This fascinating tour takes in Mexico City, with its cathedral, the National Palace and Anthropology Museum, then the nearby Teotihuacan pyramids and Guadalupe shrine, before continuing to Oaxaca, Monte Alban, San Juan Chamula, Zinacatan, and Palenque. Complete the trip by driving to Merida and visitng the Mayan masterpieces of Uxmal, Kabah and Chichen Itza.
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico
Arrival to Mexico City International airport. Reception and transfer to the hotel of your preference.
Day 2: Mexico City - Cathedral - National Palace
Morning guided visit including the most important buildings in the historical centre located around the Zocalo, the cathedral, and National Palace to admire the famous murals of Diego Rivera. Continue to the modern part of the city, ending at the Anthropology Museum (closed on Mondays), one of the world’s top museums. Return to your hotel. B
Day 3: Mexico - Teotihuacan Pyramids
Morning guided excursion to the famous Teotihuacan Pyramids, with a visit to the Virgin of Guadalupe shrine, place of pilgrimage for millions of Mexicans and foreigners. At the Teotihuacan Pyramidswe will visit the Sun and the Moon Pyramids, the Quetzalcoatl Temple and the fortresses. Free time to climb to the top of the Pyramids or wander around. Return to your hotel. B
Day 4: Mexico - Oaxaca
Today you will leave Mexico City. We will take you to the airport for a flight to Oaxaca (air fare not included). Arrival and reception at airport. Free afternoon. Optional city tour can be arranged. The city was founded in 1521 in a wide valley at the foot of the sierra. B
Day 5: Oaxaca - Tule
Visit of the archaeological site of Monte Alban, one of the most important sites in Mesoamerica as well as one of the largest monuments on the continent. Return to your hotel or take an optional tour to Mitla and Tule in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel of your choice. B
Day 6: Oaxaca – Tuxtla Gutierrez – San Cristobal
Transfer to Oaxaca airport for a flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, a modern and quiet city located in a warm fertile valley 12 kilometers to the left of Grijalva River. Its tropical environment encourages the growth of palm trees and flamboyant, which can be seen in its parks and plazas. Reception at airport and interesting stop through Chiapa de Corzo, founded in 1428 on the riverside of the Grijalva. In its plaza, surrounded by beautiful arcades, there is an exceptional colonial building: the Fountain of the Royal Crown, with an octagonal floor that evokes the profile of the royal crown. Continue for an exciting boat ride through Sumidero Canyon, a natural geological wonder formed by the waters of the Grijalva River. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas. It was formerly the state’s capital and used to be called Ciudad Real. B, L
Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas
Walking tour including: the baroque cathedral with a magnificent altarpiece and valuable paintings. The fine old Salomon-styled Santo Domingo convent houses the Regional Museum and the Altos Cultural Center. Leave San Cristobal de las Casas for a visit to the Indian communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. These Indian towns allow us to observe traditional everyday life of its people. The atmosphere of its churches is particularly interesting as they illustrate the mixture of Indian and Christian religious customs. In the afternoon return to San Cristobal de las Casas. B, L
Day 8: San Cristobal de Las Casas – Agua Azul – Palenque
Leave San Cristóbal de las Casas for the impressive and beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul situated among lush vegetation. The waters descend through hills in a rapid succession of falls and pools of deep blue turquoise. Box lunch. Continue to Palenque. Accommodation at your selected hotel. B, BL
Day 9: Palenque – Villahermosa – Merida
Palenque, located on a natural balcony which opens up to the extraordinary jungle plains, is an ancient Mayan city that reached its peak from the sixth to the eighth centuries AD. The most notable buildings are the Temple of the Inscriptions, a majestic pyramid with a secret crypt; and the fabulous royal tomb. Continue to Villahermosa airport. Arrival in Merida, reception at airport and transfer to hotel. B, L
Day 10: Merida - Uxmal
Tour the Mayan site of Uxmal, whose architecture is considered one of the masterpieces of the old civilization. Then visit the small but very interesting ruins of Kabah. Return to Merida. B, L
Day 11: Merida - Cancun
Today a fascinating trip to Chichen Itza, one of the largest and best-maintained sites in Mexico. The visit includes the most prominent buildings like the Castillo, the Ball Court the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the Nunnery. Departure to Cancun for a four hours bus ride until the arrival to your hotel. B, L
Key: B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner / BL: Box Lunch
