Mexico's Highlights

• Explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albon, Teotihuacan, Palenque and Chichén Itzá
• Take a boat ride in the Sumidero Canyon
• Visit local Tzotzil Indian villages in the Chiapas Highlands from San Cristobal de las Casas

Days 1 - 3 - Mexico City 

Days 4 & 5 - Oaxaca

Days 6 & 7 - San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 8 - Palenque

Days 9 - 11 – Merida

Day 12 - Chichén Itzá/ Riviera Maya

Day 1 - Arrive in Mexico City 

Arrive in Mexico City on your flight from the UK.

Days 2 & 3 - Mexico City 

Over the next two days, you’ll explore Mexico City on a guided tour, discovering the bustling zocalo (main square) and learning something of the country’s fascinating history at the National Museum of Anthropology. On the next day take a short journey outside of the city to the Shrine of Guadalupe and then on to the immense Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, and see the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon while exploring this impressive sprawling site. 

Days 4 & 5 – Oaxaca

A short flight will take you to Oaxaca, known for its colourful buildings, fantastic cuisine and vibrant Mexican culture. You’ll have a full-day guided tour of the city, seeing some of the colonial architecture and busy central squares. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban which was the capital of the Zapotec culture who ruled Oaxaca's central valley until around 700AD. Located on a hill 400m above Oaxaca city, Monte Alban dates back to 500 BC and is an incredible feat of engineering. Explore the grand plaza, the ball court, the observatory and the palace, and take in wonderful views over the city and valley below. 

Days 6 & 7 – San Cristobal de las Casas

Fly from Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutierrez and then drive to Sumidero Canyon. Here you’ll board a boat to navigate through the vast rock faces that rise over 1000m, keep a lookout for cormorants, vultures, crocodiles and monkeys along the way. You have a quick stop at Chiapa de Corzo, the first Spanish settlement with fine examples of 16th-century architecture, before arriving in San Cristobal de las Casas. The following day you’ll have a guided city tour, exploring the cathedral, temples, Tzotzil Indian villages and handicraft markets. 

Day 8 – Agua Azul and Palenque 

Visit Agua Azul, a stunning series of waterfalls that cascade down the hillside to blue pools of water, en route to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palenque. These archaeological ruins are surrounded by jungle, where the call of birds and howler monkeys adds to the atmosphere and mystery of the site. There are over 500 buildings, some are still yet to be excavated, and you'll have a guided tour to see the Temple of the Inscriptions, the tallest and most imposing building, the Temple of the Sun, crowned with a prominent roof, and the Palace with its labyrinth of corridors and rooms, amongst others. 

Days 9 - 11 – Merida

Fly to Merida for the next three nights. Your time here has been left free for you to explore at your leisure. You could wander around Merida town and watch the world go by from one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Alternatively, speak to your Travel Specialist for more information on excursions available. Perhaps take a trip to Celestun to see the flamingos, visit one of the 100s of cenotes (sinkholes) dotted around the Yucatan Peninsula, or take a trip to nearby towns of Izamal or Sisal. 

Day 12 - Chichén Itzá

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichén Itzá. One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it is one of the best examples of Mayan architecture. Set in dense jungle surroundings you will explore these magnificent ruins on a guided tour. Chichén Itzá means 'mouth of the well of the Itzáes' in Mayan, and it is believed that people were thrown into nearby cenotes as a sacrifice to the gods; you'll also visit the Sacred Cenote on your explorations. Continue to the Riviera Maya for the night. 

Day 13 - Transfer to the airport for your onward flight

You will head to Cancun Airport for your onward flight, alternatively, speak to your Travel Specialist about extending you time on the beach for well-deserved R&R.  

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK.