Mexico City, Oaxaca & The Maya Route

Head out from your hotel to explore the fascinating attractions in this bustling city. Begin your exploration at Centro Histórico, the historic center of the city which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amble around the Zocalo, or the main square of the city, which has a rich heritage dating back to Aztec times. Walk past hotels, shops, and government offices that border the square, which is also a popular venue for cultural performances such as Aztec dances and concerts. Stroll over to the National Palace with its imposing façade of red volcanic rock as your local expert narrates the historical significance of the structure. Stop for a closer look at the vibrant murals painted on the façade of this building by renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera. Head over to the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral built upon sacred Aztec land. Get a glimpse of the soaring buildings that line Reforma Boulevard as you drive along this arterial road before pausing for photographs at the Independence Monument, a victory column on a roundabout. Explore the National Museum of Anthropology, known for its Mesoamerican collection of artifacts, before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that all museums are closed on Mondays. Do carry sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and don shoes appropriate to the season.)

Head out from your hotel in the morning, accompanied by your local expert, to visit the iconic landmarks of the city. Start at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, the square of three cultures in Tlatelolco, which houses the remains of Aztec temples. Take in the sight of ancient ruins co-existing harmoniously adjacent to the Catholic church of Santiago de Tlatelolco and a modern housing complex. Drive on to the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan on the outskirts of the city. Wander around this spectacular archeological site, stopping by the impressive Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, Quetzalpapalotl Palace with its murals, and the Avenue of the Dead as your guide points out their unique features. Explore these ancient ruins to your heart’s content before visiting the Basilica of Guadalupe to explore both the old and new basilicas, your next stop before starting back on the journey to your hotel. Get a glimpse of the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe housed in the new basilica. (Duration: Approx. 7 hours; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please bring sunscreen and be sure to dress in comfortable clothes and footwear in keeping with the season.)

Set out on a long but scenic road journey through Mexico’s Central Highlands to Oaxaca. Heading west, go past two volcanoes, Smoking Mountain and Sleeping Lady, while learning about the legends surrounding their existence. En route to Oaxaca, we can stop to admire the ornate Church of Santa Maria Tonantzintla, which has been built in the Indigenous Baroque style, or you can visit and climb the Great Pyramid of Cholula. You can also go for a stroll through the well-preserved, colorful historic center of Puebla, replete with towering churches, before continuing your drive to Oaxaca. (En route; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: approx 2.5 hrs from Mexico City to Puebla & approx 5 hrs from Puebla to Oaxaca; All entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Begin your day from the lively historical center, taking in the colorful sights and sounds at the main tree-lined Hidalgo Square. Steps away, soak in the exquisite interiors of the 18th century Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Oaxaca’s main cathedral, showcasing baroque architecture and gilded interiors. Within the adjoining monastery complex, visit the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca that showcases Mexico’s rich history and exotic artifacts including the Mixtec treasures. Later, stroll on the pedestrianized street of Alcalá, flanked by brightly colored buildings, and enlivened by local artisan shops, buskers, and contemporary street art. Nearby, visit the Macedonio Alcala Theater, exquisitely decorated in Imperial style with marble staircases, elegant arches, and Corinthian accents. Hopping between attractions, sample mezcal, Oaxacan coffee, and hot chocolate along with the local favorite – fried grasshoppers! (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Snacks and drinks not included; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Bring sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Museum is closed on Mondays).

Head out to visit the Mesoamerican archaeological site of Mitla, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The complex consists of five main groups of structures, each with several rectangular patios, bordered by long, narrow rooms. See door frames adorned with painted friezes or decorated with mosaics, and walls with intricate geometric patterns. Inside the main plaza, you will find cruciform lithic tombs and six stone columns that were used to support the roof of a temple. Next, proceed to Mitla’s open-air artisan market and browse through stalls selling traditional clothing, bracelets and carved stone figurines. Then, dine on Oaxacan specialties at a local restaurant in the area before driving to a family-owned artisanal mezcal distillery in the town of Matatlan. Arrive at a ‘Palenque,’ mezcal farm and take a guided tour. Learn to distinguish the different agave plants, used to produce the alcoholic beverage. Acquire knowledge about the production process and sample varieties of mezcal, before returning to Oaxaca. (Duration: full day; Time: 1030 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs each way; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch & mezcal tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy-moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Min age: 18 yrs for tasting mezcal)

Set out for the picturesque archaeological site of Palenque, nestled on the slopes of Chiapas’ mountains in southern Mexico. Beginning at the museum, get an overview of the area, browse a collection of relics showcasing the Mayan lifestyle, and learn their history in relation to the cosmos! Past the ecological park near the entrance, explore the magnificent ruins of this ancient Mayan city enveloped by the lush Lacandón jungle. Visit the expansive complex featuring Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, and Temple of the Inscriptions among the highlights. Also, the Palace with a tower and the North Group with a ball court and numerous tombs make up the other attractions. Marvel at the lofty pyramids and their fascinating Maya architecture that boasts impressive sculptures, elaborate epigraphs, ornate chambers, and well-preserved floral murals. Navigating these ruins amid sounds of howler monkeys, expect to spot toucans, scarlet macaws, and parrots gracing the forest canopy. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, wear light clothes and comfortable walking shoes).

