15 Days | Say hola to ancient cities, Aztec surprises and azure coastline
Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Discover ruins, visit pueblos and meet wonderful people on a tour that covers all the basics so you can get to exploring. Enjoy the relaxed shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient civilisations in Chichen Itza. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of North America's most colourful and exciting destinations.
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
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- QVRM
- Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
- Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in Mexico City and Puebla.
- Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
- Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Finish off your epic journey and recharge with a little beach time in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.
- 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.
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes basic accommodation and has free time for activities when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
- This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport, including one overnight bus. While this can be tiring, it's also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals and get under the skin of a place.
- Mexico's climate is sultry and tropical, so can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and make sure you stay hydrated, especially while out on walking tours. You can also expect to walk a lot and the terrain is rarely flat. Make sure to pack a jacket for the higher altitude cities like Mexico City, Puebla and San Cristóbal de las Casas.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
2 lunches
Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Overnight public bus, Taxi
Hotel (13 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
- Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
- Tlahuac - Community Visit
- Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Zinacatan Church - Visit
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
- Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN84
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN95
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee) - Free
- Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) - MXN179
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN37
- Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids Urban Adventure - USD79
- Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN21
- Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN47
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
- Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery - MXN893
- Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) - MXN32
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN593
- Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
- Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1365
- Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN578
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
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 excludes Day 7 (Overnight bus) where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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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