corzo, a town steeped in colonial tradition and culture. Our exploration of Mayan culture deepens as we visit picturesque villages inhabited by the Tzotzil people. In Zinacantán, you can admire the vibrant traditional attire of the women and visit charming weaving workshops and shops. Our day continues in San Juan Chamula, known for its church where Christian and pre-Columbian traditions intertwine in unique ceremonies. We conclude our day's travels in the beautiful colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, founded in 1528. You'll have the afternoon free to discover the city's charms at your leisure.

Today, we embark on a journey through the scenic mountains of Chiapas, an area rich with communities that have preserved their Mayan language and traditions. Our first stop is in Ocosingo, the regional capital, where you can experience local life. From there, we proceed to Agua Azul – an enchanting national park featuring more than 50 waterfalls, ranging from three to 30 metres in height. Admission to the park and lunch are included, and you will have time to wander or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Our journey continues to Misol-Há, where you'll find an impressive waterfall with a path allowing you to walk behind it. We then make our way to Palenque, where dinner and accommodation are provided. Please be advised that roadblocks can occasionally occur in the Ocosingo area due to local social issues. Should this happen, we will take an alternative route that includes a visit to the City of Villahermosa and the Yumka ecological reserve, replacing the usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul, and Misol-Há.

On day 10 of our journey, we explore the remarkable archaeological site of Palenque. Nestled amidst lush jungle, this ancient Mayan city offers a captivating glimpse into a sophisticated civilisation. With a local guide, we'll visit its iconic temples, intriguing pyramids, and historical ball game court. After thoroughly immersing ourselves in the splendour of Palenque, we continue our route towards the Gulf of Mexico, travelling through the picturesque state of Tabasco. Our destination for the evening is Campeche, a charming port city distinguished by its well-preserved colonial architecture and 17th-century fortifications, originally erected to fend off pirate attacks. Dinner will be included, providing you ample time to enjoy the city's delights.

After a journey of a little more than two hours, you'll find yourself in Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state. Known for its rich blend of colonial and Mayan heritage, Mérida offers much to explore. On our guided tour, we will visit the imposing Cathedral of Mérida, the exquisite limestone Church of the Third Order, and the historically significant House of Montejo. This 16th-century mansion is an emblem of Plateresque colonial architecture. Once the tour concludes, you have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Museum of the Maya World to deepen your understanding of the area's cultural roots. In the evening, a transfer will take you to the Zócalo, where you can experience the vibrant local atmosphere and savour dinner.

We set off on a captivating journey through the state of Yucatán. Our first stop is in Izamal, one of Mexico's most charming towns, designated as a "Magic Town." Then, we travel to Chichen Itza, where we include entry and a guided tour of this iconic world heritage site. Here, you will marvel at the renowned Kukulcán pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors, iconic remnants of Mayan civilisation. After our exploration, savour a traditional Mayan lunch, beautifully crafted to immerse you in the local flavours. Our adventure continues to Rio Lagartos, a quaint fishing village nestled within a biosphere reserve, where the tranquillity of nature truly shines.

Our day begins with an invigorating start as we embark on a captivating boat tour through the pristine waters of the biosphere reserve near Rio Lagartos. For over two hours, we’ll navigate through this natural haven, where you’ll have the chance to observe a remarkable variety of wildlife. From the mangroves, keep an eye out for elusive crocodiles and feast your eyes on an array of birdlife, including graceful pelicans and the iconic pink flamingos. For those adventurous enough, a unique "mud experience" awaits—cover yourself in rich mud packed with sulfur, minerals, and salts, offering an all-natural exfoliation treatment that leaves your skin feeling luxuriously soft.

After this revitalising experience, we make our way to Valladolid, the charming third-largest city in Yucatán. Its historic city centre is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and we suggest enjoying lunch at one of the inviting spots around the main square.

Our adventure continues with an afternoon visit to Cenote Choj Ha. Managed by the local Mayan community, this enchanting site offers a short jungle walk to its dry cave, followed by a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the cenote’s wet cave—a truly relaxing and refreshing experience.

Finally, we head to the vibrant city of Cancún, arriving in the late afternoon, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's diverse and exciting experiences.

On the final day of our journey, we conclude our services after breakfast. You may wish to take advantage of the stunning surroundings and extend your stay for a few additional days by unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Cancún or exploring the enchanting Riviera Maya.