12 Day Premium Mexico & Mayan Discovery

Hola! And welcome to Mexico City!

Upon arrival at Benito Juarez International Airport, our tour representative will meet and greet you before assisting you to your hotel.  The remainder 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 meet your local guide in the hotel lobby at 8am to head out for an epic day of exploration through Mexico’s incredible capital. 

First we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Mexico City with a visit to the main square of the city, known as the 'Zocalo.' Here, you will find notable landmarks such as the cathedral and the presidential palace. Following this, enjoy a guided tour of the National Anthropology Museum, home to a priceless collection of artefacts, some of which date back 35,000 years. 

Afterwards we head to the ancient 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.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel  before meeting your local guide who will accompany you on a full-day adventure commencing in Santa María Tonantzintla. Your first stop will be the remarkable Baroque church, renowned for its talaveresque façade and exquisitely decorated interior adorned with vibrant polychrome. From there, you will proceed to the archaeological site of Cholula, featuring the largest pyramidal base in the Americas. Its distinctive roof consists of 49 domes that cover the seven levels of the temple, along with two flanking chapels. Following this visit, you will be transferred to Puebla, often referred to as the 'City of Angels,' where you will have leisure time for lunch (not included). Explore the awe-inspiring historic centre, which boasts a remarkable concentration of 18th-century colonial buildings. Take a moment to step inside the grand Cathedral and marvel at its interior, while contemplating the impressive front façade and towering spires—the tallest in all of Mexico. Next, visit the Chapel of the Rosary, an exquisite addition to the Santo Domingo church dating back to the 17th century. Its vibrant interior is adorned with polychrome and gold leaf decorations. This is an opportune time to shop for souvenirs, including traditional sweets or Talavera pottery. As dusk approaches, you will be transported back to Mexico City, where your day concludes.

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Mexico City Airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. On arrival you will be met by a local guide before taking you to the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most outstanding natural attractions. This spectacular gorge carved into the earth over millions of years by the River Grijalva has to be one of Mother Nature’s least celebrated masterpieces. This makes visiting it even more exciting. During a two-hour boat tour along the imposing canyon bed, you will be able to appreciate just how deep this ravine gorge is. Find yourself dwarfed by the sheer scale of its high walls, which are covered in a thick coat of vegetation. Admire the beautiful wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys and birds, and the wide range of flora in the surrounding rainforests. 

After the boat ride, continue to San Cristobal de las Casas, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel late in the afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a visit to the captivating town of San Juan Chamula, known for its picturesque whitewashed cathedral adorned with vibrant ornamentation. Inside the cathedral, you will be greeted by the enchanting scent of pine and the flickering glow of candlelight, setting the stage for the religious rituals performed by the local inhabitants. This town is predominantly populated by the Tzotzil Maya community, who not only speak their own language but also showcase their distinctive attire. The men don tunics called 'chujes,' while the women adorn themselves in beautiful blouses known as 'huipils.' Chamula is renowned for its skilled weavers, and the local shops and markets offer a splendid array of their creations. Afterward, as you return to San Cristobal, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend visiting the baroque church of Santo Domingo, as well as immersing yourself in the vibrant art and food markets, where you can admire the traditional clothing of the Maya cultures that inhabit the region.

In the early morning, you will be collected from your hotel to commence your trip to Palenque. Enjoy your breakfast en route as we begin travelling north-east towards the beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas, perhaps some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world! Today, don't forget to bring your swimsuit, as you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools with their vibrant blue waters. This remarkable natural oasis offers a serene and rejuvenating ambiance, providing the perfect setting to relax and revitalise yourself. After immersing ourselves in the beauty of the waterfalls and enjoying a swim, we will continue our journey towards the city of Palenque, where we will arrive in the afternoon. 

Once we reach Palenque, check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is free to unwind and spend the remainder of the day at your own leisure, exploring the charms of Palenque.

