Mexico Southern Adventure / 8 Days

Today we leave Mexico City (pick up at your hotel at 8:00 am) behind. Firstly we will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. Then we travel to Puebla, Mexico’s fourth-largest city, passing the photogenic, snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl (Smoking Mountain, 5,464 m) and Iztaccíhuatl (Sleeping Lady, 5,230 m). A visit is planned for Santa Maria Tonantzintla with its beautiful temple decorated by indigenous people.

In Puebla (World Heritage), also known as the “City of Angels,” we will have lunch in a local restaurant and visit the extraordinary Rosary Chapel, the Cathedral, the main square, and its beautiful historic centre. Then we take the route to Oaxaca, one of the most picturesque colonial towns in Mexico. Oaxaca (World Heritage) is famous for its many indigenous traditions, reflected in its beautiful crafts and typical gastronomy.

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Lunch in a Local Restaurant in Puebla, Shared Transportation, Panoramic Tour of Puebla with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), and Overnight Hotel in Oaxaca.

Mexico – Puebla 2 Hrs

Puebla – Oaxaca 4 Hrs

Firstly, we will visit the archaeological zone of Monte Alban, located only a few kilometres outside the city of Oaxaca. Monte Alban, meaning “White Mountain,” is an ancient Zapotec capital constructed on a plateau at 1,940 meters above sea level. With pyramids, temples, tombs, ceremonial rock carvings, a court for the pre-Hispanic ball game, and many other mystical constructions, we will find cultural traces from different civilizations here. Its spectacular hilltop location guarantees breathtaking views of the valleys of Oaxaca.

Then we continue to Mitla, an old ceremonial centre of the Zapotecs. Mitla is known for its outstanding mosaics on its walls, representing different geometric designs, a unique style of decorating in Mesoamerica. Adjacent to the archaeological site, you can also see the 16th-century Church of San Pablo, built by the Spanish with materials from the ruins. On the way back to Oaxaca, we will make a stop to admire the Tule tree, perhaps one of the most influential living beings in the world. Once again, in Oaxaca, we will explore the beauty of this city, with sights such as the Cathedral, the magnificent Santo Domingo church, the Museum of Gold, and the colourful “20 de Noviembre” market.

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Visit to Monte Alban and Mitla with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to the Archeological Site of Monte Alban, Mitla and Tule, Walking Tour of Oaxaca City with a Bilingual Speaking Guide, Overnight Hotel in Oaxaca.

8 Hrs. Activity

After Breakfast, one of our representatives will meet you at your hotel to transfer you to Oaxaca International Airport. (Not included in the price)

Meet and greet at Tuxtla Gutierrez airport before 13:00 hrs and continue to Cañon del Sumidero. Today’s highlight will be a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, which measures a thousand meters at its highest point. In Cañon del Sumidero you can admire the beautiful rock formations and enjoy the abundant wildlife that lives on the shores of the Grijalva river (crocodiles, spider monkeys, and many different species of birds). Afterwards, you will pass through the historically significant town Chiapa de Corzo, on our way to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Included: Breakfast, Shared Transportation, Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Boat Ride to Sumidero Canyon, and Overnight Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Tuxtla – Cañon Sumidero – 30 Min

Cañon Sumidero – San Cristobal – 1.5 Hrs

Important

The flight from Oaxaca to Tuxtla is not included in our price. Please contact us for prices and options. If you would like to book this flight on your own, please consider that you must arrive at Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport before 13:00 hrs, mandatory.

Scheduled for today is an excursion full of mysticism. Visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, located in the highlands of Chiapas. In both Tzotzil Maya communities, the complex ethnic composition of Chiapas is well reflected, and they still demonstrate a wide variety of customs and beliefs expressed in traditions of both pagan and Christian origin. Afternoon at leisure. We recommend exploring more of the beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas with, among its many attractions, a colourful market, the cathedral, and the Jade Museum.

It included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Overnight Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas.

8 Hours Activity

On the way to Palenque, we will visit the waterfalls of Agua Azul. The turquoise colour, which makes these waterfalls so unique, comes from the high level of mineral content of the water. Enjoy the surrounding jungle environment and go for a swim (if time permits). Afterwards, we will continue our way through the lush jungle with Palenque as today’s final destination. In the evening, dinner was included.

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to the Waterfalls of Agua Azul, Dinner in Palenque, and Overnight Hotel in Palenque.

San Cristóbal – Agua Azul – 4.30 Hrs

Agua Azul – Palenque – 1.20 Hrs

Visit the archaeological zone of Palenque, one of the most important sites of the Mayan World. Lakamha, as the city was known among the ancient Maya, flourished in the 7th century. It rose to prominence under the reign of legendary King Pakal, whose tomb was found in Palenque ́s most iconic landmarks, the Temple of the Inscriptions. This ruined city is home to some of the most beautiful architecture, exquisite sculptures, and carvings produced by the ancient Maya.

Enjoy a guided visit and admire the impressive structures and the breathtaking natural environment of this World Heritage Site. After this visit, we head to Campeche, a beautiful town full of naval history, Spanish baroque architecture, and ageing beauty. The city has spent the past few years restoring hundreds of downtown historical buildings, making it one of the most photogenic colonial towns in all of Mexico. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. In the evening, dinner is included.

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Walking Tour of the Archeological Site of Palenque with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to the Archeological Site of Palenque, Panoramic Tour of Campeche, Dinner in Campeche, Overnight Hotel in Campeche.

Palenque – Campeche – 6 hrs

On the way to Merida, we will visit Uxmal (meaning “built three times”), located in the Puuc region. Uxmal, also listed as World Heritage, is considered one of the Maya cities most representative of the Puuc style, the region’s dominant architectural style. Explore the Magician Pyramid, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor’s palace, and the ballgame court. After this visit, you will enjoy lunch and then proceed to Merida. The “White City” was founded in 1542 by the Spaniard Francisco de Montejo. Nowadays, Merida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan, with still a strong influence of Mayan cultural heritage, stunning architecture, lovely parks, and delicious gastronomy. Upon arrival in Merida, we will enjoy a panoramic tour, including the city’s highlights (among them Montejo Avenue and the Plaza Grande).

It included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, a Guided visit the Archeological Site of Uxmal with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to the Archeological Site of Uxmal, Lunch at the Site of Uxmal, Panoramic Tour in Merida, Overnight Hotel in Merida.

Campeche – Uxmal – 2 Hrs

Uxmal – Mérida – 1 hrs

At the end of the Early Classic Period, around 600 AD, Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most prominent Maya cities. Nowadays, Chichen Itza is undoubtedly the best-preserved Maya site on the Yucatan peninsula, and it was recently declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Various architectural styles are seen in Chichen Itza. Most famous landmarks are the Temple of Kukulkan (“El Castillo”), the Ballgame Court, the Platform of the Skulls, the Temple of the Jaguar, the Observatory, the One Thousand Columns, and the Sacred Cenote. Then take a refreshing swim in the cenote of Ik Kil, have lunch, and continue to Cancun. Drop off at your hotel (beach extension available upon request).

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, a Guided visit the Archeological Site of Chichen Itza with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), lunch in a local Restaurant, Entry to the Archeological Site of Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik-Kil, Drop off at Hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. (Drop Off in Riviera Maya or Tulum with an extra supplement of $25 per person).

Merida – Chichen – 2 Hrs

Chichen – Cancun – 3 hrs