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A unique itinerary through Southern Mexico that will introduce you to the most interesting archaeological sites in Mexico and reveal the vibrant culture of Southern Mexico.
This 17-day tour brings together modern and ancient Mexico. You will touch the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central and Southern Mexico and learn about traditions that are still alive today.
This itinerary also provides an amazing opportunity to witness some of Mexico's natural wonders, from lush green jungles teeming with wildlife to the azure sea on the planet.
Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City
¡Bienvenido a México! Our representative will meet you at Mexico City International Airport. You will be privately transferred to your hotel. Dinner and rest after the flight.
Overnight: Hotel St Regis Mexico City
Day 2: Teotihuacan and Mexico City Historic Center Tour
Start the day with a guided tour of Teotihuacan, one of the most important Mesoamerican archaeological sites. Climb the 65-meter Pyramid of the Sun and the 43-meter Pyramid of the Moon, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the city and the Teotihuacan Valley.
Back in the capital, visit the famous main square of Mexico City, Plaza de la Constitución, also known as Zocalo, and its surroundings. Stop at the most famous buildings of the capital, admiring their magnificent architecture, including the Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Overnight: St Regis Mexico City
Day 3: Mexico City South Tour with Market Lunch
Today we explore the gorgeous neighborhoods of Mexico City. We start with a tour of the narrow cobblestone streets of San Angel, walk around its central square and learn about the history of the area. If we visit on Saturday, we will visit the Bazaar del Sabado, an artisan market that attracts people from all over the city to San Angel.
Next we will take a tour of Coyoacan, where we will see colorful brick architecture. We will have lunch at the authentic Mexican market Mercado Coyoacan. Then we will visit the Church of San Juan Baptiste and the former home of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Overnight: St Regis Mexico City
Day 4: Flight from Mexico City to Oaxaca
Your driver will take you to Mexico City International Airport, where our representative will be waiting for you with your boarding pass and will help you check in your luggage.
Upon arrival at Oaxaca International Airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Boutique Hotel
Day 5: Monte Alban, Mitla and Tule Tree Tour
The ancient world will come alive as you explore archaeological sites. With a guide, visit Monte Alban, one of the oldest Mesoamerican cities in Mexico, home to many interesting ancient ruins.
Then, visit the ancient pre-colonial ceremonial center of Mitla, see its ruins, and then visit one of the oldest and largest surviving trees in the world, the Tule Tree.
Overnight: Casa Oaxaca Boutique Hotel
Day 6: Fly from Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutierrez and hike through Sumidero Canyon
Once in Tuxtla Gutierrez, take a boat ride through the ancient Sumidero Canyon, whose walls can reach 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) high. This is a protected wildlife area that is in danger of being destroyed.
Overnight: Hotel BO
Day 7: San Cristobal, Chamula and Zinacantan
Discover the traditions of Chiapas, first visiting the colonial town of San Cristobal de la Casas. Then explore the town of San Cristobal with its red-tiled houses and narrow winding streets, visit the town's churches and markets, and learn about local crafts.
Following this, head to the town of San Juan Chamula, where we visit a church that combines pre-colonial traditions with Catholicism. Continuing on, we visit San Lorenzo Zinacantan, a town with a largely indigenous population skilled in weaving.
Overnight: Hotel BO
Day 8: Transfer to Palenque via Tonina
Your driver will meet you in San Cristobal de las Casas and take you to the archaeological site of Tonina, where you will see temple-pyramids, an ancient ball court and carved monuments. You will take a tour with an experienced guide and learn all about this once great Mayan site.
Overnight: Quinta Chanabnal Boutique Hotel
Day 9: Palenque Archaeological Site Tour
Visit the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, which has been buried deep under the jungle for hundreds of years.
Visit the famous Temple of the Inscriptions, an ancient Mayan temple, and climb some of the ruins for impressive views of the lush jungle.
Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 10: Campeche and Uxmal City Tour
Campeche City Tour: from one end of this colorful walled city to the other. Learn about its history of trade and pirate attacks, learn about the port city of the past and modern Campeche.
Next we drive to Merida, visit Uxmal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where the great Pyramid of the Magician is located.
Overnight: Chable Resort & SPA
Day 11: Flamingos in Celestun and excursion to Merida
Home to over 2,000 pink flamingos in winter and early spring, Celestun is a magical place for nature lovers. Take a boat ride on this mystical saltwater lagoon to see the great diversity of flora and fauna. Take the opportunity to swim in the fresh waters of the lagoon.
Then we go to Merida, walk through the historic center of the city. We will get to know its history and modern significance, visit the Zocalo, the Cathedral and the Monument to the Homeland. Then we go to El Paseo de Montejo with its majestic colonial buildings.
Overnight: Chable Resort & SPA
Day 12: Chichen Itza
We will visit the most famous archaeological site of Mexico - Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here you will see such structures as El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, a ball court, as well as a sacred cenote, learn all about the cosmology, religion and dualism of life and death of the Mayan Indians from an experienced guide.
Overnight: Hotel Esencia
Day 13: Tulum and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Today we head to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a huge protected area full of swamps, mangroves and virgin rainforest. Here we will find a wide variety of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and over 300 species of birds.
After a short jungle walk to the Muyil Temple, we will take a boat ride to explore the waterways of Sian Ka’an. There will be an opportunity to swim in the lazy river – so don’t forget your swimsuit!
Then we will head to Tulum, the only Mayan archaeological site located directly on the Caribbean Sea.
Overnight: Hotel Esencia
Days 14 – 16: Free Time in the Riviera Maya
These days are yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax in a beautiful setting and enjoy the many amenities and activities available in the Riviera Maya.
Suggested activities include swimming with turtles in Yul-Ca Lagoon, exploring the Rio Secreto Underground Sanctuary, taking a private catamaran to Isla Mujeres, or diving/snorkeling in a Mayan Cenote.
Overnight: Hotel Esencia
Day 17: Transfer to Cancun and Departure
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cancun International Airport.
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