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Campeche on a complimentary walk. Join your guide and stroll through the city center. As you pass pastel-colored colonial buildings, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and share insider tips on what you can see and do during your visit. Listen to stories about the city’s interesting past that has been influenced by the Mayans and the Spanish. You may get to walk on the seaside promenade and through the famous Plaza Principal. (Duration: 1-2 hrs; Time: flexible; Private activity; No transfers; Starting point: hotel or directly from airport; Entry fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this activity can only be done on the day you arrive in the city; In case your arrive late in the evening, it can be done the next day in combination with another activity)

Explore ancient Mayan ruins on this fascinating excursion to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Uxmal and one of the many archaeological sites surrounding it. After an early breakfast at your Campeche hotel, drive down to the magnificent ruins at Uxmal, comparable in historical as well as archaeological importance to Chichen Itza as well as Tikal in Guatemala. Admire the imposing Step Pyramid of the Dwarf before checking out the famous acoustics at the Nun’s Quadrangle. Walk by the exquisite stone masks of the rain god, Chacmool, in the decorative friezes of the imposing Governor’s Palace. Discover the typical Mayan Puuc style of architecture at Uxmal and the nearby site of Kabah. Walk down the centuries’ old sacbe or the typical raised paved roads built by the Mayans at Kabah. Also known as the ‘white way’, the path winds its way through the lush forests to the site’s main Mayan temple. Admire the striking temple façade with its numerous intricately-carved masks of gods and other Mayan artifacts. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before driving to your Merida hotel. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Lunch not included: Note: Please wear light clothes & comfortable shoes. Please carry sun hat, shades, sunscreen & mosquito repellent.)

Discover the highlights of the historical city of Merida on a complimentary walk. Accompanied by your guide, stroll through the city center with its narrow streets and expansive plazas. Take in the beautiful remains of Spanish and Mayan architecture and hear about Merida’s interesting history. You will also get the chance to walk through the Plaza Grande, filled with colorful shops and popular eateries. Along the way, your guide will share what you should see and do in Merida. The recommendations will help you make the most of the city, which boasts of a rich Mayan and colonial history. (Duration: 1-2 hrs; Time: flexible; Private activity; No transfers; Starting point: hotel or directly from airport; Entry fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this activity can only be done on the day you arrive in the city; In case your arrive late in the evening, it can be done the next day in combination with another activity)

Discover the history of a Mexican hacienda and swim in cenotes on this half day tour in Mexico. Your private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Merida and drive you to Hacienda Mucuyche, which is located in the town of the same name. Enjoy a tour of the hacienda, which dates to the 17th century. Learn about its past as one of the most important henequen haciendas of its time. Then follow your guide to Cenote Carlota, named after the former Empress of Mexico, who is said to have been the first person to bathe in its waters. You will have time to swim or snorkel in the cenote before moving on to Cenote Azul Maya, which is located in a cave. Enjoy a dip in its waters and discover why the Mayans considered these pools to be sacred. You will also have access to the hacienda pool during your visit. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Snorkeling equipment is provided; All entry fees are included)

Set out from your hotel in Merida and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Izamal. Stroll down cobblestone streets with horse drawn carriages as you savor the beauty of the yellow-colored colonial architecture. Pass by bustling plazas and arcades as you head to the Mayan archeological site at the heart of town. Explore the Franciscan convent of San Antonia de Padua and the pyramids scattered around town. Afterward, travel on to the charming town of Valladolid and soak in the unique ambiance created by the blend of colonial history with a rich Mayan heritage. Saunter past stately buildings and head to the vibrant marketplace to mingle with the easy-going locals. Stop by the lovely convent established by early Christian missionaries in this former Spanish colony. You could then relish lunch in town before being dropped off at your hotel. (Private En route Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Immerse yourself in Mayan culture on this fascinating excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza, with its magnificent remnants of a pre-Columbian era metropolis. Gain insights from your guide on the architectural influences of the Toltec culture evident in the structures. Stroll around the splendid Pyramid of Kukulkan with its square terraces famed for the unique play of light that on it during the day. Wander around the vast court that once hosted Pelota ball games considered the predecessor of basketball. Stop by the grand observatory for a look at the renowned Mayan method of charting calendars. Marvel at the thousand stone columns of the Temple of Warriors that is also home to a Chac-Mool sacrificial sculpture. Travel on to Selva Maya, the sacred freshwater cenote or sinkhole that is part of a network of underground rivers, revered by the ancient Mayans. Rejuvenate with a relaxing swim in the cool water before traveling on to Isla Holbox. (Private En route Activity & Transfer; Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy.)

At Holbox Island, slip into a kayak under the direction of an expert guide, and paddle from the clear shallow waters towards winding channels lined by mangroves. Witness spectacular scenery and various species of birds native to the swampy area, which is part of the Yum Balam nature reserve. Slow down to enjoy continuous birdsong and feel the wind in your hair as you listen to the guide’s commentary on the flora and fauna of this rich ecosystem. Pause to observe groups of graceful flamingos searching for shrimp in the water and crocodiles basking in the sun at the shore. Take short water and snack breaks if you need to, and head back to the pier for a drive back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs; Start time: 07:00h; Shared Activity; Includes a guide, kayak, life jackets, and pick-up from the hotel; drop-off after activity in Holbox town, at walking distance from hotels)

Discover a host of tropical treasures on the paradisiacal island of Isla Holbox on your own. Nestled in one corner of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, this car-free island is a nature lover’s delight. Go bird-watching in the serene dawn or spot schools of whale sharks and sea turtles from the shore. After your explorations, you can head for the white sandy beaches to swim in turquoise blue waters or soak up all that delicious sun. The quaint beachside restaurants beckon with freshly caught and grilled seafood – the local lobster is a must-try. If you feel like a long walk, check out the Holbox village, dotted with candy-colored buildings and vibrant street art. As dusk spreads across the Yucatan sky, make your back to the beach to enjoy a sunset stroll and the feel of fine-grain sand caressing your bare feet. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).