21 Day Inspiring Mexico & Guatemala

Hola! And welcome to Mexico City!

Upon arrival at Benito Juarez International Airport, make your own way to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and, if you have time, take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant and rapidly growing capital where the ancient and modern collide.

After breakfast, head out for an epic day of exploration through Mexico’s incredible capital. First we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Mexico City where your expert guide will bring 700 years of history back to life as you uncover little-known facts and hidden hotspots, from Aztecs to art, in one of the biggest cities in the Americas. 

Head into the heart of Mexico City, the Plaza de la Constitucion, and hear about the remains of an ancient city located under the modern metropolis. Visit iconic sites like the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral – the biggest cathedral on the continent. 

Following this, enjoy an included inspiring taste as we stop for lunch with local family. Get to understand the true life of Mexico City as you are invited into a family home for a memorable meal where you’ll be served authentic dishes bursting with local flavors and plenty of Mexican hospitality.

Afterwards enjoy a truly inspiring sight as we travel to Teotihuacan archaeological site, once one of the biggest cities in the world, approximately one hour away from Mexico City. With the help of a local, archaeological guide, discover the amazing ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. Stroll down the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ and see the clues to what life was like here nearly 2,000 years ago. After a guided visit of the site, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the city hustle this evening.

We leave Mexico this morning and travel approximately three hours to Puebla, the culinary capital of Mexico. Prepare your taste buds for another inspiring taste as we arrive in time for an included lunch to sample the local cuisine of the region. This city is renowned for dishes which combine Spanish and pre-hispanic influences, such as chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce). 

Following our lunch, we take a small tour of the city to admire the historic architecture, parks and alleys before traveling another 30 minutes to arrive at the town of Cholula. Considered one of the State of Puebla’s ‘magical towns’, we’ll visit the iconic church, built on the Tlachihualteptl pyramid (which means handmade hil) in honor of the Virgen de los Remedios.

Later, we’ll continue to Cholula, a municipality known for one of the most beautiful churches - the Santa María Tonantzintla which dates back the the 16th century. The decoration of the interior of the temple corresponds to the indigenous baroque or New Spain baroque style consisting of an exuberant decoration with indigenous motifs, such as angels with plumes of feathers, flower garlands, eagle knight outfits and with indigenous features, fruits and plants. All this shows a mixture between the pre-Hispanic world and the Christian world.

This morning we’ll be transferred to the airport and take a flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla. On arrival, we will make our way to San Cristóbal de las Casas, stopping en route to visit Sumidero  Canyon, an 800-metre deep canyon dating from the same time as the Grand Canyon. Take a boat tour on the Sumidero River to view this incredible canyon from a different perspective. Following our cruise, we continue a further hour and a half drive to San Cristóbal de las Casas. 

Located in the Mexican state of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, such as the centuries-old, yellow San Cristóbal Cathedral on the Parque Central. Check into your traditional hacienda styled hotel and this afternoon, get to know the area on an orientation walk with your tour leader before enjoying an evening to spend at your leisure.

Embark on a half-day tour this morning to the Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Only a short 20 minute drive from San Cristóbal and nestled in the highlands, these villages serve as marketplaces and religious ceremonial centers for indigenous communities who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and are often seen dressed in their own distinctive colorful clothing. You’ll have time to explore these villages with your guide and learn more about the culture and history of these mainly Maya people.  

Return to San Cristóbal where the rest of your day is at leisure to explore this charming town on your own.

Say goodbye to San Cristóbal de Las Casas this morning as we embark on a day of travel to reach Palenque, the ruined ancient Mayan city that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.  

We’ll first drive approximately four hours to reach the picturesque low and wide Agua Azul waterfall, which flows slowly over limestone rocks with time for a quick  dip — so remember to pack your swimsuit! Otherwise, enjoy a scenic stroll around the beautiful surroundings before continuing a further two hour drive to Palenque. 

Today you’ll visit an inspiring sight as we tour the ruins of Palenque. Archaeologists have been hard at work uncovering the secrets of this ancient city, but around 90% of the site remains unexcavated and concealed in the forest. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to 600AD and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they first came across the hidden ruins. Try to listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and the echoes of screeching parrots as you walk through the jungle. 

Following our visit in the morning, we’ll drive approximately five hours to the historic port town of Campeche, known for its preserved baroque colonial buildings, military architecture and walled historic district.

Leave Campeche behind and drive approximately two hours to another inspiring sight; one of Mexico's best-preserved Maya sites, Uxmal. Spend two hours exploring the ruins with your guide to see the Pyramid of the Magician, one of Mexico’s most impressive, marvel at the decorative details of the Governor’s Palace, and take the opportunity to climb one of the pyramids for an astounding view of the surrounding area.

Continue another hour’s drive to Mérida, founded in 1542 on the site of Tho, an ancient Maya city. This colonial city retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. On arrival, check into our inspiring stay for the next two nights, the 5-star La Misión de Fray Diego. Originally an old mansion dating back to the 17th century, the building has now been carefully restored and converted into an unique, boutique hotel.

