Majestic Mexican Wonders and Heritage

Welcome to Mexico! Upon your arrival in Mexico City, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. After settling in, you are free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Our guide will reach out to you later in the afternoon to provide more information and answer any questions you might have. 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 breakfast, we set out to discover Mexico City and the extraordinary site of Teotihuacan, located approximately 40 kilometres from the capital. Our adventure begins at the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where the rich tapestry of Mexicos history is on full display. We then proceed to Teotihuacan, an impressive archaeological complex where you'll explore the majestic Sun and Moon Pyramids, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the famous Avenue of the Dead. A visit to a local artisan centre is on the itinerary, providing an opportunity to appreciate traditional crafts. On our return to Mexico City, we stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the revered patroness of Latin America. Once back at the hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

You have a leisurely morning to explore Mexico City at your own pace. After lunch, we'll organise your transfer to the bus station for a scenic journey to Queretaro, approximately 200 kilometres from the capital. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel in this historic city, which is celebrated for its rich cultural and architectural past. Founded in 1531, Queretaro played a pivotal role in Mexico's Independence and the Mexican Revolution. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre boasts charming plazas, baroque churches, and colonial buildings. Over the next few days, you will have ample opportunity to wander through its picturesque cobblestone streets, admire the vibrant architecture, visit the 18th-century aqueduct, and enjoy the lush gardens and lively markets.

On day four, we immerse ourselves in the captivating charm of San Sebastin de Bernal, a Pueblo Mgico known for its serene vibe at the foothill of the worlds third-largest monolith. Here, artisans showcase their skill in textiles, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship. Our journey continues to Tequisquiapan, a town renowned for its invigorating mineral water spas and streets adorned with colonial architecture. Known for its artisan market, Tequisquiapan highlights include beautiful woven baskets. Our exploration is enriched by a guided tour that delves into the town's vibrant history. We also savour a delightful culinary experience with a visit to the San Patricio Winery and the Bocanegra Cheese Cellar. Here, you'll discover the intricacies of cheese production and the unique challenges faced in high-altitude winemaking, accompanied by tastings of regional wines.

We have a leisurely morning in Quertaro, giving you the freedom to explore more of this delightful city. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a unique cultural experience in a nearby historic setting. Just 40 kilometres from Quertaro is the Hacienda Atongo, a captivating estate dating back to the seventeenth century. We'll tour this impressive hacienda with characters from a bygone era guiding us through its rich history, complete with theatrical performances by local actors. As we wander the grounds, we'll learn about the estate's main buildings and vineyard, and we'll be treated to a refreshing drink crafted from the wine produced on-site. After this immersive experience, we will make our way back to Quertaro.

We will set off for Tula, the historic capital of the Toltecs, where entry to its archaeological site is included. The site is famed for its striking Atlantean figurestowering four-metre statues of ancient warriors. You will also encounter pyramids, palaces, and intricately carved columns, all testament to the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilisation. Later, we'll make our way to Puebla, a city celebrated for its vibrant culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and intricate ceramics. Notable sights include the grand Renaissance cathedral and the lively main square. We will spend the evening soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this active city.

We set off towards the state of Oaxaca, journeying through scenic mountainous regions along the way. By late morning, we arrive in Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in historical significance, initially established by the Aztecs. Our visit includes exploring the city, after which we ascend to Monte Albn. Perched 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, this ancient site is a remarkable example of Zapotec civilisation. The entrance and guided tour are part of our itinerary. We then return to Oaxaca, where youll have free time to continue discovering the city's vibrant culture at your own pace.

We set off early to visit San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a delightful town known for its historical charm. You'll have the opportunity to wander around near the 16th-century Church of San Pablo and immerse yourself in the rustic allure of its streets. As we continue our journey, we traverse the majestic mountain landscapes of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus, where a delicious lunch awaits you. By late afternoon, we arrive in Tuxtla Gutirrez, the bustling capital of Chiapas, ready for your next adventure.

