Experience Overview
Make new amigos in Mexico with this 14-day exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This overland adventure covers the best of the mex – from the colourful architecture and weaving cobblestoned laneways of Oaxaca to the highland charm of San Cristobal de las Casas. Discover the lush jungle and ruins of Palenque, the lively hub of Merida and the gems of the Caribbean. Stay in an eco-lodge in Lacanja’s wilderness, then soak up heaps of free time to get active (or laze in speakeasy bars). Not to mention a visit to the new Wonder of the World – Chichen Itza! All of this, plus streetside tacos, tostadas and tejates and you’ll see, hear, feel and taste the real Mexico.
Highlights
- Head deep into the jungle to the lush wilderness of Lacanja River during your stay at an eco-lodge, which supports the local indigenous community in the forest of the Lacandon area. Maybe opt to raft through the waterfalls and backwaters or take a guided hike.
- Tour the historic site of Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why these ancient Maya ruins are the most important in all of Mexico.
- Indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine, with an included taco crawl and marquesitas tasting and some optional cooking classes (not to mention the huge range of fresh seafood, hot street food and everything corn!)
- Experience the bustling nature and bright colours of local Mexican markets. Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida.
- Kick back, get active or explore this amazing region with loads of free time – maybe go snorkelling in the paradisical waters of Playa de Carmen, discover the ruins of Uxmal from Merida or take day trips to some archaeological sites and ancient Maya ruins.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2447
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Overnight public bus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: QBYM
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),Overnight public bus (1 night),Cabin (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1704 (CAD 122 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Your adventure starts in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, Mexico City has plenty of museums, galleries and walkable streets to keep you busy. Maybe check out the Chapultepec area with its many museums, hop on one of the colourfully painted boats that cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco or head to the National Palace to see the murals of Diego Rivera. After your meeting tonight, you might want to seek out some tacos for dinner (try to place your order in Spanish)! If you want to explore the vibrant nightlife tonight, your trip leader will have the best recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) (37 MXN)
- Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)
- Mexico City - Chapultepec National History Museum (90 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) this morning, then join your leader for an orientation walk around the historic centre of the city. Mexico City can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size and volume of people, but your leader will know where to go. Along the way, visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva - an organisation tackling food scarcity and homelessness while promoting a sustainable food movement in Mexico. Walking makes you hungry, so it’s time to head on an included taco crawl and sample a couple of tacos from local street food vendors. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy – if you like art, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see, and for all museum lovers, there's also the Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Art. Don’t forget to snack your way around the city too, munching on tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones.
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
- Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
- Mexico City - Gastromotiva (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)
- Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (84 MXN)
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (263 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’). This colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. You’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings when you arrive. With two full days here, you’ll have heaps of time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets in the city, as well as the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec selling colourful woven blankets and shawls populate the markets – a great place to shop for textiles, as well as margarita flavours. Here, you’ll also find some tasty regional food specialties – everything from cactus fruit to spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers. Make sure you pick up a tejate (a maize and cinnamon-flavoured chocolate drink served cold).
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day. Perhaps head to the mountaintop temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The settlement's terraces, dams, canals and pyramids were carved out of the mountain. You’d better have your camera ready because up here you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could take a day tour of the nearby Mitla Ruins. Mitla (the Nahuatl word for ‘underworld’) is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious centre for the Zapotec people. For something more relaxing, drop by the springs of Hierve el Agua – a series of mineral pools and calcified waterfalls dotted on top of a mountain, providing sweeping views of the Mexican countryside.
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (95 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (89 MXN)
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (900 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery (27 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day in Oaxaca, but you’ll board an overnight bus later tonight to the mountain-top village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ve got today to bask in the colour and sights of Oaxaca, so why not test out your culinary skills at a cooking class. Otherwise, check out the artisan stores in the markets and around town, or head to the historic Templo de Santo Domingo – a grand stone church with a large forecourt.
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Overnight bus (Number of Nights: 1)
This afternoon, say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Your leader will point out the main things to know on a leader-led orientation walk this morning. With its winding cobblestone streets snuggled in the Chiapas highlands, San Cristobal de las Casas has an old-world feel mixed with strong pre-Hispanic roots. After your walk, you’ll head to the colourful Santo Domingo textile market with your group – one of the best spots to shop for jewellery and clothing. After, maybe wander to a local cafe and check out their baked goods or try some pox (a traditional corn-based liquor, often flavoured with other ingredients).
