Days/Nights
11D - 10N
Reveiews
Activity level
High
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Your trip in a nutshell
Itinerary
Day - 1
Mexico City Arrival: The Aztec Capital
Arrive at Mexico City International Airport, where a representative will greet you and manage your transfer to the downtown hotel. Settle into this high-altitude metropolis, a city built atop the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps acclimating to the altitude or taking a first stroll through the bustling streets of the historic center to absorb the vibrant energy of the capital.
Day - 2
Pyramids and Pilgrimages
Journey to Teotihuacan, the ancient "City of the Gods," to scale the imposing Pyramid of the Sun and admire the Pyramid of the Moon. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a vital Catholic pilgrimage site housing the miraculous image of the Virgin. In the afternoon, explore the Zócalo, admiring the murals of the National Palace and the grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Day - 3
The Silver City to Puebla
Depart for Taxco, a colonial jewel clinging to a steep hillside in Guerrero. Known as the "Silver City," its winding cobblestone streets are lined with workshops selling locally crafted jewelry. After exploring its baroque architecture, continue the journey to Puebla. Check into your hotel in this historic city, famous for its culinary heritage and intricate Talavera pottery.
Day - 4
Tiled Facades and Ancient Bases
Explore Puebla, admiring the Santo Domingo Church and the city's signature colorful tiled architecture. Visit the neighboring town of Cholula to see the Great Pyramid, the largest by volume in the world, topped by the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church. Later, drive south through the scenic diverse landscapes to Oaxaca, the culinary and cultural heart of southern Mexico.
Day - 5
Zapotec Peaks and Stone Mosaics
Ascend to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital perched on a flattened mountaintop, offering commanding views of the valley. Continue to Mitla, a site renowned for its intricate geometric stone mosaics that require no mortar. Conclude with a tour of Oaxaca City, visiting the gold-laden Santo Domingo Church and the bustling markets before returning to your hotel.
Day - 6
Canyon Walls to Highland Mist
Fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez and transfer immediately to a boat for a tour of the spectacular Sumidero Canyon. Marvel at cliffs rising over a thousand meters above the Grijalva River, home to crocodiles and monkeys. Visit the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo briefly before ascending into the cool pine forests to the charming highland city of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Day - 7
Highland Traditions and Markets
Immerse yourself in the indigenous culture of Chiapas. Tour San Cristóbal de las Casas, visiting the Santo Domingo Church and its vibrant market. Proceed to the nearby villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Here, witness unique religious rituals that blend Mayan and Catholic traditions inside the church and watch local weavers create colorful textiles using ancient waist-loom techniques.
Day - 8
Cascades of Blue to the Jungle
Depart early for Agua Azul Falls, where brilliant turquoise water cascades over limestone steps surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy the refreshing mist and scenery of this natural park. Continue the journey descending from the highlands into the tropical rainforest to Palenque. Check into your hotel near the archaeological zone, relaxing amidst the sounds of the jungle.
Day - 9
Jungle Kings and Fortifie
Explore the archaeological site of Palenque, a masterpiece of Mayan architecture. Marvel at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the burial place of Pakal the Great, and the complex palace structures hidden in the dense foliage. Afterward, travel north to the coast to reach Campeche. Check into your hotel in this historic walled city, once a stronghold against pirate attacks.
Day - 10
Puuc Style and the White City
Tour the fortified ramparts of Campeche before visiting the archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Uxmal is celebrated for its Puuc-style architecture, featuring intricate stone mosaics and the rounded Pyramid of the Magician. Continue to Mérida, the "White City." Savor the colonial elegance and vibrant street life of the Yucatecan capital upon arrival.
Day - 11
Mayan Wonders to Caribbean Shores
Conclude your cultural expedition at Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Stand before the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the massive Great Ball Court, and the Observatory. After exploring this ceremonial center, drive to the Caribbean coast. Check into your hotel in Playa del Carmen, ready to relax by the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya.
Sightseeing's
