Highlights of Mexico

9 days
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Small Group Tour
From the captivating capital to the sun-soaked Caribbean coast, get an introduction to Mexico on this whistle-stop tour. Journey through the country's vast history, uncovering Mayan gems including Palenque and Chichen Itza as well as the charming Colonial town of San Cristobal. Finish up on the Yucatan Peninsula, where we combine ruins with a side of relaxati...
22%
$2,780
From$2,170
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Discover the very best of Mexico on this short trip
    • Explore Aztec and Maya sites poking out of the jungle
    • Experience the colourful indigenous town of San Cristobal

What's this trip about?

    From the captivating capital to the sun-soaked Caribbean coast, get an introduction to Mexico on this whistle-stop tour. Journey through the country's vast history, uncovering Mayan gems including Palenque and Chichen Itza as well as the charming Colonial town of San Cristobal. Finish up on the Yucatan Peninsula, where we combine ruins with a side of relaxation, capping it off with a night in Playa del Carmen. Visit archaeological wonders - Discover bucket-list sites like Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Explore colonial icons - Walk through the colourful markets of the picturesque city, San Cristobal de las Casas. See the Sumidero Canyon - Take to the water on a boat trip through this towering gorge, spotting wildlife along the way.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMexico City
End CityPlaya del Carmen Hotel

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico

Attractions

  • Chichen Itza
  • Mexico City
  • Palenque
  • Playa del Carmen
  • San Cristobal

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Mexico City

Our tour starts today in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico and the bustling heart and soul of the country. The city is a patchwork of historic landmarks, buildings and the largest number of museums in the world. Due to the number of evening flights into the intern...

Day 2 Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, tour of Mexico City

We'll dive right into Mexico City's history today and head to the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacan. Although it was abandoned in the thirteenth century, the site was once the largest city in the Americas with 100,000 inhabitants. Its influence continued through Midd...

Day 3 Fly to Tuxtla Airport, boat trip through Sumidero Canyon en-route to San Cristobal

This morning, we'll fly to Tuxtla airport, in the state of Chiapas, and set off for Sumidero Canyon, a unique rift 41 kilometres long and up to 1000 metres deep, cut by the Rio Grijalva. This is where, in the 16th century, 1000 Chiapa peoples allegedly committed suici...

Day 4 Visit indigenous villages, free afternoon in San Cristobal

The indigenous groups from the surrounding hills fill the town and marketplace with their colourful dress including the distinctive Tzotzil community who still retain much of their Mayan customs and language. Today, we'll be visiting San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan...

Day 5 Travel to Palenque via Agua Blanca waterfalls

Leaving the highlands behind us, today we have a long driving day ahead of us, approximately eight hours plus stops. The road is slow and winding, but there are scenic views as we descend to the jungles of Palenque. We'll be driving via the town of Villahermosa, where...

Day 6 Discover the Mayan site of Palenque, continue to Campeche

Today's guided visit to the ruins of Palenque is one of the highlights of our tour of Mexico. Palenque is both a fascinating and important site and we'll explore it in depth with a guide. Once the choking forest was cleared, the ruins revealed the tomb of the high pri...

Day 7 Visit Uxmal and drive to Merida

This morning, we'll visit Uxmal, one of the Yucatan's most underrated ancient sites to those in the know. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive in its design with majestic palaces and pyramids, and long geometrical friezes that rank among the most splendid examples o...

Day 8 Explore Chichen Itza and continue to Playa del Carmen

This morning we'll visit the ruins of Chichen Itza. Founded in AD432, re-founded in 987 and conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century, the culture of the Maya and the Toltec gradually fused. The pyramids, palaces, temples and ballcourt (where death was the penalty ...

Day 9 Trip ends in Playa del Carmen

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Playa del Carmen. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Playa del Carmen at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,170
Price per day$241
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$2,170
$340
10 spots left
08 Nov 2024
16 Nov 2024
$2,360
$270
13 spots left
22 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$2,260
$340
14 spots left
20 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$2,420
$340
16 spots left
24 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$2,550
$360
13 spots left
07 Feb 2025
15 Feb 2025
$2,550
$360
14 spots left
21 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$2,550
$360
16 spots left
07 Mar 2025
15 Mar 2025
$2,550
$360
16 spots left
25 Apr 2025
03 May 2025
$2,550
$360
16 spots left
30 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$2,550
$360
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
T

Trusted Customer

Jan 2024

Written on

Highlights of Mexico

This was a full on trip with no real down time. Also doo...

N

Neil

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of Mexico

Ana the group leader was exceptional, her knowledge of the sites we visited was second to none which together with her enthusiasm for the subject and her country gav...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Mexico: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada require a Mexican Tourist Card to enter. This is obtained on arrival, at some check-in desk of the airline you are travelling with or online in advance from the following website - https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html . Please note that due to the requirements of the online system, the advance option is only possible if your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to Mexico. You must take a printed copy with you which you will present on arrival with your passport. You will need to be kept this on you until you exit Mexico. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 8
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-MXS

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