Mexico Unplugged

Discover the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Start by experiencing the mix of influences that make up Mexico City, then head out to taste pasita in Puebla, visit the markets of Oaxaca and learn about the textile traditions of Teotitlan del Valle. Immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of ancient civilisations during guided tours in Chichen Itza and Palenque. Sample the incredible cuisine along the way, sharing meals with the communities of San Pedro Tlahuac and Piste, then relax beachside at Playa del Carmen. This is the ideal introduction to one of North America's most colourful and exciting destinations.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world's largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, perhaps head to the Zocalo – the massive central square – and check out the Aztec ruins and colonial architecture nearby. There are also plenty of parks, plazas and gardens to relax in and adjust to the Mexican way of life.

Day 2: Mexico City

Wake up and get ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la Reforma and more. For lunch, join your local leader on a ‘taco crawl’ around town to taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among plenty other delicious treats. After, the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Tonight you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.

Day 3: Puebla

Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac where a local family will share their way of life through traditions, food and farming practices. Enjoy a trajinera ride, learn about chinampa agriculture directly from the community, and sit down to a delicious local meal prepared with ingredients from the chinampas. This authentic cultural exchange offers a unique opportunity to connect with Nahuatl descendants who are proudly keeping their heritage alive. After, your group will head to Puebla, where your leader will take you out for an orientation walk before visiting La Pasita bar for an opportunity to taste pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins in one of Puebla’s most famous bars.

Day 4: Puebla

Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best examples are Santa Domingo Church and the Rosary Chapel, located in town. Further afield lies the Great Pyramid of Cholula, containing over eight kilometres (five miles) of tunnels, with the enormous Popocatepetl Volcano serving as a backdrop. In town, Puebla also has plenty of markets where you can pick up some local handicrafts.

Day 5: Oaxaca

Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You'll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands of years. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through Oaxaca and to Mercado 20 de Noviembre – an iconic fresh food market. Here, you’ll be able to shop for fresh ingredients to put together your own meal. Grab some guacamole, salsa and some fresh tortillas on the way and then find a spot at one of the long tables where you can down for a classic Oaxacan lunch. Later, you’re free to walk the narrow, cobblestone streets, or maybe sit back in one of the squares, sipping mezcal and watching the world go by. The city is known for its arts scene, particularly its folk and fine art, but you'll also discover a grungier side to Oaxaca and some incredible examples of street art.

Day 6: Oaxaca

There's an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre, with terraces, dams, canals and pyramids carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, why not have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class, visit a traditional weaving arts town, and stop by a local mezcal distillery. In the evening, if you've any energy left, you could head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and enjoy the town's lively atmosphere.

Day 7: Tehuantepec

Bid farewell to Oaxaca this morning, and board a private transfer to Tehuantepec. On your way out of town you’ll stop in at the Arbol del Tule, or the Tree of Tule, which holds the record for having the stoutest tree trunk in the world. Further along the road, visit the town of Teotitlan del Valle. Famous for its weaving and textile traditions, you can wander past artisans showing off their incredible handcrafted wares. You’ll also visit a mezcal distillery, getting to sample the smoky liquor to see if it’s to your taste! Later, arrive in Tehuantepec and settle in for the evening.

Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas

Head back out on the road this morning to San Cristobal de las Casas. Once you arrive in the early afternoon Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the important places. The evening is then free – you might like to ask your leader for a dinner recommendation!

Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas

This morning you'll visit the village of San Juan Chamula, home to the fascinating Iglesia de San Juan. This church, with its pine-covered floor and air thick with incense, is often frequented by shamans who come to carry out cleansings using firewater and ancient prayer. Please note that there is a strict ban on cameras inside the church. Outside, the village is alive with colourful markets that sell local handicrafts. The rest of the day is free for your own adventure. You might like to get active and ask your leader to help organise an optional boating trip in the Sumidero Canyon, which is as old and impressive as the Grand Canyon (at your own expense).

Day 10: Palenque

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. Once you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

Day 11: Palenque

This morning, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and take a guided walk among the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. This afternoon, visit an ecological project in Chiapas – Misol-Ha waterfall. Learn how the interaction with nature is helping to preserve the area’s flora and fauna as you explore this jungle site with Chiapas pines reaching up to 30 metres (98 ft) tall. This is a great representation of eco-tourism.

Day 12: Merida

This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan region. On route you’ll stop at Campeche, a harbour town that retains a few remnants of its colonial past. Take a leader-led walk through its fortified centre then sit down for an included lunch. Afterward, continue to Merida. Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader on arrival, then enjoy free time to get settled in for the rest of the day.

Day 13: Merida

Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It's thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, the House of the Tortoises and the Ball Court. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional guided tour to Las Coloradas – the incredible pink lagoon that’s home to flocks of flamingos.

Day 14: Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen

Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Containing both Toltec and Maya ruins lying alongside each other, the site is dominated by the famous El Castillo pyramid there’s also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. You’ll get to see all of this on a guided tour of the ruins, and then you’ll have the chance to hear about modern life during a lunch stop at the nearby community of Piste. Sample some Yucatecan specialties, chat with the locals, then continue on to Playa del Carmen. After a quick orientation walk around Playa del Carmen, pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sun go down. You might like to get the group together for one last dinner before saying your farewells tomorrow!

Day 15: Playa del Carmen

There are no activities planned for the final day of this tour. If you have time in Playa del Carmen before moving on to your next destination, you may choose to embark on optional tour to Dos Ojos Cenote, and take a dip at the incredible turquoise freshwater swimming hole, or jump on a local ferry to explore the nearby island of Cozumel. If you wish to spend more time in Playa del Carmen, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Departure Dates