Classic Mexico Tour

The classic Mexico tour gives you a perfect overview of the most beautiful landscapes and the varied history of Mexico.

Classic Mexico Tour

CLASSIC MEXICO TOUR

Immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico on this 14-day adventure. Your journey begins in Mexico City, where you'll explore the bustling Zócalo square, the magnificent Cathedral, and the sprawling Chapultepec Park. Float through the vibrant canals of Xochimilco and marvel at the towering pyramids of Teotihuacan. Journey to Puebla, a city steeped in colonial charm, and admire the architectural wonders.

We will delve into the rich indigenous culture of Oaxaca, visiting the captivating archaeological site of Monte Albán and witnessing the creation of alebrijes, vibrantly coloured folk art sculptures. Enjoy a traditional mezcal tasting before witnessing the artistry of a marimba builder in Chiapa de Corzo. Explore the fascinating walled city of Campeche, a legacy of the Spanish colonial era, and learn about the history and significance of cocoa at the Ecomuseo del Cacao. Gain insight into the daily life of the Mayan people in Santa Elena before discovering the colonial charm and vibrant culture of Mérida.

Your journey concludes at the iconic Chichen Itza ruins, where you'll marvel at El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulkan, and El Caracol, the observatory used by the Maya to track the stars. This unforgettable adventure leaves you with a newfound appreciation for Mexico's rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. 

Day 1 – Welcome to Mexico!
After landing, please proceed to the baggage claim area of the airport. Take your luggage and leave the security area, our team will be waiting for you. Look out for a sign with your name and you will have a transfer to your hotel as you start your classic Mexico tour. 
Overnight at the Zócalo Central or similar

Day 2 – Mexico City
Experience and explore one of the biggest cities in the world on a day tour. Mexico City is the life and soul of the country politically, socially, and culturally with numerous universities, museums and monuments. On a tour through the centre of the metropmuseums,ou pass by the presidential palace, stroll through the huge Zócalo and visit the Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María de la Ciudad de México, the oldest and mightiest cathedral in the Americas. Surrounded by the snow-covered twin volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, more than 25 million people are today living in the Valle de México metropolitan area.
Overnight at the Zócalo Central or similar (B)

Day 3 – Chapultepec Park and Xochimilco
We start the day with a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, the most frequented museum in Mexico. Discover the civilizations of the Olmec, Toltec, Aztecs and Maya, among many others. You will then visit the impressive Chapultepec Park. Formerly, the area was completely overgrown with forest and a sacred place of the Aztecs. Today it is a green oasis amidst the capital with old, shady trees, idyllic lakes, a sculpture garden, several museums and monuments (such as the Altar a la Pa-tria in memory of the Niños Héroes), a zoo, and beautiful market stalls. Above the park is the castle, which the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian of Mexico had rebuilt in the style of his Italian villa in 1864. We continue to Xochimilco, a district in the south of Mexico City and known for its floating gardens that the Aztecs created on Lake Texcoco. The channels of the “Huertos Flotantes” have a total length of more than 150 km (90 miles). On a small boat tour, you get to know the gardens.
Overnight at the Zócalo Central or similar (B)

Day 4 – Teotihuacán and Puebla
Today we set off for the 70-minute journey to visit the huge pyramid complex of Teotihuacán. It was the first city in the “New World”, built between 250 BC and 700 AD and its population, in its heyday amounted to approximately 125,000 – 250,000 people. Only when you walk along the mighty “Avenue of the Dead” (about 1 km long) will you become aware of the scale of the site. It is another couple of hours until we reach Puebla and our first visit is to the first library on the American continent that was open to the public, the Biblioteca Palafoxiana in the House of Culture of Puebla. The historic monument is considered a cultural treasure and contains more than 40,000 volumes some of which date back to the 15th century. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana was founded by bishop and viceroy Juan de Palafox y Mendoza in 1646 and, at the time, was one of the largest collections of human knowledge. Our tour continues through Puebla and its beautiful colonial streets.
Overnight at the NH Puebla Centro Histórico or similar (B)

