Day 1: Arrive Mexico City (Saturday)
Arrive at Mexico City International Airport and transfer to the Barceló México Reforma hotel or similar 5-star accommodation. The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore the neighbourhood.
Day 2: Mexico City & Teotihuacán
Begin with a city tour of Mexico City's historic centre: the grand Zócalo plaza, the Cathedral (the country's largest religious monument, built over the great Aztec temple), the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor. Stop at the Guadalupe Shrine before heading to the awe-inspiring Teotihuacán, 'the place where the Gods are born'. Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and walk the ancient Road of the Dead. Lunch included at a restaurant near the site.
Day 3: Puebla & Oaxaca
Depart by road to the beautiful colonial city of Puebla, where you will visit the Santo Domingo church and the stunning Rosario Chapel, one of the greatest works of Mexican Baroque art. Continue south to Oaxaca, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
Day 4: Oaxaca & Monte Albán
A full day exploring Oaxaca. In the morning, visit Monte Albán, the famous Zapotec ceremonial centre perched on a hilltop, rich in pyramids, tombs, and carved reliefs. In the afternoon, explore Oaxaca city, the 'Patriots' Cradle', with its Zócalo, Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, the old Santa Catalina friary, and the vibrant local market.
Day 5: Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutiérrez via Mezcal Country
Depart to Santiago Matatlán, the 'Capital of Mezcal', to visit a traditional palenque (workshop) and learn about this iconic spirit's production. Continue through Tehuantepec for lunch, then onward to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital of the State of Chiapas.
Day 6: Sumidero Canyon & San Cristóbal de las Casas
Transfer to the Cahuaré wharf for a spectacular boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon, where towering cliffs rise dramatically from the river. After lunch, continue to the enchanting highland town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Free time to explore this atmospheric colonial gem.
Day 7: San Cristóbal, Indigenous Communities
Visit one of Mexico's most colourful indigenous markets, followed by the Baroque Santo Domingo Church (founded 1547). Meet the communities of San Juan Chamula, whose ceremonies blend Catholicism with ancient pagan traditions, and Zinacantán. Try making your own tortilla and sample Pox, an ancient Mayan elixir.
Day 8: San Cristóbal to Palenque
Early departure through the Chiapas highlands to Palenque, stopping in Ocosingo for breakfast and at the breathtaking Agua Azul (Blue Water) waterfalls. The five-hour journey through lush mountain scenery is an experience in itself.
Day 9: Palenque Ruins & Campeche
Visit the magnificent Palenque archaeological site, one of Mexico's most beautiful Mayan cities, its temples and palaces rising from the jungle. See the Temple of the Inscriptions, where the famous jade mask of King Pakal was discovered. Continue to Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage city with colonial fort walls built to defend against pirates. Lunch on route.
Day 10: Uxmal & Mérida
Depart for Mérida with a visit to the spectacular Uxmal archaeological site en route. Admire the Fortuneteller's Pyramid, the Governor's Palace, and the Quadrangle of the Nuns. Lunch at a restaurant. Continue to Mérida, the elegant 'White City', for a walking tour of its colonial architecture, the Cathedral, Government Palace, and the grand Montejo House.
Day 11: Chichén Itzá & Riviera Maya
Visit the world-famous Chichén Itzá, the Mayan capital of Yucatán. Marvel at the Kukulcán Temple, the Great Ball Court, the Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote. After lunch, travel to the Riviera Maya with a refreshing swim stop at the Saamal Cenote. Arrive at the Barceló Maya Beach resort for an evening of all-inclusive relaxation on the Caribbean coast.
Day 12: Departure from Cancún (Wednesday)
Transfer to Cancún International Airport for your return flight to the UK.
