Mexico is way too big to just have one route. You can opt to just visit the Yucatan peninsula where you start in Cancun, add city flavours with visits to Merida and Campeche. Put in an island or 2 with either Ilsa Mujeres or Isla Holbox or both. Calakmul will appeal to the jungle lovers as well as Palenque and the lagoon of Bacalar is really still off the beaten track. You can of course also start in bustling Mexico City and then work your way down via the amazing towns of Oaxaca and Puebla where can feel the corazon of Mexico beat at full strength. You can then chose to head for Chiapas or directly to Yucatan but whatever you chose the trip will be memorable.
Day 1 – 3
As you fly in over the impressive urban sprawl your first view of Mexico City will take your breath away…prepare yourself as the adventure begins. You will be greeted by our transport team and taken directly to your hotel close to the historic centre of the city.
We strongly suggest you make a tour taking you to the most important sites in this fascinating city: the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, National Palac Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Castle… add a guide to explain the stories behind these great landmarks.
On the other day you could do a tour which will visit the Catholic worship site of the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe (the Virgin Mary), one of the most important religious figures in Mexico. The new and the original churches sit together reflecting the continuity of the Catholic faith in Mexico. Next you will be taken outside the city to the pre-Hispanic site of Teotihuacan whose Nahuatl name means “place where gods were born”. Discover the site’s various ethnic influences including Aztec, Toltec, Mixtec, Totanac, Zapotec & Maya as you explore and climb the impressive buildings, including the massive pyramids of the sun and the moon, and intrepidly walk the Avenue of the Dead… In the evening you will return to the city centre where you can enjoy some of the many restaurants and bars close to your hotel.
Day 4 & 5
On day four you will travel to Puebla by public bus and then enjoy a free day to explore and enjoy the flavours and sights on offer in this stunning city… The city of Puebla is overshadowed by two volcanos contrasting with its highly decorated colonial buildings and colourful streets, which according to legend were created by angels for humans to enjoy.
Day 6 & 7
Another public bus for which we arrange seats and tickets, will take you to Oaxaca. After checking into your hotel, you can start to explore the streets and parks of this colourful city – full of handicrafts, food stalls, museums and churches. Rich in history and culture, Oaxaca is a fascinating destination where ancient civilizations, colonial architecture and alive traditions confluence. The culture and warmth of its people are the main reasons for traveling and getting wrapped by the Oaxacan universe. Discover the mountain top ruins of the Zopotecan/Mixtecan city of Monte Alban, which sits 10 km outside of Oaxaca.
Day 8 – 10
On day 8 you will hop aboard a night bus and up into the mountains we go! Your head for the state of Chiapas which within Mexico has a bit of a freestate feel to it. San Cristobal de las Casas is where you will sleep and where you will find women in amazing outfits. On day 9 we will take you to the surrounding villages where local law is taken very seriously and their religion is a mix between Catholicism and ancient Maya rituals. You will never forget a church visit here!
Day 11 & 12
Via the gorgeous waterfalls of the Aguas Azul and the smaller but very picturesque waterfall of Misol Ha you head to Palenque where in the early morning you will be greeted to the day by a howler monkey concert. Take your time to awaken the Indiana Jones in you and go and explore the site. Be sure to take mosquito repellent though!
Day 13 & 14
Then you head for Merida where your taste buds will be tickled. Take the time to discover this amazing city. Lots of churches and squares give it a distinct colonial feel and then there is really a multitude of amazing restaurants where you can spoil your inner self. If you really want to have a Mayan food experience we will be happy to organise a cooking class for you. If you love just the eating part then head on down to Kuuk for an amazing food experience! Once in Merida be sure to visit Uxmal where the Temple of the Sorcerer will be a highlight of your trip as it is one of the most impressive pyramids around.
Day 16 – 18
Your last bus leg takes you to Chichen Itza where you take the rest of the morning to enjoy and marvel one last time at the Mayan temples made hundreds of years ago. Then you head for the port at Chiquila from where you take the ferry to Isla Holbox. Take a few days to enjoy the island atmosphere which is still super laid back! From June to September be sure to include an excursion to the whale sharks that visit the area and try the north of the island if you feel like snorkelling!
Day 19
Take the ferry back to the main land and we will be there to take you to the airport after which you fly back home.
