Mayan Wonders and Mexican Treasures Tour - 12 Days

Welcome to Mexico City! Upon your arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation, giving you some free time to relax and begin to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis. Later in the afternoon, our guide will reach out to you to ensure you're well-prepared for the exciting adventures to come. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps exploring the lively streets and taking in the rich blend of history and modernity that defines Mexico 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.

Today, we embark on an enriching journey to explore the vibrant heart of Mexico City. Our day begins with an included sightseeing tour of this fascinating metropolis. We'll visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, an emblem of Mexico's complex history, and wander through the historic centre, highlighting the Z�calo (main square) and its striking Metropolitan Cathedral. We'll also see the renowned Aztec main temple, Chapultepec Park, and the impressive Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, along with other notable thoroughfares in this majestic city.

Following our tour of the city, we'll head to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas, housing the sacred image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Here, we'll explore both the 18th-century old basilica and the modern temple.

In the afternoon, our adventure continues in the vibrant district of Xochimilco. Known for its network of canals and lush, semi-floating gardens, we'll enjoy a captivating ride aboard a "trajinera," traditional boats adorned with colourful flowers.

As evening descends, a transfer will bring us to the lively Plaza de Garibaldi. Known for its energetic atmosphere and rich musical heritage, the plaza offers a feast of bars and restaurants where we can savour delicious tacos, sip on tequila, and enjoy authentic Mariachi performances. Dinner is included in a traditional eatery, rounding off a day full of cultural discovery and delightful experiences.

Today, we set off from Mexico City towards the state of Puebla, starting with a visit to the Ex-Hacienda de Chautla. This historical estate, established in the 18th century, is renowned for its charming English-style castle set on an artificial lake, all nestled amidst lush forests. Continuing our journey, we'll make our way to the quaint town of Cholula. Here, you'll find a delightful plaza and the picturesque Church of Nuestra Se�ora de los Remedios, offering panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Our travels then take us to Puebla, a bustling city with a rich tapestry of colonial and Baroque influences. As you explore, marvel at the city's impressive landmarks, including the grand Cathedral and the exquisite Rosary Chapel. We will spend the night in this lively and dynamic destination, soaking up its unique blend of history and modernity.

We journey towards the state of Oaxaca, travelling through mountains adorned with picturesque vistas. Our arrival in Oaxaca is anticipated by late morning, where we'll embark on an included exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Originally established by the Aztecs, Oaxaca is celebrated for its remarkable historical legacy. We will ascend to Monte Alb�n, a site perched 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley. Your visit here includes tickets and a guided tour of this most splendid of the Zapotec cities, offering a fascinating glimpse into its ancient marvels. After returning to Oaxaca, you are free to wander and discover more of the city's charms at your own leisure.

We set off early, making a quick stop at San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a delightful Pueblo M�gico, where you'll have the chance to wander near the charming 16th-century Church of San Pablo and explore its scenic, rustic streets. Our journey then continues through the picturesque mountains of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. We'll pause for an included lunch along the way before reaching Tuxtla Guti�rrez, the capital of the state of Chiapas, by late afternoon.

Our day begins with a breathtaking journey through the captivating Sumidero Canyon. We board a boat to sail along this awe-inspiring gorge, which stretches almost 1 kilometre deep and 14 kilometres in length. Following our canyon exploration, we take a leisurely walk in Chiapa de Corzo, a charming colonial town brimming with tradition and culture. Our adventure continues as we delve deeper into Mayan culture by visiting vibrant villages that are home to the Tzotzil community.

In Zinacant�n, you can admire the intricate traditional dresses worn by women and explore the captivating weaving workshops and shops. We then head to San Juan Chamula, where the unique church blends Christian elements with pre-Columbian traditions�a truly fascinating experience. Our journey concludes in San Crist�bal de las Casas, a picturesque colonial city founded in 1528. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful town at your leisure.