This afternoon, take an orientation walk with your guide before enjoying some free time for the rest of the day. Take a trip to the Mérida Contemporary Art Museum for an interesting perspective on contemporary life in the city, head to the outdoor markets where you can find local food specialties like the seriously spicy El Yucateco hot sauce, or perhaps just spend some time wandering the Plaza Grande: a green, shady square enclosed by a 16th-century cathedral, City Hall, the State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo — the choice is yours!

After breakfast, drive to the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve for a boat tour through the reserve. Look out for the Yucatan woodpecker, Mexican sheartail, tropical mockingbird and, depending on the season (usually November–March), you may be lucky enough to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. 

Return to Mérida for an afternoon at leisure. For a taste of Mérida's 19th-century glory, you may like to take a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. Be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations for dinner this evening.

This morning we travel approximately two hours to reach our final inspiring sight, the fascinating complex of Chichen Itza. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, uncover the secrets of what is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. 

Following our visit, enjoy an inspiring taste as we stop at the nearby town of Piste and experience a traditional Maya family lunch, a great opportunity to experience the culture and have the opportunity to interact with the locals while being served traditional Yucatecan cuisine. 

Afterwards, we continue and stop at a beautiful cenote (sinkhole) for a swim before reaching Playa del Carmen this afternoon. This idyllic coastal resort is located along the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline and is known for its palm-lined beaches and coral reefs. This evening is yours to explore as you will.

Today is yours to relax and unwind in Playa del Carmen. Be sure to wander the Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach, filled with blocks of shops, restaurants and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs.

Today you are transferred to Cancun airport for your flight to Guatemala, the heart of the  modern Maya world, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Over 60% of its population are a direct descendant of the civilization that has lived on this land for more than 4,000 years.

Over the next few days, you’ll explore this land of mysteries and traditions, where the ancient and modern become one, as we tour their ancient cities, visit the communities of today and experience firsthand what Maya means to them.

Take some time today to learn a bit more about the city of Guatemala and understand more of the local culture and history. Join your guide on a walk of the city where we’ll visit important monuments such as the statue of Miguel Ángel Asturias, one of the sons of La Patria, the only Guatemalan writer who won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. Continue towards the historical center of the city, pass through the Torre del Reformador, El Teatro Nacional, the modernist Civic Center and admire many murals made by famous artists in the 50’s and 60’s. Also enjoy the Central Plaza where the Cathedral and National Palace are located.

This afternoon, we transfer to the airport and take an included flight to Flores where you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Today we enjoy an inspiring site as we drive approximately one hour to visit the incredible Tikal National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient Mayan citadel which flourished between 200 and 850 A.D. before being later abandoned. Its iconic ruins of temples and palaces include the giant, ceremonial Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. At 70 meters, Temple IV is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.  Step back in time as you walk through the jungle and visit the different plazas and pyramids with your expert local guide. 

Return back to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Today, we fly back to Guatemala City and continue our journey with a three hour drive to Lake Atitlan, following the route of where the Maya migrated after they abandoned their cities. Within these beautiful highlands of Guatemala, with its volcanoes and mountains, you will see how their culture is nicely preserved. As we travel through this region, you will learn first hand who are the Maya of today, and how the topography, time and the arrival of conquerors shaped their culture.

On arrival, check into your charming hotel set in attractive gardens overlooking Lake Atitlán in the village of Panajachel.

Be ready to be Mayanized as you experience another inspiring site as we board a boat to take us across Lake Atitlan to visit the community of San Juan la Laguna. Naj is an ancient Mayan word that means home or mother, and the mothers of modern Mayans will host us in their community. Today, we’ll support the women's co-op of San Juan la Laguna as we visit their medicinal gardens, midwives and weavers, and learn of the day to day way of life. Enjoy a very special inspiring taste as we join the women in their homes for a traditionally prepared  lunch and a further insight into their lives. This afternoon we return back to our hotel where the rest of the day is free to relax.

Today we start our journey towards Antigua where we will spend the night at Chichicastenango along the way. Only a two hour drive from Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango is a beautiful and authentic Mayan town in Guatemala. Tucked away in the mountain village is their famous outdoor market, which is one of the world's largest markets for handcrafted goods where you will find incredible Mayan artifacts for sale. After our market visit, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the colourful cemetery and, during the afternoon, be part of the movement in order to set up the puestos (market stalls) to sell products the next day.

Enjoy an early morning visit to the market (Thursdays or Sundays only) then, after a late breakfast, we’ll drive approximately two and a half hours to Antigua, a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it is renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. 

On arrival, step back in time as you check into your charming hotel, a restored antique colonial house which preserves the authentic atmosphere of the local region. Enjoy time to wander the cobblestone streets or relax in the beautiful hotel gardens.

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour in Antigua. Explore the beauty and richness of the colonial architecture, visit iconic buildings like the City Hall, the Cathedral, Santa Catalina arch and so much more around the former capital of Guatemala. 

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city on your own. 

Today you are free to enjoy the sights, flavors and sounds of this colorful city.

Your adventure ends at the hotel after breakfast. We hope you’ve been inspired.