Day 5 – Puebla and Oaxaca de Juárez
The Jardín Botánico in Zapotitlán Salinas is no garden in the usual sense, but an unspoiled landscape that you can explore via stairs and paths. Surrounded by high columnar cacti, palms, and elephant-foot trees, a picnic is planned after a short walk. From the top of the hill, you have a wonderful view of the environment. The region around Zapotitlán Salinas is famous for the unique cacti forests. We then depart for the drive to Oaxaca de Juárez (Journey / 227.0 km / 230 Min.) and on arrival check-in at our hotel.
Overnight at the CasAntica or similar (B)

Day 6 - Oaxaca de Juárez
The classic Mexico tour today starts with a visit to the world of the Zapotec and Mixtec at Monte Albán. The magnificent ruins on an artificially flattened hilltop are surrounded by a circle of terraces, houses, temples and tombs on the slopes of the hill. In its prime, (500-800 AD), the centre is said to have had about 50,000 residents. Our tour of Mexico now takes us to small village of San Antonio Arrazola, which is internationally known for its imaginative wood carvings. It was in 1936 when Pedro Linares, inspired by a dream, started producing colourful animal figures of papier-mâché, which he called alebrijes. This folk art is now known throughout the world. Our final stop is at the Museo Cultural de Oaxaca located in a former Dominican monastery of the 16th century.
Overnight at the CasAntica or similar (B)

Day 7 - Oaxaca de Juárez to Tehuantepec
Between Oaxaca and Mitla is the tranquil community of Santa María del Tule. In its centre, next to the small church, you will visit one of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The enormous Ahuehuete tree, a Mexican bald cypress, which according to legend was planted by an Aztec priest. The tree, which is more than 2.000 years old, is the symbol of Santa María del Tule, and as you walk around the gnarled trunk, you may notice bizarre branching that resembles animal figures - a lion, an elephant, or a fish?
Our next visit is to the archaeological site of Mitla. The importance of this “place of the dead” is still not clear and shows how much knowledge has been lost in the course of history. Mitla was the seat of the “Great Seer” and for many years the religious centre of the Zapotec. Today the neighbourhood of Mitla is marked by small picturesque markets. The next stop on our tour is the small village of Santiago Matatlán where we will visit a mezcal distillery. The famous Mexican liquor from the flesh of agaves always contains more than 40% alcohol and is produced from the heart of the plant after it has blossomed for the first time. The leaves are cut, and the “piña” is cooked and ground; the mash thus obtained is fermented and distilled several times. A mezcal tasting is incomplete, of course, without the famous worm (gusano del maguey) which, strictly speaking, is a caterpillar. Enjoy a short stop at the Playa Cangrejo before we arrive at Tehuantepec.
Overnight at Hotel Calli or similar (B)

Day 8 - Tehuantepec and San Cristóbal de las Casas
Our day begins with a trip to Chiapa de Corzo where we watch a marimba builder in his workshop and may even experience a short concerto. Wethen embark on a boat trip through the magnificent Sumidero Canyon. It takes us through the deep gorge carved by the Río Grijalva with its steep bluffs similar to the Nordic fjords. The Sumidero National Park features tropical vegetation and exotic animals such as alligators, toucans, pelicans, and herons.
Overnight at the Sombra del Agua or similar (B)

Day 9 - San Cristóbal de las Casas
Take a trip to the Indian village of Chamula, the ceremonial centre of the Chamula and Zinacantán. In the church Catholic and Mayan rituals combine in fascinating ways. The church has no seating; the floor is covered with pine needles and straw. Families with healers invoke spirits while kneeling before the statues of the 12 Apostles. The next place on the tour is Zinacantán, which means “place of bats” and is a Nahuatl name that dates back to the times of the Conquista. We visit the mighty colonial church and get to know the descendants of the Mayas as a dynamic and self-confident community – more than 99 % of the Tzotzil continue to use their indigenous language. After a short tour of the town, you are a guest in the small weaving mill of three sisters. Enjoy freshly cooked tortillas and learn more about life in Zinacantán and the art of weaving. We return to San Cristóbal de las Casas and enjoy a walk through the historic centre.
Overnight at the Sombra del Agua or similar (B)

