Destinations: Cancun, Mexico City, De Cuxtitali, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Teoti...
Destinations: Playa del Carmen, Cozumel
Mexico City, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Teotihuacan, De Cuxtitali, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Zinacantán, Sa...
Paradisiacal coastlines, ancient ruins and cuisine with worldwide influence – get ready to witness Mexico’s diversity on an unforgettable 11-day small-group tour taking you all the way to the Caribbean coast of Cancun. From buzzing Mexico City and the Maya ruins resting on the Yucatan Peninsula, to coastal Campeche and the natural gorges in Chiapas, days in this sun-drenched country will see you saying ‘hola’ to Aztec history, colourful architecture and gastronomic adventure.
Travelling by private vehicle and accompanied by knowledgable local guides in each destination, you’ll be treated to daily breakfast and additional select meals, roundtrip private airport transfers and immersive local experiences. Discover Mexico’s natural landscapes and even cross one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the ruins of Chichen Itza – off your bucket list.
Mexico City, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Teotihuacan, De Cuxtitali, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Zinacantán, Sa...
Destinations: Cancun, Mexico City, De Cuxtitali, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Teoti...
Destinations: Playa del Carmen, Cozumel
Welcome to Mexico! Your private transfer will pick you up at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and take you to your hotel located in the heart of the city.
At over 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ve landed in the country’s cultured capital city. Blending modern architecture with Aztec-era ruins and colonial splendour, this metropolis is a must-see.
This evening, the group will be welcomed with dinner, your first opportunity to sample authentic Mexican flavours.
After breakfast, the day begins with a tour of Mexico City. Explore the historic centre and visit the its main square. Known as Zocalo, this plaza is one of the biggest city squares in the world. On its north side, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral – the largest cathedral in all 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 by Emperor Maximillian and connecting the main square to his castle, on the way to the National Museum of Anthropology. Here, spend some time exploring 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.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite after the morning’s exploration, sit down at Restaurant Limosneros to enjoy some scrumptious tacos accompanied by a beer tasting. Then spend the remainder of the day at your leisure soaking up the beauty of Mexico City and discovering its sights.
After an early breakfast, depart Mexico City and set your sights on the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan, located about 50 kilometres northeast of the city.
On the way, stop off at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where Aztec, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican cultures converge. Continue onwards to Latin America’s most revered religious site, the Shrine de Guadalupe, where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared before the prophet Juan Diego in 1531. 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 for another hour to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive cities in the ancient world, to roam its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage site was built between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. What was once a flourishing pre-Columbian city is now one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological complexes, dominated by the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon – two enormous monuments positioned according to cosmic harmony. Stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’ and picture what life was like here nearly 2,000 years ago.
Return to Mexico City where the rest of the evening is at your leisure to enjoy its many charms.
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 the Sumidero Canyon. Set within a namesake national park, this spectacular natural wonder is a deep, natural gorge surrounded by lush nature and 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 at your leisure to explore this quaint town.
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 lavish interior and 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 10 kilometres into the Chiapas highlands for an unforgettable tour of the villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. 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.
Today, we depart San Cristobal de las Casas after breakfast and travel to the rainforests of the Chiapas Highlands to see the incredible 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 that form beneath it.
Arrive in Palenque this evening – the gateway to the ancient Maya ruins of the same name, located west of the town.
Today, meet with a local archaeologist for a memorable 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 whole country. Around 90% of the site remains unexcavated and concealed in the forest. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by lush jungle, the ruins are the remains of a thriving metropolis, dating back to as far as 700 AD. Wander this impressive site and gain an insight to its ancient history with the help of your guide, on hand to answer all your questions.
After visiting this impressive site, continue to Campeche, a captivating city that lures visitors with its colourful colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and majestic mansions.
This morning, you will 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-storey building’ – provides a great view of the plazas below as well as a panorama of the striking countryside.
Return to Campeche – a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself – for a guided tour and see the wonderfully restored cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured mansions and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from the marauding pirates of ages past. The waterfront promenade is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll, offering incredible sunset views.
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 the gem of the Yucatan, Merida. Stroll colourful streets, see colonial architecture and learn of more rich Maya history. The narrow streets and shaded plazas create an old-world ambience, as horses and carts traverse the cobbled streets lined with centuries-old mansions.
Uncover Merida’s past as you explore the cathedral, main town square, and the Monument to the Homeland, before heading down Paseo de Montejo with its grand heritage banks, hotels and government buildings.
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 incredible ruins within dense jungle. Admire the site’s famous pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulcan, 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 all 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. Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner at one of the many restaurants located in your hotel.
Today, your tour comes to an end with a private transfer to Cancun Airport (CUN) for your onward journey. Adios, and safe travels!
Expect smooth sailing on the journey through Mexico’s Sumidero Canyon. Embark on a boat tour along the Sumidero River for a unique perspective of this magnificent natural reserve. The canyon, formed 36 million years ago, boasts calcareous rock walls over 1,000 metres high, sculpted by the mighty River Grijalva. Explore its caves, cascades, and even the imposing Christmas Tree, a colossal waterfall shaped like a pine tree. Keep an eye out for endangered species like ocelots and crocodiles that inhabit this renowned national park’s waters and shores.
Discover the magic of Chichen Itza, renowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site. Wander your way through some of the best-preserved Yucatan Maya ruins in the country, hidden in lush jungle. Take in the magnificence of the Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, a pyramid that once served as a sacred place of worship for the Yucatan Maya’s feathered serpent god, Kukulkan. Continue your exploration through the Temple of the Warriors, the ball court, and the sacred cenote. Under the wing of an expert guide, unravel the secrets of Maya cosmology, religion, and the profound symbolism of life and death.
Unearth the enigmas of the city of Teotihuacan, an ancient Aztec city located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, which held power between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, once thrived as a pre-Columbian metropolis. Now, it’s one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological complexes. Explore the grandeur of Teotihuacan, with its temples and palaces, and admire the imposing Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, strategically aligned according to cosmic harmony. Journey through time as you wander down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’ and imagine the daily life that unfolded here nearly two millennia ago.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
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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 hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Baggage Restrictions
Transfers
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and ends at Cancun Airport (CUN), with roundtrip airport transfers.
Roundtrip 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 3pm on Day 1 and depart from Cancun Airport (CUN) after 12pm on Day 11 or Day 14.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
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.