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 Riviera, 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 – Tuxtla – Cañon del Sumidero – Chiapa del Corzo – San Cristóbal de las Casas

According to your flight´s departure you are picked up from your hotel in Mexico City and transferred to the airport to catch your national flight (not included) to Tuxta Gutierrez.

After your arrival in Tuxtla Gutiérrez you will be picked up from the airport 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 (depending on arrival time), 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 to your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal de las Casas & indigenous villages

You will be picked up from your hotel to begin a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets of the charming centro histórico of San Cristobal de las Casas. First, you will visit the popular local market, also known as the Market of Colours. Everyday indigenous people such as the Totzil and the Tseltal from the surrounding villages sell artesenia and agricultural products. Stop at the beautiful Santo Domingo Church, the spectacular Cathedral near the main square and a small amber shop. Here, you will learn all about the stone and its importance for the region. Afterwards, the tour takes you to San Juan Charmula and Zinacantan, two autonomous indigenous villages of the Totzil and the Tseltal. During the tour you will get an impression of the rituals and customs of the tribes and can watch the women while they weave colourful and unique handicraft. Before the tour takes you back to San Cristóbal, you will get to try Pox, a typical snack from the region. In the afternoon you will be brought back to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

San Cristóbal de las Casas – Agua Blanca Waterfalls – Palenque

Early in the morning, you are picked up from your hotel and will 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 – Selva Lacandona

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and after a quick breakfast on the way, you will head 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 continuing on to Bonampak. Here you will have time to marvel at the amazing mural paintings in the temple 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)

Lacanjá, 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 culture as you enjoy a jungle hike which leads you through the dense vegetation, along rivers and past waterfalls. Here too, you may 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 two 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

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 – Kabah – Uxmal

You will be picked up from your hotel in Campeche and taken to the 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 Chichén Itzá. 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)

Campeche – Xpujil

In the morning, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Campeche where you will take a first-class bus with ADO to Xpujil (approx. 4 1/2 hours).

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

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve – Calakmul – 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. Explore 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! After a tour of this site you are brought back to your hotel.

After a short break, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to your hotel in Bacalar. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Bacalar

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning admiring the beauty of the lagoon which is also called “the lagoon of seven colors” for the many different tones of blue. We recommend a boat trip (not included) 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 waters 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

In the morning, take a taxi on your own to the bus station in Bacalar where you will take a first-class bus with ADO to Cancún (approx. 5 1/2 hours).

Once in Cancún, take a taxi on your own to your beach hotel or the airport. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)