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

Use this day to explore the historical center on foot and visit the huge Zócalo with its famous Cathedral and the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Riviera, amongst others.

CULINARY TOUR

Discover the finest culinary secrets of the historical center of Mexico City, known only by the locals. Here is a city where the ancient traditions and unique flavours of Mexican cuisine can be found. Our passionate foodies immerse you in a world of historic streets, elegant mansions and charming plazas while telling entertaining stories and enigmatic legends that make this capital city so magical.

The meeting point for the tour is Restaurante Oaxaca (Luis Moya 59) and you will need to make your way there on your own.

On this walking tour, explore the delicious flavours of the diverse cuisine of Mexico´s many different ethnic groups – from the perspective of your local guide who knows the markets and most essential restaurants. Mexicans love to eat and it is an important part of their culture. Your stops on the tour will include Mexico’s oldest candy shop, the best seafood stand in the historic center, the finest cheese and sausages in the country, one of the city’s oldest and most traditional cantinas, the exotic San Juan market and a small Oaxacan snack. For the rest of the day you will have a full belly and after saying goodbye to your guide you will make your way back to your hotel on your own (not included). Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel + lunch on the tour)

Tenayuca – Tula – Teotihuacán

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Mexico City to begin a tour where you will explore three different archaeological highlights in one day! These sacred places represent thousands of years of history and ancient culture. You will learn interesting facts about pyramid construction, the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl and corn cultivation. Your first stop is at the ruins of Tenayuca on the north side of Mexico City which is the only place where the remains of the Chichimeca people are preserved. Afterwards, continue towards Tula which is situated in the State of Hidalgo about 85 km north of Mexico City. Here you can admire the famous giant Atlanean figures of Tula. The city used to be the Toltec capital and the largest center of power of Mesoamericain in 856, apart from Teotihuacan. Explore this unique site with your guide and learn all about the history of the site. You have time left for a quick lunch (not included) before continuing to the most interesting of the three excavation sites. The magnificent archeological site of Teotihuacán! It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread over 22 square kilometers and is one of the largest ruins in Latin America, even though a great part of it has not yet been explored or excavated. Your tour leads you along the “street of death” where you can admire the impressive constructions and can get an idea of the extent of this prehispanic city. You definitely should not miss out on climbing up the Sun and Moon Pyramids, as they provide a spectacular view over the former “City of Gods“. In the afternoon you will be brought back to your hotel in 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 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. In the late afternoon, continue to the idyllic and family-run Bed & Breakfast María y Bernardo which offers an oasis of peace after the fast paced lifestyle in Mexico City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Querétaro – Puebla – Oaxaca

This morning, you can enjoy a delicious typical mexican-homemade breakfast which is personally prepared by María with fresh eggs and vegetables from the greenhouse. Afterwards, continue to 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 you 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 can enjoy a city tour through the historic centre where you will explore all the important sights such as the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Church. Finally, you will continue to Oaxaca and will be dropped off at your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Oaxaca – Latuvi – Amatlán – Oaxaca

ACTIVE TOUR:

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Oaxaca to begin a tour into the mountains of the Sierra Norte. After approximately 1 1/2 hours you will reach the remote mountain village of Latuvi. Latuvi is part of the Pueblos Mancomunados, six Zapotec villages dedicated to ecotourism. Here you will begin the day’s hike. Via an old trade route, the “Camino Real”, you will hike to Amatlán, one of the oldest villages of the Pueblos Mancomunados. In pre-hispanic times the trade route ran from the Gulf coast to the central valley of Oaxaca. Hike along a small river and through oak forests full of lichens and moss. Depending on the time of year, you will also find wild orchids. After 14 km and an approximately 5-hour hike you will reach Santa Catarina Lachatao and San Miguel Amatlán, the two villages of Pueblos Mancomunados. Rest and enjoy a late lunch inlcuded) and chat with the friendly locals. Afterwards, you will be brought back to your hotel in Oaxaca. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel & lunch on the tour)

Tule – Mitla – 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 – Bus Station Oaxaca – Bus Station San Cristóbal de las Casas

CULINARY TOUR:

Today, you will be picked up by your chef to discover the delicious and unique culinary world of Oaxaca. The regional dishes in Oaxaca are some of the most unique in the country and have become popular on an international level in recent years. Head to the local market where you will choose, taste and learn all about the ingredients available and those used in the days recipes. Try the famous stringy oaxacan cheese and if you are feeling adventurous some chapulines (dried grasshoppers). Soak up the smells and ambiance of the market and afterwards continue to the kitchen. Together with your Chef, you will prepare a delicious and traditional meal. Many of the cooking methods, ingredients and techniques used in this region have indigenous origin and have not changed over the years. After all your hard work, sit down and let your tastebuds savour the flavours Oaxaca is famous for. Blends of chili and chocolate as well as staples such as corn and beans will leave you with a full stomach and a happy heart. Enjoy a final artesenal mezcal or local beer before being returned to your hotel.

