Excursions by Exotrav

Mexico Tour

Exploring the Mysteries of the Maya Land

Trip Duration:

12 days

Recommended season:

November - May

Mexico - Trip Summary

A customized 12-day tour of Mexico takes you through the country’s diverse history, landscapes, and culture. Begin in Mexico City, the vibrant capital, where you’ll explore Teotihuacán, an impressive archaeological site featuring iconic pyramids. Continue to San Cristóbal, a charming colonial town with a rich Indigenous and Spanish heritage. Cruise through Sumidero Canyon, known for its towering cliffs, then visit the stunning Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lake. Discover the breathtaking Agua Azul Waterfalls and explore the ancient Mayan site of Palenque nestled in lush jungle.

Next, head to the Yucatán Peninsula to experience Campeche, a picturesque colonial town. Visit Uxmal, one of the most beautiful Mayan sites in Yucatán, and explore the village of Mérida. Discover the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, home to elegant flamingos, and marvel at Chichén Itzá, a New Wonder of the World. Conclude your journey with leisure time in Cancún before your return flight.

This journey through Mexico combines desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, historic ruins, and vibrant cities. Encounter Mexico’s Indigenous heritage blended with Spanish influences, colorful villages, remote beaches, and tropical jungles. Dive into Mexican art, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural traditions with festivals and ceremonies. Our tailored Mexico tours are customized to suit your group, interests, and travel duration. Choose from private English-speaking guides, shared tours, and personalized travel options to ensure an unforgettable experience at your pace and style.

Geographic • Culture • Maya Sites

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Mexico City

Arrival in Mexico City, where you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

 

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlán—the capital of the Aztec Empire. Over time, it has transformed into a megacity housing over 26 million inhabitants.
Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 2

Day 2: Mexico City - City Tour

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour. We will explore the historic center of the city, visiting the Zócalo square and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next, we will visit the National Museum of Anthropology.
Afterward, we will travel to the university district in Coyoacán, located in the southern part of Mexico City, including a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum, known as “The Blue House.” This is where Kahlo was born and spent most of her life.

 

Following our visits, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 3

Day 3: Mexico City - Teotihuacan - Guadalupe

After breakfast, we will travel to Teotihuacan, which translates to “the place where the gods were born.” This remarkable archaeological site showcases the genius of ancient peoples. Located about 50 km from Mexico City, it is the remains of a large ancient city that once housed approximately 200,000 inhabitants. We will be impressed by the magnificent temples and pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Citadel Square.

 

Next, we will continue with a visit to the Guadalupe Temple.
Afterward, we will return to Mexico City and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 4

Day 4: Mexico City - Sumidero Canyon - San Cristóbal de las Casas

After breakfast and depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for the flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

 

Upon arrival, we will drive to the village of Chiapa de Corzo, where we will embark on a spectacular shared boat tour of the Sumidero Canyon, a massive canyon with towering cliffs reaching up to a kilometer high on either side of the river. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to see various wildlife that inhabits the river.

 

After the boat tour, we will continue with a one-hour drive to San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is a colonial town from the Spanish rule, located in the Chiapas region of southern Mexico. The town is situated in a mountainous area and serves as a base for excursions to the surrounding villages of the indigenous Maya people.

 

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in San Cristóbal.

Day 5

Day 5: San Cristóbal and Surrounding Villages

After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day tour of San Cristóbal and its surrounding villages. We will walk to the city center to visit the Cathedral, the impressive 16th-century Dominican Church, and then continue to explore the local market.

 

Afterward, we will visit the villages of the Maya, gaining insight into their traditional lives. Our first stop will be the village of San Juan Chamula, which belongs to the Tzotzil people. We will stroll through the village’s alleys, observing farmers and artisans dressed in colorful traditional clothing as they sell their goods. Next, we will visit the village of San Lorenzo Zinacantán, another village of the Tzotzil community.

 

The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Overnight in San Cristóbal.

Day 6

Day 6: San Cristóbal - Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes

After breakfast, we will drive for about two and a half hours to visit the stunning Chiflon Waterfalls, where we will take a walking tour among the waterfalls. The turquoise waters, the surrounding wild nature, and the power of the falls make this place one of the most beautiful in Mexico. You can hike up to the upper waterfall (the climb is challenging, but the view from the top is worth the effort) and enjoy the expansive scenery or relax in the natural pool at the base of the falls.

 

Afterward, we will continue to visit the breathtaking Montebello Lakes National Park.

 

Following our visit, we will drive back to San Cristóbal.
Overnight in San Cristóbal.

 

It is recommended to bring swimwear and a towel.

Day 7

Day 7: San Cristóbal - Agua Azul - Palenque - Archaeological Site

Early in the morning, we will drive for about 3.5 hours to the stunning Agua Azul Waterfalls National Park. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a walk along the trails leading to areas with rushing waterfalls and pools in vibrant shades of green and turquoise.

 

After our visit, we will depart for a drive of approximately one and a half hours to Palenque, located in the heart of the jungle.
Once we arrive, we will explore the ancient archaeological site of Palenque. We will visit the tomb of King Pakal, a member of the dynasty that brought prosperity to the city. Palenque reached its peak between 600-700 AD, which is evident in its impressive ruins. We will wander among the remnants of palaces, pyramids, and ancient temples.

 

Following our tour, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Palenque.

 

Day 8

Day 8: Palenque - Campeche - City Tour

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 4 hours to Campeche, located on the Yucatán Peninsula.

 

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a tour of the impressive historic area of the city, featuring colonial buildings and walls that have protected the city since the 16th century. We will visit the San Miguel Fortress, the city gate, and the Malecón promenade, where we can enjoy the breathtaking sunset over Campeche Bay.

 

Following our tour, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Campeche.

Day 9

Day 9: Campeche - Uxmal - Mérida

After breakfast, we will depart for a two-hour drive to Uxmal, one of the most beautiful Maya sites in the Yucatán. The site was constructed between the 8th and 11th centuries, and the Maya inhabited and thrived here until the mid-16th century. At the heart of the site are several pyramids, each approximately forty meters tall, accompanied by temples, ceremonial sites, and large buildings. Most of the structures at Uxmal have been remarkably well-preserved, and during our visit, it feels as if the inhabitants left just recently, leaving the site exactly as it was when they lived here. Lunch is included.

 

After our exploration, we will continue with a one-hour drive to Mérida, a vibrant and beautiful city in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.

 

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Mérida.

Day 10

Day 10: Mérida - Fishing Village of Celestún and Pink Flamingos

After breakfast, we will drive to the fishing village of Celestún, located approximately 90 kilometers west of Mérida. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is home to 587 species of plants, 42 of which are endemic. Among the wildlife that can be spotted in the reserve is the pink Mexican flamingo.

 

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a boat ride through the river estuaries and observe the colonies of flamingos coloring the landscape, along with other birds. We will stop for a swim in the fresh, clear springs, enjoying a wonderful day of exploration. Lunch is included.

 

Afterward, we will return to Mérida and transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Mérida.

Day 11

Day 11: Mérida - Río Lagartos - Las Coloradas - Valladolid

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours (216 km) to the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where we will take a motorboat tour to observe a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, birds, and crocodiles.
Next, we will continue for about half an hour to visit the pink lagoon in the small fishing village of Las Coloradas.

 

After our visit, we will drive for approximately an hour and a half (106 km) to the city of Valladolid.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Valladolid.

Day 12

Day 12: Valladolid - Chichén Itzá - Cancun - Airport

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately 45 minutes to visit the famous Maya site of Chichén Itzá, which was chosen in 2007 as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, it serves as an archaeological site, having been built as a city by the Maya. We will visit the Great Pyramid, “El Castillo,” which was constructed by the Maya as a temple to the god Kukulkan, whose physical embodiment for the Maya is a feathered serpent, which is why you can see numerous snake depictions on the temples. We will stroll among the structures, marvel at the architectural style, and try to climb the steep steps to the observation point. Lunch is included.

 

After our visit, we will depart for a 3-hour drive to the Cancun airport for our flight back home.

 

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