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 and the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Rivera, amongst others. Learn all about the fascinating histpry 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 Cortez

Today you get a closer look at the famous volcanoes of Popocatépetl 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 Cortez (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 (optional). Afterwards you will go back to Mexico City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Mexico City – Bernal – Querétaro

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the car rental office. There you will receive your rental car and be guided out of the city by your Buenos Días México representative. Now you are off on your Mexican adventure.

Today you start your journey north (approx. 200 km) to the small colonial town of Bernal that is situated in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. Here you can 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, take some time to explore the charming village and to try some of the traditional Gorditas (corn dumplings with your choice of filling). Afterwards, visit Queretaro´s historic center which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at 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. In the afternoon continue to the idyllic and family-run Maria & Bernardo Bed & Breakfast, which offers an oasis of peace after the contrast of México City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 320 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 hours 

Querétaro – Puebla – Oaxaca City

This morning, enjoy your typical mexican-homemade breakfast, personally prepared by María with fresh eggs and vegetables from the greenhouse. Afterwards head towards Puebla which is the fourth largest city in Mexico and the capital of the State of Puebla. On your way to the city you can visit the temple Santa María Tonantzintla where indigenous culture collides with catholicism in beautiful representations. You can also visit the pyramid of Cholula which is the largest pyramid in Mexico in terms of dimension. Continue to he charming centro historico of Puebla which is full of history, elaborate churches and ornate government buildings. Puebla is also famous for its regional cuisine, we recommend trying mole poblano or chile en nogada. At then end of the day, you will arrive in Oaxaca. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 660 km | Total driving time: approx. 8 hours

Oaxaca City – Monte Alban – Mezcal factory Gracias a Dios – Santiago de Matatlán

In the morning, head towards Monte Albán, the most significant archeological site 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 ruins and its hinterlands, it’s easy to imagine how the Zapotec used to dominate the whole Southwest of Mexico. Discover more than 20 historical buildings and learn more about the culture of this archaeological site. Return to Oaxaca where you can explore the cobblestone streets of the colonial center of Oaxaca. Visit all the “must” see sites of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, of course, a visit to the local market can´t be missed. Here you can try all sorts of regional specialties and ingredients before continuing to Matatlán, the “capital of Mezcal”, where you will spend the evening enjoying a mezcal tasting and a tour of the factory, where you will learn more about making the tequila’s little hip brother. You will spend the night in the stylish guesthouse located on the property of the Gracias a Dios Mezcal factory. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 55 km | Total driving time: approx. 1 1/2 hours

Mitla – Hierve el Auga – Tehuantepec

In the morning you will enjoy a traditional, rustic Mexican breakfast. Your first stop will be in Mitla which is the second most significant Zapotec city besides Monte Albán. Explore this wonderful excavation with its geometric mosaics and fretwork. From here your tour continues to the 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 continue to Tehuantepec where you will spend your night. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 270 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 1/2 hours

Tehuantepec – Cañon del Sumidero – Chiapa del Corzo – San Cristóbal de las Casas

Today you will begin early to visit the imposing natural wonder of Cañon del Sumidero which at its highest point reaches approximately 1000 meters. The Canyon was formed by cracks in the earth´s crust and erosion by the Grijalva river which still flows through it. During a two hour boat ride (not included) through the steep canyon you have the opportunity to observe unique rock formations and the exotic flora and fauna of the region such as cormorans, egrets and with a little bit of luck you might even spot a crocodile or monkey. After this outstanding experience, continue to >Chiapa de Corzo, a charming colonial village where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the historical center or taste one of Chiapas’ traditional dishes in a cozy restaurant (not included). In the late afternoon, you will arrive in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 370 km | Total driving time: approx. 6 hours

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Enjoy the day exploring the charming mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, or join an optional day trip to the indigenous villages San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristobal de las Casas – Parque-Museo de la Venta – Agua Blanca Waterfalls – Palenque

Get up early in the morning and take the highway via Villahermosa to Palenque. On the way you will have the opportunity to visit the Museo Parque La Venta, one of the most important archaeological museums in Mexico. Here you can admire the famous Olmec colossal heads and many other sculptures while learning a lot of interesting facts about the culture of the Olmecs, which inhabited the southern Gulf of Mexico from approximately 1500 to 400 BC. Afterwards continue to Palenque, where you can relax in the afternoon in your hotel, or stop in 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. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 470 km | Total driving time: approx. 7 hours

Palenque – Calakmul

Your first 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 uncovered. Afterwards you will continue to Calakmul where you will arrive at your jungle hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sunset over the rainforest and end the day with the sounds of the jungle. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 330 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 1/2 hours

Calakmul – Campeche

After breakfast, drive about 60 km through the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Located in the middle of the rainforest, it is still one of the less discovered archaeological sites and was once the largest and most influential Mayan center of power and the greatest of all Mayan cities. Explore the ruins and temples without the masses of tourists found in other sites. There are over 100 ruins spanning 2 km² and the view from the top of structure 2 which is the enormous main pyramid and all of your effort is compensated with a spectacular view. Afterwards, drive to Campeche, a small fishing town famous for its colourful houses and impeccably restored remiders of its colonial past. The historical city center was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1999. Enjoy the cobblestones streets of this authentic Mexican town. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 370 km | Total driving time: approx. 6 1/2 hours

Campeche – Uxmal – San Antonio Mulix – Hacienda Yaxcopoil – Mérida

Today you will visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, which is the Yucatan’s most important archeological excavation, apart from Chichen Itza. The architecture of Uxmal is an example of that present in the Puuc region. The temples have smooth low walls which represent traditional Maya huts and many figures of the rain god Chaac. Now you have earned some time to relax and cool off. Make a quick stop at San Antonio Mulix, where you will find two undiscovered, quiet and idyllic cenotes which can only be reached via a bumpy and overgrown path of jungle vegetation. A must see off the beaten path secret!

Continue to the ancient Hacienda Yaxcopoil, considered one of the most important sisal Haciendas of Yucatan in the 17th century. Feel transported back into colonial Mexico while admiring the original furnishings of the former residency and Hacienda. Afterwards, continue to Mérida, better known as the “white city” where you can explore this beautiful colonial city full of life and history. Mérida is also famous for its regional cuisine which mixes Maya ingredients and techniques with European and Mexican dishes. Try the sopa de lima or if you like spicy food, cochinita pibil. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 260 km |Total driving time: approx. 4 hours

Mérida

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 the street food tour to enjoy the culinary delights of Yucatan.

Mérida – Izamal – Chichén Itzá – Cenote Yokdzonot – Cancún

This morning you start in Mérida and make your first stop in Izamal. Visit in the small colonial town, which consists mainly of yellow painted colonial buildings and the old beautiful Franciscan monastery. Afterwards you go to the world famous archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. In 1988, the ancient Mayan city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007 declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Let yourself be fascinated by the imposing, architecturally impressive buildings of the Mayas and admire, among other things, the famous pyramid of Kukulcán, which as a whole is a calendar turned to stone, and the huge ball court. Afterwards, your next stop is cenote Dzitnup, where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear turquoise water. Cenotes are natural phenomenon unique to the region and held importance for maya culture. Enjoy a swim while admiring the limestone stalactites overhead. Continue to your connecting hotel in Cancún/Playa del Carmen/Tulum.

Distance: approx. 330 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 1/2 hours