Mexico and the Yucatan
DURATION: 15 Days
START/END: Mexico City / Playa del Carmen
START DATE: 14 March 2025
*TOUR COST (Twin Share): USD 5495
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 800
MAX GROUP SIZE: 14
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Moderate
Viva la Mexico
This immersive Byroads trip takes you into the heart of Mexico where Maya and Aztec Empires thrived, and where today modern cities and quaint colonial towns offer a vibrant and captivating blend of the past and present. Mexico’s marvels and beauty will leave you in awe and wonder.
We visit all the unmissable highlights – think the giant pyramids at Teotihuacan, the colonial town of Oaxaca, the immense Sumidero Canyon, the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, and the stunning Caribbean coastline towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Experience lesser-known gems as we delve into bustling markets, dance to the rhythm of the mariachi, and swim in cenotes.
You’ll be in good company the entire trip. Local guides with a wealth of knowledge will deepen your adventure. Your Byroads host will support you throughout the trip. And a small bunch of fellow wanderers will create meaningful memories alongside you.
Moments you’ll love
- Strolling the Zocalo, the largest city square in the Americas
- Discovering ancient indian temples across the country
- Getting lost in Oaxaca’s markets
- Cruising the Grijalva River through the Sumidero Canyon
- Experiencing local hospitality in the village of Abala
- Learning to make chocolate
- Delving into the jungle-swathed ruins of Palenque
- Taking a swim in one of the world’s most beautiful cenotes
Lodgings you’ll adore
- Casa Antica in Oaxaca
- Hotel Nututun in Palenque
- Diego de Mazariegos Hotel in San Cristobal
DAY 1: MEXICO CITY
Arrive at Mexico City Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Centro Historico | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.
Hotel Majestic (or similar) – Situated in the historical centre of Mexico City, this colonial era 4-star hotel offers stunning views of the Zocalo, the city’s main square.
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY
Take a guided tour to explore the Zocalo, the largest square in the Americas | Stop by the Anthropology Museum |Later, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to Mexico’s most celebrated artist. (B)
Majestic Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3: TEOTIHUACAN AND MEXICO CITY
Travel to see the Basilica of Guadalupe, the spiritual home of Mexico’s patroness, the Virgin of Guadalupe | Explore Teotihuacan, the ancient Aztec ruins, and walk along the Avenue of the Dead, to admire its grand Pyramids of the Sun and Moon | Return to Mexico City for one last evening. (B)
Majestic Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4: TAXCO
En route to Taxco visit Xochinilco, the ‘Venice of Mexico’ | Board colourful gondola-like ‘trajineras’ and navigate the UNESCO listed canals and floating gardens | Wander the picturesque town of Taxco, Mexico’s “Silver City”, situated in the mountains of the North Sierra and explore its silver shops. (B)
Hotel Agua Escondido (or similar)
Day 5: TONANTZINLA - PUEBLA
Call in to the 18th century Templo de Santa Prisca, known as an exquisite example of Mexican Baroque architecture | Stop in the small town of Tonantzintla | Drive on to Puebla, passing the Popocateptl Volcano | Be guided through Puebla -the ‘City of Angels’, famous for gastronomy and its Talavera pottery. (B)
Hotel San Pedro (or similar)
DAY 6: MONTE ALBAN - OAXACA
Drive this morning through the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains to Oaxaca, known for its significant indigenous population, including Zapotec and Mixtec communities | Journey in the afternoon to UNESCO listed Monte Alban, and traverse the ancient Zapotec ruins. (B)
Casantica Hotel (or similar) – Located in downtown Oaxaca, this atmospheric hotel is set in a restored 16th-century building just a stone’s throw from the Zocalo, the main plaza of Oaxaca.