Today's journey offers a captivating venture through the natural beauty of Chiapas and a glimpse into communities that have preserved their Mayan language and traditions. Our first stop is Ocosingo, a regional hub where traditional ways of life are still evident. We then continue to the stunning Agua Azul. Entry to the National Park is included, along with lunch, and you'll have ample time to wander or take a refreshing swim among the more than 50 cascades, each ranging between three to 30 metres in height. Our exploration then brings us to Misol-H�, an impressive waterfall where you can walk behind the cascade. We conclude the day with a transfer to Palenque, where dinner and accommodation await. It's worth noting that on occasion, social issues may cause local roadblocks near Ocosingo. If this happens, we'll adopt an alternative route, exploring the ecological reserve of Yumka and the city of Villahermosa instead.

On day eight, we delve into the fascinating world of ancient Mayan civilisation at the remarkable archaeological site of Palenque. Nestled amidst lush jungle, this historic city enchants with its temples, pyramids, and ancient ball court, offering a glimpse into the storied past of the region. Our visit includes both admission and a guided tour by a knowledgeable local expert. Once we've soaked up the mystique of Palenque, we embark on a journey towards the Gulf of Mexico, traversing the state of Tabasco. Our destination is Campeche, a quaint port city celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture and formidable 17th-century fortifications, originally constructed to fend off pirate attacks. Here, we'll enjoy an included dinner, rounding off a day filled with cultural and historical discovery.

As we journey towards the state of Yucat�n, we will reach the vibrant city of M�rida in just over two hours. Our guided tour will reveal its rich blend of colonial and Maya heritage. Key highlights include the formidable Cathedral of M�rida, the striking Church of the Third Order made from limestone, and the historic House of Montejo, a 16th-century mansion exemplifying Plateresque colonial architecture. Once the tour concludes, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. We recommend a visit to the Museum of the Maya World to further immerse yourself in the region's fascinating history. Later, we'll provide a transfer to the lively Z�calo, where you can enjoy dinner and soak up M�rida's local atmosphere for the rest of the evening.

We begin our journey through the Yucat�n state, setting off from M�rida towards Izamal, celebrated as one of Mexico�s most charming "Magic Towns". Here, you can savour the town's picturesque beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Our exploration continues at Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most significant remnant of Mayan civilisation. Admission and a guided tour are included, where you will marvel at iconic structures such as the Kukulc�n Pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors. After immersing ourselves in the rich history, we�ll enjoy a lunch featuring delicious Mayan cuisine. The day concludes with a drive to R�o Lagartos, a quaint fishing village nestled in the heart of a stunning biosphere reserve. Throughout the day, you will experience a captivating blend of history, culture, and nature that defines this remarkable region.

We set out for an invigorating day exploring the wonders of nature. Our morning begins with an included two-hour boat excursion through the stunning biosphere reserve. Here, among the mangroves, you�ll have the opportunity to witness crocodiles basking in their natural habitat, as well as an array of birdlife featuring pelicans and vibrant pink flamingos. Embrace the unique "mud experience" by applying mud enriched with sulphur, minerals, and salts as a natural exfoliant, leaving your skin luxuriously soft.

After our morning adventures, we travel to Valladolid, the Yucatan's third-largest city, notable for its charming historic centre. It is suggested that you enjoy lunch at one of the delightful eateries surrounding the main square. In the afternoon, we venture to Cenote Choj Ha. Enthusiasts of natural beauty will appreciate the short jungle path leading to this exquisite cenote, managed by the local Mayan community. You�ll explore its dry cave and perhaps indulge in a swim in the pristine lake located within the wet cave. Our journey concludes as we continue to Canc�n, arriving by late afternoon.

On the final day, after enjoying breakfast, our services come to a close. Should you wish to extend your stay, we suggest unwinding along the stunning beaches of Cancun or exploring the Riviera Maya. Relaxation and further exploration await those who choose to linger a bit longer in this captivating destination.