Mexico Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
The fifth largest country in the Americas, Mexico can boast its second largest economy and some truly captivating examples of pre-Columbian culture in Mesoamerica. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Mexico nurtured the development of numerous indigenous civilisations including the Olmec, the Maya, the Toltec and the Aztecs; rich cultures which flourished some four millennia before the arrival of the first Europeans.
Today the country is home to more UNESCO World Heritage ...
The fifth largest country in the Americas, Mexico can boast its second largest economy and some truly captivating examples of pre-Columbian culture in Mesoamerica. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Mexico nurtured the development of numerous indigenous civilisations including the Olmec, the Maya, the Toltec and the Aztecs; rich cultures which flourished some four millennia before the arrival of the first Europeans.
Today the country is home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the Americas and is also considered one of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth, with over 170,000 kilometres of the country set aside as ‘Protected Natural Areas’.
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, much of the country is made up of mountains and high plateaus, with the backbone of the country being formed by the Sierra Madre ranges. Colonised by the Spanish in the 16th century, much of Mexico’s population today is a rich cultural mix of Spanish and indigenous descent, with its capital, Mexico City, being heralded as one of the most populous cities on the planet. For the modern traveller Mexico has it all, offering up everything from remote trekking and horse riding trips to luxurious cultural holidays and relaxing beach getaways.
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Group tours
Travel to Mexico with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MEXICO
BEST EXPERIENCES
Daytrip to the Teotihuacan pyramids
Head to the important pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan just outside of Mexico City and enjoy learning about the history of its well-preserved murals and great pyramids, undoubtedly one of the most impressive pre-Hispanic sites in the Americas.
Take a culture tour of Mérida
Walk around the historic, colourful town of Mérida and immerse yourself in its culture and colonial history visiting the pretty plazas, the cathedral and Casa de Montejo as well as enjoying a spot of shopping if you wish using the guide’s local knowledge.
Visit the ruins of Monte Alban
This great mountain top Zapotec city has 13 centuries of history is easily the area’s most magnificent ancient ruins. Your private guide will explain the significance of the site’s pyramids, ceremonial rock carvings, huge ball court and 170 excavated tombs.
Take an overnight trip to Palenque
Take an overnight trip to visit the majestic Palenque ruins, one of the ancient Mayas most important sites tucked away in the jungle as well as discovering the colourful cascades at Aqua Azul and the towering waterfall of Misol Ha during the trip.
Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sea turtles, dolphins, frigate birds, crocodiles and more can be found in the area’s most important nature reserve. You can either enjoy kayaking around the island in mangrove forests or explore the area in motorboat.
Delight in a mural walking tour
Amongst some of the greatest contributions to Latin American art are Mexico’s murals. With a specialist guide, visit the capital’s finest art museums, the Museo Mural Diego Rivera and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, featuring important work of the master Rivera.
Tour Uxmal and Kabah Mayan sites
Take a private guided tour to two of the most fascinating sites near Mérida: Uxmal’s unique structures including the Magicians Pyramid, Governors Palace, Dove’s Temple and grand Nuns Quadrangle and the lesser-known Kabah site with its Palace of the Masks.
Hike to Hierve el Agua
Take a hike through the valleys surrounding Hierve el Agua before arriving at the bizarre rock formations known as the “petrified waterfall”. Along the way stop at a hidden waterfall for a chance to swim in the natural springs of an ancient canyon.
Tour world-famous Chichén Itzá
Being awarded the title of one of the seven wonders of the world has drawbacks, but you can keep the majesty alive with a private guided tour of the amazing Mayan archaeological site and its numerous temples, the Mayan ball course and the El Castillo pyramid.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Merida
Mérida was founded by the Spanish in 1542, on the site of an ancient Maya settlement. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, Mérida is filled ...
Mexico City
The Mexican capital is a rich cacophony of sights, sounds and superlatives. Home to more than 20 million people, it lies in the shadow of two towering volcanic peaks high on the plateau of ...
Oaxaca
The capital of Mexico's mountainous culinary destination, this charming colonial city is set amongst the lush landscapes of the central valleys of south-western Mexico. Nestling in the foothills of ...
San Cristobal
San Cristobal was named after a Spanish priest who was a staunch defender of the rights of the indigenous peoples. Set amongst a landscape that lay at the heart of Maya culture for centuries, the city ...
Tulum
Ancient Tulum once served as a defence against invasion. Today its ruins and beaches are proving to be one of the most attractive destinations along the Yucatan Peninsula. Its white limestone beaches ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Casa Del Alma, San Cristobal
Casa del Alma is a gorgeous boutique hotel in the historical centre of San Cristobal surrounded by the city’s most important buildings and popular shops and restaurants. There are 27 suites all…
Casa Del Balam, Merida
One of the oldest and most distinguished hotels in Merida, Casa del Balam is also one of the few original art deco houses in the colonial city. The historic mansion has been renovated and enjoys a…
Casa Lecanda, Merida
Casa Lecanda is a small, luxury boutique hotel located within the historical centre of Mérida. Built in a restored, traditional Yucatecan home, the hotel has been designed to retain its original…
Casa Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Casa Oaxaca is a 17th century colonial mansion that has been converted into a boutique hotel with only nine rooms. Superbly located in the centre of Oaxaca, the property is considered to be one of the…
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Tulum
Dreams Tulum is located on the beautiful Caribbean coast just outside the town of Tulum. The large, luxury resort boasts a secluded stretch of white sandy beach and 44 acres of lush, blossoming…
Hostal De La Noria, Oaxaca
Just two blocks from the Zócalo or central plaza, is the charismatic four-star Hostal de la Noria. A distinct colonial, Hispano-Mexican style décor can be found throughout the property taking guests…
Hotel Bo, San Cristobal
The four-star Hotel Bo is located in the heart of the city, close to the Plaza de la Paz and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The stunning modern wood design incorporates elements of the…
Hotel Busue, Mexico City
With a fantastic location in the capital’s upmarket Polanco district, this stylish 11-room boutique hotel is an example of understated luxury and quality in the details. Close to Lincoln Park and…
Mukan Resort, Tulum
Inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, these nine villas and bungalows are reached via a 45-minute boat ride. This truly is escaping the crowds and the beach front…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Mexico is a good all year round destination, although it is best to avoid the Yucatan beaches during hurricane season which is July to October. The Copper Canyon is best avoided in the heat of the summer and from December to February when routes can be disrupted by snow. Whale watching season in Baja California is from January to March.
Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map of countries that criminalise LGBTQIA+ people, which highlights potentially dangerous regions and countries
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Mexico though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Mexico. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Mexico the official unit of currency is the Peso. To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat and also cover their shoulders, while men should take their hats off.
Language & Religion
Spanish is the primary language of Mexico though about 5% of the population, mostly from indigenous tribes, do not speak it. The government however recognises 63 indigenous languages as official languages (and strangely Spanish is not an official language) but while 10% of the population is of Native American origin only 5.4% of the population (or 6m people) speak an indigenous language. However, these 6 million make Mexico the country with the 2nd largest indigenous language-speaking population in the Americas after Peru.
While about 89% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic, religion plays a limited role in public life thanks mainly to Benito Juarez, an indigenous former president. Until recently the number of priests allowed was limited, priests were not allowed to vote, and churches had no right to own property (and this is still limited today). Mexico is also home to about 6 million Protestants and small communities that practice Judaism, Islam and Buddhism.
Time
Mexico uses four time zones.
South-eastern Time - GMT-5
Central Standard Time - GMT-6
Mountain Standard Time Zone - GMT-7
Pacific Time - GMT–8
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.