From
NZ $2,650 per person

Real Mexico (from Mexico City to Tulum)

14 days
From Mexico City to Tulum
4.7
9 traveler reviews
From
NZ $2,650 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
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2026

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Mexico City

    You'll arrive in Mexico City where a welcome meeting kicks off at 6 pm. If you get there early, there's time to walk through the city's museums and galleries, or head out to see the colorful boats at Xochimilco. After the meeting wraps up, grab some tacos and check out the nightlife spots your trip leader recommends.

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Chapultepec area with its many museums
    • Cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco on colorfully painted boats
    • Visit the National Palace to see Diego Rivera's murals
    • Explore Mexico City's nightlife
    Landmarks/POIs
    Chapultepec
    Xochimilco
    National Palace
  2. Day 2

    Mexico City

    Start with chilaquiles for breakfast, then your leader takes you on an orientation walk through historic Mexico City. You'll visit Gastromotiva, an Intrepid Foundation partner working on food scarcity issues. Later, join a taco crawl with local street vendors. The afternoon is yours to spend at the Frida Kahlo Museum, Museum of Anthropology, or Palace of Fine Art, or just wander around trying street food.

    Included Activities

    • Leader-led orientation walk around historic centre
    • Visit Gastromotiva (Intrepid Foundation partner)
    • Leader-led taco crawl with local street food vendors

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Frida Kahlo Museum
    • Visit Museum of Anthropology
    • Visit Palace of Fine Art
    • Snack on tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones around the city
    Landmarks/POIs
    Frida Kahlo Museum
    National Museum of Anthropology
    Palace of Fine Arts
  3. Day 3

    Mexico City to Oaxaca

    Take a public bus south to Oaxaca, a colorful colonial town. Your leader guides you through an orientation walk when you arrive. With two full days here, you'll have plenty of time to wander cobbled streets, browse indigenous markets selling woven textiles, and try regional food specialties. Don't skip tejate, a maize and cinnamon-flavored chocolate drink that's local to the area.

    Included Activities

    • Leader-led orientation walk in Oaxaca

    Optional Activities

    • Explore indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec markets for woven blankets and shawls
    • Sample regional food specialties including cactus fruit, spicy baked chili, and lime grasshoppers
    • Try tejate (maize and cinnamon-flavored chocolate drink)
    Landmarks/POIs
    Oaxaca Historic Centre
  4. Day 4

    Oaxaca

    This day is completely free in Oaxaca. You could head to Monte Alban, a mountaintop pre-Columbian ceremonial center with fantastic valley views, or check out the Mitla Ruins, an important Zapotec religious site. If you want something more relaxed, Hierve el Agua has mineral pools and calcified waterfalls with sweeping countryside views.

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Monte Alban mountaintop temples and pre-Columbian ceremonial center
    • Take a day tour of Mitla Ruins (Zapotec archaeological site)
    • Visit Hierve el Agua mineral springs and calcified waterfalls
    Landmarks/POIs
    Monte Alban
    Mitla Ruins
    Hierve el Agua
  5. Day 5

    Oaxaca

    Another free day in Oaxaca to spend however you like. A cooking class is an option if you want to try your hand at local cuisine, or you could explore artisan stores in the markets and visit the historic Templo de Santo Domingo, a grand stone church. Later tonight, you'll board an overnight bus heading to San Cristobal de las Casas.

    Optional Activities

    • Take a cooking class in Oaxaca
    • Explore artisan stores in markets and around town
    • Visit Templo de Santo Domingo (historic stone church)
    Landmarks/POIs
    Templo de Santo Domingo
  6. Day 6

    San Cristobal de las Casas

    You'll arrive in San Cristobal de las Casas, a highland village with pastel-colored buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and pre-Hispanic roots. After settling in, your leader points out the main highlights during a morning orientation walk. Then visit the colorful Santo Domingo textile market to shop for jewelry and clothing, and explore local cafes or try pox, a traditional corn-based liquor.

    Included Activities

    • Leader-led orientation walk in San Cristobal de las Casas
    • Visit Santo Domingo textile market

    Optional Activities

    • Visit local cafes for baked goods
    • Try pox (traditional corn-based liquor)
    Landmarks/POIs
    Santo Domingo Market
  7. Day 7

    San Cristobal de las Casas

    No early start today. Explore San Cristobal at your own pace, soaking in the cobblestone streets and old-world architecture mixed with pre-Hispanic influences. If you want adventure, take a boat trip down the Rio Grijalva through Sumidero Canyon, or explore nearby villages by mountain bike.

