Classic Mexico
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
This introduction to the captivating culture of Mexico takes you from the vibrant streets of its cosmopolitan capital, into the jungles of the Chiapas highlands before ending amongst the fascinating ruins and golden beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. Along the way you will take in colonial grandeur and Aztec ruins, indigenous cultures and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central America.
Mexico is a vast and diverse country, so what better place to begin than in the sprawling capital,...
This introduction to the captivating culture of Mexico takes you from the vibrant streets of its cosmopolitan capital, into the jungles of the Chiapas highlands before ending amongst the fascinating ruins and golden beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. Along the way you will take in colonial grandeur and Aztec ruins, indigenous cultures and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central America.
Mexico is a vast and diverse country, so what better place to begin than in the sprawling capital, one of the largest cities on the planet. You’ll visit Mexico City’s fascinating Anthropology Museum and tour its historic World Heritage centre, before moving on to the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan and the colonial elegance of San Cristobal. After enjoying the spectacular landscapes of the Sumidero Canyon, Palenque then provides some of the most important Mayan sites anywhere in the Americas.
Flying on to the Yucatan Peninsula you’ll then explore the beautiful Spanish architecture of Mérida and the famous ruins of Chichen Itza, the world-famous masterpiece of Mesoamerican design, before ending your adventure on the idyllic beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the rich heritage of Latin America’s largest city
- Soak up the abundant colonial charms of San Cristóbal
- Discover the spectacular jungle ruins of Palenque
- Unearth the breathtaking Mayan ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula
- Relax on the world class beaches of the Riviera Maya
- Swim in a majestic ‘cenote’, a limestone sinkhole
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE MEXICO CITY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MEXICO CITY
Upon arrival in Mexico City you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel. One of the world's great metropolises, Mexico City is a fascinating blend of Aztec culture, colonial grandeur and modern excess, all packaged together amidst a chaotic cacophony of sights and sounds. Lying in the shadow of two towering volcanoes, the city is home to two World Heritage Sites and a National Museum of Anthropology that is considered one of the finest in the world.
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY
Today you will discover a little of the capital's rich culture heritage, as you explore the historic city centre and world renowned National Anthropology Museum on a full day private tour. In the company of an expert guide, you will begin with a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, home to one of the largest Mesoamerican collections in the world. After paying special attention to the Aztec and Maya rooms, you'll then move on to the city's stunning Centro Histórico (Historic Centre), where the famous 'Zocalo' is flanked by the spectacular architecture of the Palacio Nacional and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
DAY 3: MEXICO CITY
DAY 3: MEXICO CITY
Leaving the bustling capital this morning, head to the renowned Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan, the mysterious 'City of the Gods', whose famous Sun and Moon pyramids are the largest outside Egypt. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teotihuacan was once one of the most powerful cultural centres in Mesoamerica and your guide will explain its origins and its place amongst Mexico's fascinating and multi-layered, pre-Columbian past.
DAY 4: MEXICO CITY - SAN CRISTOBAL
DAY 4: MEXICO CITY - SAN CRISTOBAL
Take a private transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, from where you will continue to the picturesque colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas. Located in the central highlands of the state of Chiapas, the journey takes you by way of the ruins of Chiapa de Corzo and on to the spectacular landscapes of the Sumidero Canyon. There will be time to enjoy a boat ride on the lakes, with a chance to spot crocodiles, spider monkeys and herons, before completing the journey through the highlands to your hotel.
DAY 5: SAN CRISTOBAL
DAY 5: SAN CRISTOBAL
Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, San Cristobal lies at the centre of a landscape steeped in Maya culture. Its white stucco walls and cobbled streets hide a wealth of lovingly restored colonial grandeur and today you will embark on a guided journey through its historic heart. From the Zócalo (main plaza), you walk through the historic centre to the cathedral and perhaps San Cristóbal’s most beautiful building, the church Iglesia del Convento Santo Domingo. You will also pay a visit to the indigenous towns of San Juan Chamula and San Lorenzo Zincantan, famed for their unusual religious traditions which blend Catholic and Mayan rituals. Next stop is a small weaving mill owned by three sisters where you can learn about life in Zinacantán and the art of weaving from the three committed women.
DAY 6: SAN CRISTOBAL - PALENQUE
DAY 6: SAN CRISTOBAL - PALENQUE
Crossing the southern Sierra Madre range this morning, you will descend from the highland forests and journey into the steamy jungle lowlands of Palenque. About 40 km south of Palenque are the waterfalls of Roberto Barrios. This beautiful natural setting is teeming with wildlife and the limestone sedimentation causes the network of streams and waterfalls to turn a dazzling aquamarine blue during the dry season.
DAY 7: PALENQUE
DAY 7: PALENQUE
Located close to the Usumancinta River, Palenque is blessed with some of the finest Maya architecture in Mexico. An early start this morning takes you first to the hidden forest ruins of Bonampak, famous for the superb mural paintings that occupy its main temple. Continuing on to Yaxchilan, you then explore one of the least visited and most impressive sites in the Mayan world. Renowned for its detailed facades and stone lintels, the ruins sit amongst lush jungle and the haunting cries of howler monkeys transport you to the world of the Maya. Return to Palenque at the end of the visit.
