Arrival in Mexico City

According to your time of arrival you are picked up from the airport in Mexico City and brought to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: none)

Mexico City & Anthropological Museum

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in Mexico City and taken on a city tour. Explore the centro histórico on foot and visit the huge Zócalo with its famous Cathedral “Metropolitina” and the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Rivera, amongst others. Learn all about the fascinating history of the metropolitan capital. To make the city tour perfect, it finishes with an informative visit of the Anthropological Museum which is situated on the brink of the Chapultepec Park. Learn all about the history and culture of Mexico´s many pre-hispanic civilizations. Afterwards, you are brought back to your hotel in the late afternoon and you can enjoy some free time on your own. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Mexico City – Teotihuacán & Basílica de Guadalupe

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken 50km northeast of the city to the spectacular site of Teotihuacán, also known as the “City of the Gods”. Spread over 22km², it is the largest city of ruins in Latin America and the majority of it has yet to be excavated. You definitely should not miss out on climbing up the Sun and Moon Pyramids, as they provide an imposing view of the extent of this archaeological excavation. After exploring these impressive ruins you will be taken to the Basilica de Guadalupe. This is Mexico’s most important pilgrimage site and is famous for its image of the Virgin de Guadalupe. Admire the intricate gold decorations inside the Basilica. Afterwards, you will be brought back to your hotel in Mexico City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Mexico City – Paso Cortés

Today, you will be picked up and can get a closer look at the famous volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Itzaccíhuatl. They are Mexico’s second and third highest mountain tops and are situated about 43km west of Puebla and 72km south of Mexico City. After a short break in the small village of Amecameca, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the volcanoes and beautiful churches, continue to the Paso Cortés (3700m), which is situated in the National Park of Popocatepetl Itzaccíhuatl. From here you have an amazing view of the volcanoes. Explore the landscape and take a little hike on the many interesting trails, or just enjoy the unique atmosphere. On your way enjoy another short stop in the village of Tlamacas where you can enjoy your lunch (not included). Afterwards, you will be returned to Mexico City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Mexico City – Bernal – Querétaro

Today, you will be picked up by your guide and head North (approx. 200 km). Your first stop is the small colonial town of Bernal that is situated in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. Here, you will climb up the notorious 288 meter high monolith Peña de Bernal which is the third highest in the world. It is said to have magical powers and to grant a long life to those who climb up to the top. Afterwards, you will have some time left to take a closer look at the charming village and to try some of the traditional Gorditas (corn dumplings with your choice of filling). Continue to Querétaro´s historic center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will explore the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia, the Convento de la Cruz, the famous Aqueduct and the Casa de la Marquesa, the most beautiful aristocratic mansion of the city, amongst others. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Querétaro – Puebla – Oaxaca

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and head towards Puebla which is the fourth largest city in Mexico and the capital of the State of Puebla. The charming colonial city is full of history and is well known for its location between four volcanoes. One of them is the famous Popocatépetl. On your way to the city you can visit the temple Santa María Tonantzintla and get to know Cholula, the holy city, to visit the largest pyramid in Mexico in terms of dimension. In Puebla you will enjoy a city tour through the historic centre where you explore all the important sights such as the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Church. Finally, at the end of the day, you will continue to Oaxaca and will be dropped off at your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Oaxaca – Mitla – Tule – Teotitlán del Valle – Hierve el Agua

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken towards the archeological excavation of Mitla. On the way you will stop at the famous tree of Tule which is the widest tree in the world. The tree is estimated to be more than 2000 years old and is marked by interesting formations. From here your tour continues to Mitla which is the second most significant Zapotec city besides Monte Albán. Explore this wonderful excavation with its geometric mosaics and fretwork. The next stop of the day is Teotitlán, a village of weavers. For hundreds of years a large number of families have produced all kinds of woven goods. Take the opportunity to watch weavers fabricate intricate artistic products and get an impression of their traditional way of life. After a short Mezcal tasting in a local Mezcal factory continue to the mesmerizing limestone waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. These waterfalls are, apart from Pamukkale in Turkey, the only natural phenomenon of its kind in the world. Even though the meaning of Hierve el Agua is boiling water, the springs in this area are cool and refreshing. We definitely recommend taking a dip in the natural pools while enjoying the fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel in Oaxaca. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Oaxaca – Monte Albán – San Cristóbal

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to visit Monte Albán, the most significant archeological excavation of the region. Steep and narrow roads lead up the hill to the largest and most stunning Zapotec city in Oaxaca. You will be fascinated by the beauty and the majesty of this sight. While enjoying an impressive panoramic view over the city and its hinterlands, it’s easy to imagine how the Zapotec used to dominate the whole Southwest of Mexico. Discover some of more than 20 historical buildings and learn all about the culture of this archaeological site. Afterwards you are brought back to your hotel, where you will wait to begin your walking city tour through the colonial center of Oaxaca. During this tour you will visit all the “must” see sites of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the evening, take a taxi on your own to the bus terminal in Oaxaca where you will catch your first-class bus with ADO OCC to San Cristóbal de las Casas at 20:30 pm. Overnight trip (approx. 11 hours)

(Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Between 7:00 – 08:00 am you will arrive at the bus station in San Cristóbal de las Casas where you can take a taxi on your own to your hotel. There you will have time to leave your luggage and have breakfast (not included) before starting another exciting day in Chiapas.