    Optional Activities

    • Explore cobblestone streets and architecture of San Cristobal
    • Visit Sumidero Canyon and boat ride down Rio Grijalva
    • Mountain bike exploration of nearby villages
    Landmarks/POIs
    Sumidero Canyon
    Rio Grijalva
  8. Day 8

    San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque

    Head out from San Cristobal toward Palenque, a central town in a steamy jungle close to nearby Maya ruins. The afternoon is free to relax or wander around and check out the area.

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Palenque town
    • Relax in the afternoon
  9. Day 9

    Palenque

    Visit the archaeological ruins of Palenque, impressive Maya structures dating back to around AD 600 sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick jungle. During a self-guided walk among the temples, you'll hear howler monkeys and parrots calling from the forest. Many ruins remain unexcavated and hidden in the jungle. Guided tours or trips to a hidden jungle waterfall are available for an extra fee. Later, head to Misol-Ha waterfall for a refreshing time in nature.

    Included Activities

    • Palenque archaeological site entrance and access
    • Misol-Ha waterfall visit

    Optional Activities

    • Guided tour of Palenque ruins (extra fee)
    • Guided jungle tour to hidden waterfall (extra fee)
    Landmarks/POIs
    Palenque Archaeological Zone
    Misol-Ha Waterfall
  10. Day 10

    Palenque to Campeche

    Take a local bus to the coast and arrive in Campeche, a seaside town with colorful streets lined with multi-colored low-rise buildings. Your leader guides you through an orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. For dinner, find fresh seafood almost anywhere in town, or try the local restaurants at Portales de San Martin.

    Included Activities

    • Leader-led orientation walk in Campeche

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Campeche's colorful streets
    • Dine at seafood restaurants or Portales de San Martin
    Landmarks/POIs
    Portales de San Martin
  11. Day 11

    Campeche to Valladolid

    You're heading to Valladolid, known for its pastel-colored buildings. On the way, stop in Becal, called 'the Hat Town', where you'll meet an artisan who weaves traditional jipi hats. Learn how palm bunches are dried, dyed, and braided into beautiful hats by skilled artisans working in humidity-controlled caves. After arriving in Valladolid, visit a local market with your leader, then you'll have a free evening to explore the town.

    Included Activities

    • Visit Becal jipi hat artisan cave studio and meet weaver
    • Valladolid local market visit with leader

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Valladolid in the evening
    Landmarks/POIs
    Becal
  12. Day 12

    Valladolid

    A free day to explore Valladolid and the surrounding area. Start with a morning walk around the city's nice streets, then head to one of the nearby cenotes like Xkeken, Samula, Nool-Ha, or Suytun. These natural swimming holes let you hang out in underground caves with huge stalactites above you, swimming in electric blue waters. Later, ask your leader for recommendations on the best local food spots for dinner.

    Optional Activities

    • Morning walk around Valladolid's streets
    • Visit Xkeken cenote
    • Visit Samula cenote
    • Visit Nool-Ha cenote
    • Visit Suytun cenote
    Landmarks/POIs
    Xkeken Cenote
    Samula Cenote
    Suytun Cenote
  13. Day 13

    Valladolid to Playa del Carmen

    This morning, visit Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and the most important example of Maya and Toltec fusion in Yucatan. You'll see the Caracol stellar observatory, Great Ball Court, and El Castillo step pyramid. For lunch, enjoy a pibil feast with a local family, featuring traditional Maya cooking with food wrapped in banana leaves and barbecued underground. After that, swim at Yokdzonot cenote, developed by local Maya women as a sustainable community project. Later, continue to Playa del Carmen with clear waters and nice beaches. Your leader walks you around to get oriented, and you can relax, snorkel among mangroves or underground caverns, or stroll the white-sand beaches. End the day with seafood and margaritas with your group.

    Meals
    Lunch (Home-cooked pibil feast with local family in Piste (traditional Maya style cooking with food wrapped in banana leaves and barbecued underground))

    Included Activities

    • Chichen Itza archaeological site entrance and access
    • Home-cooked pibil lunch with local family in Piste
    • Yokdzonot cenote visit and swim
    • Leader-led orientation walk in Playa del Carmen

    Optional Activities

    • Snorkel among mangroves in Playa del Carmen
    • Snorkel in underground caverns
    • Stroll white-sand beaches of Playa del Carmen
    • Dine on seafood
    • Enjoy margaritas with the group
    Landmarks/POIs
    Chichen Itza
    El Castillo (Chichen Itza)
    Great Ball Court (Chichen Itza)
    Caracol (Chichen Itza)
    Yokdzonot Cenote
  14. Day 14

    Playa del Carmen

    Your tour ends today, but you don't have to leave yet. With no planned activities, this is a good day to take a half-day tour south to Tulum archaeological site, positioned on a cliff overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters. Or spend more time in Playa del Carmen and contact your booking agent if you want to arrange extra accommodation.

