Upon arrival in Mexico, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, a perfect chance to start exploring the city at your own pace.   

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in the world. Once the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, it holds the title of the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere. Today, it stands as Mexico’s cultural heart and a foodie’s paradise, offering something for every kind of traveller. 

Meals: N/A 

Embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Mexico City. Your day begins at the grand Zócalo, one of the world’s largest public squares. Here, you’ll take in the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Latin America, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Templo Mayor, once the heart of the Aztec empire. You’ll stroll down Madero Street, taking in key landmarks along the way, including the Temple of San Francisco, the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles), the ornate Post Office, and the majestic Palacio de Bellas Artes. You will then enjoy a gastronomic adventure at San Juan Market, where you’ll sample an incredible range of Mexican street food, from pre-Hispanic delicacies to bold, contemporary flavours. To wrap up the day, we’ll soak up the old-world charm of Bar La Ópera, a classic cantina, and enjoy a refreshing traditional drink. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch   

Your journey today takes you to Teotihuacan, an awe-inspiring archaeological wonder 50km northeast of Mexico City.   You’ll visit the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, a symbolic space that signifies the fusion of Aztec, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican cultures.  

Next, you will visit the revered Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious sites in the Americas. It was here, in 1531, that the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to Juan Diego. You’ll explore both the New Basilica, a striking example of modern architecture, and the older, slowly sinking Old Basilica, a poignant reminder of Mexico’s deep spiritual roots. 

From there, continue an hour north to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, once a sacred city to the Aztecs. The Teotihuacan civilisation remains shrouded in mystery as the site was abandoned in the 8th century. The Aztecs believed that the gods created the universe in this ancient city.  Within, you’ll discover ancient temples, regal palaces, and monumental pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the colossal Pyramid of the Sun, one of the world's largest.  

Meals: Breakfast  

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to San Cristóbal de las Casas.  

En route you will cruise the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, travelling by boat through the awe-inspiring natural reserve. Formed 36 million years ago, its towering calcareous rock walls reach over 1,000m in height, housing caves and cascades, including the renowned Christmas Tree formation. The excursion concludes with a visit to Chiapa de Corzo, the first Spanish settlement, showcasing colonial architecture with an Arabic-influenced Mudejar fountain called La Pila, dating back to the 16th century. 

You’ll then journey on to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a charming highland city where colonial elegance meets vibrant Indigenous culture. Wander cobblestone streets that lead to bustling markets, brimming with traditional Maya crafts and colourful textiles. All around, beautifully preserved historic buildings reflect the city’s rich colonial heritage.

Meals: Breakfast  

Your exploration today begins with a walk through the colonial heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas. The magnificent cathedral, nestled on the north side of the charming central square, awaits with its opulent interior and a pulpit adorned in gold. Just a few blocks away, the 16th century Dominican church, Templo de Santo Domingo, captivates with its intricate pink façade and resplendent Baroque decor. The adjacent handicraft market bustles with Tzotzil Indians, trading their unique wares. Venturing 10km into the Chiapas highlands, you will reach the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, descendants of the ancient Maya, maintaining distinct customs and beliefs. The striking white church in San Juan Chamula, is illuminated by candles, filled with incense, and echoing with the chants of devoted worshippers. Your journey continues to the nearby village of Zinacantan, which features a church and vibrant handicraft market. As the day draws to a close, return to San Cristobal. 

Meals: Breakfast  

Today, you will head to Palenque, where you’ll be based for the next two nights. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Agua Azul waterfalls. Here, crystal clear water tumble over limestone terraces, forming a series of cascading pools. Take time to wander the scenic trails, or enjoy a refreshing swim. Afterwards, continue to Palenque, where the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. 

In the foothills of the Tumbalá mountains, Palenque rises above the marshy plains that stretch northward toward the Gulf Coast. This ancient Maya city is renowned for its remarkable structures and intricate sculpted reliefs, which depict Maya myths and showcase the civilisation's creativity.  With its abundant rainfall, this lush region supported advanced agricultural techniques, including raised-bed farming, providing resources to sustain a large workforce and foster trade along the river.  

