Exceptional Mexico: Culinary and Culture

Arrive in Mexico City
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Mexico City is quickly becoming a must-see destination in Central America with its revamped public spaces, exciting new culinary scene and buzzing downtown area. These combined with the city's historical elements make for what is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Historical Center - Museum of Anthropology
Today we will explore magnificent Mexico City, built by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital. The city's historical heart is its vast central square, or El Zocalo, and on this tour, you'll also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest church in all of Latin America. You’ll also drive along the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built during the short-lived reign of Emperor Maximilian to connect the main square and his castle in Chapultepec.

You'll also visit the National Palace, which hosts Diego Rivera’s murals depicting the history of Mexico, and is one of the oldest government seats in the world. Our last stop is the Museum of Anthropology, where we will have some time to explore the treasures of the Aztec culture at one of the finest archaeological museums in the world.

** Due to the change of residence of the President of Mexico and his family to the National Palace, visits to the National Palace, including the contemplation of Diego Rivera's murals, are not available for the time being, instead it will be possible to visit Diego Rivera's Murals at the Ministry of Public Education or another venue. **
*Please note that the Museum of Anthropology is closed on Mondays. *

Breakfast included.

Shrine of Guadalupe and Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Located 50 kilometers’ northeast of Mexico City are the 'must-see' archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan - the site of the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline of the complex. This was once the country's biggest ancient city and capital of the Aztec people, who ruled over the largest empire in the pre-Hispanic era. Guarded by mountains, this magnificent city is thought to have been founded early in the 1st century AD and reached its peak around 500 AD, when its influence extended down to Guatemala and as far north as present-day Texas. With the help of a local guide, we’ll have time to stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’, uncover its many wonders, and imagine what life must have been like nearly two thousand years ago. We will also visit the Basilica de Guadalupe, Latin America’s most revered religious shrine where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared before an Indian named Juan Diego in 1531, and an image of her was miraculously emblazoned on his cloak. We will have time to explore the New Basilica de Guadalupe (the Old Basilica, built in 1700, is slowly sinking) and to see Juan Diego’s cloak. After our exploration, we return to Mexico City in the afternoon.

Breakfast included.

Xochimilco Cooking Class w/ Boat Ride - Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan
Start your day with a scenic drive into the vibrant southern neighborhoods of Mexico City, where you'll arrive in Xochimilco for an authentic culinary adventure. Meet friendly locals and dive into your first cooking experience by strolling through the lively local market, handpicking fresh ingredients to use in your dishes. Under the guidance of a local
resident, you'll prepare a delicious meal in her private kitchen, creating a menu featuring a minimum of two courses—a delightful appetizer and a flavorful main dish—accompanied by a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. After enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch, relax as you take a short ride in a traditional trajinera boat, gliding along Xochimilco’s ancient canals and through the lush chinampa agricultural islands that showcase Mexico’s rich agricultural heritage.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming colonial quarter of Coyoacán, culminating with a visit to the renowned Frida Kahlo Museum. Here, in the former home of the iconic painter and her husband Diego Rivera, you’ll experience not only the stunning art and surreal atmosphere but also gain insight into traditional kitchen practices still found in many rural homes today.

After a day filled with culinary delights and cultural exploration, we’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon, enriched by the vibrant experiences of Mexico City

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Mexico City - Cuernavaca - Xochicalco - Cacahuamilpa Caves - Taxco
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the enchanting valley of Cuernavaca, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a brief tour of the city center, where you can admire its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture.

Next, we’ll continue our adventure to the impressive archaeological site of Xochicalco, located in the state of Morelos. As we explore the area, you'll discover the remnants of residential structures, many of which remain unexcavated, spread across long terraces that cascade down the slopes, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Following our exploration of Xochicalco, we’ll head to the breathtaking Cacahuamilpa Caves, just an hour away. These vast caverns are among the largest cave systems in the world and are renowned for their stunning geological formations. A portion of the caverns is open to the public, allowing you to wander through and marvel at the natural beauty that lies within.

After our exhilarating cave adventure, we’ll continue to the charming town of Taxco, nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the evening to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings of this silver mining town.

Breakfast included.

Taxco Walking Tour
Today we enjoy a walking tour of Taxco where we explore its beautiful cobblestone streets, perfectly preserved colonial architecture and the twin belfries of its baroque masterpiece, the Templo de Santa Prisca. We also explore the local art galleries and silver market before returning to your hotel. Afternoon at your leisure.

