Itinerary Highlights
- Tour the great archaeological zone of Teotihuacán from Mexico City
- Visit a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary from Mexico City
- Archeology and crafts in Monte Albán, Mitla, Hierve el Agua and artisan communities in Oaxaca
- Visit Chichén Itzá and a local Cenote
- Explore the wild nature of Celestún from Mérida
- Visit to the Puuc route in Yucatán
- Visit Calakmul in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve in Campeche
- Immerse yourself in the ancient Mayan cities of Yaxchilán, Bonampak and Palenque in Chiapas.
Day 1 | Welcome to Mexico City!
Upon arrival at the airport and check-in at the hotel, you'll have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2 | Free day in Mexico city
Experience Mexico City's vibrant culture and rich history on a guided city tour with food tasting. From the iconic Zócalo to the majestic Chapultepec Castle, explore the city's highlights before indulging in delicious street tacos and authentic mole poblano. Join us for a culinary adventure through the heart of Mexico City!
Day 3 | Visit a Traditional Floating Farm in Xochimilco
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Xochimilco. In this exciting 4.5-hour tour, we invite you to explore the beautiful canals aboard a traditional trajinera with an expert guide. The tour begins at a demonstrative chinampa, where you will participate in the process of cultivating various vegetables. Discover the ancestral techniques of pre-Hispanic agriculture and see how fresh ingredients are harvested for later use.
In addition, we would recommend taking a kayaking tour amidst the calm and serenity of the reserve, which envelops you as you navigate towards the Apatlaco canal. Your guide will assist you in identifying and learning about the species inhabiting the Xochimilco Ecological Reserve. During this three-hour tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire the diverse flora and fauna inhabiting the wetlands.
Additional Recommendation | Visit a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Your local guide will lead you on a tour of a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. These species are renowned for their migration cycles and distinctive appearance, allowing you to gain insightful background information about them.
(Available only from November to March)
Day 4 | Tour of the great archaeological site of Teotihuacán: The City of the Gods
Embark on a journey through archaeological sites, mingle with local artisans, and indulge in pulque tasting. Teotihuacán, a sprawling complex, offers myriad corners waiting to be discovered. Upon arrival at the archaeological zone, traverse the famed Causeway of the Dead, the central avenue providing a vantage point for admiring the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. After your exploration, a private transfer will whisk you away to Puebla.
Day 5 | From Puebla to Oaxaca
Savor a leisurely morning in Puebla, perhaps participating in a Talavera workshop to immerse yourself in the local artisanal tradition. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 4-hour journey to Oaxaca, where you can continue your exploration of this culturally rich city. Indulge in a visit to one of Oaxaca's renowned museums, like the Textile Museum of Oaxaca or the Museum of Cultures, to deepen your understanding of Mexican heritage through captivating exhibitions.
Day 6 | Archaeological Exploration and Craftsmanship
Embark on an immersive journey through the historical sites of Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapan and Coyotepec. Join a guided group tour, spanning approximately 9 hours, to delve into Oaxaca's rich cultural heritage. Begin your adventure at the Monte Albán Archaeological Zone, nestled amidst picturesque mountains and valleys. Explore significant landmarks such as the North Platform and the Great Plaza, with highlights including the awe-inspiring Gallery of the Dancers and the ancient ball game court.
Day 7 | Street art tour in Oaxaca City
Your local guide will lead you on a bike ride through various neighborhoods of Oaxaca, such as the Barrio de Xochimilco and the Barrio de Jalatlaco. During this experience, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's vibrant street art and murals.
Day 8 | A Culinary Journey through Colors and Flavors in Oaxaca
Join your local guide for a culinary adventure starting at the bustling "Mercado de Abastos," where you'll savor the renowned Doña Vale memelas. Next, to the "Mercado de la Merced" to indulge in empanadas cooked over a charcoal stove, accompanied by various sauces. Then, tantalize your taste buds with a grasshopper omelet and pennyroyal tea. In the Trinidad de las Huertas neighborhood, savor piedrazos, vinegar-soaked bread. Continue to the Reforma neighborhood for stewed tacos and choose between tetelas or tacos from Comal del Carmen. Conclude your journey with the best tortas in Oaxaca and empanadas de amarillo.
Day 9 | Welcome to the Yucatán Peninsula!
Catch a direct domestic flight from Oaxaca City International Airport to Cancún International Airport, then proceed to your accommodation in Valladolid.
Day 10 | Discovering Nature's Treasures: A Day in Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Valladolid, Mexico. Start your day with a mesmerizing boat tour through the mangrove-lined waterways, where you'll encounter an array of exotic bird species, including vibrant flamingos (depending on the season), herons, and pelicans. As you navigate the serene lagoons, keep an eye out for the resident crocodiles and other fascinating wildlife.
Day 11 | Visit Chichén Itzá and Lol-ha cenote
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Valladolid to explore the Archaeological Zone of Chichén Itzá with a private local guide. Afterwards, you'll be transported to the Mayan community of Lol-ha, known for its cenote that remains undiscovered by many tourists, offering a more exclusive experience. Here, you can indulge in a delicious local meal before taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Then, transfer to your hotel in Mérida. The afternoon is yours to explore the city, where you can savor the diverse and delicious cuisine of the Yucatán capital with our top recommendations. Rest up for the night ahead.
Additional Recommendation | Explore the wild nature of Celestún from Mérida
Embark on your adventure in an eco-tourist paradise, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve and wildlife refuge since 1979. Join a boat tour along the Esperanza River mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, encountering diverse wildlife including migratory ducks, fish, pelicans and pink flamingos. Afterwards, swim in natural pools and explore tunnels formed by branches. Conclude your trip with a delicious meal overlooking the beach.
Day 12 | Discovering Mérida's Sweet Secrets: A Honey Tour Experience
Immerse yourself in the sweet world of Mérida's famous honey production with our captivating honey tour. Begin your journey by visiting local apiaries, where expert beekeepers will unveil the secrets of traditional Mayan beekeeping techniques. Learn about the intricate process of honey extraction and sample an array of pure, raw honey varieties, each bursting with unique flavors.
Day 13 | Visit to the Puuc route
Meet your local guide in the hotel lobby at 8 am for a full-day activity lasting approximately 9 hours. Explore the Puuc routes, ancient Mayan pathways connecting cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. Begin with a visit to Kabah, where your guide will unveil the city's secrets and the purpose of its structures. Next, journey to Uxmal, renowned for its exceptional Mayan architecture. After lunch, continue your journey to Campeche.
Day 14 | Visit Calakmul in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve
Your transportation will accompany you alongside your local guide on a full-day excursion to explore one of Mexico's archaeological wonders: the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul.
Day 15 | Palenque: A Tropical Oasis
In the heart of the Chiapaneca jungle you find the city of Palenque, where you can spend a relaxing day surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in the pool, enjoy a massage, take a bath in the temazcal and savor delicious traditional Chiapas food.
Day 16 | Archaeological site of Palenque and Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
Explore the Archaeological Zone of Palenque, a mere fifteen-minute drive from the town bearing its name. This ancient city stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mayan world. In addition, venture to the Roberto Barrios waterfalls, also known as the Bascán Valley waterfalls, situated at the gateway to the Chiapaneca jungle, offering a natural paradise to behold.
Day 17 | Back to Mexico City
Domestic Flight from Villahermosa to Mexico City