Enjoy Mexican cuisine and the cultural wonders offered by this 12-day seat-in-coach tour. Get in touch with the abundant natural environment and culture of Oaxaca: natural beauties such as the Tule tree, the archaeological site of Monte Alban and the production of handmade textiles in Teotitlán. In Merida cooking class, you will discover amazing traditional dishes. In addition, you can taste delicious local fruits. You will also learn about the customs and traditions of Yucatan, visit Chichen Itza and bathe in a Cenote.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Mexico City: This enormous, bustling capital city maintains its colonial charm and offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
Xochimilco: UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "place of flowers". It is best known for its canals and artificial islands called chinampas, which are used to grow flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants that you can admire floating along in a gondola like-boat.
Frida Kahlo Museum: The visit to the Blue House is a journey that will take you to understand better the great Mexican Artist who was Frida Kahlo.
Merida: Yucatan’s ‘White City’ is famed for the elegant tree-lined boulevards from the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the local culture with the traditional dishes and enjoy the cooking class.
Cenotes: Discover the magic of the region’s natural pools that can be found underground or open to the sky.
Chichen Itza: Uncover the mysteries of Maya civilisation at this ancient archaeological site dominated by the imposing Temple of Kukulkan
Day 1: ARRIVAL MEXICO CITY
Arrive at Mexico City International Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you, and then you will be taken by shared transfer to the selected hotel. Have the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel facilities or exploring the beautiful surroundings. The itinerary order may change depending on the weekday of arrival (in order to make all activities).
Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 2: MEXICO CITY: CITY TOUR, ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND PLAZA GARIBALDI
After the tasty breakfast at the hotel, the guide will wait for you at the hotel to pick you up around 9 am to start with the visit of the historic center, the Zocalo (the main square of the city), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace , which features murals by the famous artist Diego Rivera. Then, we make a stop at the Anthropological Museum, a place that after almost half a century since its creation, remains the most emblematic area that safeguards the indigenous legacy of Mexico. After this 5-hour visit, return to the hotel or if you wish you can stay to explore the area on your own or enjoy lunch at the restaurant and return to the hotel on your own. In the evening at 7.30 pm you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the Bellini restaurant to enjoy a tasty dinner (a local drink included). This restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Mexico City, which offers incredible panoramic views overlooking the flashing lights of the city and the traditional Mexican and international flavors. After dinner before we head back to the hotel, we will stop at Plaza Garibaldi, a nightlife center and a very popular place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mariachis accompanied by traditional dances and delicious drinks (a traditional drink included).
Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 3: MEXICO CITY: XOCHIMILCO BOAT, COYOACAN AND FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM
Enjoy a full-day tour full of color and tradition through some of the most enchanting areas of Mexico City. On our way to Xochimilco, we will drive through the 4th largest street in the world (Insurgentes Avenue – World Guinness Record) and we will admire important spots such as the largest bullfight Ring in Mexico and the most important in the Americas, the University of Mexico and the Olympic Stadium of 1968 among other important spots. Upon reaching the calm waters of the Xochimilco canals and its floating gardens, you will enjoy a picturesque cruise through one of the last traces of the Aztec period in a traditional trajinera or pre-Hispanic boat. Learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, first established as a pre-Columbian city on the shores of Lake Xochimilco just south of Mexico City. On board this typical canoe you will travel through canals surrounded by floating gardens while you delight your palate with exquisite dishes and typical drinks. You might be followed by real Mariachi bands playing some of the most famous songs in Mexico. Afterwards, enjoy a brief visit to Coyoacan, known as the cultural heart of Mexico City, a place that has been a source of inspiration for various national and international artists. We will be visiting the area of sixteenth-century mansions and the Church of San Bautista. In the same neighborhood we will visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, known as "The Blue House" where the world-renowned Latin American artist lived. The visit to the Blue House is a journey that will take you to understand better the great Mexican Artist.
Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 4: MEXICO CITY – TEOTIHUACAN – MEXICO CITY (100 Km – 2 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the lobby of your hotel. You will visit two impressive ceremonial centers, the Basilica of Guadalupe (contemporary) and the pre-Hispanic Teotihuacan, which describes the religious evolution of Mexican people. First transfer to the "Plaza de las Tres Culturas", the site where the largest market in pre-Columbian Mexico, Tlatelolco is located, where you will have a panoramic view of the esplanade and the archaeological zone. Continue to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the largest religious sanctuary in Mexico, which houses the most revered image in Mexico, that of the Virgin of Guadalupe. You will visit the atrium and its interior. Continue to Teotihuacan "place where the gods are made". With more than 2,500 years of history, this ceremonial center had a vital development, born in Textiles of natural fibres and obsidian as a matter of exchanges and tools. This will be explained in detail at a stop before entering the archeological zone. Enter the enigmatic archaeological zone visiting the temples of "Quetzalpapalotl" (butterfly bird), the "feathered snails" and the entire pyramid of the Moon. Continue to visit the Citadel and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl before the end of the visit with the impressive Pyramid of the Sun. Upon returning to Mexico City, there will be a stop at the typical restaurant for lunch (not included).
Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 5: MEXICO CITY – OAXACA CITY (1.5 hrs by flight)
Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, check out and transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your departure flight to Oaxaca (flight not included). Arrive at Oaxaca Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you, before you get on a shared transfer to the selected hotel. Have the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel amenities or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 6: OAXACA – MONTE ALBAN – OAXACA (20km – 1hr)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before starting this great tour where we will first delve into the history of a great city located at the top of a mountain, Monte Albán. This great urban center was built by the culture Zapotec and declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 is the most important archaeological zone in the State of Oaxaca, characterized by a large plaza in the center. Visit the main square of the place and take the best photographs from the top of its pyramids. And before continuing to the next stop, visit the museum where you will find the original pieces that have been preserved. Next, we will visit a place full of magic, colors and tradition, “San Antonio Arrazola”. The famous Artisans will teach us how they carve Copal wood, explaining the entire process, giving rise to the unreal and magical figures called “Alebrijes”, which represent the spirit innovator of the Oaxacan soul. A process in which even the smallest of the family participate so that they do not miss this beautiful custom. To continue this great tour, we enter a small town of adobe houses “San Bartolo Coyotepec”, where a world-famous jewel known as black mud is kept. In this place where you will learn about the process of making beautiful black clay figures.
Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 7: OAXACA CITY TOUR
Today after breakfast enjoy a walking city tour. Get to know the magic that Oaxaca hides in the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, formed by an architectural complex of the most beautiful examples of the baroque in Mexico of the Dominican Order. We continue to discover the magic of Oaxaca on foot on one of the main streets of the city of Oaxaca. Cobblestone street with green quarry opens the way to the Tourist Walk, from Santo Domingo de Guzmán and to the central part of the city, passing various museums, galleries, craft stores and restaurants. In the center we can enjoy a mix of Music bands and Marimba sounds. To finish this magical tour we will visit the folkloric markets: El Mercado Benito Juárez, which is the most traditional, where you can purchase and compare crafts such as black clay or Alebrijes. You will find everything from the typical costumes of the eight regions of the state of Oaxaca to famous products such as Mole Oaxaqueño, Tlayudas, Mezcal, Chocolate, Quesillo and Chapulines. In the 20 de Noviembre market we will find its main meat aisle and an extensive gastronomy of Oaxaca.
Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 8: OAXACA CITY - MERIDA (1.5hrs by flight)
Start your last day in Oaxaca City with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, check out and transfer to Oaxaca International Airport for your departure flight to Merida (flight not included). Upon arrival at Merida Airport, our representative will meet and greet you, and then transfer you to the selected hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel amenities or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 9: MERIDA: MARKET AND COOKING CLASS
Today after breakfast, meet your guide at approximately 8.30 am, to immerse yourself in the local culture with the cooking class! This Merida Market Tasting and Cooking Class tour will start with a visit to the local market. First, you’ll discover amazing traditional dishes. Furthermore, you’ll get to taste delicious local fruits. In addition, you’ll learn about the customs and traditions of Yucatan. After buying all your supplies, you’ll take an exciting bus ride to the local home. Finally, your host and guide will guide you step by step to cook a traditional menu. At the end of the cooking experience return to your hotel.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 10: MERIDA: CENOTES DE CUZAMA (SANTA BARBARA)
After breakfast at the hotel depart at approx 9 am to the Homun area. Arrive at the refreshing waters of the Cuzama cenotes travelling by truck or bicycle. Visit all three of the Santa Barbara cenotes, the most beautiful cenotes in Homun. We will finish our day by enjoying lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 11: MERIDA: UXMAL
Start the day with a delicious breakfast. You will be picked up at around 9 am to go to the archaeological site of Uxmal, one of the most prominent of the Puuc Route. Upon reaching the pyramids, we will explore the place and get to know the Mayan vestiges and interesting constructions full of great wealth and history. You will learn about the history of this archaeological site of the Mayan culture and you will also hear some magical legends about that place. We will visit the Pyramid of the Magi, the House of the Governor, the Temple of the Masks and the Quadrilateral of the Nuns, among other important Mayan constructions. Next, we will visit the Museum of chocolate where you will learn about the history of cacao from its origins, distribution and worldwide uses to its Mayan ancient making ways. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 12: MERIDA – CHICHEN ITZA – DEPART CANCUN OR RIVIERA MAYA (315km – 4 hrs)
Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. From Mérida, we will go to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Chichen Itza. Enter the rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula in search of the legendary Mayan city of Chichen Itza, which has been laboriously recovered from the jungle. Learn about the Maya and their civilization while admiring the scale and details of this ancient city. Contemplate the geometric perfection of the 25-meter-high Kukulkan Temple, popularly known as El Castillo ('el Castillo'), which was built as a representation of the Mayan mystical calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a snake up or down of the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the largest of the 13 discovered on the site, see the disturbing Skull Platform, where the heads of the victims of human sacrifices and prisoners of war were impaled, and also the Sacred Cenote, where the victims of the sacrifice were thrown. Visit the very well preserved Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and the adjacent Church, and the great observatory known as the Caracol. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant around Chichen Itza, after which we will go to Cancun or Riviera Maya, and we will leave you at your selected hotel (not included in this program).
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. However, the climate can be wet and cold, especially in winter, therefore we recommend to bring warm clothes, a raincoat and umbrella. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