Breakfast included.

Taxco to Puebla via Cholula
Today we head south toward Puebla, making a stop in Cholula to explore one of the largest and most fascinating archaeological sites in the Americas. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, located just outside of Puebla, is the largest pyramid in the world, surpassing even Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza in base size. This incredible structure, now crowned by a 17th-century church built by the Spanish, offers stunning panoramic views of nearby volcanoes from its summit, blending ancient history with breathtaking natural beauty.

Afterwards, we’ll continue to Puebla, fondly known as “The City of Angels.” Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through Puebla’s beautiful historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts architectural gems from the 16th to 18th centuries. As we stroll, you'll discover notable sites like the iconic Plaza de Armas and the impressive Puebla Cathedral, one of the most significant in Mexico. We’ll also visit the magnificent Church of Santo Domingo, a baroque masterpiece adorned with intricate details and the stunning Chapel of the Rosary.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and we highly recommend sampling Puebla’s renowned cuisine. Some must-try local dishes include chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chiles topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate), molotes (crispy, savory turnovers often filled with spicy sausage), and tinga (a flavorful shredded pork or chicken dish served with tortillas).

- Please note: The archaeological site of Cholula is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Breakfast included.

Puebla to Oaxaca via Cactus Botanical Garden
En route to Oaxaca, we’ll visit the renowned Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique desert ecosystem and remarkable biodiversity.

Our stop at the botanical cactus reserve in Zapotitlán Cuicatlán offers a rare opportunity to observe an extensive variety of cactus species, many of which are native to this region and preserved by the dedicated efforts of local communities.

After this enriching experience in the heart of Mexico’s desert landscape, we’ll continue on to your hotel in Oaxaca, ready to relax and prepare for the next part of our journey.

Breakfast included.

City Walking Tour With Markets & Monte Alban
This morning, we’ll start with an excursion to the majestic ruins of Monte Albán, an extraordinary Zapotec archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage location. Set high atop a mountain, 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán offers sweeping views of the region and an impressive array of ancient structures. You’ll explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, and the Palace, each holding centuries-old secrets of the Zapotec civilization. Our guide will provide fascinating insights into the significance of these structures and the daily life of the people who once inhabited this remarkable city.

After our exploration of Monte Albán, we’ll return to the heart of Oaxaca for a walking tour of its charming historic center. Highlights include the San Francisco Church, the vibrant Zocalo, and the Oaxaca Cathedral, all showcasing the city’s rich architectural heritage. We’ll also stroll through Oaxaca’s colorful markets, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample local specialties like mezcal and tlayudas, experiencing the region’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.

Finally, we’ll head back to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s memorable experiences.

Breakfast included.

El Tule & Mitla Archaeological Site
Drive into the former main region of the Mixtec Culture in prehispanic Oaxaca. On the way, make a stop at the giant tree of Tule, an over 2000 years old Sabino tree. Continue to get soon to Mitla archaeological site. Here, the most amazing details are the stone relief mosaics, which cover in many varied patterns the friezes of the main temples.

Today your lunch will be in a restaurant where you can try the dish “Caldo de Piedra” which is a prehispanic dish, it´s similar to a soup with fish, shrimps, onion, tomato and all the ingredients are mixed in a stone plate where the chef puts some hot stones and in this way the dish finishes cooking.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Tuxtla Gutierrez Main Airport - Sumidero Canyon - San Cristobal
On arrival in Tuxtla Gutierrez, we will the drive towards Chiapa de Corzo, and the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon. We’ll board our launch and take a trip through the majestic rock walls of the canyon, with the chance of seeing fauna such as crocodiles, spider monkeys, cormorants, and herons. We return to the
boat dock where we then continue into the highlands and finally to our charming colonial hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Breakfast included.

City Tour & Indian Villages
Today we will explore on foot the colonial city centre of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will visit the cathedral with its lavish interior and gold-encrusted pulpit, then walk a few blocks to the impressive 16th century Dominican church, with its intricate pink façade and gilded Baroque interior. Next, it's time to browse the handicrafts where Tzotzil Indians from the surrounding hills come to trade before we drive into the Chiapas highlands, to the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. In San Juan Chamula, you will visit the Church of San Juan Bautista that has simple but incredibly beautiful ornamentation on the outer façade. You will see the artistic beauty of the church on the inside, with Catholic saints dressed according to indigenous traditional customs. Some of them are adorned with mirrors and multicolour ribbons, as a notorious sample of the religious mix between the Mayan-Tzotzil roots and Catholicism. Picture taking is not allowed inside this church, which is why you won't be able to find any published image of the inside of this extraordinary religious centre.