After enjoying breakfast, we will embark on an exciting visit to the Temples of Palenque. This archaeological site is renowned for its exceptional Mayan architecture, featuring remarkable sculptures, intricate roof combs, and incredible bas-relief carvings. Prepare for a captivating guided tour of this ancient site, where you will have the opportunity to admire its beauty and delve into fascinating historical insights. One of the highlights is the impressive Temple of Inscriptions, standing at a towering height of nearly 23 metres. It was in this temple that the tomb of a Maya ruler was discovered and excavated in the early 1950s, adding to the allure of Palenque. In its prime, Palenque was a vast city-state that sprawled across an area of almost 60 square kilometres. However, it is estimated that only a small fraction, about 5-10%, of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site has been excavated thus far. Over 200 structures have been uncovered, with notable highlights including the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Count, and the Temple of the Cross. 

As our tour of Palenque concludes, we will then proceed to the city of Campeche. Upon arrival, you will be assisted with the check-in process at the hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably and enjoy your time in Campeche.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a delightful day of exploration. Begin with a panoramic tour of Campeche, a historic coastal city. As you drive through the charming old town, admire the colonial houses, arcades, and churches that create a picturesque atmosphere. Take the opportunity to disembark and continue exploring on foot, visiting notable sights like the old city walls and St. Francis' Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating architecture of Campeche.

Next, we will leave Campeche and journey to the remarkable archaeological site of Uxmal. As you approach, you will witness the awe-inspiring sight of Uxmal rising above the lush canopy of the jungle. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site offers a unique experience, as Uxmal was engulfed by the rainforest after the arrival of the Spanish. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, with its most famous structure, the 35-metre Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle. Explore the central plaza, where you'll find the Governor's Palace adorned with elaborate decorations on its roof. At the southern end of the main complex, you can marvel at the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated. Uxmal presents a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization.

Afterward, we will continue our journey to the beautiful white colonial city of Merida. Upon arrival, embark on a panoramic tour that showcases the city's most prominent sites. Explore the residential area, admire the monument to the homeland, and take in the sights along Montejo Avenue. Merida's charm lies in its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Prepare to be enchanted by the history and beauty of both Uxmal and Merida as you delve into the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you head off for a day filled with beachside relaxation and breathtaking scenery. 

We will venture to a charming fishing village located approximately two hours away from Mérida, where you can immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the area. Upon arrival, take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surroundings, particularly the pristine virgin beaches that beckon for a refreshing swim. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent pink flamingos that call this region their home, adding a touch of natural splendour to the landscape. While flamingos can be observed throughout the year, their sightings may be less frequent during the rainy months of September and October.

Embark on a captivating boat ride through the mangrove forest, where you will have the opportunity to witness the extraordinary flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Observe the exotic plants and animals that call this region their habitat, creating a truly remarkable experience. Following the boat ride, enjoy free time on the beach, allowing you to unwind, swim, or bask in the warm sunshine.  Later, we will treat you to a traditional lunch at a delightful seafront restaurant, providing a taste of the local flavours and culinary delights. 

Afterward, we will make our way back to Merida, where you can enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your own leisure. Explore the city, relax at the hotel, or engage in activities of your choosing, allowing you to make the most of your time in this captivating destination.

This morning we travel approximately two hours to reach 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.

After a fulfilling morning of exploration, take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical restaurant, savouring the flavours of the region before we continue to Playa del Carmen arriving in the early evening. 

On arrival, check into your all-inclusive beachfront resort. Sit back and truly unwind as you enjoy all included dining and beverages at more than 6 included restaurants,  bars and lounges.

Today is yours to relax and unwind in Playa del Carmen. Visit the city of Playa del Carmen and 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 your journey through Mexico comes to an end after breakfast. 

Make your own way to Cancun Airport for your onward flight. 

Alternatively, you can extend your stay in this tropical paradise by booking extra nights.  Further details for either option can be found under ‘Extra Services’.