Itinerary
- Day 1
Mexico City
You'll arrive in Mexico City on your own schedule and check into your hotel whenever convenient. There are no organized activities today, so the afternoon is completely yours to adjust and rest. If you land early and feel up to exploring, the Alameda Central park is close by, or you could head to the Templo Mayor Museum to get oriented with some pre-Hispanic history.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casa Blanca)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around Alameda Central, Mexico City's oldest municipal park
- Visit the Templo Mayor Museum to explore exhibits relating to the Aztec civilization
Landmarks Alameda Central Templo Mayor Museum - Day 2
Mexico City
This morning you'll walk from your hotel toward the Zocalo like a local, stopping at a pasteleria along the way to grab traditional sweet bread. From there, head to the National Palace and the grand metropolitan cathedral. After that, you'll check out the well-preserved Aztec Templo Mayor ruins. Later in the afternoon, it's on to Chapultepec Park where you'll spend time at the National Anthropology Museum before heading back to the city centre for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casa Blanca)
Included Activities
- Guided city walk to the Zocalo
- Visit to local pasteleria for traditional sweet bread
- Visit to the National Palace (exterior)
- Visit to the metropolitan cathedral
- View the Aztec Templo Mayor ruins
- Public transport to Chapultepec Park
- Visit to the National Anthropology Museum
Optional Activities
- Additional exploration time at the National Anthropology Museum
- Independent return to the city centre
Landmarks Zocalo National Palace Metropolitan Cathedral Templo Mayor Chapultepec Park National Anthropology Museum - Day 3
Teotihuacan
You'll travel north to Teotihuacan to walk through mysterious pyramid ruins that were abandoned over 13 centuries ago. Along the way, you'll stop at the Basilica de Guadalupe, an important pilgrimage site. Then it's time to explore the Pyramids of Teotihuacan itself. After lunch nearby, you can learn about ancient agave and obsidian uses through local workshops. If you're interested, there's an optional evening climb up the Torre Latinoamericana for views across the city from above.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casa Blanca)
Included Activities
- Visit to Basilica de Guadalupe
- Guided exploration of Teotihuacan Pyramids
Optional Activities
- Discovery of ancient agave and obsidian uses in workshop and craft shop
- Climb Torre Latinoamericana in the evening
Landmarks Basilica de Guadalupe Teotihuacan Pyramids Torre Latinoamericana - Day 4
Mexico City to Oaxaca
Early today you'll drive south through cactus country toward Oaxaca, making several stops along the way. The drive takes around eight hours, and you'll see scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains the whole time. You'll arrive in the late afternoon for an orientation tour of the colourful city, then spend time walking the pedestrian streets and checking out the vibrant Zocalo before settling in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Oaxaca Real Hotel)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Oaxaca
Optional Activities
- Explore pedestrian street leading to Santo Domingo church with shops and markets
- Visit the Zocalo and enjoy terrace restaurants
Landmarks Santo Domingo Church Zocalo, Oaxaca - Day 5
Oaxaca
After breakfast, you'll head to Monte Alban, an ancient complex built by the Zapotec people over 1,500 years ago. The site has temples, pyramids, and rock carvings, and climbing the steep inclines and stairs pays off with expansive views over the Sierra Madre and the fertile valley below. Back in Oaxaca, your afternoon is free to explore the historic centre, wander through markets, or visit the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Oaxaca Real Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Monte Alban archaeological complex
Optional Activities
- Walk through historic centre of Oaxaca
- Explore local markets for souvenirs
- Visit the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca (located next to Santo Domingo Church)
Landmarks Monte Alban Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca - Day 6
Oaxaca to Tehuantepec
You'll begin a 10-hour drive toward San Cristobal through winding Sierra Madre roads with multiple stops. First, you'll see a 2,000-year-old swamp cypress tree in Santa Maria del Tule. Then you'll explore the weaving tradition in Teotitlan del Valle, where Zapotec is still spoken by locals. After that come the ancient Mixtec ruins of Mitla. You'll drive through Tehuantepec for the night stop, getting there by late evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Calli)
Included Activities
- Visit to 2,000-year-old swamp cypress tree in Santa Maria del Tule
- Visit to Teotitlan del Valle to see traditional Zapotec weaving
- Visit to Mitla archaeological site with explanation of ruins
Landmarks Santa Maria del Tule Teotitlan del Valle Mitla - Day 7
Tehuantepec to San Cristobal
