Magical Journey Through Mexico's Wonders
Begin in Mexico City and finish in Cancun on a 17–day journey mixing colonial charm, Mayan history and lush nature. Glide along Xochimilco’s canals, enjoy mariachi nights and a tequila tasting, then roam UNESCO beauties – Morelia, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. Expect Toltec giants at Tula, colourful Puebla and culture–rich Oaxaca with Monte Albán. Cruise Sumidero Canyon, meet Tzotzil communities, and cool off at Agua Azul and Misol–Há before exploring Palenque’s jungle temples. Continue via Campeche and Mérida, visit Izamal and iconic Chichén Itzá, spot flamingos at Río Lagartos, and swim in a cenote – wrapping up by Cancun’s beaches.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
17 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
Mexico CityEnds
CancunMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Mexico that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
MexicoPassengers
$4,815.00
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Mexico City
El oro de hidalgo
Mine two star
Tlalpujahua
Patzcuaro
Morelia
Cuitzeo del porvenir
Guadalajara
Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo
San Miguel de Allende
Queretaro
Tula
Puebla
Oaxaca
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Sumidero Canyon
Chiapa de Corzo
Zinacantán
San Juan Chamula
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Agua Azul
Misol-Há
Palenque
Campeche
Mérida
Izamal
Chichén Itzá
Rio Lagartos
Cenote Choj Ha
Cancun
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the area at your own pace. Our guide will contact you in the late afternoon.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Mexico City
A full day exploring Mexico City. This morning we travel to Xochimilco, famed for its canals and semi–floating gardens, where we enjoy a ride on a colourful, flower–decked trajinera. Afterwards, we take a panoramic city tour, passing the Plaza of the Three Cultures; the historic centre around the Zócalo with the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Aztec Templo Mayor; Chapultepec Park; Paseo de la Reforma; and the city’s main avenues. You’ll have free time for lunch around the Zócalo. After lunch, we visit the Basilica of Guadalupe – the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas – seeing both the old 18th–century basilica and the modern temple. In the evening we head to Plaza Garibaldi, known for its cantinas, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and Mariachi bands perform. Dinner is included at a typical Mexican restaurant.
Day 3 - Mexico City - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We depart Mexico City for the mountain and forest region where monarch butterflies spend the winter. We visit La Mina de las Dos Estrellas, now a museum presenting the area’s mining history. We then continue to Tlalpujahua – a Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán with a Baroque sanctuary and cobbled streets – famous for its handcrafted Christmas ornaments. You’ll have free time to stroll and choose a place for lunch. In the afternoon we travel on to Pátzcuaro for a panoramic tour of this colonial city with pre-Hispanic origins, craft markets and characteristic architecture.
Day 4 - Patzcuaro - Morelia - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
We depart Pátzcuaro for Morelia, capital of Michoacán – a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its pink-stone architecture and elegant historic centre. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace and enjoy lunch; highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the University of Morelia, founded in 1540.In the afternoon we stop in Tlaquepaque, a Pueblo Mágico known for mariachi music, live performances, artisan shops and a variety of local cuisine. We then continue to Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco and widely regarded as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 5 - Guadalajara
In the morning we explore Guadalajara, a modern metropolis with a colonial historic centre. We take in the cathedral, the market and Plaza Tapatía, and we enter the Hospicio Cabañas – a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the visit, we continue to the town of Tequila, where entrance to the Mundo Cuervo distillery is included to see how this famous Mexican drink is made – with a tasting. You then have free time to stroll and have lunch in Tequila before we return to Guadalajara.
Day 6 - Guadalajara - Guanajuato
From Guadalajara we travel by road to the state of Guanajuato, arriving around midday. In the afternoon we take a city tour of this beautiful university city – a World Heritage city – exploring its steep slopes, narrow streets and historic churches. We then ride the cable car to the El Pípila viewpoint to admire sweeping views over the city.
Day 7 - Guanajuato - Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende - Queretaro
We travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo – the birthplace of Mexican independence. We then visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco – known as the Sanctuary of God and Country and recognised as a World Heritage Site. Please note that access to the interior may be restricted during retreats. Afterwards, we explore San Miguel de Allende, a World Heritage city with beautiful colonial architecture and cobbled streets, and you’ll have time to stroll at your own pace. Later, we continue to Queretaro – renowned for its magnificent colonial centre, Plaza de Armas and lively restaurants along pedestrian streets.
