Comprehensive package of excursions:
Mexico has all the ingredients for a perfect tour, from exciting and colourful cities and fascinating culture to magnificent ruins, wonderful nature, and pristine white sandy beaches.
This tour begins in the vibrant capital of Mexico City, where you'll experience the best of the city with visits to its major attractions.
Mexico is a country with a rich history influenced by its past Spanish rule and indigenous peoples. You'll gain fascinating insights into this heritage when you visit the country's well-preserved colonial cities, intriguing Maya villages, the magical Palenque ruins nestled in the jungle, and the ruin city of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
With visits to stunning turquoise waterfalls, a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, and a swim in an enchanting underground water hole known as a cenote, you'll discover the picturesque and marvellous natural beauty that Mexico has to offer.
The tour concludes in the holiday paradise of Playa del Carmen with its white sandy beaches, the Caribbean Sea, and time for relaxation under the sun.
Today, you will depart from your chosen airport and the tour will take you to Mexico, with connecting flights along the way. At Mexico City's airport, you will be greeted by a driver who will take you to your hotel.
Today awaits an exciting sightseeing tour in Mexico City, one of the world's largest cities. It’s situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters, making it one of the world's highest major cities, surrounded by volcanoes.
Your visit includes Mexico's colonial centre, where you will pass by the central square, Zócalo, surrounded by the National Palace and Mexico's cathedral, which is the largest in the country. Here, you'll also find Templo Mayor, which are the ruins of the ceremonial centre of the former Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan (entrance not included). From here, you will continue to Alameda Park, home to the magnificent national theatre, Palacio de Bellas Artes, where opera, ballet, plays, and concerts are performed. You'll proceed down the wide avenue, Paseo de la Reforma, crossing the heart of Mexico City to Chapultepec Park. Here lies the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. It is a fascinating museum that offers great insight into the country's various cultures.
You'll return to your hotel in the late afternoon, and you have the evening free to explore on your own.
You may choose to extend the city tour to include the Frida Kahlo Museum. Here, you can learn more about the famous artist's life and see some of her renowned works.
Today, you have the day at leisure. Explore this vibrant metropolis on your own or opt for one of our excursions, whether you're interested in historical ruins or Mexican cuisine.
You can choose to visit one of Latin America's largest ruin complexes, the temple city of Teotihuacán, or witness the world's largest man-made pyramid, Tlachihualtepetl, at the Cholula ruins in Puebla.
If you're more interested in the culinary aspect of Mexico City, we recommend our gastronomic tour, where you’ll have the chance to sample various Mexican dishes.
Today, you will leave Mexico City and fly to Tuxtla in the province of Chiapas. You'll be picked up at the airport and driven to the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon. Here, a captivating 2-hour speedboat journey awaits you, taking you deep into the canyon where towering cliffs rise on either side. You might be lucky enough to spot monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species here. Afterwards, you will continue by bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure.
The city, sitting at approximately 2,100 metres, is one of Mexico's most beautiful. This charming city was once simply known as ‘San Cristóbal’, but ‘de las Casas’ was added in honour of Bartolomé de las Casas, a Spanish priest and defender of the indigenous people's rights.
The city is especially renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Adjacent to the central square, Plaza 31 de Marzo, is the city’s most exquisite church—the Templo de Santo Domingo.
In addition, these spots are certainly worth visiting: Templo del Carmen with its distinctive tower, the local market rich with food items and handicrafts, and the home of Danish explorer and archaeologist Frans Blom, Na Bolom. Now converted into a hotel and museum, Na Bolom showcases exhibitions of his lifelong work studying indigenous tribes.
Unfortunately, having an English-speaking guide today is not feasible (though it's not really necessary).
Today's activities offer an exciting insight into Maya culture with visits to the villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Situated a short drive from San Cristóbal, you will be guided by an expert throughout the day. They will provide fascinating insights into the villages and their inhabitants, while also guiding you on how to visit respectfully—e.g., always asking for permission before taking photos of locals.
San Juan Chamula is home to 50,000 indigenous Maya people, mainly Tzotzil and Tzeltal. Preserving traditions and cultural heritage is important to the Maya, demonstrated by their own language, and the town's own police force and rules. You will be visiting the unique church at the town’s central square, which is definitely worth seeing. This church is exemplary of the fusion between the original Maya beliefs and Catholicism. The Maya pray to the Maya god or saint relevant to their illness or wish. There are no benches in the church, so you kneel on the floor amidst a sea of candles. The air is thick with incense and rows of wooden saints line the walls, including Saint John the Baptist, the town's patron saint.
