Mexico's Magic Culture, History, Adventure
Start in Mexico City and finish there too on a 16–day adventure that blends big–ticket culture with spectacular landscapes. You’ll explore Xochimilco’s canals, the historic Zócalo and the Basilica of Guadalupe, then dive into mariachi vibes at Plaza Garibaldi. Expect to see magical towns and colonial gems – Pátzcuaro, Morelia, Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara – with a tequila distillery visit and Hospicio Cabañas. Further highlights include Guanajuato’s viewpoints, San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro, the Toltec statues at Tula, and Puebla’s Talavera charm. In the south you’ll visit Oaxaca and Monte Albán, cruise Sumidero Canyon, swim at Agua Azul, tour Palenque’s ruins, and enjoy Campeche and Mérida.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
Mexico CityEnds
Mexico CityMinimum 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
£2,505.00
£300.00
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
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City – we’ll transfer you to your hotel, and you’ll have free time to relax or explore nearby 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 to discover Mexico City. This morning we travel to Xochimilco, known for its canals and semi‑floating gardens, and enjoy a ride on a colourful, flower‑decked trajinera. We then set off on a panoramic tour of the city – taking in the Plaza of the Three Cultures, the historic centre with the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Aztec Templo Mayor, plus Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma and the main avenues. You’ll have free time for lunch around the Zócalo. In the afternoon we visit the Basilica of Guadalupe – the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas – to see both the 18th–century old basilica and the modern temple. In the evening we continue to Plaza Garibaldi – famous for its cantinas, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and Mariachi bands perform – and we include dinner at a typical Mexican restaurant.
Day 3 - Mexico City - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We leave Mexico City this morning for the mountain and forest region where the monarch butterflies spend the winter. Our first stop is La Mina de las Dos Estrellas – a former mine turned museum that presents the area’s mining history and culture. We then continue to Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobbled streets, renowned for its handcrafted Christmas ornaments. You’ll have free time here to wander and enjoy lunch – expect to see Santa Claus figures in many of the shops. In the afternoon we travel on to Pátzcuaro for a panoramic tour of one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities, noted for its pre–Hispanic roots, colonial architecture and lively craft markets.
Day 4 - Patzcuaro - Morelia - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
We leave Pátzcuaro for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán – a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its pink-stone architecture and elegant historic centre. We take in key sights such as the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the University of Morelia, founded in 1540. You then have free time to wander and choose a spot for lunch. En route to Guadalajara, we stop in Tlaquepaque, a Pueblo Mágico known for mariachi, live performances, artisan shops and excellent local cuisine. We continue to Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco and a vibrant colonial city recognised as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 5 - Guadalajara
This morning we take a guided visit of Guadalajara, a modern metropolis with a colonial historic centre. We explore the old quarter, including the Cathedral, the market and Plaza Tapatía, and we enter the Hospicio Cabañas – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, we continue to the town of Tequila for an included visit to the Mundo Cuervo distillery to see how this renowned Mexican drink is made – entrance and tasting included. You then have free time to stroll the town and choose a spot for lunch. After lunch, we return to Guadalajara.
Day 6 - Guadalajara - Guanajuato
We travel to the state of Guanajuato, arriving at midday. In the afternoon we include a guided tour of this beautiful university city – a UNESCO World Heritage site – taking in its steep slopes, narrow streets and historic churches. We also ride the cable car up to El Pípila for panoramic views over the city.
Day 7 - Guanajuato - Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende - Queretaro
We travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo, birthplace of Mexican independence. We then visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco – known as the Sanctuary of God and Country and a World Heritage Site – noting that access to the interior may occasionally be restricted due to retreats. We continue to San Miguel de Allende, a World Heritage city of elegant colonial architecture and cobbled streets – you’ll have time to stroll and explore at your own pace. Later, we arrive in Querétaro, known for its magnificent colonial centre, Plaza de Armas, and lively restaurants and pedestrian streets.
Day 8 - Queretaro - Tula - Puebla
We depart for Tula to visit the archaeological site – the ancient Toltec capital – with entrance included. We view the Atlantes, imposing warrior statues around four metres tall, and explore the surrounding pyramids, palaces and carved columns that showcase the sophistication of this ancient civilisation. We then continue to Puebla for a panoramic tour of its historic centre, renowned for culinary traditions, colonial architecture and Talavera pottery – with the Renaissance style cathedral and lively Zócalo as standout sights. Overnight in Puebla.
Day 9 - Puebla - Oaxaca
We travel into the state of Oaxaca along a scenic mountain route, arriving by late morning. We include a guided introduction to Oaxaca City – a UNESCO World Heritage site originally founded by the Aztecs – before heading up to Monte Albán, set on a mountaintop 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley. Entry and a guided tour of this major Zapotec site are included. We return to Oaxaca afterwards, and you have free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 10 - Oaxaca - San Pablo Villa de Mitla - Tuxtla Gutiérrez
We depart early from Oaxaca and make a brief stop in San Pablo Villa de Mitla – a designated Pueblo Mágico. You can take a short 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 leave Tuxtla Gutiérrez for a boat ride through Sumidero Canyon – an impressive gorge reaching almost 1,000 metres deep and around 14 kilometres long. We then continue to Chiapa de Corzo for a stroll through its colonial centre. The day takes us further into Tzotzil Maya culture with visits to Zinacantán – where we see traditional dress and weaving workshops – and San Juan Chamula, whose church blends Catholic practice with indigenous rites that predate the Spanish conquest. We continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, with the afternoon free – you can explore the city at your own pace.
Day 12 - San Cristobal de las Casas - Agua Azul - Misol-Há - Palenque
We travel through the mountains of Chiapas, passing communities that preserve Mayan languages and traditions. After crossing the Ocosingo region, we continue 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 about 3 to 30 metres in height. We then continue to Misol-Há, an impressive waterfall with a path behind the cascade, before heading on to Palenque – dinner and overnight stay included. Note: occasional road closures may occur in the Ocosingo area due to local social tensions.
Day 13 - Palenque - Campeche
We visit the impressive archaeological site of Palenque – an ancient Mayan city surrounded by jungle. With entrance and a guided tour included, we explore its temples, pyramids and ball court.After the visit, we travel across the state of Tabasco towards the Gulf of Mexico and continue to Campeche, a Mexican port city known for its colonial architecture and 17th century fortifications built to defend against pirate attacks. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Campeche - Merida
We travel into the state of Yucatán and, after just over two hours by road, arrive in Mérida. 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 and a hallmark of Plateresque architecture. The afternoon is free – you may wish to visit the Museum of the Maya World. In the evening we include a transfer to the Zócalo so you can choose a spot for dinner and soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 15 - Merida - Mexico City
We’ll head to the airport for the flight to Mexico City. On arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for accommodation.
Day 16 - Mexico City
After breakfast, our services conclude. The transfer from the hotel to the airport is not included – you will need to arrange your own transport to the airport according to your flight schedule.
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 - Mexico City
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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