Adventure in Mexico

Welcome! Your adventure begins in Mexico City, one of the largest urban centers in the world, with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM this evening. If you arrive early, Mexico City has many museums, galleries, and pedestrian streets to keep you busy. Perhaps take a look at the Chapultepec area with its numerous museums, hop on one of the colorful boats that sail through the canal district of Xochimilco, or head to the National Palace to see Diego Rivera's murals. After tonight's meeting, you might want to look for some tacos for dinner (try ordering in Spanish)! If you want to explore the vibrant nightlife tonight, your travel guide will have the best recommendations.

Perhaps you'll start your day with some chilaquiles (a kind of nachos for breakfast) this morning, then you'll join your guide for an introductory tour of the city's historic center. Despite the size and the crowds of Mexico City which may seem overwhelming, your guide will know how to lead you. After a walk, you'll probably be hungry, so it will be time for a taco tour and taste them from local street vendors. The afternoon is at your disposal: if you're an art enthusiast, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-visit, and for museum lovers, there's also the Anthropology Museum or the Palace of Fine Arts. Don't forget to grab a snack around the city, enjoying tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones. Alternatively, you might choose to take an optional excursion to the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, 50 km from the city. A local guide will accompany you along The Avenue of the Dead, showing you the historic Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.

Board a public bus headed to the small yet enchanting city of Oaxaca (pronounced \wuh-haa-ka). This lively southern town is filled with colonial architecture, colorful arcades, and bustling markets. Upon arrival, a guide will take you on an introductory tour to get acquainted with the sights. You'll have two full days to explore the city's narrow cobblestone streets, as well as the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area. The markets are frequented by native Zapotec and Mixtec people who sell colorful woven blankets and shawls, making it an ideal place to purchase textiles and savor a margarita. You can also taste some delicious regional culinary specialties, ranging from cactus fruits to spicy baked chili peppers and lime grasshoppers. Don't forget to try a tejate, a cold drink made with chocolate, corn, and cinnamon.

The city and state of Oaxaca are ready to be discovered on your day off. You might choose to visit the temples on the mountaintop of Monte Alban, not far from the city. Monte Alban, inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec, and Mixtec civilizations, is an extraordinary example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial center. The terraces, dams, channels, and pyramids of the settlement were carved directly into the mountain. Make sure to have your camera ready, because from up there you will have a breathtaking view of the three branches of the Oaxaca valley. Alternatively, you might opt for a day tour to the nearby ruins of Mitla. Mitla, which means 'underworld' in Nahuatl, is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious center of the Zapotec people. If you're looking for something more relaxing, take a trip to the Hierve el Agua springs, a series of mineral pools and petrified waterfalls atop a mountain, offering panoramic views of the Mexican countryside.

Today, you have another day of freedom in Oaxaca, but tonight awaits a night bus journey to the picturesque mountain village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You have the whole day to be enchanted by the vibrant colors and beautiful views of Oaxaca. Why not test your culinary skills with a cooking class? Alternatively, you can visit the craft shops in the markets and in town, or head to the imposing Templo de Santo Domingo, a majestic stone church with a large courtyard.

This afternoon, we welcome you to San Cristobal, your pastel-toned abode for the next two days. Your guide will provide you with all the necessary information during an orientation walk this morning. San Cristobal de las Casas, with its cobblestone streets winding through the hills of Chiapas, offers an old-world atmosphere enriched by deep pre-Hispanic roots. After the walk, we will accompany you to the vibrant Santo Domingo textile market, one of the best places to buy jewelry and clothing. Later, you might want to visit a local bar to sample their baked goods or try a pox, a traditional corn-based liquor, often flavored with other ingredients.

You don't need to set the alarm today, you have all the time to discover San Cristobal de las Casas as you prefer. You might want to stroll along the cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture and soaking up the historic atmosphere that blends with strong pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the mood for adventure, you might consider a trip to the Sumidero Canyon, where you can navigate the majestic Rio Grijalva by boat. Or, if you're looking for a bit of adrenaline, you might opt to further explore the villages by mountain bike.