DAY 8: PALENQUE
DAY 8: PALENQUE
After breakfast this morning you will be treated to a private tour of the magnificent ruins of Palenque, one of the most famous archaeological sites anywhere in the Americas. Engulfed by rainforest and occupying a high escarpment, the city was an important administrative centre during the height of the Mayan Empire. Home to the high priest Pacal, whose spectacular jade death mask remains one of the most prized Mayan artefacts ever unearthed, the ruins and palaces span a period of some 900 years. Following the visit, you will transfer the short distance to Villahermosa for the evening.
DAY 8: PALENQUE- MERIDA
DAY 8: PALENQUE- MERIDA
An early afternoon flight takes you on to Mérida, the cultural hub of the Yucatán Peninsula. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, Merida is filled with a stunning collection of Spanish-Moorish architecture and has one of the largest historical centres in Central America. After a chance to freshen up, you'll take a brief private tour of its historic heart, taking in the main square, the cathedral and the impressive 'Monument to the Fatherland'.
DAY 10: MERIDA
DAY 10: MERIDA
Some 78 km to the south of Mérida lie the spectacular ruins of Uxmal, home to some of the most stunning examples of Puuc-style architecture in the Americas. Today's tour takes in these beautifully preserved ruins, including the dominating presence of the Pyramid of the Magician, perhaps one of the finest pieces of Mayan architecture in the country. This afternoon you will then visit Kabah, famed for its 'Palace of the Chaac Masks', whose facade is decorated with hundreds of stone masks of the rain god, Chaac.
DAY 11: MERIDA - CHICHEN ITZA - TULUM
DAY 11: MERIDA - CHICHEN ITZA - TULUM
Your journey to the coast takes you via Chichén Itzá, one of the most important archaeological sites in Central America. A masterpiece of Mesoamerican design, it lay at the heart of Mayan culture for nearly 1,000 years. Famed for its intricately designed Castillo Pyramid, this awe-inspiring setting played a significant role in pre-Columbian history, bringing Mayan and Toltec cultures together in one astonishing collection of temples and palaces. Following a guided tour of the site you'll then stop for a swim at a cenote, before continuing on to the sleepy coastal town of Tulúm.
DAY 12: TULUM
DAY 12: TULUM
Occupying a craggy cliff face along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulúm was one of the last cities to be built by the Mayans. Certainly the most interesting archaeological site on the Maya Riviera, it survived well into the years that followed the Spanish invasion. One of the best preserved of the Mayan coastal sites, located directly on the Caribbean Sea, it is surrounded by five-metre-high walls that measure up to eight metres thick. It served as a major port for the city of Cobá, whose nearby ruins occupy a largely unexcavated site that you will also have an opportunity to visit today.
DAY 13: TULUM
DAY 13: TULUM
Today offers a chance to enjoy some downtime amongst the white limestone beaches and warm azure waters around Tulúm.
DAY 14: TULUM - DEPART CANCUN
DAY 14: TULUM - DEPART CANCUN
Your Mexican adventure ends with a private transfer to Cancun airport.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Best Western Majestic, Mexico City
The Best Western Majestic is a historical building superbly located in the central Zocalo plaza, which is the focal point of the city. The style is a mixture of baroque architecture with exposed stone work and locally made furniture adorns the communal areas. The 84 comfortable en-suite rooms are spread over seven floors and the best views of the square can be enjoyed from the rooftop La Terraza restaurant.
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 great location two blocks from the main square, with cafes, shops and galleries all a short walk away. The rooms are spacious and comfortable while you may also choose to relax by the outdoor pool. Las Palomas bistro serves delicious meals in the garden courtyard.
Chan-Kah Resort Village, Palenque
Located in the jungle setting that Palenque is famous for, this resort village has lagoon style outdoor pools and is a great spot to relax after a day of exploring the ruins. The 80 air conditioned bungalows have private bathrooms and lovely views into the beautiful surrounding jungle, with magnificent fauna including tropical birdlife creating an exotic symphony. There are two restaurants and bars in the resort with a few shops selling local souvenirs.
Villas Casa Morada, San Cristobal
Situated in the historic centre of San Cristobal, only a couple of minutes’ walk from Santo Domingo Church, Casa Morada is a quaint homely hotel offering personalised service and lovely accommodation. There are just ten rustically decorated rooms with private en-suites, set on the upper level of the two storey villas, with the main living and dining area on the ground level. The property features a pretty jasmine garden and the La Cava restaurant serves up fine local cuisine.
Ana Y Jose, Tulum
Ana y Jose Charming Hotel & Spa is a lovely property right on Tulum beach, only a five minute drive from the nearby ruins. The 24 suites have stylish decor with a furnished terrace and seating area. The hotel is set in tropical gardens with an outdoor pool and direct beach access. The on site restaurant services local cuisine and freshly caught seafood and the terrace bar is a great spot to grab a cocktail.
Best Western Madan, Villahermosa
The Best Western Madan is perfectly located on the main avenue in downtown Villahermosa near the main attractions. The 40 en-suite air-conditioned rooms have wooden floors and all the usual amenities such as cable TV, coffee maker and minibar. Breakfast is served in the a la carte restaurant which serves typical regional dishes. Service is warm and attentive making this a welcoming place for an overnight stay.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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