DAY 7: OAXACA
Explore Oaxaca, a living open-air museum with its well-preserved colonial architecture, colourful buildings and cobblestone streets | Visit workshops specialising in ‘barro negro’ pottery and woodcarvings | Lose yourself in the wonderful Oaxaca markets. (B)
Casantica Hotel (or similar)
DAY 8: SUMIDERO CANYON - SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
Take a short flight to reach Tuxtla Gutierrez | Soak up one of Mexico’s most amazing landscapes: the Sumidero Canyon | Enjoy a two-hour cruise through canyon on the Grijalva River | Check in for your two-night stay in San Cristobal. (B)
Hotel Diego De Mazariegos (or similar) – Just 150 metres from San Cristobal Church, this converted 18th century house features attractive courtyards and lovely rooms decorated with warm colours and classic furniture.
DAY 9: SAN JUAN CHAMULA - SAN CRISTOBAL
Visit the Indian village of San Juan Chamula | Return to explore San Cristobal | Browse the renowned and beautiful textiles and handicrafts for sale | Try your hand at a chocolate making at the ‘bean to mouth’ workshop. (B)
Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
DAY 10: AGUA AZUL - PALENQUE
Enjoy an easy travel day stopping en route to view and maybe swim at the beautiful Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls | Arrive in Palenque- surrounded by jungle, the town is a hub of local culture and there’s time to discover the local cuisine and crafts of the region. (B)
Nututun Hotel Palenque (or similar) – Hotel Nututun is situated in the rainforest, just a 10-minute drive from the Palenque National Park. The Misol-Ha Waterfalls are just 15 km away. The hotel enjoys a charming setting, surrounded by jungle and natural landscapes. The property blends beautifully with its surroundings whilst the guest rooms echo the serenity of the natural setting.
DAY 11: PALENQUE - CAMPECHE
An early breakfast to ensure an early start to the day | Wander slowly through the incredible jungle-swathed Mayan ruins of Palenque | Drive on to Campeche- and welcome to the Yucatan | Take a tour of the city’s fortified walls. (B)
Plaza Colonial (or similar)
DAY 12: UXMAL – CELESTUN - MERIDA
Journey first to Uxmal to see the Pyramid of the Magician | Stop to enjoy lunch with a local family in the village of Abala | Take a boat in Celestun to view the greater pink flamingos | Spend the night in Merida. (BL)
Hotel Casa del Balam (or similar)
DAY 13: CHICHEN ITZA – PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Spend time at UNESCO World Heritage listed Chichen Itza | Marvel at the sites most famous landmark, El Castillo- the Kukulkan Pyramid | Traverse the Temple of Warriors | Later visit Cenote Ik Kil and enjoy a swim | Check into your hotel in Playa Del Carmen. (B)
Hotel Hacienda del Caribe (or similar)
DAY 14: TULUM – PLAYA DEL CARMEN
This morning wander the Mayan ruins on the cliff top of Tulum | Spend the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the many sights and delights of Playa del Carmen. (B)
Hotel Hacienda del Caribe (or similar)
DAY 15: PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. (B)
Hotel Hacienda del Caribe (or similar)
What’s Included
GUIDES
Byroads tour host, national and local guides
TRANSPORT
Arrival transfer, domestic flight, private air-conditioned vehicle, motorboat
ACCOMMODATION
14 nights’ accommodation (3 to 4-star hotel average)
MEALS
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch
TICKETS
Entrance fees to indicated sites
Due to currency volatility, trip fees are calculated in US Dollars. However, you will be charged in Australian dollars. Currency conversion is based on the Westpac Bank buying rate on your balance due date.
Meet your trip host
Ready for travel without logistical nightmares? Your trip host has got you covered.
Every Byroads tour is supported by Steve or Bronny – two experienced travellers with a genuine passion for people. They take care of all the nitty-gritty details to ensure your trip runs smoothly – and you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Steve heads up Byroads and has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry. He’s designed and operated holidays to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Like her brother, Bronny shares a keen curiosity about the world. Independently, she has journeyed far and wide – and has worked as a tour leader throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