Included Activities:
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- San Cristobal - Santo Domingo Market Visit
Optional Activities:
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum (65 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Maybe take in the cobblestone streets and architecture, soaking up the old-world feel that’s mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the mood for adventure, maybe take a trip to Sumidero Canyon, where you can take a boat down the mighty Rio Grijalva. Or you might like to get things pumping with further exploration of the villages by mountain bike.
Optional Activities:
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) (593 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Lacanja River, stopping at Agua Azul (blue water) waterfall on the way (providing road conditions allow). Here, you'll have the option to swim in the cascading pools. Then, brush up on your Spanish during the drive with an informal leader-led Spanish lesson. When you arrive, the afternoon and tomorrow are free to relax or explore. A few optional activities are on offer, including a rafting experience over Lacanja River waterfalls and backwaters and to the nearby archaeological site, then travelling back through the jungle and past the waterfalls of Moctuniha. There are also some excellent guided hikes available – just ask your leader. During your time here, you’ll see another side to Mexico, staying right in the middle of the jungle in an eco-cabana, which supports the local community.
Included Activities:
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Lacanja River - Jungle Camp
Optional Activities:
- Lacanja - Half-day Rafting, Waterfalls & Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (Minimum 4 people) (800 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Cabins (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 2)
This morning, drive to Palenque. When you arrive, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you take a self-guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. You can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle to a hidden waterfall (at an extra fee). The area gives you a great idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived.
Included Activities:
- Palenque - Archaeological site (Entrance fee & Transport)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, head north on a local bus to the old-world Merida – founded in 1542, this city has a large Indigenous population, with approximately 60% of Merida residents of Maya background. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and wander through the Old Town, checking out some museums and the city streets, alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green, shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Montejo on the other. Along the way, you’ll get to taste a marquesita (a crepe rolled like a taco and filled with cajeta, condensed milk, jam, chocolate or edam cheese). After, enjoy a free afternoon. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, maybe walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. When you get hungry again, there's a bicycle cart on almost every corner selling elotes (corn on the cob) doused in salt, chilli, cheese, lemon juice or other toppings. If you haven’t noticed already, this place really likes corn!
Included Activities:
- Merida – Marquesitas Snack
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’re free to explore Merida – the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Maybe a tour of the ruins is on the cards, including a guide and shared transport. Little is known about the site’s origins, but it’s thought that the city was founded around AD 500. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. You can also visit a nearby bird sanctuary or hunt down one of the hidden cenotes (stunning natural sinkholes filled with water) and take a dip in the crystal-clear fresh water. If you decide to stay in the city, why not throw yourself into the dancing culture. Every Sunday, the town's streets are transformed into an open-air dance floor, with salsa and merengue bands providing the music. There are also some great local speakeasy bars to hang out in, blasting salsa music and serving good vibes.
Optional Activities:
- Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) (1035 MXN)
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (1470 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to the Yokdzonot cenote for a refreshing swim in the blue waters and a laze in the sun. Surrounded by hanging vines and lush greenery, the cenote was developed by a group of local Mayan women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for people in their local community. After your dip in the cenote, tick one of the new Seven Wonders of the World off you bucket list - Chichen Itza. This site is considered the most important example of the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions in Yucatan. See the Caracol (a circular stellar observatory), the Great Ball Court (the largest field in Mesoamerica), the main sight in El Castillo (a step pyramid dominating the centre of the site) and many more historic ruins (don’t forget your camera!). For lunch, you will get to know a local family over a special meal in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a pibil feast, a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground. Later, you’ll continue to Playa del Carmen. Blessed with clear waters and gorgeous beaches, you can spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves or in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the city when you arrive. Tonight, maybe feast on seafood, kick back with your group and watch the waves with a margarita in hand.
