15 Days | A chilli-spiced, sun-soaked, culture-filled adventure through Mexico
Raise a margarita glass to the beauty and culture of Mexico on this in-depth 15-day adventure. Discover Maya history at the incredible Chichen Itza ruins and visit indigenous communities near the charming San Cristobal de las Casas. Indulge in a traditional Pibil feast with a Maya family and learn about Zapotec culture over lunch in a local home. Stroll the charming streets of Merida, be charmed by the alebrijes of Oaxaca and chill out on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. From museums and ruins to canyons and waterfalls, this journey will give you a taste of Mexico’s best.
Trip overview
- Start
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Finish
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Mexico
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- QVKD
- Discover the colourful, fantastical world of alebrijes – folk art sculptures of mythical creatures – during a visit to a women-run workshop outside Oaxaca. The artists will share their process and stories of how they came to specialise in these artworks.
- Take a step way way back during enlightening guided tours through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Palenque and Mitla.
- Get a taste of Maya culture during a homecooked Pibil lunch with a local family, sampling this traditional method of cooking which involves barbecuing food underground.
- Explore the Maya communities surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas and learn about local culture, religion and the traditional way of life retained in the highlands.
- Sail the mighty Sumidero Canyon on board a guided boat tour, cruising below the canyon’s towering walls and spotting wildlife along the way.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
- The tropical climate of Mexico means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 March 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Private vehicle
Hotel (14 nights)
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
- Oaxaca - Alebrijes workshop visit
- Oaxaca - Tule Tree
- Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk
- Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
- Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
- Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN84
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
- Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) - MXN70
- Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) - MXN700
- Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee) - MXN95
- Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal) - MXN130
- Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Bicycle rental (per hour) - MXN400
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Na Bolom Museum - MXN70
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum - MXN65
- Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) - MXN1035
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
- Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
- Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) - MXN142
- Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN578
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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