Destinations: De Cuxtitali, Palenque, Campeche, Mérida, Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico City, Uxmal, Sa...
Destinations: Playa del Carmen, Río Secreto, Tulum
Uncover ancient ruins and highland towns on this deluxe Mexico highlights tour. Explore Mexico City’s colonial heritage and Aztec history on a guided tour, visit the millennia-old archaeological complex of Teotihuacan, then set sail down the waterways of Sumidero Canyon, watching for ocelots and crocodiles.
Take guided walking tours through the towns of Chiapas, from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque, and cool off in the natural pools of the Agua Azul or Misol-Ha waterfalls. Discover coastal Campeche and the colourful streets of Merida, where a trip to world-famous Chichen Itza awaits, then set a course for the Caribbean shores of Cancun.
Destinations: De Cuxtitali, Palenque, Campeche, Mérida, Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico City, Uxmal, Sa...
Destinations: Playa del Carmen, Río Secreto, Tulum
After breakfast, your day begins with a tour of Mexico City. Explore the historic centre and visit the plaza known as Zocalo, one of the biggest city squares in the world. On its north side, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral – one of the largest cathedral in the Americas – and learn how the Spanish constructed it directly over an Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, to demonstrate their power over a newly conquered territory.
Continue to the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built under Emperor Maximillian and connecting the main square to his castle, then spend some time at the National Museum of Anthropology, studying treasures in the Aztec Hall, home to the Aztec Calendar – a 3.5-metre, 22-tonne carved basalt slab that was discovered buried beneath the Zocalo.
Later, sit down at Restaurant Limosneros for tacos accompanied by a beer tasting. Then, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
After an early breakfast, depart Mexico City and set your sights on the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan. On the way, stop off at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where Aztec, Spanish and contemporary Mexican cultures converge.
Continue to the Shrine de Guadalupe, where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared before the prophet Juan Diego in 1531. Here, take time to explore the New Basilica de Guadalupe. The original Basilica still stands nearby, but its sinking foundations have made it unsafe to enter.
Drive on to the archaeological complex of Teotihuacan and roam its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built between the 1st and 7th century AD.
Stroll down the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ towards the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon – two enormous monuments positioned according to cosmic harmony.
Return to Mexico City where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Today, say farewell to Mexico City and head to the airport for your onward flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of the southern state of Chiapas. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the dock for a boat tour through Sumidero Canyon.
Set within the national park of the same name, this deep gorge is home to endangered species like ocelots and crocodiles.
Afterward, continue to San Cristobal de las Casas, arriving late in the afternoon. The rest of the evening is yours to spend freely.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes / Driving – approx. two hours
This morning, prepare to explore San Cristobal de las Casas on foot. On the north side of the main square, take in the cathedral’s gold-encrusted pulpit, then continue to the Dominican church and spend some time browsing the handicraft market where Tzotzil people from the surrounding hills come to trade.
Next, drive into the Chiapas highlands for a tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan villages. The Tzotzil people here descend from the ancient Maya and have retained much of their traditional way of life. They are often seen dressed in their own distinctive, colourful garments. Explore with the help of a local guide and learn more about the culture and history of these communities.
Later, return to San Cristobal to enjoy your evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Today, you’ll depart San Cristobal de las Casas after breakfast and travel to the rainforests of the Chiapas Highlands to see the Agua Azul waterfalls, a sequence of cascades that run along the Xanil River. As you journey towards the towering 40-metre-tall Misol-Ha waterfall, take the chance to cool off in the natural pools beneath.
Arrive in Palenque this evening, the gateway to the ancient Maya ruins of the same name, located west of the town.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Today, meet with a local archaeologist for a guided visit to the ruins of Palenque.
Dig sites have been hard at work uncovering the secrets of this ancient city, one of the best examples of Maya architecture in the country. Around 90% of the site remains unexcavated and concealed in the forest. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by jungle, the ruins are the remains of a thriving metropolis dating back as far as 700 AD.
Later, continue to cobblestone streets and colonial mansions of Campeche.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
This morning, travel to Edzna, the Maya archaeological site outside of Campeche. Built on a 40-metre-high platform, Edzna’s main temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos – translating to ‘five-story building’ – looks out over the countryside and the plazas below.
Return to Campeche – a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself – for a guided tour of the cobblestone streets, mansions and fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from the marauding pirates of ages past.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Say goodbye to Campeche and head to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-restored and -maintained ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, explore the region’s historic buildings, including the House of the Magician, the Nunnery and the House of Turtles.
Continue to Merida and stroll its colourful streets and shaded plazas, then pay a visit to the cathedral, main town square and the Monument to the Homeland, before heading down Paseo de Montejo with its heritage banks, hotels and government buildings.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After breakfast, set off to visit Mexico’s best-known archaeological site, Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Set your eyes on one of the best-preserved Yucatan Maya sites as you explore these jungle ruins.
Gaze upon the site’s famous pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulkan, once a place of worship dedicated to the Yucatan Maya feathered serpent-god, Kukulkan. As you walk through the site, you will also see important structures like the Temple of the Warriors, the ball court and the sacred cenote. Learn about Maya cosmology, religion and the symmetry of life and death from your expert guide.
After the tour, your journey continues to Cancun in the late afternoon.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
eToday, your tour comes to an end as you check out from your accommodation. Meet your transfer and make your way to Cancun Airport (CUN) for your onward journey.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Tipping
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and ends at Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) before 5pm on Day 1 and depart from Cancun International Airport (CUN) at any time on Day 11. For the extension, book your flights to depart Cancun International Airport (CUN) at any time on Day 14.
You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Mexico
Time zone: Mexico City: GMT-6, Cancun: GMT-5
Telephone: +52
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
Accessing money: ATMs are easily accessible with credit cards widely accepted within cities.
Language: Spanish
Climate: Mexico has a varied climate, ranging from temperate to tropical. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal in the south, whereas the north sees wider changes. Summers are typically very hot and winters are generally mild to cold.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Update 29 January 2025, 3.30pm AEDT: Transfers are now included on this tour, please see Important Information for details.