Best of Mexico

Join us on this 10-day tour to explore the abundance of historical sites and cultural heritage of Mexico. We will dive deep into the history of the ancient Maya civilization with a visit to some of the best preserved and mysterious Maya ruins. We will wander around the cobbled streets, colorful houses and thriving markets of Mexico's colonial towns and discover its modern face in the cosmopolitan capital of Mexico City

Highlights:

♦ Mexico City - the cosmopolitan capital of Mexico;
♦ Teotihuacan pyramids - one of the most important archeological sites of Mexico;
♦ The Mayan ruins in Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum ;
♦ Sumidero Canyon - one of Mexico's most impressive natural wonders

View Route Map

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Day 1. Arrival in Mexico City
Arrival in Mexico City - the capital of Mexico and the largest city by population in North America. Free time to explore the city on your own - explore its Aztec ruins, colonial architecture and trendy neighbourhoods. -/-/-

Day 2. Teotihuacan Pyramids - Mexico City
We start our day with a visit of Teotihuacan - one of the most important archeological sites in Mexico. The ciy of Teotihuacan was built around 400 B.C, however who built it is still a mystery. When the Aztec discovered the city in the 1400s they gave it the name what we know today, which in their language means "the place where the gods were created". We will visit the most remarkable places here - the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and many more. We will then return to Mexico City and have a short tour around the city, visiting its main highlights - like the Metropolitan Cathedral, The National Palace and explore the famous murals of Diego Rivera. Return to the hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 3. Sumidero Canyon - Chiapa de Corzo - San Cristobal de Las Casas
Today we will catch a flight to Tuxtla airport in the state of Chiapas. We will then head to one of Mexico's most impressive natural wonders - the Sumidero Canyon. The Canyon is about 35 million years old, it was formed by the Grijalva River and is home to some of Chiapas endemic species. We will explore the gorge in the best way possible - with a boat tour along the river. Then we head to the colorful town of Chiapa de Corzo to enjoy its colonial architecture and attractive bazaar. Short free time. We set off on a picturesque mountain road to our next destination - San Crisotbal de Las Casas. Accommodation at the hotel. Short walking tour with local English speaking guide . Free time. Overnight. B/-/-

Day 4. Chamula - Larrainzar - Zinacantan
Today we will spend the whole day travelling around the Chiapas highlands and learning more about its indigenous communities in Chamula, Larrainzar and Zinacantan. We will learn more about their festivals, crafts and beliefs which are blend from pre-conquest customs, Catholic tradition and newer innovations. Arrival in San Cristobal de Las Casas and free time. Overnight. B/-/-

Day 5. San Cristobal de Las Casas - Palenque
Today we head out to our next stop - the city of Palenque. On the way we will visit the waterfall Agua Azul. Situated just about 140 km. away from San Cristobal, the waterfall is amongst the most beautiful ones in Mexico. Here we will have some free time to swim in its crystal clear waters, walk around the area or just relax on the shore. Arrival in Palenque. Free time and overnight. B/-/-

Day 6. Palenque ruins - Campeche
Today we make our way through the lush jungle to visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque. They are believed to date back to around 220 BC, though the city was on top of its power in the 7th century. Although not as big and famous as Tikal or Chichen Itza, they are just as magnificent and historically significant. The inscriptions found here have contributed significantly to the knowledge of the Maya we have today. The best part about the site is that you are actually allowed to climb some of the structures. We will then continue to the city of Campeche. The city was once an important port center which made it a subject of relentless pirate attacks. The city was thus fortified and remains of the fort can still be seen today. Campeche is also a UNESCO heritage site due to its preserved colonial architecture. Short walking tour of Campeche with a local English speaking guide  Free time. Overnight. B/-/-

Day 7. Uxmal - Merida
Today we will explore one of the most prominent ancient Mayan sites - Uxmal. It is one of the best restored and maintained Mayan ruins in Mexico. The design and ornamentation of the structures here represent the pinnacle of the Mayan art and architecture. Among the most important sites are the impressive 35-metres long Pyramid of the Magician, The Governor's Palace, The House of Turtles and the Nunnery. After exploring the site, we continue to our next destination - the city of Merida.Accommodation at the hotel. We will have free time to walk through the cobbled streets, explore the Spanish-Moorish architecture and tour the busy markets. Overnight in Merida. Overnight in Merida. B/-/-

Day 8. Chichen Itza - Tulum - Playa del Carmen
We start the day with a visit to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World - the Mayan city of Chichen Itza. In this place, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, we will be transported to pre-Hispanic times. We will visit among other buildings The Pyramid of Kukulkan -  one of the most iconic examples of Maya architecture of all time. What makes this place special is the unique fusion of Mayan and Toltec culture - the city was conquered by the Toltec in the 10th century and their influence can be seen in some of the ruins. After exploring Chichen Itza, we head to Tulum. Tulum is not only an idyllic beach destination, but also home to some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins, dating back to the 13th century. The ancient Mayan city was renowned for its impressive fortification, consisting of  numerous solid limestone walls. The city survived over 70 years after the invasion of the Spanish conquistadores and it's believed that the reason for its decline were the Old World diseases brough by the Europeans. Afterwards we are heading to Playa del Carmen, where we will spend the night. B/-/-

Day 9. Playa del Carmen
Free time to enjoy the white sand beaches and laid back atmosphere of Playa del Carmen. B/-/-

Day 10. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Cancun International Airport for departure. B/-/-

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Price Includes:
accommodation in standard hotels
all ground transportation
airport transfers
meals according to the itinerary
local English speaking guides
tour Leader from Penguin Travel. (at min. 10 people)
flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla

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Not Included:
international flights
meals not mentioned in the program
tips
personal expenses

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Gallery

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