You'll leave early for a 5-hour drive to Cahuare, your starting point for exploring Sumidero Canyon. Once there, you'll take a speedboat through the dramatic 41-kilometre-long canyon with walls reaching up to 1000 metres deep, carved out by the Rio Grijalva. Then it's a scenic 2-hour mountain drive to San Cristobal de las Casas, sitting at 2,210 metres where the temperature drops noticeably from the canyon heat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Casa Mexicana)
Included Activities
- Speedboat trip through Sumidero Canyon
Landmarks Sumidero Canyon - Day 8
San Cristobal
You'll spend the day exploring San Cristobal and nearby indigenous villages. Visits to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan show you how Catholicism blends with traditional Maya beliefs. You'll see bright textiles and intricate weavings throughout both places. The afternoon is yours to shop for souvenirs, walk around the charming town on foot, or check out local museums if they interest you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Casa Mexicana)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to San Juan Chamula indigenous village
- Guided visit to Zinacantan indigenous village
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan villages and shop for textiles
- Visit Na Bolom (House of the Jaguar) museum dedicated to the Lacandón tribe
- Visit Textiles Centre showcasing weaving traditions
- Visit amber museum
- Visit jade museum
- Explore San Cristobal town on foot
Landmarks San Juan Chamula Zinacantan Na Bolom - Day 9
San Cristobal to Palenque
Today is a long 8-hour drive down from the highlands through winding roads into the jungles of Palenque. You'll make stops along the way and drive through Villahermosa for lunch. There's a possible stop in Chontalpa to try the famous pina miel before you continue on to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Maya Tulipanes)
Optional Activities
- Stop in small town of Chontalpa to try famous piña miel
- Day 10
Palenque
With a guide, you'll explore the remarkable ruins of Palenque in depth, discovering the tomb of the high priest Pakal and seeing his magnificent jade death mask, one of the most prized Maya relics found back in 1952. The entire site sits shrouded by steamy rainforest, and there's something deeply mysterious about walking through a place that feels frozen in time from ancient centuries.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Maya Tulipanes)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Palenque ruins
Landmarks Palenque - Day 11
Palenque to Flores
You'll leave Palenque early and drive around 3 hours to the El Ceibo Border with Guatemala. After crossing, you'll drive another 3 hours to the town of Flores on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. This laid-back city has rich history and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Americas, plus it was the last Maya city to resist the Spanish. You'll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have time to settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casona de la Isla)
Landmarks Flores Lake Peten Itza - Day 12
Flores
You'll spend the day exploring Flores' charming old town with its pastel-painted houses and cobbled streets. You'll cross the bridge to Isla de Flores and wander through backstreets, climbing steep streets to the main square where ancient Maya stelae stand from before Spanish conquest. There's the white-painted cathedral to visit, one of Guatemala's oldest churches built on the site of an original Maya temple. If you want, take a refreshing swim in the lake. This evening, you'll enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Peten Itza with a drink.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casona de la Isla)
Included Activities
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá
Optional Activities
- Explore the charming old town of Flores
- Cross the bridge to Isla de Flores
- Visit the white-painted cathedral
- Take a refreshing swim in the lake
Landmarks Isla de Flores Cathedral of Flores Lake Petén Itzá - Day 13
Flores to Tikal
You'll visit Tikal, a great Maya city set amid rainforest that rivals celebrated ancient places like Egypt and Greece. First settled around 600 BC and abandoned by 890 AD, this 16-square-kilometre city still has relatively few temples and pyramids excavated since its rediscovery in 1848. A guided tour happens in the morning, then you have free time to explore, watch the prolific birdlife, and climb pyramid tops for views over the forest canopy. You'll head back to Flores by 3:30pm.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Casona de la Isla)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tikal archaeological complex
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Tikal independently
- Observe birdlife in rainforest
- Climb pyramids for forest canopy views
Landmarks Tikal - Day 14
Flores to San Ignacio
You'll cross into Belize heading toward San Ignacio. Along the way, you'll stop at Xunantunich, a little-known Maya site with fantastic pyramids and temples. You'll arrive at your hotel with the afternoon free. If you're interested, you can optionally visit Cahal Pech ruins on a hill near town, or walk into San Ignacio to explore the lively local market and get a feel for the place.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cahal Pech Village Resort)
