Journey through Mexico's Cultural Wonders

Welcome to Mexico! After arriving in vibrant Mexico City, you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisureperhaps take a stroll through the bustling streets and soak in the lively atmosphere. Our guide will reach out to you later in the afternoon to ensure you have all the necessary information for your adventures ahead. Get ready to embark on a memorable journey through Mexico's rich culture and history. 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.

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on an exploration of Mexico City and journey to the iconic Teotihuacan, situated just 40 kilometres from the city. Our first stop is the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where the layers of Mexico's rich history converge. We then proceed to the remarkable archaeological site of Teotihuacan, where entry is included. Here, we delve into the ancient world by visiting the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. During our visit, we'll also take time to explore a local artisan centre before turning back towards Mexico City.On our return journey, we visit the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a site of immense religious significance and a destination for pilgrims across Latin America. Returning to the hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

On the morning of Day 3, well arrange your transfer to the airport for an included flight to Tuxtla Gutirrez, which should take just under two hours. Upon landing, a guide will be ready to escort us to the stunning Sumidero Canyon. Here, we will embark on an hour-long boat journey, offering a close-up view of the canyons awe-inspiring natural beauty. The river below plunges to depths exceeding 250 metres, while magnificent cliffs soar over 1,000 metres high, creating a truly breathtaking backdrop as we navigate through the gorge.Following our canyon exploration, well proceed to the charming city of San Cristbal de las Casas. Renowned as one of Mexicos most picturesque colonial cities, San Cristbal is rich in culture, with much of its population proudly preserving their pre-Columbian heritage through traditional crafts, language, and customs. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to leisurely explore this enchanting city in the Chiapas region at your own pace.

Following breakfast, we will embark on an exploration of the indigenous communities surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas. Our journey begins in San Juan Chamula, where well visit the distinctive Church of San Juan, positioned at the heart of a bustling plaza where locals trade their agricultural goods and livestock. A community guide will join us, sharing insights into the unique customs and traditions rooted in this area. Our next stop is San Lorenzo Zinacantn, where well visit an artisan family's workshop. Here, well have the chance to observe their traditional waist loom weaving techniques and learn more about their rich cultural heritage. Following this, we will return to San Cristobal de las Casas for a city tour, taking in highlights such as the Temple of Santo Domingo, the Church of La Caridad, the Artisan Market, the Jade Museum, and the Amber Museum. There will be time allowed for shopping and lunch, ensuring you can fully absorb the local atmosphere and perhaps pick up a few mementoes to remember your visit.

Today, we embark on an eight-hour adventure from San Cristobal de las Casas with a local tour operator. Our first destination is Las Grutas del Mamut, a vast cave named for its rock formations resembling a mammoth. This site is famous for its captivating rock structures, which never fail to impress. We then proceed to El Arcotete Ecotourism Park, a picturesque area rich in diverse vegetation and wildlife. Here, you'll witness a remarkable natural stone arch, sculpted over thousands of years by the flow of the Fogtico River. This unique site sports a blend of natural arch and cave features, complete with numerous caverns and fascinating rock formations.Our final stop is the Rancho Nuevo Ecotourism Park, home to a cavern that stretches for 10.2 kilometres and dives up to 550 metres deep. You can follow an illuminated path that extends 750 metres into the cave, allowing us to admire the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations. This geological wonder is nestled in a conifer forest, where activities such as horseback riding, camping, hiking, and spelunking await you. We'll return to San Cristobal de las Casas, where you'll have free time to explore at your leisure.

Journey through the stunning mountain landscapes of Chiapas as we delve into regions where local communities have preserved their Mayan language and traditions. Our first stop is in Ocosingo, the regional capital, where we pause for a short visit. Next, we continue to the breathtaking Agua Azul National Park, where entrance and lunch are provided. Here, you'll have time to wander or swim amidst over 50 cascading waterfalls, some reaching heights of three to 30 metres. Afterwards, we proceed to Misol-H, where an impressive waterfall invites you to stroll behind its curtain of water. Our day concludes in Palenque, where dinner and accommodation are included. Please be aware that occasional roadblocks may occur around Ocosingo due to local social issues. Should this be the case, we will opt for an alternative route, visiting Villahermosa and the Yumk ecological reserve, replacing our usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul, and Misol-H.

Our journey leads us to the remarkable archaeological site of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city nestled within the jungle. Accompanied by a local guide, well explore the majestic temples, pyramids, and the historic ball court, with entrance fees included. Following our exploration, we journey northwards through the state of Tabasco towards the Gulf of Mexico. Our destination is Campeche, a coastal city famed for its colonial architecture and 17th-century fortifications built to fend off pirate incursions. We can relish a delightful dinner on our arrival.

Today, we set off towards the state of Yucatn, reaching Mrida in just over two hours. Here, we'll embark on a guided exploration of this lively capital, celebrated for its rich blend of colonial and Mayan heritage. Among our highlights are the fortified Cathedral of Mrida, the distinctive limestone Church of the Third Order, and the House of Montejoa grand 16th-century mansion exemplifying Plateresque colonial architecture. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure; we recommend a visit to the Museum of the Maya World for a deeper understanding of the region's history. In the evening, we will provide a transfer to the Zcalo, where you can enjoy dinner and soak up the vibrant local atmosphere.

Today, we embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting state of Yucatn. Our first stop is Izamal, renowned for its picturesque beauty and recognised as a "Magic Town." This charming city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and local culture. We then proceed to the remarkable archaeological site of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the magnificence of the Mayan civilisation. Here, we include admission for a guided exploration of the legendary Kukulcn Pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors. After delving into the rich history of this ancient site, we indulge in a Mayan culinary experience with an included lunch. The day concludes as we travel to Ro Lagartos, a quaint fishing village nestled within a Biosphere Reserve, offering a glimpse into the serene life surrounded by nature.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. Our morning begins with an invigorating two-hour boat ride through the biosphere reserve at Rio Lagartos. As we glide through the mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, an array of birds such as pelicans and the striking pink flamingos that call this area home. Embrace the unique "mud experience" as you cover yourself in mud rich in sulphur, minerals, and saltsa natural exfoliant leaving your skin remarkably smooth.Our journey continues to Valladolid, the Yucatn's charming third-largest city, where you can wander the picturesque historic centre. Consider having lunch at one of the delightful restaurants around the main square. In the afternoon, we'll head to Cenote Choj Ha. Here, you'll traverse a short jungle path, offering a glimpse into a dry cave before reaching the wet cave, where you can swim in its stunning lake. We then proceed to Cancun, arriving by late afternoon, ready for the next adventures this vibrant city offers.

After breakfast, our services conclude for this itinerary. Should you wish to prolong your stay, you are encouraged to relax and enjoy the stunning beaches of Cancn or explore the tranquil beauty of the Riviera Maya at your leisure.