The candles, incense and chanting worshippers make a powerful impression.

We'll then drive to the nearby village of Zinacantan, with its pretty church and handicraft market. Return to San Cristobal.

Breakfast included.

San Cristobal - Agua Azul - Palenque
Today we will navigate the Southern Sierra Madre by descending from alpine forests into the steamy lowland jungles of Palenque. Along the way, we will visit the famous Agua Azul waterfalls, which are approximately forty-five minutes away from Palenque. Here you will have a chance to take a break from the heat with a swim in the stunning, naturally formed pools at the waterfalls before we reach Palenque in the late afternoon and check in to our hotel.

Breakfast included.

Palenque Archeological Site Tour
Today we will visit the archaeological site of Palenque, a World Heritage Site, located 7km outside of the town of Palenque overlooking the swampy plains that stretch northward all the way to the Gulf coast. Palenque flourished between AD600 and 800, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. The site, surrounded by rainforest where toucans and howler monkeys live, is made up of some five hundred buildings spread over 15 sq. km, of which only a few have been excavated. We will explore the magnificent ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions – the tallest and stateliest of Palenque’s buildings, the Temple of the Sun – crowned with a prominent roof comb, The Palace – with its maze of corridors and rooms, and many other beautiful buildings. Return to your hotel where the evening is spent at your leisure.

*If you’d like to explore the rainforest ruins of Chiapas in more detail then we recommend adding an extra day and taking a tour of Yaxchilan and Bonampak located deep in the rainforest.

Breakfast included.

Palenque to Campeche via Edzna and Isla Aguada
Today you will depart Palenque and head towards the Gulf Coast. Along the way you will stop at at the Natural Reserve of Laguna de Terminos and at the small fishing village of Isla Aguada. Here we take a boat through the lagoon to Isla de Pájaros, where you can see thousands of herons, gulls and magnificent frigate birds. You're almost guaranteed to see dolphins along the way, and if you are very lucky you might even see a shy manatee.

After the tour you will have a chance to eat lunch (own expense) before we continue to Edzna, an impressive Mayan archaeological site located slightly inland in the state of Campeche. The ruins are divided into two main zones; the Small Acropolis, where you'll find the Escalinata Temple, which is full of human and animal figures, and the Big Acropolis, which features Casa de la Luna (Moon House) and Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five Storey Building).

On conclusion of your tour, you will continue to the colourful walled city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you will have time to explore the town.

Breakfast included.

Campeche - Kabah - Uxmal - Merida
We will visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site, located 80km south of Merida. Its architecture is characterized by low, horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with a profusion of symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the long-nosed rain god Chaac. We will explore the magnificent buildings, including the Nunnery, the House of Turtles, and the House of the Magician, which dominates the site. We’ll continue to Kabah, with its amazing Palace of the Masks, covered in nearly three hundred masks of Chaac, before returning to Merida.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Merida - Chichen Itza - Merida
Today will be one of the highlights of your Mexican adventure as you enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, located 120km east of Merida. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is the best restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. While here we will explore, the magnificent ruins set in a dense jungle, including:
- Pyramid of Kukulcan, its height and striking geometric design the most prominent of this site.
- The Great Ball Court, the largest and most impressive in Mesoamerica.
- The Sacred Cenote, a natural well used for human sacrifice.

We’ll also see many other beautiful temples. From Chichén Itzá, we will head back to the Merida International Airport to board your flight back home. Please note that you will arrive at the airport around 7pm. Therefore, you should allow for 3 hours in advance for an international flight, or 2 hours in advance for a domestic flight.

Yucatan Peninsula options
One of the advantages of our tailormade itineraries is the ability to change things to create your perfect holiday. You can choose to visit several destinations such as Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen or head back to Merida. If you are thinking about Tulum, please be aware that you can stay at a beach resort or in town which is 20min drive from the beach. Speak to your travel designer for more information.

Breakfast and Lunch included.