Itinerary Explore Authentic Mexico - From Teotihuacán to Chichén Itzá & Beyond

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Trip Designed by

Karen Quintero

A proud Mexican hailing from the small city of Tlaxcala. Over the past four years, she has been dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes of Mexico and has developed a profound appreciation for the authentic Mexico she has come to adore. It's a Mexico brimming with culture, natural wonders, and warm-hearted people. What sets her apart is her commitment to traveling with a positive impact and forging meaningful connections. Karen is eager to share her wealth of experiences and knowledge to assist you in crafting an authentic journey through Mexico that reflects her passion and values.

Meet our travel guides

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.

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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!

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Day 17 | Back to Mexico City

Domestic Flight from Villahermosa to Mexico City

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FAQs

Many travelers interested in the itinerary "Explore authentic Mexico" had these common questions. If you have a question that isn't here please, feel free to email us at contacto@rutopia.com, and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you might have about this or other custom made itineraries.

Sabrina N

Perfect

For those who don't like to manage logistics like hotels, rental cars, activities. And above all, to have someone who speaks fluent French that we can reach at any time for the unexpected... You are in the right place! Thank you to Chloe for the preparation of our trip, to Melina our Ariadne's thread and Teresa for her welcome and help at the arrival and departure. A big thank you to Enrique and Blanca from Nuevo-Durango for their welcome, their smiles, their family, a lot of emotions at the time to leave you. Thanks to Mémo for your teaching of Mexican customs (Sian Ka'an) The Yucatan is a magnificent region. And the population is very pleasant. Only downside Holbox... Too much dust, too much smell of fuel oil, too much tourist. I will keep in memory these wonderful moments!

pascalrichard0304

Circuit in Yucatan

Discovering wonderful and surprising sites, Mayan communities with an unforgettable welcome, breathtaking landscapes, a very pleasant climate in the middle of March...and smiling people! A big thank you to Rutopia and his team for the elaboration of this ideal circuit, alternating nature, city life, simplicity and comfort. Thanks to Mélina for the follow-up during our trip. We don't speak Spanish well enough, and we appreciated having a French-speaking contact person who could be reached if necessary. We still have a lot to discover and hope to come back very soon, and with Rutopia without hesitation!

Claudia A

Super organization, great accommodations and nice team

The trip was perfectly organized, we were always exclusive or in very small groups and had freedom to do our own activities. All accommodations were fantastic and sustainable, the food almost always local and very good, we could always fill our Rutopia water bottles and travel as plastic free as possible. We were met at the airport and had assistance getting a rental car. After that, we traveled independently but had our fixed dates and reservations with Rutopia. It was the perfect mix!

Mikel D

The best moment lived in Mexico

We were traveling as a group of friends with nothing organized. We like to improvise and be able to find alternative plans to the conventional tourist routes. We arrived in Puerto Escondido - Mexico's paradise - and started looking for options. A Mexican friend recommended us to contact Rutopia and we did. We explained our way of traveling - which they quickly understood - and in a few hours they came to us with a perfect selection of activities. We chose one of them and the next day we found ourselves galloping through beautiful hills, crossing a small lagoon in canoes, bathing on an unspoiled beach at sunset and sipping freshly picked coconuts with some mezcal. We had dinner in the only hut on the beach, eating fish that had been caught that day from the lagoon. Then we went to see the luminescence of the placton with paddle canoes until we were surprised by one of the biggest and reddest moons I have ever seen in my life. We ended up sleeping in bamboo huts a few meters from the waves. There were no more than 5 huts on the miles of beach that we could see. And at ALL times with an exquisite treatment - sympathy, kindness and attention. This is just one of the plans we booked with Rutopia, which definitely changed the course of our trip. Without a doubt, I would repeat this experience in any place I would like to visit in Mexico. Viva Mexico!

Alexhcros1500

Super local agency

We have worked with Rutopia for several tours in Mexico in the Yucatán and Chiapas and we have never been disappointed. Authentic experiences, with locals, in magical places and off the beaten tourist track. Our contact Marisol was always super available and responsive, understanding and anticipating our desires. And she speaks very good French. I highly recommend Rutopia!

Bikø J

Chiapas, Neri and her family

I traveled to Chiapas for an ecotourism experience with Rutopia and I liked it very much, the team responds very quickly to all questions and accompany the traveler throughout the experience, I missed my flight and they were very flexible to accommodate the entire itinerary, My destination was the lakes of Tziscao, where I was received by Neri with his family in very nice cabins next to a lake with incredible views and a magnificent tranquility, with them you make experiences of beekeeping and coffee and tours to nearby lakes, Montebello is a must! 100% recommended.

DaniEla

Just wonderful!

