- 4.9/5 328 Latest reviews
- Destination: Mexico
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Group Tour
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the Best of Mexico Tour on this immersive 10-day journey through Mexico’s most iconic colonial cities and Mayan ruins, carefully designed for culture and history lovers. From the vibrant heart of Mexico City and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan to the UNESCO-listed cities of Puebla and Oaxaca, this Mexico Colonial and Mayan Tour reveals the country’s rich pre-Hispanic and Spanish heritage. Explore legendary archaeological sites including Monte Albán, Palenque, Uxmal, and the world-famous Chichen Itza, surrounded by lush jungles and timeless landscapes. Cruise through the dramatic Sumidero Canyon, admire the turquoise cascades of Agua Azul Waterfalls, and connect with indigenous traditions in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Blending history, culture, nature, and authentic local experiences, this expertly guided Mexico Mayan Ruins Tour Package offers the perfect balance of discovery and comfort, ending in the Yucatán Peninsula near Cancun for a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable Mexican adventure.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Mexico City
Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Nacional, Teotihuacan
3
Puebla
Great Pyramid of Cholula, Church of Santa Maria Tonanzintla
4
Oaxaca
Monte Alban
5
Tuxtla Gutierrez
Sumidero Canyon National Park, Chiapa de Corzo
6
San Cristobal de las Casas
Colonial City Center, San Juan Chamula, Zinacantan
7
Agua Azul
Agua Azul Waterfalls
8
Palenque
Temple of the Inscriptions, Temple of the Sun
9
Uxmal
Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery Quadrangle, House of Turtles
10
Chichen Itza
Pyramid of Kukulcan, Great Ball Court, Cenote of Sacrifice
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City – Gateway to Mexican Culture
Arrive in Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the Americas, a vibrant hub of history, art, and culture. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the Zócalo, the main square of the city, surrounded by colonial buildings, street performers, and local markets. Witness the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral and admire the blend of Aztec foundations with Spanish architecture. Take your first taste of Mexican cuisine with tacos al pastor, fresh churros, or traditional tamales from local vendors. Evening options include a relaxing stroll along Paseo de la Reforma, soaking up the modern energy of the city. This day is a perfect start to the Best of Mexico Tour, allowing you to acclimate and capture the lively spirit of Mexico City.
Highlights: Arrival transfer, Zócalo exploration, Metropolitan Cathedral, local cuisine tasting
- Mexico City
- Day 2: Mexico City – Historic Center & Teotihuacan Pyramids
Begin your day exploring Mexico City’s Historic Center, including the Zócalo, the grand Palacio Nacional featuring Diego Rivera’s murals depicting Mexico’s history, and colonial landmarks like the National Palace. Afterward, travel along the Paseo de la Reforma, admiring statues, monuments, and historical avenues, to reach Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, and explore ancient streets once inhabited by one of the most powerful pre-Columbian civilizations. Learn about Teotihuacan’s religious and cultural significance, its advanced urban planning, and myths surrounding its creation. Conclude the day with a scenic sunset view over the pyramids, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Highlights: Teotihuacan pyramids, Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, Zócalo, Diego Rivera murals, panoramic sunset
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- Mexico City
- Day 3: Puebla & Cholula – Colonial Charm and Ancient Pyramids
Drive to Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage City, stopping at Cholula, home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Explore the Church of Santa Maria Tonanzintla, an extraordinary fusion of indigenous motifs and Christian architecture. In Puebla, stroll through its colonial streets lined with colorful facades, visit the Rosary Chapel, and enjoy a tasting of Puebla’s renowned mole poblano or chiles en nogada. Optional visits include local markets to shop for Talavera pottery or traditional sweets. In the late afternoon, continue your journey to Oaxaca, checking in at your hotel for an evening of leisure. This day highlights both the ancient Mayan heritage and colonial architecture central to the Best of Mexico Tour.
Highlights: Great Pyramid of Cholula, Tonanzintla Church, Puebla city tour, local cuisine, Talavera pottery
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- Oaxaca
- Day 4: Oaxaca – Monte Albán & Colonial City Exploration
Start your day visiting Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most prominent Zapotec city. Explore the Grand Plaza, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, and the ancient observatory. Learn about Zapotec astronomy, hieroglyphs, and religious practices that shaped Oaxaca’s early civilizations. Return to Oaxaca City to explore the Santo Domingo Church, Oaxaca Cathedral, and bustling markets full of local crafts, textiles, and mezcal tasting opportunities. Take a walking tour through the colorful streets, witnessing artisan workshops where pottery, hand-woven textiles, and traditional jewelry are made. Evening options include enjoying regional cuisine in local restaurants or listening to live folk music in the city squares. This full cultural immersion is a highlight of the Mexico Colonial and Mayan Tour.