Today, you will travel along a winding road with a private vehicle to the Lacanja River, stopping at the Agua Azul waterfall (blue water) along the way (if road conditions permit). Here, you will have the opportunity to swim in the cascading pools. Then, brush up on your Spanish during the trip with an informal Spanish lesson led by a guide. Upon arrival, the afternoon and the following day are free for you to relax or explore. Some optional activities are available, including a rafting experience on the waterfalls and channels of the Lacanja River and the nearby archaeological site, then returning through the jungle and passing by the Moctuniha falls. Some excellent guided hikes are also available, just ask your guide. During your stay here, you will see another side of Mexico, staying right in the middle of the jungle in an eco-cabana, which supports the local community.

Today you will have a free day to enjoy and explore the area around the Lacanja River. There are some optional activities available, including a rafting experience on the waterfalls and channels of the Lacanja River and the nearby archaeological site, then returning through the jungle and passing by the Moctuniha waterfalls. There are also some excellent guided tours available, just ask your guide.

Today, we head towards Palenque. Once we arrive, we will venture into the archaeological zone to explore the fascinating ruins of Palenque. These ruins, dating back to 600 AD, are nestled on a hill surrounded by dense forest and represent some of the most astonishing Mayan testimonies in Mexico. As we move between the temples on a self-guided tour, the sounds of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echo from the jungle, creating a unique atmosphere. Numerous ruins remain unexplored, hidden among the vegetation. You have the option to choose a guided tour of the ruins or an adventure in the surrounding jungle that leads to a secret waterfall (at an extra cost). This experience will give you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen upon their arrival.

Today, we invite you to board a local bus and head north to the ancient city of Merida. Founded in 1542, this city boasts a rich indigenous population, with about 60% of its inhabitants of Maya origin. Start your adventure with a guided walk through the historic center, exploring museums and streets throbbing with art and culture. Take a break in the green and shady Plaza Grande, where you can admire the 16th-century cathedral on one side and the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and Casa Montejo on the other. During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to try a marquesita, a crepe rolled like a taco and filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, chocolate, or Edam cheese. Later, enjoy an afternoon of free time. To savor the 19th-century glory of Merida, we suggest strolling along the tree-lined Paseo de Montejo. When you get hungry, you'll find a bicycle cart on almost every corner selling elotes (corn cobs) seasoned with salt, chili, cheese, lime juice, or other toppings. If you haven't noticed yet, this place is truly in love with corn!

Today, we have the opportunity to explore Merida, our gateway to the fascinating Maya ruins of Uxmal. We could arrange a guided tour of the ruins, with shared transportation. Although the origins of the site are shrouded in mystery, it is believed that the city was founded around 500 AD. The site is rich in decorations depicting masks of the rain god Chac. We can also plan a visit to a nearby bird sanctuary or look for one of the hidden cenotes (wonderful natural sinkholes filled with water) for a dip in the fresh and crystal-clear water. If we prefer to stay in town, we could immerse ourselves in the culture of dance. Every Sunday, the streets of Merida transform into an open-air dance floor, with salsa and merengue bands enlivening the atmosphere. There are also fantastic local bars where we can spend time, which blast salsa music at full volume and offer a welcoming atmosphere.

This morning, we invite you to visit Yokdzonot for a refreshing swim in its blue waters and some relaxation in the sun. Nestled among hanging vines and lush vegetation, it's the perfect spot to cool off before heading to a dream destination. After your dive into the cenote, we will take you to the most famous archaeological site in Mexico and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza. This site represents the most significant example of the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions in Yucatan. Admire the Caracol (a circular astronomical observatory), the Great Ball Court (the largest game field in Mesoamerica), the main attraction of El Castillo (a step pyramid that dominates the center of the site) and many other historic ruins (don't forget your camera!). Subsequently, we will guide you towards the tourist center of Playa del Carmen. With its crystal-clear waters and enchanting beaches, you can spend your time snorkeling among the mangroves or in the underground caves, or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Upon your arrival, we will accompany you on an orientation tour of the city. This evening, enjoy a seafood feast, relax with your group, and watch the waves with a margarita in hand.

Having no plans for today, your journey is about to end, but it doesn't mean the adventure has to stop here! This is the perfect opportunity to take a trip south and visit the archaeological site of Tulum on a half-day tour. This place is unique for its location on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you prefer to spend more time in Playa del Carmen, do not hesitate to contact your booking agent to arrange an additional stay.