Both San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán are celebrated for their weaving techniques, with each village having its own distinctive garments featuring intricate patterns and colours.
Here, you have the opportunity to purchase vibrant clothing and blankets as souvenirs at very reasonable prices, simultaneously supporting the locals in these villages.
By afternoon, you’ll return to San Cristóbal, leaving you with the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Today, you will set off from San Cristóbal to Palenque in the early morning. The route follows winding mountain roads with numerous speed bumps, so sit back, relax, and take in the stunning mountain views—it's all part of the adventure. There will be stops at two enchanting waterfalls, each captivating in its own way. Enjoy some free time here to take a refreshing dip, grab a bite to eat, or simply soak in the marvellous nature. Remember to pack swimwear and a towel in your carry-on if you'd like to swim along the way.
The first stop is at the Agua Azul waterfalls (the blue waterfalls), where turquoise water cascades over white limestone tiers in multiple levels. This vivid water colour is due to the high mineral and limestone content reflecting the sunlight, creating an almost magical setting. These waterfalls are encircled by rainforest, with small natural pools formed along the river’s course where you can bathe and relish the refreshing waters.
The next stop is at the Misol-Ha waterfall, a standalone fall about 35 metres high, plunging dramatically into an emerald green lagoon amid the rainforest. A small path leads behind the waterfall, offering you the chance to stand in the shelter of the cascading waters and feel nature’s force up close.
In the afternoon, you will arrive in Palenque, a relatively small local town serving primarily as a base for visitors to the renowned Maya ruins of the same name.
Unfortunately, having an English-speaking guide today is not feasible (though it's not really necessary).
*Currently, gov.uk has a travel advisory on the road from San Cristóbal to Palenque via Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls (Route 199) because it is often affected by demonstrations and roadblocks. As long as gov.uk advises against this route, we will change your program for this day and take you to Palenque by a different route via the town of Villahermosa. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit the two waterfalls with this route change.
Today you’ll unleash your inner Indiana Jones on an excursion to the Palenque ruins! Hidden deep within the dense jungle like a lost world, these ancient temples and ruins suddenly emerge from the rainforest. Your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of the area, including the impressive Templo de las Inscripciones, which houses the tomb of the powerful Maya King Pakal. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the ancient ruins on your own.
You will return home by noon, allowing you the rest of the day to explore Palenque at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your excursion to the Maya ruins by purchasing an optional visit to the Roberto Barrios Falls. These consist of several small waterfalls and natural pools where you can enjoy a swim.
Today involves a lengthy travel day, but you’ll be transported to Mérida in a first-class bus, so sit back in comfort and enjoy the scenic views that zip by. You’ll need to walk from the hotel to the Palenque bus station yourself or take a taxi (at your expense). Upon arrival in Mérida, a taxi will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore this intriguing city. Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state in Mexico, is renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and charming colonial architecture—something you’ll certainly notice as you stroll through the city’s streets.
The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours.
No excursions are planned for today, but you might want to consider purchasing one of our optional tours. Visit the flamingo colonies in Celestun, swim in the stunning cenotes, marvel at the grand Maya ruins of Uxmal, or take part in our Mexican cooking class.
You can also discover the city at your own pace. Mérida is a delightful city founded in 1542 on the remains of the former Maya city Tihó. Often referred to as "The White City" due to its many whitewashed buildings, it's also called "Mexico's Paris" by locals as it’s the most European city on the Yucatán Peninsula. In the last century, the city prospered from agave fibre production, and the town’s former wealth is still reflected in the many impressive buildings.
Mérida is also renowned for its gastronomy and offers a plethora of culinary experiences. Yucatán cuisine is especially famous for dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) and sopa de lima (lime soup), as well as unique spices like habanero chilli and achiote. You also shouldn’t miss out on a refreshing agua de chaya drink (made with chaya leaves, lime, and sugar) and a marquesita (a crispy pancake often filled with Nutella and cheese) for dessert.
Today brings another day full of remarkable experiences. The journey continues to the Caribbean coast at Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya, but before you reach this beach paradise, you’ll experience some of the Yucatán Peninsula's popular attractions along the way: the Chichén Itzá Maya ruins and the San Lorenzo Oxman cenote.
The first stop is the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ruins exhibit traces of two different cultural periods: the Maya and Itza eras.