We had an amazing trip excellent organized by Jorge and supervised by Melina from Rutopia. We spent 10 days in Mexico, starting in Ciudad de Mexico where we visited the amazing Teotihuacan and then we flew to Yucatan for the amazing sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid and the great Island Holbox. The trip was perfectly organized, the hotels were very good, and the guides were carefully chosen. We highly recommend Rutopia and especially Jorge! Leer menos

David

Journey to Mexico City, Cholula and Cuetzalan

We had a wonderful time. We started out in Mexico City with a 2 day tour filled with museums, food, and beautiful sights. We then went on to Cholula to experience the culture in a smaller town, see a local market, and eat traditional food. We finished the tour in a small town called Cuetzalan, where most people speak an indigenous language. All of our guides were great. Thank you for a memorable vacation!

Elena R.

A literally perfect trip to the Yucatan peninsula

Tom and I knew we wanted to go to Mexico. We knew we wanted a little bit of culture, some wildlife, and maybe a splash in the ocean. That's it. With the vague and minimal information we gave them, Rutopia was able to put together a perfect trip for us. We had a flawless itinerary. It's so clear that Rutopia really cares about the communities (animals and humans) in Mexico. Everything we did and everywhere we stayed felt like they were helping us experience Mexico as authentically and respectfully as possible. It's almost impossible to pick a highlight, but top of the list has to be the day we shared with Enrique, a Mayan host who was unbelievably generous with us. He shared the community gardens, including history and background about the families that live in Nuevo Durango and other nearby communities. He showed us the neighborhood cenotes, Punta Laguna, Uma Nojoch Keej (a wildlife reserve), and more. We picked and prepared the plants as Enrique and his wife Blanca showed us the best way to cook them (and rescued us when we were pricked by the nopales!). We saw howler monkeys and spider monkeys in the wild which was very cool. That had to be the very best day, but every day was amazing. Sian Ka'an reserve was lovely, the Mayan ruins were spectacular, the snorkeling in Puerto Morelos was fabulous, the bicycle cenote tour was jaw'droppingly gorgeous. I'm waxing superlative but it really all was like a dream. Beyond the activities, the scheduling and pace was perfect for us. We felt like we really made the most of our six days, but with enough downtime to explore and enjoy at our leisure. From picking up our car at the airport to finding our accommodation, the logistics were very smooth at every interaction. Special shoutout to Melina who pretty much instantly helped us when we had any questions about the trip. We've never used a travel planning service like this before. But after this trip, we'll never go back to the old way!

Varadarajan

Fantastic Will do it again

My wife and I had a fantastic holiday in Mexico thanks to Marisol, Ana, Teresa and their colleagues & partners. The entire itinerary and arrangements were put together in less than 4 days. What we really liked about Marisol & her team was that they were only a message or a phone call away for any query/suggestion, etc. The trip was bespoke to the extent that Rutopia had kept in mind about our interests, food habits & executed bookings, tours. They were also very flexible in catering to last minute changes/requests. The team took upon them to ensure that our entire trip was comfortable & safe by taking care of even small stuff that one normally finds out post getting to a place. We would definitely like to use their services again!!

Sue G

Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico

Rutopia did an outstanding job with the arrangement and execution of a 9 day tour of Mayan sites in the Yucatan peninsula. We provided Rutopia with the general parameters of the trip we wanted and they suggested an itinerary. After our approval, they set up the hotels, transportation within Mexico, and site tours. The hotels were good quality, and all of the drivers and tour guides showed up on time. We were very impressed with the quality of the tour guides and learned a lot on the trip. Jorge handled setting up the itinerary, and Melina handled the execution of the trip and was readily available via WhatsApp throughout the trip for any questions or issues. Melina was particularly helpful in changing our transportation arrangements to the airport at the last minute per our request. I would recommend Rutopia and would use them again for future trips.

Cat839

Great experience with this agency, totally recommend!

Great experience with this agency. Our tour in Mexico was perfect and organised with great passion and precision. Special thanks to Mel (our direct contact during the trip) for being super responsive and to Jorge Barbosa (our tour guide in Mexico City). Totally recommend this tour operator!

Adventures in the Yucatán!

Such an amazing time in the Yucatán! Between floating in the mangroves to visiting Chichén Itzá to spending a whole day on the beach in El Cuyo, I couldn’t have planned a better trip without their help. Thank you so much for an unforgettable birthday vacation!! Simply amazing! Don’t think twice about having them help you plan your next vacation!

Kris S.

Enjoyed using Rutopia

Enjoyed using Rutopia (Marisol and Melina) to plan my trip to Mexico. Marisol helped me figure out the best options fand booked everything. Melina was my in country support. Rutopia (the company through Kim Kim) is great and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take the burden out of vacation planning. My son and I truly enjoyed the trip knowing everything was taken care of and we just had to have fun. Thanks!

Victoria O.

Two Weeks in Mexico

Seamless transfers, excellent hotels particularly in Mexico city and Puebla, combined with various cultural and food tours. Particular highlights were the cultural/food tours in Mexico city and Puebla (also including the anthropology museum in Mexico city), and the rural tours in Oaxaca where we visited textile workshops, mescal producers and participated in a cooking class using traditional equipment. Also, although we didn't need it, the on call remote assistance was reassuring. I would definitely recommend Rutopia.

Explore authentic Mexico

Itinerary Highlights