    Optional Activities

    • Half-day tour to Tulum archaeological site
    Landmarks/POIs
    Tulum Archaeological Site
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

1,029

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

8 hours

Response rate

64%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.2
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Great tour guide! Great destinations. 1/1 trip
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Excellent host and well planned trip with just the right amount of time in each city.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    I truly felt that I saw the 'real' Mexico on this trip. It exceeded my expectations in terms of activities, accommodation and understanding/learning the Mexican culture. It helped having Adrianna as a great tour guide, knowing the ins and outs of the cities as well as hidden gems for good food!
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Brilliant experience- we booked through TrekAmerica which we found werent that helpful as a booking agent, the information on their website was not as up-to-date as the intrepid site.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    The arrangements are very nice, got to see a lot of cool stuff and had amazing experiences. Tour guide is super responsible, helpful, chill and fun
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    The tour is structured very well with heaps of flexibility, yet it hits all the must-see attractions. Pilar our guide was amazing and her help alone is worth going on the tour for.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    The guide was amazing, places were amazing, plenty to do and see and eat
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • M
    · September 18th, 2019
    This was a fun, well-paced and excellently organised trip! Pilar was an outstanding tour leader with so much knowledge and passion to share. The group was comprised of wonderful, like-minded travellers which meant everyone got along really well. I certainly cherish the friends I made and the experiences I had on this trip.
    Show more
    Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 1Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 2Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 3Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 4
    Trip date: August 2019
  • SM
    · September 15th, 2019
    My tour was fantastic! Our guide Pilar was...
    Show more
    Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 1Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 2Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 3Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 4Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 5Real Mexico  (from Mexico City to Tulum) customer review photo 6
    Trip date: August 2019

Dates & Availability

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2027

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends on 12 Nov, 2025
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • J

    Jeff

    Asked on April 16th, 2023

    Me and my boyfriend are interested in this trip but we are 31 and 34 and the limit age is 29. Is it really a trip for younger people or is it possible to book also for us?

    Age Range
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten April 2023

      This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds; we've got over 900 other great adventures for travelers over 29. Below are some tours that might interest you. Mexico Unplugged, Maya Encounter.

  • W

    Wayne

    Asked on January 31st, 2023

    Give details for visa, tour guide, accommodation, places of visit in Mexico, I am in Nigeria.

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten February 2023

      Many countries require a visa, and getting the right visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. Please get in touch with the consulate or embassy for Mexico for more information regarding visa application.

  • T

    Tracey

    Asked on October 14th, 2022

    I would like to book the tour beginning on November 22nd. But I have a few questions: Will you be able to drop us off on the final day at airport if needed? I will have one big luggage during the trip, is this ok too?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2022

      Thanks for your enquiry - you've selected a great tour. We wanted to inform you that Intrepid Travel has received your request and will get back to you as soon as their local office opens.

  • A

    Alexander

    Asked on September 11th, 2022

    Wondering if there's going to be any special discounts potentially going on for this tour data? If not, is there any potential way to also lower price (e.g. if I have used intrepid before etc.)?

    Payments
    Price / Availability
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2022

      Keep an eye out for our Cyber Sale beginning November 20, 2022! If you are booked on a tour and have not paid in full (outside of 56 days to departure) we can honour applicable sale pricing. Make sure to reach out to the travel agency for any discounts.

  • D

    David

    Asked on January 8th, 2022

    are all itineraies in this tour recommended or suitable for healthy 60 yrs old couples?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten January 2022

      Our Real Mexico trip is an 18-29's itinerary, so that specific trip would not be a great fit! However, we do have a very similar itinerary called Mexico Unplugged, I have attached the trip notes for that tour for you. I do not see anything in the itinerary that you wouldn't be able to enjoy.

  • A

    Andrea

    Asked on December 1st, 2016

    Is the accommodation based on twinshare occupancy?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2016

      This particular tour stays in hotels that are based on a twin share basis.

  • M

    Marc

    Asked on December 1st, 2016

    Is post tour accommodation available on this tour?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2016

      There is post accommodation available however we can not quote you on this until we have made a hold or booking with the operator.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 8 hours.
From
NZ $2,650 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 63806

  • Currency
    $
    Mexican Peso
    Mexico
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Mexico. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Mexico. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Mexico. Ideally 2 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before December 30th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 30th, 2025, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec