Day 1: Mexico City – Puebla – Oaxaca
You’ll begin your journey with a transfer to Puebla, an old colonial city now under heritage protection. Visit the Zócalo (main square), the Cathedral, and the Rosary Chapel. On the way to Puebla, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the impressive archaeological site of Cholula. In the afternoon, continue to Oaxaca, a beautifully preserved colonial gem of Mexico. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 2: Oaxaca
In the morning, visit Monte Albán, which offers an excellent view of the Oaxaca Valley. For 2,000 years, it was the center of Zapotec and Mixtec cultures. In the late afternoon, take a city tour of Oaxaca with visits to the Santo Domingo Church and the Regional Museum. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Day 3: Oaxaca – Mitla – Tule – Tehuantepec
Drive to the “City of the Dead” and visit Mitla, known for its intricate mosaics. Admire the approximately 2,000-year-old cypress tree in Tule. Continue to Tehuantepec. Overnight in Tehuantepec.
Day 4: Tehuantepec – Sumidero Canyon – San Cristóbal de las Casas
Travel through subtropical landscapes to the state of Chiapas. Around midday, arrive in Cahuare, where you’ll board a riverboat and cruise through the impressive Sumidero Canyon. Continue driving into the highlands of Chiapas to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight in San Cristóbal.
Day 5: San Cristóbal de las Casas
Tour the charming colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, known for its narrow streets, colorful colonial buildings, and shaded parks. Visit the Indian market, Santo Domingo Church, and the Amber Museum. Then visit the Tzotzil villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, where the indigenous population continues to live out ancient Mayan traditions. Overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Day 6: San Cristóbal – Agua Azul – Palenque
Drive along a scenic mountain road into the tropical lowlands towards Palenque. En route, stop at some of Mexico’s most beautiful waterfalls: Agua Azul and the spectacular Misol-Ha waterfall. Overnight in Palenque.
Day 7: Palenque – Campeche
Visit the magical archaeological site of Palenque, built on elevated terraces in the emerald-green jungle. Highlights include the Temple of the Inscriptions, where the legendary King Pakal was buried. In the afternoon, drive to Campeche. Overnight in Campeche.
Day 8: Campeche – Uxmal – Mérida
Start with a short visit to the historic center of the colonial city of Campeche. Then continue to Uxmal and explore this once-important regional center. Architectural highlights include the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, and the Governor’s Palace. In the afternoon, drive to the vibrant colonial city of Mérida, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mérida.
Day 9: Mérida – Chichén Itzá – Cancún
After a brief city tour in the morning, continue to Chichén Itzá, the largest and most visited site of the Mayan world. Climb the famous Pyramid of Kukulcán and take in breathtaking views over the Temple of the Warriors, the Ball Court, and the Observatory. In the afternoon, continue to Cancún, either to the airport or to your beach hotel. End of the tour.
