Classic Mexico

Today, we will head out on a tour of Mexico City. We will visit the famous Casa Azul, the home of the famous artist Frida Kahlo. The Zocalo, the main square, Palacio Nacional, Catedral and The fine arts palace. We will also sample some of the local flavours in a traditional restaurant for a full introduction to the amazing Mexican cuisine!

After breakfast, we will head out for a visit to the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan, where the sun, the moon and the beyond, all combine at The Pyramid of the Sun, the largest pyramid in Latin America. We will then continue to the  Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the iconic, religious shrine of Mexico.  

Today is a travel day. We will head to the airport for your domestic flight to Tuxtla. On arrival, we will head to the luxury hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas, where we will settle in for the evening. 

Today we will explore San Cristobal, admiring the beautiful colonial streets and alleys lined with red roof tiles and white-washed walls. We will then pass through Zinacantan, a Tzotzil Maya village outside of San Cristobal, famous for its flowers and being the only source of salt in the Chiapas Highlands. Next is San Juan Chamula and its famous church, with images and artefacts representing a unique combination of Mayan and Catholic beliefs.

Today we will leave San Cristobal for Palenque.  We will get an early night in preparation for the early morning the next day.

Today we will visit the impressive Mayan archaeological site of Palenque. With the backdrop of the lush, green rainforest, the sculptures and spectacular architecture is a sight to behold! Palenque was an important centre during the height of Mayan civilization and dates back to 100 BC. It is unclear what led to its fall around 900 AD. Take the opportunity to explore and maybe even develop your own theories! This massive complex spread over 15 sq. km., yet only the central area has been excavated. We will then head back to the hotel for the evening.

Bright and early, we will head out to marvel at the world-renowned Maya temples and ball courts of Uxmal. Our guide will explain all about this magnificent temple and one of the finest examples of classic Maya architecture on the planet. This archaeological site has spectacular palaces, 15 groups of buildings, including the Adivino Pyramid and the Palacio del Gobernador.  We will then head to Kabah, which is the second-largest Mayan ruin of the Puuc region after Uxmal. In the evening, we will head to the city of Merida.

Today we will enjoy a tour of the city and a delectable, authentic street food tour through Merida's local markets. You will have a free afternoon to explore The “White City”, which maintains its colonial character, with its old cobbled streets and impressive buildings such as the Merida main Cathedral built in 1561, Casa de Montejo, the government palace, municipal palace, theatres, parks and markets. Also, the local cuisine is a must, as these Yucatecan dishes are scrumptiously renowned throughout the world.

Today we will head to the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. On arrival, we will check into the hotel in preparation for an early morning visit to this monumental archaeological site the next day!

Today we will wake up at the crack of dawn to visit Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. This impressive Mayan temple is famous for the Kukulkan pyramid, the ball court, the observatory, the convent and the sacrificial well.  The archaeological site remains in an excellent state of preservation and this "wonder of the world" receives thousands of visitors every day. After this visit, we will head to Chiquilá, approximately three hours away, where we will take the ferry across to the paradise that is Isla Holbox. 

The next two days are free days to enjoy the spectacular beaches in the paradise of Isla Holbox. These pristine beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun while relaxing on the soft, white sands of this idyllic Mexican-Caribbean island. Or, if you prefer something a little more active, there are many water sports and excursions such as snorkelling trips to swim with the elusive whale sharks that are found in these waters from June to September.

The next two days are free days to enjoy the spectacular beaches in the paradise of Isla Holbox. These pristine beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun while relaxing on the soft, white sands of this idyllic Mexican-Caribbean island. Or, if you prefer something a little more active, there are many water sports and excursions such as snorkelling trips to swim with the elusive whale sharks that are found in these waters from June to September.

Today is the final day of this incredible and fascinating luxury tour. We will head back to the mainland and onwards to Cancun airport for your departing flight home or onto your next destination!