The Mayans had advanced skills in both astronomy and architecture, which is clearly reflected in the ruins. Among other things, you'll see the highly renowned 25-metre high pyramid El Castillo, which is essentially the Maya calendar in stone form. In March and September, the shadows cast by the sun create the illusion of a ‘serpent’ on the north staircase. You'll also see Mexico's largest ancient ball court, measuring over 180 x 70 metres, the Temple of the Warriors renowned for its chac-mool figure, and the Observatory, which served as the Mayans' astronomical observatory. Additionally, you’ll visit the Sacred Cenote, used for religious rituals. Originally a water source, the Mayans made sacrifices to the rain god Chaac. Both human bones and valuable offerings have been found in the well.
After visiting Chichén Itzá and having a short lunch break, the tour continues to the beautiful cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim. A cenote is a natural, underground freshwater pool, unique to the Yucatán. The Oxman cenote is open to sunlight, highlighting its vibrant green waters. Luxuriant vegetation and tree roots cascade down its sides, giving it an enchanting quality. There are toilets and changing rooms available, and you can rent a locker for your valuables and a life jacket for a small fee.
In fact, there are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. You can read more about cenotes on our blog here.
There are opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks at both Chichén Itzá and the Oxman cenote.
You’ll then continue to the beach town Playa del Carmen, with its miles of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters.
You have the next few days to discover Playa del Carmen and its surroundings at your own pace. The tropical climate and warm air will likely entice you to grab your towel and head to the beautiful Caribbean beach for a splash in the inviting turquoise waters.
The gorgeous beach is ideal for both relaxing and swimming, as well as offering a wealth of water sports activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing.
The centre of Playa del Carmen is Plaza Mayor, situated by the beach and right next to the ferry to Cozumel Island. From Plaza Mayor, the lively main street Avenida 5 stretches out, filled with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Cozumel Island, located just off Playa del Carmen, is the third-largest island in Mexico, covering almost 500 square kilometres. There are excellent hiking trails on the island, and you can also rent a bike to explore its beautiful beaches and the Maya ruins of San Gervasio at your own pace.
Cozumel is actually most famous for its underwater scene, offering an outstanding diving or snorkelling experience with coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, and possibly even sea turtles. A ferry departs to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen several times a day, taking about 45 minutes to reach the island.
You can also visit the fun 3D art museum, Museum of Wonders, where large works by artists such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo are illustrated in 3D, offering countless quirky photo opportunities. This museum is also a great activity for children.
As the day draws to a close, we recommend enjoying a refreshing juice or drink at one of the charming beach bars, where the atmosphere is a bit more laid-back than on the city's bustling main street.
Today, it's time to bid farewell to Mexico. You will be driven to Cancún airport, where your journey home begins.
You will arrive at your chosen airport after a delightful and exciting tour of Mexico.
From £559 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £419
Single room supplement from £309
Dreaming of Caribbean sands, turquoise waters, and a cosy island vibe? Then Isla Mujeres is the perfect destination for you. On this extension, you’ll have time to unwind, soak up the exotic surroundings, and experience the unique charm of island life – with a livelier atmosphere than its quieter sister island, Isla Holbox.
Isla Mujeres is renowned for its charming island lifestyle, white sandy beaches, and the crystal-clear Caribbean sea. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for families.
Playa Norte, the northernmost beach on Isla Mujeres, has been voted one of the best beaches in Mexico – and for good reason. Here, you’ll be greeted by powder-white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water stretching out into the vibrant turquoise sea.
Look forward to a few relaxing days in paradise!
From £699 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £519
Single room supplement from £329
Look forward to discovering a peaceful oasis of white sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere – a place where time seems to slow down just a little.
Isla Holbox is a tranquil and naturally beautiful island to the north of the Yucatán Peninsula. There are no cars here and no crowds—just soft sandy tracks, small, colourful houses, and a relaxed island vibe. With its rustic charm, local character, and focus on sustainability, Holbox stands out from the busier resort towns.
The island is famed for its long, white sandy beaches, shallow bathing coves, and authentic island atmosphere, inviting you to unwind or enjoy gentle activities. Whether you’d prefer to relax in the shade of a palm tree, swim in warm, crystalline waters, or explore the island by golf cart or bicycle, you’re free to do so at your own pace.
Holbox is also part of the protected Yum Balam nature reserve, where the natural environment is a central element of the experience. The island is home to a wealth of birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans, and as night falls, you might be treated to the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence lighting up the sea in shimmering blue-green flashes.
The perfect way to end the day is at one of the island’s charming beachside restaurants, savouring freshly caught seafood and local specialities, perhaps with a little live music in the background, while the sun sets and paints the sky with golden hues. Isla Holbox offers a genuine Mexican island atmosphere and stunning paradise beaches – the ideal way to round off your tour of Mexico.
Children under 12 years from £2379
Single room supplement from £559
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
