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A panoramic view of the Zócalo in Mexico City, featuring the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and a large flagpole with the Mexican flag under a bright blue sky.

CHIAPAS · MAYA · CARIBBEAN

Mini Tour Classic

9 days through the Mayan heartland to the Caribbean

Mexico9 daysFlights IncludedFrom £2,499 pp

A perfectly paced 9-day journey that combines Mexico City with the magnificent Mayan world of Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. Fly from the capital into the heart of Chiapas, cruise through the dramatic Sumidero Canyon, explore the indigenous highlands of San Cristóbal de las Casas, and discover the jungle-clad temples of Palenque. Continue through colonial Campeche and the elegant White City of Mérida before ending at the iconic Chichén Itzá and an all-inclusive beach resort on the Riviera Maya.

This tour includes an internal flight from Mexico City to Chiapas, so you cover more ground in less time — ideal for travellers who want the essential Mexico experience without a lengthy road journey.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL

Trip highlights

Mexico City — Zócalo, Cathedral & Teotihuacán pyramids
Sumidero Canyon — thrilling boat trip through towering cliffs
San Cristóbal de las Casas — indigenous communities & highland markets
Palenque — jungle-clad Mayan temples and King Pakal's tomb
Campeche — UNESCO walled city once defended against pirates
Uxmal — the Fortuneteller's Pyramid and Governor's Palace
Chichén Itzá — the great Kukulcán pyramid and Sacred Cenote
Riviera Maya — Caribbean beach finale at an all-inclusive resort

DAY BY DAY

Your itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mexico City (Tuesday)

Arrive at Mexico City International Airport and transfer to the Barceló México Reforma hotel or similar 5-star accommodation. Settle in and enjoy the buzzing energy of one of the world's great capitals.

Day 2: Mexico City & Teotihuacán

A full day discovering Mexico City and the ancient pyramids. Start at the Zócalo — the grand central plaza flanked by the Cathedral and National Palace. Visit the Templo Mayor, then stop at the Guadalupe Shrine. Continue to the awe-inspiring Teotihuacán, where you'll climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and walk the Road of the Dead. Lunch included at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Fly to Chiapas — Sumidero Canyon & San Cristóbal

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Enjoy a spectacular boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon — sheer cliffs towering hundreds of metres above the river. After lunch, continue to the enchanting highland town of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 4: San Cristóbal — Indigenous Villages

Explore one of Mexico's most vibrant indigenous markets, then visit the Baroque Santo Domingo Church (1547). Meet the communities of San Juan Chamula — where church ceremonies blend Catholicism with ancient pagan rituals — and Zinacantán. Make your own tortilla and taste Pox, a traditional Mayan spirit.

Day 5: San Cristóbal to Palenque

Early morning departure through the lush Chiapas highlands. Stop in Ocosingo for breakfast and at the magnificent Agua Azul waterfalls — cascades of turquoise water tumbling through the jungle. Arrive in Palenque in the afternoon.

Day 6: Palenque Ruins & Campeche

Explore the Palenque archaeological site, frequently rated as Mexico's most beautiful Mayan city. Temples and palaces rise from the jungle canopy, and the Temple of the Inscriptions houses the famous tomb of King Pakal with his jade mask. After lunch on route, continue to Campeche — a pastel-coloured UNESCO World Heritage city ringed by fort walls built against Caribbean pirates.

Day 7: Uxmal & Mérida

Journey to Mérida via the spectacular Uxmal archaeological site. The Fortuneteller's Pyramid, Governor's Palace, and Quadrangle of the Nuns showcase the Puuc style of Mayan architecture at its finest. Lunch included. Arrive in Mérida, the elegant 'White City', for a walking tour of its Cathedral, Government Palace, and the grand Montejo House.

Day 8: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Riviera Maya

Visit the world-famous Chichén Itzá — marvel at the Kukulcán Temple, the Great Ball Court, the Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote. Lunch at the site. In the afternoon, travel towards the Caribbean coast with a refreshing swim at the Saamal Cenote. Arrive at the Barceló Maya Beach resort for an all-inclusive evening on the Caribbean coast.

Day 9: Departure from Cancún (Wednesday)

Transfer to Cancún International Airport for your return flight to the UK.

What's Included

  • Return flights from the UK (London to Mexico City, Cancún to London)
  • 8 nights accommodation (5-star Mexico City, 4-star Chiapas/Palenque/Campeche/Riviera Maya, 4-star superior Mérida)
  • Daily American breakfast, 5 lunches as specified, and All-Inclusive at Barceló Maya Beach
  • Internal flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez (including 23kg checked baggage)
  • Air-conditioned transport throughout
  • English-speaking escort guide for the entire journey
  • Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and museums
  • Porter service at airports and hotels
  • ATOL financial protection

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Dinners and meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal extras at hotels and restaurants
  • Gratuities for guides (suggested USD 3pp/day) and drivers (USD 2pp/day)
  • Mexico immigration fees

This is a small group tour with a minimum of 2 travellers. Departure is guaranteed with 2 passengers, confirmed 30 days before departure by the local operator. Groups typically range from 4 to 16 persons.

Ready to Explore Mexico?

Contact our Latin America specialists to book your place on this 9-day Mayan adventure. Flights, hotels, guided tours, and even an all-inclusive beach finale — all included.

We typically respond within 24 hours
From£2,499
per personATOL protected (10898)
Flights Included
9 days
Easy to Moderate
2-16 persons

Departure Dates

14 Jun 202627 Jun 202614 Jul 202621 Jul 202628 Jul 20264 Aug 202611 Aug 202618 Aug 20268 Sept 202622 Sept 20266 Oct 202620 Oct 202610 Nov 202624 Nov 20268 Dec 2026

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Real reviews

What our customers say

From travellers who visited Mexico with us

The Colonial Treasures tour was outstanding. Guanajuato completely stole our hearts — the coloured houses climbing up the hillside, the underground streets, and the mariachi bands in Jardín de la Unión every evening. The tequila tasting in Jalisco was a real highlight too. Fabian arranged everything perfectly, including a private guide for the Teotihuacán pyramids on our last day in Mexico City. We came home already planning our next trip.

Rachel & Tom H.

Colonial Treasures & the Secrets of the Tequila

Mexico completely exceeded our expectations. The Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá were breathtaking, the cenotes magical, and the food absolutely incredible. Travelfab planned every detail perfectly.

Sarah & James T.

Our 12-day Mexico tour was the trip of a lifetime. From Mexico City to the Pacific coast, every day brought something new and wonderful. The local guides were outstanding.

David R.

Tailor-made · ATOL 10898

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