Day 10 - San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque
About 40 km south of Palenque are the sweeping waterfalls of Roberto Barrios. Hidden in the subtropical jungle of Chiapas you find various terraces of charming water cascades along several hundred metres of beautiful flora. The turquoise-blue water and the untouched nature invite you to take a bath in the small rock basins. This is a mysterious, green oasis which unites adventure and relaxation.
Overnight at Villa Mercedes Palenque or similar (B)

Day 11 - Palenque to Campeche
We visit the most beautiful, ruined site in all of Mexico. Founded around 300 BC, Palenque flourished in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. All the buildings that are still visible date from this period, e.g., the Temple of Inscriptions with more than 620 hieroglyphs that tell King Pacal’s history, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Sun, and the North Temple with its stucco remains and military scenes.
The tour continues to the city of Campeche, surrounded by a wall that was necessary to defend the rich city against pirates. You will visit the narrow streets with its restored colonial buildings, the Zócalo and the Cathedral of La Concepción, taking you back to the era of the Spanish conquistadores.
Overnight at the Plaza Campeche or similar (B)

Day 12 - Campeche and Mérida
Experience the Ecomuseo del Cacao, where you will learn about the history of cocoa and its mystical connection with Maya culture. Nestled in a beautiful garden site with plantations, numerous orchids as well as indigenous fauna, you will find traditional Maya houses, in which you will learn about growing and cultivating cocoa plants and the production of chocolate. You can try the traditional Maya drink made from cocoa beans and spices and enjoy the sweet and spicy taste of the “black gold." The next stop on the tour of Mexico is Santa Elena, a small Mayan village. It once served the archaeologists John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood as a base for their visits to the surrounding sites, where they made their famous drawings. During their stay, they also studied the traditions and way of living of the people and much has stayed as it was then. The construction of Mayan houses, the traditional cuisine, and many rites and customs. Here you will get an insight into the everyday life of the Mayan families in this village.
Overnight at the La Misión de Fray Diego or similar (B)

Day 13 – Mérida and Yokdzonot
We will explore the colonial capital of Yucatán, Mérida. Founded in 1542, Mérida is the economic and cultural capital of Yucatán up to the present day. The town impresses the visitor with colonial charm, narrow streets, and romantic horse-drawn carriages. We experience the production of the Salsa Picante Dzemul. In the house of Donatila Amada Cruz Argáez in the centre of Mérida, the chilli varieties Habanero and Xcatic are being processed according to her mother's recipe into spicy to hot seasoning sauces. Leaving Mérida, we travel to Yokdzonot and you can enjoy a refreshing swim here, but also use a zip line to glide over the cenote. We arrive at our destination and check-in to our hotel for the evening, Chichén Itzá.
Overnight at the Oka'anor similar (B)

Day 14 - Chichén Itzá
For the last day of our tour of Mexico, we visit Chichén Itzá. To date, only about 30 of the many buildings buried and overgrown by the jungle have been uncovered and restored. “El Cas-tillo,” the most impressive building, rises far beyond the site. “El Caracol” reminds us of a snail shell. The observatory was used by the Maya, among other things, for observing Venus and its orbit. We then leave Chichén Itzá and head to Cancun where you will transfer to the airport according to your flight details or transfer to your hotel in case of an extension. Arrival in Cancún is at approximately 4 p.m. and this is the end of your classic Mexico tour.

Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Classic Mexico Tour

Departure Dates

Private Tailor-made Departures

Price
from £3255 per person (based on two people sharing)

Included in the Classic Mexico Tour

  • 13 x overnight stays in good middle–class hotels
  • 13 x breakfast, 1 x lunch, 3 x dinner, 1 x snack
  • Transfer in on day 1, drop-off airport Cancún on day 14
  • English-speaking tour guide from day 1 to day 14 with restrictions during the arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the tour
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Local taxes for service providers & hotels

Not Included in the Classic Mexico Tour

  • International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
  • Any airport taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any visa requirements
  • Mexican tourism fees
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.

Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
If you are visiting Mexico, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Mexico.

Visas
If you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist you don’t need a visa. You’ll receive a stamp in your passport with the number of days that you are allowed to stay. If you require a digital version, you can obtain it from the Portal de Servicios INM website, or in advance from the National Institute of Immigration website. The advance option is only possible if your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to Mexico.

