Mexico Uncovered

Immerse yourself in this authentic and culturally rich itinerary through Mexico. A two-week adventure across the bustling city of Mexico, the indigenous heartland of Chiapas, the colonial delights of Campeche and Merida and finally to the sun-drenched coast of the Riviera Maya. Visiting world heritage sites as you go, from Chichén Itzá and the quaint streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, the lesser explored Palenque jungle ruins, Campeche and the Mayan ruins that date back thousands of years.

1. Fly to Mexico City

2. Days 1-3: Mexico City

   Staying at the stunning boutique hotel of Zocalo Central, with broad vistas from its roof top restaurant, a firm favourite of ours in Mexico City you will have a couple of nights to get under the skin of this vibrant city.  Known as the City of Palaces, there are many stately buildings and landmarks to discover. We recommend a visit to the Anthropology museum which is home to numerous artefacts from the times of the Aztecs and Mayans, taking a day trip to visit the massive pyramids of Teotihuacan on the outskirts of the city and wandering through the Zócalo, the historic city centre of Mexico City.

   Accommodation: Zocalo Central Hotel (2 nights)

3. Days 3-5: San Cristobal de las Casas

   Following a speed-boat excursion through the famous Sumidero Canyon, you can discover the indigenous city of San Cristobal de las Casas in the Chiapan highlands of Mexico. Stay at the Casa del Alma, a superb location, authentic charm and premier facilities.  Explore the markets and colonial centre and if time permits, take a trip to the fascinating local Indian villages to understand their age old traditions.

   Accommodation: Casa del Alma (2 nights)

4. Days 5-7: Palenque

   Visit the incredibly atmospheric and lesser visited ruins of Palenque in the heart of the jungle. An enigmatic site which is still partially lying in overgrowth and hidden in the rainforest, Palenque is totally captivating! Walk amongst toucans and howler monkeys and gawp at the extravagance of these ancient Mayan temples.  The Quinta Cha Nab Nal is a wonderfully unique place to rest after a day of exploring the extraordinary sites.

   Accommodation: Boutique Quinta Chanabnal (2 nights)

5. Days 7-9: Campeche

   From Palenque, discover the pretty historic fort city of Campeche which is rich in colonial history and stories of the Spanish conquistadors. This perfectly preserved town is full of charm and is a fantastic place to spend days exploring impressive stately homes and admiring the beautiful architecture. A stay at Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a unique experience, a collection of 17th-century houses which have been lovingly restored and offer attentive personal service.

   Accommodation: Hacienda Puerta Campeche (2 nights)

6. Days 9-11: Merida

   Drive to Merida where we recommend wandering the cobbled streets, soaking up the local atmosphere in one of the delightful street cafes and visiting the central plaza. You’ll be perfectly located at the Hotel Hacienda Merida to go out to explore Merida whilst staying in exceptional surroundings a little oasis to escape the bustle of the city. Other than exploring the city by foot, you may also wish to visit the Celestun Biosphere to spot dancing pink flamingos on an estuary tour, or perhaps you'd prefer some more history at the World Heritage Site of Uxmal.

   Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Merida (2 nights)

7. Days 11-14: Riviera Maya & Isla Holbox

   After all that exploring it is time to divulge in the gorgeous white sands of the Mayan Riviera, near Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula. Relax and unwind at the small beach retreat of Hip Hotel for the remainder of your journey and mull over all the epic sites you have seen along the way.  Tulum is the perfect place where you can combine total relaxation as well as adventure, we highly recommend you visit the Tulum Ruins, the best-preserved of the Mayan sites.

   Accommodation: Hip Hotel Tulum (3 nights)

8. Fly home from Cancun

   Morning at leisure here in Tulum. This afternoon you will be transferred to Cancun airport for your flight home.

• Teotihuacan & Mexico City Tour

  Teotihuacan is among Mexico's most impressive ancient monuments, and this enigmatic Toltec (and later Aztec) ceremonial complex is just an hour from Mexico City. Get an insight into the awe-inspiring rituals of pre-Hipsanic Mesoamerican cultures.

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Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Tulum