Magical Mexico

Fly southeast this morning to Oaxaca, nestled in a valley encircled by the Sierra Madre del Sur. Once a centre of Mixtec and Zapotec civilisations, the city has now taken on a Spanish flavour, blending colonial elegance with indigenous heritage.

This afternoon, set out on a private walking tour through Oaxaca’s colourful streets, where baroque churches, leafy plazas and lively markets reflect centuries of rich cultural fusion. Take in the laid-back atmosphere, admire the city’s vibrant facades and get a taste of its celebrated local cuisine.

Stay at Parador San Miguel for the next two nights.

Travel just outside Oaxaca to Monte Albán, one of Mexico's most important and impressive Zapotec sites. Perched high above the valley floor, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers sweeping views over the Oaxaca Valley.

Walk among the vast ceremonial plazas, temples and pyramids that once formed the region’s political and spiritual heart. Discover the site's key features – including the Gran Plaza, Ball Court, Observatory and Palace – and learn of the civilisation that once thrived here. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Transfer to Mexico City and fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the gateway to one of Mexico’s most dramatic natural wonders. On arrival, set off by motorboat through the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon, where towering cliffs soar over 1,000 metres above the Grijalva River. It was formed 36 million years ago and is home to crocodiles, herons and spider monkeys, which you can see as you cruise.

Later, continue by road into the highlands and arrive at San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautifully preserved colonial town surrounded by pine forest.

Settle in for a two-night stay at Diego de Mazariegos.

Begin the day with a private walking tour of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a city of cobbled streets, pastel buildings and artisan markets. Then you visit an ornate cathedral and the 16th-century Santo Domingo temple, a baroque masterpiece.

Afterwards, travel into the highlands to discover the Tzotzil Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. These communities preserve pre-Hispanic traditions, visible in their striking clothing, rituals, churches and markets. Return to your hotel for the night.

Depart San Cristóbal and travel through lush landscapes toward Palenque. En route, you stop at Agua Azul, home to some of the world’s most vivid aquamarine waterfalls in a rainforest. With more than 500 cascades tumbling into natural rock pools, it’s an ideal spot for a swim or just to relax amidst nature.

Later, continue to Palenque and check in at Chan-Kah Resort. This is your base for the next two nights, ideally placed for tomorrow’s site visit.

Today, you set out early for a guided tour of Palenque, one of Mexico’s most captivating Mayan sites. The ruins include over 500 structures, shrouded in jungle and many still partly hidden beneath the canopy.

Marvel at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the tallest pyramid here, before admiring the intricate stonework of the Temple of the Sun. You then continue to The Palace, a grand complex of courtyards and corridors. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Fly from Palenque to Merida, the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula. Despite its vibrant energy, the city’s historic centre exudes colonial charm with its palm-lined plazas, pastel-hued mansions and a relaxed pace of life.

In the evening, why not sample the region’s distinctive Yucatecan cuisine? Local favourites include cochinita pibil and sopa de lima.

Settle in for a two-night stay at Hacienda Merida, ideally located for exploring nearby archaeological and natural wonders.

Alternatively, please note the journey can be made overland via Campeche with an overnight stop.

Today, visit Uxmal, one of the finest examples of Mayan Puuc architecture. Around 80km south of Merida, this UNESCO-listed site features ceremonial courtyards and intricate carvings of Chaac, the rain god. Highlights include the towering House of the Magician, the Nunnery and the House of Turtles.

Continue to nearby Kabah, home to the striking Palace of Masks, adorned with nearly 300 carved stone faces of Chaac. Return to your hotel for the night.

Spend the morning uncovering the charm of Merida, Yucatán’s cultural capital. Then you enjoy a guided city tour, revealing leafy plazas, colonial-era mansions and a thriving contemporary arts scene, with museums and galleries reflecting its rich heritage.

Afterwards, transfer to Hacienda Chichen, your peaceful base for exploring Chichén Itzá. Just moments from the site, this restored 16th-century hacienda offers an ideal setting to relax before your final day of discovery.

Spend the day at Chichén Itzá, a New Seven Wonder of the World and an extraordinary ancient Maya city. Discover the iconic pyramid ‘El Castillo’, with its 365 steps symbolising the days of the year; it’s dedicated to Kukulcan, the feathered serpent god. Explore the Sacred Cenote, a natural well central to Maya rituals and offerings to Chaak, the rain god.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to London Gatwick.

If you wish, we recommend extending your holiday by staying on the beach in Tulum or Holbox Island.