Highlights: Monte Albán, Oaxaca Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, artisan workshops, local cuisine tasting
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- Oaxaca
- Day 5: Tuxtla Gutierrez – Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo
Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas. Embark on a boat tour of Sumidero Canyon, a dramatic natural wonder with vertical cliffs over 1,000 meters, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including crocodiles, iguanas, and tropical birds. Capture stunning photos of the canyon’s jagged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Stop at Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas’ first colonial town, to explore charming plazas, colonial architecture, and handicraft markets. Learn about the town’s history, including its Spanish founding in the 16th century. Transfer to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a colonial gem nestled in the highlands, for an overnight stay, soaking up its vibrant streets and local culture.
Highlights: Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo colonial town, riverboat tour, wildlife spotting
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- San Cristobal De Las Casas
- Day 6: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Indigenous Villages
Explore the colonial heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, including the cathedral and Templo de Santo Domingo, famous for its baroque architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Tzotzil villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, where ancient Mayan traditions are alive. Witness unique ceremonies in local churches, browse vibrant textile markets, and learn about local customs, weaving techniques, and community life. This day offers a profound cultural exchange and is one of the richest experiences of the Best of Mexico Tour, combining history, anthropology, and immersive travel.
Highlights: San Cristóbal colonial center, Tzotzil villages, indigenous traditions, handicraft markets
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- San Cristobal De Las Casas
- Day 7: Agua Azul Waterfalls & Journey to Palenque
Depart early to Agua Azul Waterfalls, a breathtaking cascade of turquoise waters surrounded by lush Chiapas jungle. Optional swimming is available in designated areas, and photographers will find incredible opportunities for landscape shots. Continue to Palenque, a gateway to one of Mexico’s most spectacular Mayan cities, and enjoy the scenic drive through jungle-covered hills and rivers. Overnight in Palenque prepares you for the next day’s in-depth exploration of the Mayan ruins, a highlight of your Mexico Mayan Ruins Tour.
Highlights: Agua Azul Waterfalls, jungle landscapes, scenic drive, Palenque overnight
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- Palenque
- Day 8: Palenque – Ancient Maya City Exploration
Spend the day at Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage site tucked deep in the Chiapas rainforest. Explore the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temple of the Sun, and the Palace, renowned for intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. Learn about the life of Pakal the Great and the Mayan religious, political, and social structures. Spot exotic wildlife like toucans, parrots, and howler monkeys, and enjoy guided insights into the rainforest ecosystem. After the tour, drive to Campeche, a coastal colonial city with colorful fortifications and historical streets. Overnight in Campeche.
Highlights: Palenque ruins, Temple of the Inscriptions, rainforest wildlife, Campeche colonial city
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- Campeche
- Day 9: Uxmal – Puuc Architecture & Merida
Visit Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mayan cities in the Puuc architectural style. Explore the Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery Quadrangle, and House of Turtles, adorned with intricate carvings of the rain god Chaac. Learn about Uxmal’s role in regional trade and ceremonial life. Continue to Merida, the cultural capital of Yucatán, with free time to explore its vibrant colonial streets, museums, and evening performances of traditional music and folk dance. This day combines archaeology, culture, and local traditions, a core experience of the Best of Mexico Tour.
Highlights: Uxmal ruins, Pyramid of the Magician, Merida colonial streets, folk performance
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- Merida
- Day 10: Chichen Itza – Mayan Wonder & Cancun Transfer
Conclude the Best of Mexico Tour at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors, and Cenote of Sacrifice, learning about Mayan astronomy, mathematics, and religious rituals. Afterward, transfer to Cancun for optional beach extensions, snorkeling adventures, or cultural excursions along the Riviera Maya. Reflect on your immersive 10-day journey through Mexico’s colonial cities, Mayan ruins, and natural wonders.
Highlights: Chichen Itza pyramids, Great Ball Court, Cenote of Sacrifice, Cancun transfer
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