Included Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
- Yokdnozot Cenote – Visit and Swim
- Piste - Home-cooked Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end – but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to! Today is a perfect day to travel south on a half-day tour to the Tulum archaeological site, which is quite unique because of its placement on the side of a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you wish to spend more time in Playa del Carmen, just reach out to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (900 MXN)
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (525 MXN)
- Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) (578 MXN)
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Amber - Traveled, February 2024
This tour was absolutely incredible! It was the best way to visit many different places in Mexico. Our tour guide, Gil was the best! He was so passionate and knowledgeable about Mexico which made it an incredible tour! Would definitely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
Tom - Traveled, February 2024
Gil was the best tour leader a traveller could ask for and I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly! It was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Connie - Traveled, February 2024
This was my first tour with Intrepid and Gil was an incredible tour leader, he really made the trip. His recommendations and organisation were perfect and meant we could make the most of our time in each location. I’d highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Phoebe - Traveled, January 2024
I loved this trip and would definitely recommend to others. You learn so much about Mexico’s culture and try so many new foods. The optional activities were also lots of fun and definitely worth it. I felt like there was enough time in each city to explore. Our trip leader was Gilberto Juarez (Gil) and he was amazing, highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024
Panha - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was awesome from start to finish, we feel well taken care of and accounted for by our great tour leader Gilberto and having great company of other fellow travellers especially Pooja!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Dhruvi - Traveled, December 2023
I would give 5 star to this trip and our guide. I’m so happy that I chose you guys and I spent my holidays, my new year with you guys. we’ll definitely book another trip soon because of management and food gil you are great personality and really had fun with you. Keep going our fearless team leader . Thank you intrepid travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Feiran - Traveled, December 2023
A large part of the trip experience really depends on the people you meet. Generally the trip follows the itinerary, just don't expect luxury hotels. Overnight bus is quite comfy comparing with other long bus drives.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Zoe - Traveled, November 2023
Awesome trip that had a good amount of free time and inclusions. Be mindful of very long travel days when booking, the public busses are very comfortable but it is still a long few days! Our tour leader JJ was amazing and very helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Aymen - Traveled, November 2023
This journey across Mexico is an important pilgrimage for any traveller. The shear diversity in landscapes, food, experiences and people you come across over these two weeks is not something you should look past. Book this and go to Mexico. Fulfil your destiny. You will not regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Adam - Traveled, November 2023
What are you waiting for? - This trip is definately the best way to spend 2 weeks exploring the best of Mexico for culture, history and of course the food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Jess - Traveled, October 2023
Gil was an absolute delight and it was a joy to be shown around by him! Friend as well as a tour leader! Thoroughly enjoyable trip and fully experienced in the culture!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Luci - Traveled, September 2023
A truly excellent tour! A brilliant experience of Mexico and Vin was the most knowledgeable, empathetic, enthusiastic tour guide! We learnt so much and had the best time with wonderful people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Craig - Traveled, September 2023
First off Vin was the best guide we could of asked for. This tour packs a lot into it so it's a bit of a whirlwind, but I've came away with a lifetime of memories in two weeks. Would highly recommend to anyone
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Eleanor - Traveled, September 2023
Could not recommend this tour enough. Our tour guide Vin was incredible and I learned so much. Thank you Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Jordan - Traveled, August 2023
I Really enjoyed Mexico it’s such an amazing place for its history amd architecture I would recommend this trip for people how love history a
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2023
Joanne - Traveled, August 2023
My Intrepid trip was incredible! A perfect introduction to Mexico. The guide was informative but also really fun. Everyone on my group had a fantastic time and I will absolutely be booking with Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2023
Jashlini - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was easily the best thing I have ever experieced - Mexico is such a special, phenomenal place with its architecture, history, culture, the food, landscapes and honestly everything else in this country. Erhard (our tour guide), Mexico itself and the people on the tour group made this trip unforgettable. Most of us on the trip were solo travellers too and it was easy to bond with people. I also never felt unsafe as a female solo traveller; we were never really alone and we never went to places that mde me feel unsafe. I would relive this whole trip in a heartbeat. 10/10 would recommend! We made memories and friends for a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Sarah - Traveled, June 2023
Valentina was a great tour leader - her enthusiasm and knowledge of Mexico allowed me to get so much out of the trip and come away with a huge appreciation for the country and it’s people :) also great meeting a range of different people on the tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2023
Kyle - Traveled, June 2023
This trip is awesome! You see many archaeological sites, have a chance for rafting, boating and other fun activities. Our tour guide Valentina has been great with suggestions, history knowledge,, passion and organization. Do this one!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2023
Alex - Traveled, April 2023
Do not hesitate to book your trip. The value added from having on the ground knowledge and being able to see so much in one trip is incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2023
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