Use the rest of the day to explore the cobblestone streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oaxaca is famous for its delicious regional cuisine. Make sure you try the traditional mole dish made from over 80 different spices and chilies or tlayudas which are a perfect snack to share made from blue corn maize and topped with delicious ingredients such as refried beans, avocado, local Oaxacan cheese and meat.

In the evening, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Oaxaca where you will catch your first-class bus with ADO OCC to San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Between 7:00 – 08:00 am you will arrive at the bus station inn 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 your free day in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight stay. (Meals: None)

As an alternative your can visit the indigineous villages San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan.

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

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the imposing natural wonder of Cañon del Sumidero which at its highest point reaches approximately 1000 meters. During a two hour boat ride through the steep canyon you 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 have some free time. Enjoy the atmosphere of the historical center or one of Chiapas’ traditional dishes in a cozy restaurant (not included). In the afternoon you will be brought back to your hotel in San Cristóbal. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal – Agua Blanca Waterfalls – Palenque

Early in the morning, you will head towards Palenque. On the way, 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 – Yaxchilan – Bonampak – Lacanjá, Selva Lacandona

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and after a quick breakfast you will continue deep into the jungle to the ruins of Yaxchilán 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 Yaxchilan 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 before visiting 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. Afterwards, you will continue to your Ecolodge operated by a local Lacandonen family. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast & lunch on the tour)

Selva Lacandona – Roberto Barrios – Palenque

After breakfast, get to know your local Lacandonen guide. The Lacandons are descendants of the ancient Maya and have little contact with today’s modern civilization. You will get an insight into the traditional ways of life and customs of this unique indigenous people and enjoy a jungle hike which leads you through the dense vegetation, along rivers and past waterfalls. Here too, you might come across monkeys and other exotic animals, while the Lacandone tells you many exciting facts about their ancestors and the extraordinary flora and fauna of the region. Afterwards, return to Palenque where you will make 2 more stops at the hidden waterfalls of Las Golondrinas and Roberto Barrios. Refresh yourself with a dip in the pleasantly cool water or just enjoy the atmosphere of the rainforest far away from other tourists. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel in Palenque. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast & lunch on the tour)

Palenque – Campeche

Depending on your time of departure, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Palenque where you will catch your first-class bus with ADO to Campeche.

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

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 Jose 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 – Edzná – Kabah – Uxmal – Campeche

You will be picked up from your hotel in Campeche and taken to the archaeological site of Edzná. Located 45 minutes south-east of the capital. A guided tour will allow you to admire the diversity of the architecture of this ancient Mayan city which covers an area of approximately 25 km². The name Edzná means the House of the Itzá, which indicates a possible connection between Edzná and Chichen Itzá. There are several very large buildings which are dated to the classic period of Mayan history. 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. Your last stop for the day will be 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. After a full day dedicated to Maya archaeology and culture you will be returned to your hotel in Campeche. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel & lunch on the tour)

Campeche – Xpujil

Depending on your time of departure, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Campeche where you will catch your first-class bus with ADO to Xpujil.

Upon arrival in Xpujil, take a taxi on your own to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve – Bacalar

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the hidden archaeological site of Calakmul. Deep in the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve these beautiful ruins are off the beaten path and at one point were a major center of Maya power and the rival of Guatemala´s Tikal. Your guide will explain all about the numerous tombs, courtyards and temples of this magnificent site. It is one of the few places where you can still climb on all of the structures. The views over the jungle canopy are definitely worth the effort!

Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel on the idyllic and peaceful Laguna Bacalar, also known as the lagoon of 7 colors. In the afternoon, the lagoon shines brilliantly with blue, turquoise and green tones. Admire the beauty of Bacalar from a hammock and enjoy a dip in the warm fresh water. Luckily, this impressive location has been spared from large hotel complexes, and there are only small eco-resorts dedicated to preserving the pristine landscape. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel & snacks on the tour)

Bacalar

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning admiring the beauty of the lagoon. We recommend a boat trip (optional) on the lagoon exploring the mangroves and unique flora and fauna of the region. Stop at the mud flats for a natural spa treatment. Take a kayak or paddleboard out into the lagoon on your own and explore the crystal clear water and the local wildlife. Visit the San Felipe fort which was built in 1729 after the town was sacked by pirates and enjoy some delicious seafood in a local restaurant (not included). Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Bacalar – Cancún

Depending on your time of departure, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Bacalar where you will catch your first-class bus with ADO to Cancún. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)