The great wonders of Mexico

Bienvenidos! We'll warmly welcome you at the airport in Mexico City and escort you to your hotel. Our adventure begins!

Once we've enjoyed our breakfast, we'll set off to discover the splendors of Mexico City, a modern metropolis built atop the remnants of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Our journey begins at the Zocalo, one of the world's largest public squares. Here, we'll marvel at the Catedral Metropolitana, Latin America's largest church, and admire the exterior of the National Palace. Our route takes us along the renowned Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard, constructed during Emperor Maximilian's brief reign to link the main square with his Chapultepec castle (note: we won't be visiting the castle). En route to or returning from the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, situated 50 km northeast of Mexico City, we'll pause at the Shrine of Guadalupe. Teotihuacan, a city revered by the Aztecs and one of the ancient world's most awe-inspiring, awaits us. We'll wander its temples, palaces, and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Shells, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the colossal Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest in the world.

We'll embark on a journey to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, catching a flight from the airport. Upon touching down, we'll be whisked away to the dock at Chiapa de Corzo. Here, we'll board a boat and set sail through the Sumidero Canyon, a breathtaking natural reserve in Mexico. This geological marvel, formed 36 million years ago, boasts calcareous rock walls that soar over 1,000 metres high. Our adventure doesn't end there. We'll also explore Chiapa de Corzo, the first settlement established by the Spaniards. We'll marvel at its Mudejar fountain, fondly known as 'La Pila'. From Chiapa de Corzo, we'll journey to San Cristobal de las Casas, wrapping up our exciting day.

Once we've enjoyed our breakfast, we'll set off on a walking tour of the historic heart of San Cristobal de las Casas. Our first stop will be the stunning cathedral, nestled on the north side of the charming main square, where we'll marvel at its opulent interior and gold-adorned pulpit. A short stroll away, we'll discover the remarkable 16th-century Dominican church, Templo de Santo Domingo, renowned for its detailed pink facade and golden Baroque interior. From there, we'll journey 10 km into the Chiapas highlands to visit the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The Tzotzils, descendants of the ancient Maya, have preserved unique traditions, attire, and beliefs. In San Juan Chamula, we'll explore the striking white church, where the blend of candles, incense, and chanting worshippers creates a profound experience. Our next stop is the nearby village of Zinacantan, home to a lovely church and a bustling craft market. We'll then return to San Cristobal, leaving you with a free afternoon to relax or explore at your own pace.

We'll set off bright and early for Palenque, taking a scenic detour to Agua Azul. Here, we'll marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of over 500 turquoise waterfalls nestled in the heart of the jungle. Whether you fancy a swim or simply dipping your toes, it's a sight not to be missed. From there, we'll continue our journey to Palenque. After a lunch break, we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque. Situated just 7km from the town, Palenque was a thriving hub between 600 and 800AD, its influence reaching across the Usumacinta River basin. Today, the site is home to toucans and howler monkeys, with around 500 buildings spread over 15 square kilometres. Only a fraction of these have been excavated, adding to the sense of mystery. We'll take in the awe-inspiring ruins, including the towering Temple of the Inscriptions, the sun-crowned Temple of the Sun, the labyrinthine Palace, and many other stunning structures. Finally, we'll drop you back at your hotel, ending a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Join us today as we set off for Campeche. Upon arrival, we'll have time for lunch, before embarking on a tour of this understated yet elegant colonial town. Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was established by the Spanish in 1540 on the site of an old Maya fishing village. It was the most significant port on the Yucatan Peninsula during colonial times, attracting the attention of English, French, and Dutch pirates who frequently attacked, looted, and destroyed the city. As a result, robust walls were erected around the town, reinforced by eight bastions. We'll explore the Fuerte de San Miguel, a fort on the outskirts of the city that houses stunning Mayan artifacts. Our journey continues to the Baluarte de San Carlos, one of the seven accessible bastions; the Ex-Templo de San Jose, a former Jesuit church adorned with a detailed facade of blue and yellow tiles; the Puerta de Tierra, and the Cathedral.

Once we've enjoyed our morning meal, we'll set off to explore Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled 80km south of Merida. This archaeological wonder, known for its 'Puuc' architectural style, features sprawling low-rise palaces arranged around courtyards, adorned with an array of symbolic motifs and sculptures of the long-nosed rain god, Chaac. We'll wander through the awe-inspiring structures, such as the House of the Magician – a site centerpiece, the Nunnery, and the House of Turtles. Our journey continues to Kabah, home to the remarkable Palace of the Masks, graced with nearly 300 masks of Chaac. After our Kabah visit, we'll head back to Merida.

Join us as we journey to the historical site of Chichen Itza, situated 120 km east of Merida. As the most well-preserved of Yucatan's Mayan sites, Chichen Itza offers a unique glimpse into the past. We'll navigate through the lush jungle to discover the awe-inspiring ruins, including the towering Pyramid of Kukulcan, whose height and intricate geometric design command the entire site. We'll also visit the Great Ball Court, the most grandiose in all of Mesoamerica, and the Sacred Cenote, a natural well with a chilling history of human sacrifice. We'll also explore numerous other exquisite temples. After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Chichen Itza, we'll whisk you away to a beach location of your choosing: Cancun, Riviera Maya or Tulum. From here our services end and you can choose how to continue your mexican experience!