Enjoy the day exploring the charming mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, or join an optional day trip to the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan.

Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal – Cañon del Sumidero – Chiapa del Corzo

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the imposing natural wonder of Canyon del Sumidero which at its highest point reaches approximately 1000 meters. During a two hour boat ride through the steep canyon you will have the opportunity to observe unique rock formations and the exotic flora and fauna of the region such as cormorants, egrets and with a little bit of luck you might even spot a crocodile or monkey. After this unique experience the tour continues to Chiapa del Corzo, a charming colonial village where you will have some free time. Enjoy the atmosphere of the historical center or one of Chiapas’ traditional dishes in a cozy restaurant (not incuded). In the afternoon, you will be brought back to your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal – Agua Blanca Waterfalls  – Palenque 

Early in the morning, you are picked up from your hotel and head towards Palenque. On the way you will stop at the Agua Blanca National Park, where you can refresh yourself in one of the crystal-clear pools or hike to the Murrallón Cave. These are just as nice as the Agua Azul waterfalls and are a real insider tip. Finally, the last stop of the day is the archaeological site of Palenque. It is not the biggest site in Mexico, but it is one of the most impressive as it is buried deep in dense jungle vegetation. The temples and pyramids are covered with vines and create a unique atmosphere. Climb the Templo de las Inscripciones for a spectacular view of the jungle canopy. Archaeologists estimate that there are still 1200 temples yet to be uncovered. In the late afternoon you will arrive at your hotel in Palenque. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Palenque – Yaxchilán – Bonampak 

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a quick breakfast (included) will continue on your way deep into the jungle to the ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak. Both of these sites were important centers of power for the Maya and are hidden gems rarely visited by tourists. The ruins of Yaxchilán are situated on the Usumacinta River bordering Guatemala and can be reached by boat only. Quite often, visitors come across monkeys which vociferously protect their territory by throwing sticks and screeching loudly. It is important to wear sturdy shoes because the terrain is sometimes unstable. After exploring these ruins you will stop for lunch (included) before continuing on to Bonampak. Here you will have time to marvel at the amazing mural paintings in the Templo de Las Pinturas. This site was discovered in 1946 but most parts of the former temples are still hidden under the overgrown vegetation of the rain forest. You will leave the ruins in the late afternoon and arrive in Palenque around 7 pm. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast & lunch on the tour)

Palenque – Campeche

In the morning, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Palenque where you will take a first-class bus with ADO to Campeche (approx. 6 hours).

Once in Campeche, take a taxi on your own to your hotel in the charming centro historico.

Use the rest of the day to discover the little fishing village with its colourful houses on your own or simply relax and enjoy a trip back in time in this colonial city. Visit the San José Fort which protected the city against attacks and local pirates and enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk in the evening for what is said to be the most beautiful sunset in all of Mexico. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Campeche  – Mérida

Take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Campeche to catch your first-class bus to Mérida (approx. 3 hours).

Upon arrival in Mérida, take a taxi on your own to your hotel.

Use the rest of the day to explore the enchanting colonial city on your own. Mérida is a quiet paradise. The peacefulness of the town and the beauty of its streets, make it a place of elegance and contrast amid its colonial houses, Mayan ruins, and architecture. Its food, layered with exquisite gastronomic heritage, will take over your taste buds. The Plaza Mayor is a vibrant meeting place where locals enjoy traditional drinks, such as champola or sorbet. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Alternatively, we recommend our optional cooking class or street food tour to enjoy the culinary delights of Yucatan.

Mérida – Uxmal – Kabah

You will be picked up from your hotel in Mérida and taken to visit Uxmal which is the Yucatan’s most important archeological site next to Chichén Itzá. During your guided tour explore the pyramids of the Fortuneteller and the Wizard, the Casa de las Monjas, the ballcourt and the Palacio del Gobernador. After lunch (included) you will continue to the next Maya site of Kabah. Admire the Palace of the Masks which on it’s facade has hundreds of stone masks depicting the rain god Chaac. On another guided tour you will learn more about the fascinating history of this site´s architecture and culture. At the end of this day dedicated to the Maya, you will be returned to your hotel in Mérida. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel & lunch on the tour)

Mérida – Chichén Itzá – Cancún

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Chichén Itzá, the most famous and well preserved archaeological site in Mexico. Let yourself be fascinated by the imposing, architecturally impressive monuments of the Mayas and admire among others the famous pyramid of Kukulcán, which has a stone calendar, as well as the huge ball court. Particularly noteworthy are the rich decorations that represent the life of ancient pre-hispanic cultures who once inhabited this site. Afterwards you will have lunch (included) while your suitcases are loaded into another vehicle which will transfer you to Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. The driver will leave you at a drop off point in Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. From there you must take a taxi on your own to your hotel/airport.

(Meals: breakfast at the hotel & lunch on the tour)