Day 8 - Queretaro - Tula - Puebla
We leave Querétaro for Tula, the former Toltec capital, where entrance to the archaeological site is included and we explore the ruins. We’ll see the celebrated Atlantes – imposing four–metre–tall warrior figures – along with pyramids, palaces and carved columns that showcase Toltec craftsmanship.We then continue to Puebla and, on arrival, take a panoramic tour of this historic city, renowned for its cuisine, colonial architecture and Talavera pottery. Highlights include its magnificent Renaissance–style cathedral and the lively Zócalo. Overnight in Puebla.
Day 9 - Puebla - Oaxaca
We travel into the state of Oaxaca through mountain scenery and arrive by late morning. We take an included tour of Oaxaca – a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its historic heritage. We then head up to Monte Albán, set on a mountaintop about 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, where entrance and a guided tour are included. We return to Oaxaca afterwards, and you have free time to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 10 - Oaxaca - San Pablo Villa de Mitla - Tuxtla Gutiérrez
We depart early from Oaxaca, pausing in San Pablo Villa de Mitla – a Pueblo Mágico – where you’ll have time to stroll by the 16th–century Church of San Pablo and along its rustic streets. We then continue through the mountains of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus, with lunch included en route. By late afternoon we arrive in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas.
Day 11 - Tuxtla Gutiérrez - Sumidero Canyon - Chiapa de Corzo - Zinacantán - San Juan Chamula - San Cristobal de las Casas
We set out from Tuxtla Gutiérrez for a boat journey through the Cañón del Sumidero – an impressive canyon almost 1 kilometre deep and 14 kilometres long. Back on land, we stroll through Chiapa de Corzo, a colonial town known for its traditions and crafts. We then continue into the Mayan world to visit Tzotzil communities: in Zinacantán we see women’s traditional dress and local weaving workshops, and in San Juan Chamula we visit the church, where Christian worship blends with pre‑Columbian rites. We continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas – founded in 1528 – where you have the afternoon free to explore the historic centre at your own pace.
Day 12 - San Cristobal de las Casas - Agua Azul - Misol-Há - Palenque
We travel through the mountain landscapes of Chiapas, passing communities that preserve their Mayan languages and traditions, as we cross the Ocosingo region en route to Agua Azul National Park – entrance included. Lunch is included and you’ll have free time to walk or swim among more than 50 waterfalls, ranging from 3 to 30 metres in height. We then continue to Misol–Há, an impressive waterfall where we can follow the path behind the cascade, before heading on to Palenque – dinner and accommodation included. Please note – occasional road closures may occur in the Ocosingo region due to local social tensions.
Day 13 - Palenque - Campeche
We begin with a guided visit to the archaeological site of Palenque – entrance included – exploring its temples, pyramids and ball court set within the jungle. After the visit, we travel towards the Gulf of Mexico through the state of Tabasco. We arrive in Campeche, a Mexican port city known for its colonial architecture and fortifications from the seventeenth century built to deter pirate attacks. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Campeche - Merida
We travel into the state of Yucatán, arriving in Mérida after just over two hours by road. We take a guided tour of this vibrant capital, rich in colonial and Maya heritage, including the fortified Cathedral of Mérida, the limestone Church of the Third Order and the House of Montejo – a 16th century mansion that exemplifies Plateresque architecture. You have the afternoon free – you could visit the Museum of the Maya World independently. In the evening we include a transfer to the Zócalo, where you can choose a spot for dinner and soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 15 - Merida - Izamal - Chichen Itza - Rio Lagartos
From Mérida we set out across Yucatán for a scenic day. We pause in Izamal, one of Mexico’s prettiest cities and a designated Magic Town. We then continue to Chichén Itzá – entrance and guided visit included – the most renowned site of the Maya civilisation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we see the Pyramid of Kukulcán and the Temple of the Warriors. After the visit, we enjoy an included Mayan cuisine lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to Río Lagartos, a small fishing village within a biosphere reserve.
Day 16 - Rio Lagartos - Cenote Choj Ha - Cancun
Nature takes centre stage today. In the morning we take a boat ride of just over two hours into the biosphere reserve, navigating mangroves as we look for crocodiles and abundant birdlife – pelicans and pink flamingos are often seen. You can also try the local mud experience, applying mud with high concentrations of sulphur, minerals and salts that act as exfoliants and leave the skin feeling soft. After the cruise, we travel to Valladolid, the third largest city in Yucatan with a charming historic centre – you have free time to choose a spot for lunch around the main square. In the afternoon we visit Cenote Choj Ha, managed by the local Mayan community; we follow a short path through the jungle to explore its dry cave, and you can swim in the lake inside the wet cave. We then continue to Cancun, arriving towards the end of the afternoon.
Day 17 - Cancun
After breakfast, our services conclude. If you’d like to stay on, you can spend a few relaxing days on the beaches of Cancun or along the Riviera Maya.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Cancun
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Mexico City
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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