Mexico: Cities, Cuisine & Ruins
15 days
from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen
From
$ 1319
Duration15 days
From the hustle of modern Mexico City, which preserves its magic from centuries gone by, to the ruins at Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this adventure takes in all the cultural and historical highlights. It’s perfect for travellers on a tight budget looking to see as much as possible of this diverse region.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: Mexico CityPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: Playa del CarmenAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Mexico City
Start place: Mexico City
Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Arrive at any time.
End place: Mexico City
Day 2: Mexico City
Start place: Mexico City
Explore one of the world's largest metropolitan areas or take an optional day trip to the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacán.
If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start. At night, you’ll have the option to witness the high-flying practitioners of “lucha libre,” Mexico’s world-famous brand of wrestling.
If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start. At night, you’ll have the option to witness the high-flying practitioners of “lucha libre,” Mexico’s world-famous brand of wrestling.
Opt to visit the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán or explore bustling Mexico City.
End place: Mexico City
Day 3: Mexico City/Puebla
Start place: Mexico City
After a short drive on one of Mexico’s comfortable and often colourful buses, we arrive in Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Orientation walk around town upon arrival to help you get your bearings.
If you want to get out of town, head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset.
If you want to get out of town, head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset.
Enjoy an orientation walk through Puebla's cobblestone streets. Explore the walkable centre and check out the city's famous hand-painted ceramics that tile the walls of its historic buildings. Don't miss sampling the delicious Mole Poblano sauce. By night, opt to witness a high-flying "lucha libra" (Mexican wrestling) match, or go out for a night on the town.
End place: Puebla
Day 4: Puebla/Oaxaca
Start place: Puebla
Upon arrival in Oaxaca, your CEO will take you an orientation walk around town to introduce you to this fascinating city.
Travel to colonial Oaxaca. Orientation walk to the main square and nearby markets.
End place: Oaxaca
Day 5: Oaxaca
Start place: Oaxaca
Opt to travel to nearby artisan communities, visit a beautiful petrified waterfall, or check out the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.
End place: Oaxaca
Day 6: Oaxaca/San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Start place: Oaxaca
Opt to travel to nearby artisan communities or visit the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. Hop on an overnight bus to San Cristóbal.
End place: San Jose de los Banos
Day 7: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Start place: San Jose de los Banos
Crossing into the highlands, we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. An included orientation tour will introduce you to the city and help give you your bearings.
Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day-to-day village life—an experience which should not be missed. You can also take a horse ride in the mountains, a day trip to Sumidero Canyon or mountain bike in the local hills.
Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day-to-day village life—an experience which should not be missed. You can also take a horse ride in the mountains, a day trip to Sumidero Canyon or mountain bike in the local hills.
Orientation walk around this colonial town. Opt to visit the nearby indigenous Mayan village of San Juan Chamula to see unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride or scour the market for beautiful textiles.
The people here are as curious about foreigners as foreigners are about them. Please respect their traditions. Dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed. Put yourself in their place before you act.
End place: San Jose de los Banos
Day 8: San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Start place: San Jose de los Banos
Enjoy another free day to visit nearby villages, check out the natural beauty of Chiapas, and scour the markets. Don't miss the night life.
End place: San Jose de los Banos
Day 9: San Cristóbal de Las Casas/Palenque
Start place: San Jose de los Banos
A scenic travel day through the mountains takes us to the outskirts of Palenque.
Travel towards the jungle of Palenque via Villahermosa.
End place: Ejido Palenque
Day 10: Palenque
Start place: Ejido Palenque
One of the most significant ruins in the entire Mundo Maya, Palenque is set within the lush Chiapas jungle. The colourful, riotous wildlife and profuse flora will impress you as much as the ancient structures.
Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque, set deep in the jungle.
End place: Ejido Palenque
Day 11: Palenque/Mérida
Start place: Ejido Palenque
Mérida is a fascinating and beautiful city and easy to explore on foot. If cities aren’t your thing, escape to the beach town of Progreso and see the Dzibilchaltun ruins on the way. Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. Visit a nearby cenote (water-filled sink hole) near the town of Cuzama, not far outside Mérida. Transportation is an adventure as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that run along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
Take an orientation walk in Yucatán's capital.
Day 12: Mérida
Explore Mérida, and opt to visit a nearby cenote (underground pool) near the town of Cuzamá or the Mayan ruins of Uxmal.
Day 13: Mérida/Playa del Carmen
Begin the day with an included guided tour of the beautifully restored ruins of Chichén Itzá.
Our final stop is Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. The town is your last chance to enjoy some nightlife, buy last-minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean Sea. There is also snorkelling and diving available, and long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day.
Our final stop is Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. The town is your last chance to enjoy some nightlife, buy last-minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean Sea. There is also snorkelling and diving available, and long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge on Mayan Riviera beaches. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
End place: Playa del Carmen
Meals: D
Day 14: Playa del Carmen
Start place: Playa del Carmen
Opt to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
End place: Playa del Carmen
Day 15: Playa del Carmen
Start place: Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 minute drive) so you can easily head directly there without returning to Cancún.
End place: Playa del Carmen
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Taco Street Food Crawl, Mexico City Your Foodie Moment: Mezcal Tasting, Oaxaca Your Discover Moment: Oaxaca Your Big Night Out Moment: Tulum
- Teotihuacán ruins visit
- Taco street food crawl
- Oaxaca market visit
- Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall day trip
- Mezcal tasting
- Orientation walk of Veracruz and Oaxaca
- Cenote visit
- Las Coloradas visit
- Tulum ruins visit
- Beach time in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
- Free time in Mexico City, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Mérida, Tulum and Playa del Carmen
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Public air-conditioned bus, Taxi, Private vehicle -
Accommodation
Simple hotels/hostels (14 nts, most multi-share)