Meals: Breakfast  

Your next destination is the Palenque archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 7km from the town of Palenque. Flourishing between 600 and 800AD, its influence extended across the Usumacinta River basin. Nestled within a rainforest inhabited by toucans and howler monkeys, the site encompasses around 500 buildings across 15km2, with only a few excavated. As you explore these awe-inspiring ruins, you'll visit the Temple of the Inscriptions, the tallest and most impressive structure at Palenque; the Temple of the Sun, with its iconic roof, and the majestic Palace, featuring intricate corridors and chambers.  You will then continue to the charming city of Campeche and spend the night. 

Meals: Breakfast  

After breakfast, depart for Yaxcopoil, a meticulously restored 17th century hacienda located just outside Mérida. This extensive estate was a prominent henequen producer, and its numerous French Renaissance-style buildings have been thoughtfully preserved. You’ll delve into the splendid interiors before embarking on a 30 minute drive to the Uxmal Maya ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its Puuc architecture, showcasing intricate stone mosaics and soaring vaulted arches. On the journey to Mérida from Uxmal, you’ll make a stop at the stunning turquoise cenote (sinkhole) of Sambulá. Cenotes were sacred to the Maya, representing entrances to the underworld, where numerous valuable artifacts and human skeletons have been uncovered.   You'll stay in a beautifully restored 17th century mansion, now a charming boutique hotel in Mérida. This historic building, once a part of the 400 year old Temple of Nuns (Our Lady of Consolation), features colonial architecture. The original convent, completed in 1596, remains adjacent, now serving as a chapel. 

Meals: Breakfast  

Today you will explore Mérida's historic centre, established over 450 years ago atop the ancient Maya city of T’ho. It offers a captivating blend of colonial architecture and Maya culture. Your first stop is the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, constructed using stones from ancient Maya temples. This cathedral, completed in 1598, stands as Latin America's oldest. Inside, murals depict the historic encounter between Francisco de Montejo, Mérida's founder, and Maya King Tutl Xiu.  

Casa Montejo, the opulent residence of Francisco de Montejo, and the Governor's Palace, is adorned with 27 grand murals by Don Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting Yucatán's past. The scenic Plaza Principal, shaded by trees, presents picturesque views of the Cathedral, Palacio Municipal, Casa Montejo, and the Governor's Palace.  

Journey along the Paseo Montejo, designed after the Champs Elysees, featuring elegant homes, shops, and charming eateries, and conclude your cultural exploration at the Mundo Maya Museum. This cultural centre is notable for its striking architecture and a collection of over 500 pieces, including textiles, religious artifacts, engravings, books, historical documents, and pre-Hispanic treasures like steles, bas-reliefs, and stone sculptures. 

Continue with a tour of Mérida’s traditional cantinas, historic havens that once served as exclusive retreats for men, where they could enjoy drinks, play dominoes, and engage in conversation. These spaces fostered a unique sense of equality, bringing together workers, politicians, poets, and artists alike. 

Today, these beloved cantinas are welcome all with a vibrant atmosphere fuelled by cold beer and smooth tequila, paired with traditional Mexican botanas. Music is an essential part of the cantina culture, adding to the lively ambiance. Your tour includes visits to three iconic cantinas: Cardenal, Negrita, and Lucero del Alba, each with its own unique charm and character. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  

This morning, we visit Chichén Itzá, the famous Mayan archaeological site, home to the enormous pyramid of Kukulkan. This 27m tall pyramid was built from the 8th to 12th centuries directly upon the foundations of previous temples. The architecture of the pyramid encodes precise information regarding the Mayan calendar. 

Departing from Chichén Itzá, you’ll travel towards the pristine, white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, a scenic drive of approximately three hours 30 minutes. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch