Journey Through Mexico's Cultural Heartlands

Welcome to Mexico City! Upon arrival in this vibrant metropolis, we'll arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Our knowledgeable guide will get in touch with you later in the afternoon to ensure you are well-prepared for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. Enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture and discovering the city's unique charm. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we have an exciting day planned as we explore the vibrant city of Mexico City. We will begin with a guided tour, where we'll visit the Plaza of Three Cultures and the historic city centre. Key highlights include the Zcalo, the main square, its impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and the remnants of the main Aztec temple. We'll also spend time at Chapultepec Park and traverse the renowned Paseo de la Reforma along with other major avenues, offering an insight into the dynamic spirit of this bustling city.Following this, we head to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas, housing the revered Virgin of Guadalupe. Here, we will explore both the old basilica, dating back to the 18th century, and the contemporary temple.In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the Xochimilco neighbourhood, famed for its picturesque canals and semi-floating gardens. Experience the charm of this area with a ride on a "trajinera," a delightful boat adorned with vibrant flowers.As evening falls, we escort you to the lively Plaza de Garibaldi. This area is a hub of activity, with an array of bars and restaurants where you can sample traditional tacos and tequila while enjoying the spirited performances of Mariachi bands. Dinner is included at a traditional eatery, allowing you to savour the rich flavours of Mexican cuisine.

We will set off from Mexico City and make our way to the state of Puebla today. Along the journey, we'll stop to explore the Ex-Hacienda de Chautla. This 18th-century estate is famous for its picturesque English-style castle overlooking a man-made lake, with lush forests as its backdrop. Our next stop is the charming town of Cholula, renowned for its delightful plaza and the beautiful Church of Nuestra Seora de los Remedios. From here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We'll then continue to Puebla, a city where the past and present harmoniously coexist. Known for its rich colonial and Baroque heritage, Puebla is home to remarkable landmarks, including its impressive Cathedral and the magnificent Rosary Chapel. We'll spend the night in this vibrant and dynamic city, immersing ourselves in its unique atmosphere.

Today, we'll journey towards the state of Oaxaca, traversing scenic mountainous terrain en route. By late morning, we arrive in Oaxaca, a city recognised for its UNESCO World Heritage status and rich historical roots established by the Aztecs. We have planned a guided visit, which includes tickets to Monte Albn. Perched atop a mountain towering 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, this ancient Zapotec site is one of the region's most spectacular archaeological highlights. After an enlightening exploration of Monte Albn, we return to Oaxaca city. The afternoon is yours to wander and discover the vibrant culture and history at your own pace.

Today, we begin our early morning journey from Oaxaca with a brief visit to the charming San Pablo Villa de Mitla, recognised as one of Mexico's "Pueblos Mgicos". Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander near the historic 16th-century Church of San Pablo and explore its quaint, rustic streets. Continuing our journey, we travel through the picturesque mountains of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. En route, we'll enjoy an included lunch for a taste of local flavours. By late afternoon, we arrive in Tuxtla Gutirrez, the bustling capital of Chiapas.

Today we venture into the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon aboard a boat, navigating this stunning natural wonder which stretches nearly 14 km in length and plunges almost 1 km deep. Afterwards, we explore Chiapa de Corzo, a charming colonial town steeped in tradition and culture. Our journey into the heart of Mayan culture continues as we visit villages inhabited by the Tzotzil people. In Zinacantn, you can admire the vibrant dresses worn by the women and browse through local shops and weaving workshops. Our next stop is San Juan Chamula, where the local church offers a fascinating blend of Christian and pre-Columbian rites. We then continue to San Cristbal de las Casas, a beautiful colonial city founded in 1528, where you have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace.

Today, we set off on an adventurous 8-hour outing with a local tour operator, beginning from San Cristobal de las Casas. Our journey takes us first to Las Grutas del Mamut, a vast cave named for its remarkable rock formations reminiscent of a prehistoric mammoth. The grandeur of these geological wonders will surely captivate you. Next, we'll visit El Arcotete Ecotourism Park, a picturesque setting teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Central to this park is a magnificent natural stone archway, sculpted by the Fogtico River over millennia. This marvellous formation features caves and a variety of breathtaking rock formations, providing a unique exploration experience.Our excursion concludes at Rancho Nuevo Ecotourism Park, another splendid site where a 10.2-kilometre-long cave awaits. With depths reaching up to 550 metres, an illuminated path allows us a 750-metre journey into the cave to admire the mesmerising stalactites and stalagmites. Nestled in a serene conifer forest, this park also offers opportunities for horseback riding, camping, and hiking. Returning to San Cristobal de las Casas, you'll have the evening at your leisure to explore or relax in this charming colonial city.

Today, we embark on a 5-hour excursion with a local tour operator to Moxviquil, a hub of sustainable learning and natural beauty. This verdant area offers a variety of activities, including birdwatching, observing local pollinators and insects, and exploring the captivating orchid garden. You'll also have the chance to take part in an interpretive hiking trail, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature.Later, we'll visit the Museum of Maya Medicine, which is dedicated to preserving the Tsotsil-Tseltal healing traditions of Chiapas. Here, you can explore various exhibits that demonstrate the traditional medical practices and resources of community healers, including the pulse reader, mountain prayer specialist, bone-setter, midwife, and herbalist.After our explorations, we'll return to our hotel, leaving you with a free afternoon to unwind or further explore the area at your leisure.

On the final day of your journey, we will arrange your transfer from San Cristobal de las Casas to Tuxtla Gutirrez airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll head to the airport to catch the most suitable flight to Mexico City or your next destination. We hope you've had a memorable experience exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of this vibrant region. Safe travels!