On day nine, we embark on an exploration of the stunning Sumidero Canyon, traversing its impressive depths and lengths by boat. This natural marvel is nearly a kilometre deep and extends 14 kilometres, offering breathtaking vistas. Following our adventure on the water, we visit Chiapa de Corzo, a historical town rich in colonial culture. We'll then delve deeper into Mayan heritage, visiting villages inhabited by the Tzotzil Indians. In Zinacantn, admire the colourful traditional attire of the women and explore charming shops and weaving workshops. Our journey continues to San Juan Chamula, where the local church intriguingly combines Christian elements with ancient pre-Columbian rites. We proceed to San Cristbal de las Casas, a beautiful colonial city founded in 1528, where the afternoon is at your leisure to explore.

On day 10, we delve into the scenic beauty of Chiapas, visiting regions where Mayan language and traditions flourish. Our first stop is in Ocosingo, the regional capital, before we continue on to the breathtaking Agua Azul. The entrance to this National Park is included, as well as lunch, affording you an opportunity to wander or take a dip amongst the over 50 cascading waterfalls, ranging from three to 30 metres in height. Our journey then leads us to Misol-H, an impressive waterfall where you can stroll behind the water curtain. We will end our day by continuing to Palenque, where dinner and your accommodation await. Please note that due to potential roadblocks around Ocosingo, an alternative route may take us instead to Villahermosa and the Yumka ecological reserve.

On Day 11, we set out to explore the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Palenque, a significant Mayan city nestled within the lush jungle. Here, you will marvel at its ancient temples, majestic pyramids, and the intriguing ball court, as we include both entry and a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local expert. After immersing ourselves in the rich Mayan history, we journey through the state of Tabasco towards the Gulf of Mexico, where we reach the historic port city of Campeche. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and formidable 17th-century fortifications designed to thwart pirate incursions, Campeche offers a unique glimpse into the past. Our day concludes with an included dinner, allowing you to savour the local cuisine and unwind after a day of discovery.

Today, we journey towards the state of Yucatn, arriving in Mrida after a little over two hours. Here, well embark on a guided exploration of this lively capital, celebrated for its remarkable blend of colonial and Maya heritage. Key sights include the majestic Cathedral of Mrida, with its robust fortifications, the stunning limestone Church of the Third Order, and the illustrious House of Montejoa striking example of 16th-century Plateresque colonial architecture. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure; we recommend visiting the Museum of the Maya World for an enriching experience. In the evening, well transport you to the Zcalo, where you can savour dinner while immersing yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.

We begin our day amidst the cultural and historical richness of Yucatn state. Our first stop is the enchanting town of Izamal, celebrated for its distinctive charm and designated as a "Magic Town." Known for its unique yellow buildings and charming landscapes, Izamal offers a glimpse into the past with its blend of colonial and Maya influences. We then proceed to Chichen Itza, where we'll explore one of the most significant and celebrated remnants of the Mayan civilisation. With our entry included, we'll immerse ourselves in this UNESCO World Heritage site, marvelling at the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcn and the Temple of the Warriors, among other impressive structures. A lunch inspired by traditional Mayan cuisine is included in our itinerary, allowing you to savour the local flavours. Our journey continues to Rio Lagartos, a quaint fishing village nestled within a Biosphere Reserve, providing a serene conclusion to our explorations of this fascinating region.

On day 14, prepare for an exhilarating experience as we venture into natures marvels. Our day begins with an included two-hour boat excursion into the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Here, we navigate through mangroves teeming with wildlife, such as crocodiles and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans and vibrant pink flamingos. During this adventure, you can indulge in the 'mud experience', applying mud rich in sulphur, minerals, and salts, known for its exfoliating properties and resulting in wonderfully soft skin.Following our river adventure, we head to Valladolid, the Yucatn's third-largest city. This charming city is known for its delightful historic centre, and we recommend sampling lunch at one of the inviting restaurants in the main square. In the afternoon, we visit the Cenote Choj Ha, a natural wonder run by the local Mayan community. Here, well take a brief walk through the jungle to discover a dry cave before swimming in the mesmerising lake inside the wet cave. Our journey concludes with a continuation to Cancun, arriving by late afternoon, where you can relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

On the final day of our journey, after enjoying breakfast in Cancun, our services will conclude. If you wish to prolong your adventure, we recommend taking advantage of the stunning beaches of Cancun or the Riviera Maya for a few days of relaxation. The choice to unwind by the crystal-clear waters and indulge in the vibrant culture is entirely yours, providing the perfect end to your Mexican exploration.