To leave the country, you will have to present your passport with the stamp showing the number of days granted. If you lose your passport, you will need to pay a fee to replace the entry stamp. The cost of a replacement is approximately $600 Mexican Pesos, which is payable at a bank, migration officers do not accept cash. The process can be completed at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico, you will be guided on how to make the payment by the immigration officials.

Local Laws and Custom
The Mexican Police have the authority to ask for proof of legal status in Mexico at any time. A number of British people have been detained for not having the relevant documentation on them. If you are travelling in Mexico you will need to be able to provide your passport and stamp proving your entrance and stay if requested by Mexican authorities. Copies/photos are not accepted.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.

From January 2023, it is illegal to smoke or vape in public places, the penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to £150. It is illegal to sell or buy electronic cigarettes (vapes).

Although civil unions between same-sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon.

Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Mexico, including Mexico City, the rest of the Mexican Altiplano, and the Sierra Madre Mountains. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

High levels of air pollution can occur in Mexico City and may aggravate heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the pollution index levels for many cities in real time.

Drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Make sure ice is also made from boiled or bottled water.

In the last 3 years there has been an increase in reported cases of a food and water bug, Cyclospora, affecting travellers returning from Mexico, particularly from the Riviera Maya region between the months of May and June. You should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

Not all hospitals will agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies. You should be prepared to pay for treatment yourself up front and then seek a refund. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. In Mexico City, you can also use the emergency buttons on CCTV cameras visible across the city which will immediately connect you to the emergency services. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

What to bring on the Ancient Ethiopia Tour

Clothing
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) which appropriately cover the body, when in the company of the local communities. Please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. On the coasts, even in the winter months, it’s generally warm and you’ll get away with light clothing, though it’s best to pack a light jumper or jacket for the evenings.

During the summer most of Mexico, excluding the desert regions up north, experiences quite a lot of rain. It’ll be hot and humid so light clothing should suffice, but be sure to pack a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a bathing suit for that warm blue water!

Footwear
The ideal footwear would be walking shoes or boots and sandals.

Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.

Equipment
We would recommend bringing a first aid kit, personal medication/prescriptions, glasses & sunglasses, contact lenses and solution, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, antihistamine/insect bite cream, antibacterial gel/wipes, motion sickness tablets, travel vaccination certificates, anti-diarrhoea pills, toiletries, shaving equipment, a small travel towel and a power adapter for phones, laptops, etc.

Currency
The local currency is the Mexican Nuevo Peso, known colloquially as ‘Peso’. It’s easier to exchange US dollar bank notes into local currency than Sterling. UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted for payment and in ATMs. It’s not usually possible to exchange cash at hotel receptions - this can only be done at banks and bureau de change.

Credit cards are generally accepted in Mexico at large stores and most mid- high-range hotels. Some cafes, bars and restaurants may accept card too, but the places with real character – and the best local food – tend to be cash only.

Weather in Mexico
Mexico’s renowned for its sunshine and sandy beaches, but the weather can vary depending on the region you’re travelling to and the time of year.

Mexico has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year, as with most tropical destinations there are both dry and rainy seasons, although even during the wetter months there are usually plenty of hot perfect sunny days and any rainfall usually comes in heavy showers which clear quickly. The best time to visit is between December and March when sunshine and temperatures are best and rainfall is lowest. The hottest month of the year is May with an average daily maximum of 33 C and an average low of 23 C. The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 27 C and an average low of 20 C.

Internet Availability
Internet access is good in Mexico with wi-fi available in most accommodations, bigger restaurants, airports and in some public spaces. It’s also easy and affordable to buy a local SIM card for the duration of your Mexico tour. If you wish to use your mobile phone while in Mexico be sure to activate global roaming before leaving your home country. You should also check with your provider regarding any charges you may incur when overseas. If you wish to purchase a local SIM card in Mexico, your phone must first be unlocked.

Electricity
In Mexico the standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. To use your electric appliances in Mexico, where the standard voltage is in between 110 - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries) you will need an adapter.

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