Included Activities
- Visit to Xunantunich Maya site
Optional Activities
- Visit ruins of Cahal Pech near San Ignacio
- Walk to San Ignacio town and explore local market
Landmarks Xunantunich Cahal Pech - Day 15
San Ignacio to Caye Caulker
You'll drive to Belize City and then board a water taxi for a one-hour journey to Caye Caulker, a tropical island 34 kilometres northeast of the city and about 1.6 kilometres inside the greatest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. This tiny island was once a pirate lair and now offers a different experience from the mainland. Note that some group members may leave here, as the next week is optional and might not be a full group experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (La Isla Resort)
Included Activities
- Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker
Landmarks Caye Caulker - Day 16
Caye Caulker
You'll relax on Caye Caulker, an uncrowded and authentic island popular with backpackers and known for reasonably priced restaurants and a laid-back vibe. Local fishermen catch lobster, conch, fish and crab. You have free time to just hang out and swim, or you can choose from several optional activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, or going out to observe manatees if those interest you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (La Isla Resort)
Optional Activities
- Snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark and Ray Alley
- Full-day trip to Goff's Caye to observe manatees in mangrove habitat
- Scuba diving
Landmarks Hol Chan Marine Reserve Shark and Ray Alley Goff's Caye - Day 17
Caye Caulker to Bacalar
You'll leave Caye Caulker by boat, sailing back to the mainland and driving north to the Belizean border before crossing into Mexico via Chetumal. From there, you'll continue to Bacalar, a small town on the banks of Lake Bacalar in the Riviera Maya, often called the 'Seven Coloured Lagoon' for its many shades of blue. You'll take a swim in Cenote Azul, a famous water-filled limestone pool with spiritual importance to the Yucatan Maya. The afternoon is free with an optional boat trip across the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Villas Bakalar)
Included Activities
- Boat journey back to mainland from Caye Caulker
- Swim in Cenote Azul
Optional Activities
- Boat trip across Lake Bacalar
Landmarks Lake Bacalar Cenote Azul - Day 18
Bacalar to Valladolid
You'll head northeast to the clifftop ruins of Tulum overlooking turquoise water and golden sands. These late-period Maya ruins were fortified with thick ramparts and a watchtower because Maya provinces were in conflict when it was built. After that, you'll continue to Valladolid, a colonial city where you'll arrive in the late afternoon. Spend time in the picturesque colourful town centre. The town has its own cenote just blocks from the main Zocalo, perfect for a late afternoon swim.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Meson De Marquez)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Tulum ruins
Optional Activities
- Explore Valladolid town centre
- Swim in the cenote near the Zocalo
Landmarks Tulum Valladolid Cenote - Day 19
Valladolid to Merida
You'll visit Chichen Itza, founded in AD 432, re-founded in 987, and later conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century. The fusion of Maya and Toltec cultures shows in pyramids, palaces, temples and ballcourts adorned with astonishing sculptures. The main pyramid was named the Seventh New Wonder of the World in 2007. After exploring the site, you'll continue to Merida, famous for its beautiful Spanish-Moorish style architecture where you'll spend the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Del Gobernador)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Chichen Itza ruins
Optional Activities
- Explore Merida city
Landmarks Chichen Itza - Day 20
Merida
You'll visit Uxmal, one of the Yucatan's most underrated ancient cities. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive with majestic palaces, pyramids, and geometrical friezes that rank among the finest examples of ancient American art. The Pyramid of the Magician and Governor's Palace are standout examples of Mayan art in Mesoamerica. You'll return to Merida later in the day. You can wander the narrow streets watching horse-drawn carriages or visit Celestun, a pink flamingo sanctuary, if that appeals to you instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Del Gobernador)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Uxmal archaeological site
Optional Activities
- Explore narrow streets of Merida
- Visit Celestun pink flamingo sanctuary
Landmarks Uxmal Celestun - Day 21
Merida
The tour ends this morning at your hotel in Merida. You're free to depart whenever you'd like. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage is available at the hotel so you can explore the city a bit longer if you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast
