Cultural Journey through Mexico

3 nts Mexico City, 2 nts Palenque, 3 nts San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2 nts Oaxaca, 4 nts Puerto Escondido

Overview

This itinerary is an incredible journey through Mexico from Mexico City through the heart of the country and finishing up on a Pacific beach. You will discover different regions of Mexico which vary in history, landscape, wildlife and ancient culture.

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and is the perfect place to start your Mexican journey. You can learn about the traditions, the history, art and of course the food of this incredibly diverse country.

You will then fly south to the Mayan Lowlands of Chiapas, where you will explore the famous Palenque Mayan Ruins and the turquoise waterfalls of Puerto Barrios. This area is also extremely rich in wildlife and birds. A trip to this region is not complete without a visit to the Highlands and San Cristobal de Las Casas, one of the beautiful cities classified as 'Pueblo Magico' (Magic Village). Exploring its cobbled streets, colourful markets, the nearby indigenous villages and the impressive Canyon del Sumidero are only some of the excursions which you can do to appreciate this remote region.

You will then transfer to Oaxaca, capital of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in Mexico. The city, which has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is the perfect base to visit the Zapotec-built city of Monte Alban, the many towns and villages that each are distinguished by their own unique handicraft, traditional mezcal distilleries and bird species in different ecosystems. Oaxaca is also considered one of Mexico’s gastronomic capitals with 'mole' as one of its staple dishes.

No holiday is complete without a bit of relaxation and within a short distance of Oaxaca is Puerto Escondido, once a small fishing port which has transformed into a vibrant surfing town. There are chances to spot whales between November and April, dolphins all year round, and an array of birds in the nearby lagoons and mangroves. The unforgettable sunsets over the ocean are one of the highlights of this location.

Price Guide

14 nights from £2,810 per person based on Double occupancy

These prices are excluding international flights. Average flight prices vary depending on time of year and can be considerably more expensive at peak times (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Flight routes vary, please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

Call for specialist advice

020 8274 8510

Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Met on arrival at Mexico City International Airport and transferred to Hotel Historico Central in the city centre.

Day 2

Today you will have a guided visit to the historic city centre of Mexico City, including the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, the National Palace, the Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology Museum. The last one, contains the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican art and also has cultural exhibits about Mexico's present day indigenous groups. Overnight Hotel Historico Central (B)

Day 3

This morning you will have a guided tour of the Catholic Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe (The Virgin Mary), one of the most important religious figures in Mexico. Next, you will travel outside the city to the pre Hispanic site of Teotihuacan where you will discover the site's diverse ethnic influences, including Aztec, Toltec, Mixtec, Totanac, Zapotec, and Maya, as you explore and climb its impressive structures, including the massive pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and the Avenue of the Dead. Overnight Hotel Historico Central (B)

Day 4

Today you will transfer to the airport and take a domestic flight to Villahermosa. On arrival, you will transfer to Palenque, home to one of the most famous Mayan cities and amazing waterfalls. Overnight Chan-Kah Resort Village (B)

Day 5

Enjoy a guided visit of the majestic Palenque Mayan Ruins, also famous for the Temple of Inscriptions and Pakal's sarcophagus. Afterwards you can cool off at the nearby Roberto Barrios waterfall with refreshing water from the Chiapas mountain ranges. Overnight Chan-Kah Resort Village (B)

Day 6

Today you will transfer to San Cristobal de Las Casas, located in the Central Highlands region of Chiapas. Overnight Mansion Del Valle (B)

Day 7

A guided visit to one of the greatest highlights in Chiapas. Enjoy a boat tour through the stunning Sumidero Canyon. where you can admire the impressively high rock walls and encounter the local birds and wildlife. Overnight Mansion Del Valle (B)

Day 8

San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its indigenous villages where life and laws are still very much steeped in the traditional way of living. You will visit the villages of Chamula and Zinancantan, explore their market and stop at a church not recognised by the Vatican due to its beliefs blending Catholicism and local religions. Overnight Mansion Del Valle (B).

Day 9

Transfer to Tuxtla Airport for a domestic flight to Oaxaca (with connection in Mexico City). Oaxaca is Mexico's Cultural Capital. Overnight Hotel Oaxaca Real (B)

Day 10

Day at leisure. *Optional excursions could include visiting the Mount Alban Zapotecs Ruins, the rock formations of Hierve el Agua, a traditional Mezcal distillery or the famous food market. Overnight Hotel Oaxaca Real (B)

Day 11

Transfer to Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Overnight Hotel Rockaway (B)

Day 12

Day at leisure. There are many activities you can do in the area including mangrove kayaking, whale watching (Nov - Apr) or dolphin watching year round, surfing or simply relaxing on some beautiful beaches. Overnight Hotel Rockaway (B)