Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Mexico City’s vibrant streets and hear stories of Aztec emperors and revolutionary artists
- Journey through the Chiapas highlands and learn of the traditions of modern-day Maya
- Discover the iconic Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Kabah and Chichen Itza, hidden in the jungle
- Relax on Tulum’s white-sand beaches, visit the jade cenotes or head to the dramatic cliffside ruins
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
This vibrant, tailor-made itinerary takes you deep into the heart of Mexico, blending ancient history, rich culture and dazzling natural beauty with time to unwind on the Caribbean coast.
Beginning in bustling Mexico City, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Aztec emperors and revolutionary artists, during which you’ll learn about centuries of history. From here, fly southeast to the lush highlands of Chiapas, where charming colonial towns and traditional villages offer you a warm welcome – and an insight into the lives and customs of the region’s modern-day Maya communities.
As you make your way northeast through the jungle-fringed landscapes of Palenque and the Yucatán Peninsula, uncover some of the most iconic and evocative Mayan ruins in Mexico: the grand temples of Uxmal and Kabah, and the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza. Along the way, you’ll also get to explore dramatic canyons, visit turquoise waterfalls and taste the flavours of each diverse region.
And when it’s time to slow down, your final days are spent on the powder-soft beaches of Tulum. Discover jade cenotes and the cliffside ruins on a walk or simply choose to relax by the sea.
Whether you’re a culture lover, a keen historian or want to experience Mexico's wild and wonderful sides, this immersive sample route gives you an experience like no other.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Mexico
Day 2 | Mexico City
Soak up the culture and history of Mexico City on a private tour.
Built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, the city's main square and centre point is the Zocalo, one of the largest public squares in the world. Flanked by some of the city's most important buildings, stop by the Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest church in Latin America) and the Palacio Nacional (closed on Monday), home to a series of murals by Diego Rivera depicting the country's complex history.
Drive along the famous boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma (Mexico City's main thoroughfare), which once connected the Zocalo with the castle of Chapultepec, once home to Emperor Maximilian during his short-lived reign.
This afternoon, visit the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the most highly regarded museums in the Americas, and get lost in the treasures of Aztec culture.
Day 3 | Mexico City to San Cristobal de las Casas
This morning, take a short flight south to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, gateway to Chiapas’ natural wonders.
On arrival, head straight to the dramatic Sumidero Canyon, formed approximately 36 million years ago. Board a motorboat to cruise along the Grijalva River, beneath towering cliffs that soar over 1,000 metres above you, and keep an eye out for herons, monkeys and crocodiles.
In the afternoon, travel into the highlands. Your destination is San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial town in pine-forested hills. While here, check in for a two-night stay, soaking up the cool, clear mountain air and laid-back pace of life.
Day 4 | San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas is an absolute pleasure to explore, with its picturesque cobbled streets and markets, welcoming ambience and wonderfully clear highland light.
Explore the colonial centre on foot on a private tour, visiting the cathedral with its lavish interior, gold-encrusted pulpit and the impressive 16th-century Santo Domingo temple. A ten-kilometre drive into the highlands lies the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Descending from the ancient Maya, these local people maintain many unique customs, costumes and beliefs.
Visit the beautiful church in San Juan Chamula as well as the nearby village of Zinacantan and its local handicraft market.
Day 5 | San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque
Travel to Palenque, stopping along the way at Agua Azul, which features some of the country's most beautiful waterfalls.
Surrounded by rainforest, over 500 cascades create aquamarine coloured rock pools. A refreshing dip provides relief from the heat and humidity of the lowlands.
Continue on to Palenque, where you'll stay at Quinta Cha Nab Nal for one night. It's ideally located for your morning visit to the Palenque archaeological site.
Day 6 | Palenque to Merida
This morning, take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Palenque.
Hidden within the jungle, these temples are a fantastic example of Mayan architecture in Mexico. Wander through the 500 buildings spread throughout the jungle, exploring the Temple of the Inscriptions (the tallest of the buildings), the Temple of the Sun (crowned with a prominent roof comb) and the Palace (with its maze of corridors and rooms).
In the afternoon, fly to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Day 7 | Merida
Though a bustling city, Merida's historic centre retains its colonial charm, while its laid-back tempo is a delight for visitors. It features a large, leafy main plaza and impressive European-style mansion houses painted in warm pastel shades.
Enjoy a city tour, taking in all the city's highlights, and visit the archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is characterised by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards and symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting Chaac, the rain god. It's considered one of the best examples of Puuc architecture in the region.
Visit the House of the Magician, which dominates the site as well as the House of Turtles and Nunnery. At Kabah, marvel at the Palace of Masks, featuring nearly 300 masks of Chaac.
Day 8 | Merida to Chichen Itza and Tulum
From Merida, transfer to the most famous Mayan city: Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Chichen Itza, meaning 'Mouth of the Well of the Water-Sorcerer', is the best restored Yucatan Mayan site and dates back to late Classic times, AD600-900. The major buildings in the north display a Toltec influence and are dominated by El Castillo, the most iconic image of this site.
Continue onwards to Tulum for a three-night relaxing stay on one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Day 9-10 | Tulum
Enjoy two free days to relax by the beach or explore the local area.
If you still want to explore Mayan sites, visit nearby Tulum. Dating back to the 12th century, the site commands a spectacular position overlooking the beautiful beach. Being a limestone peninsula, the Yucatan is covered in cenotes (sinkholes).
If you're seeking adventure, head to one of the many cenotes in the region. Said to be the ancient Mayan means of communication to the underworld, these sinkholes, often surrounded by lush jungle, are a wonder to swim, snorkel and dive in.
Day 11 | Flight Home
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
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- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
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