A journey for all the senses. Savour the highlights from Mexico City through the cobbled streets and markets of San Cristobal and the mountains, waterfalls and jungle-swathed temples of Palenque to the Aztec monuments and colonial towns of the Yucatan.

Mexico City to Cancun

Ideal length: 12 days
Price from: AUD $7,495 pp

Highlights

• The sights of Mexico City - this most fascinating of mega-cities holds surprising beauty and great historical interest. UNESCO World Heritage listed there are tree-lined boulevards, many museums, parks and plazas, markets and more to discover.

• The flavoursome food of Mexico - from high-end, gourmet restaurant cuisine to simple cantina fare.

• Teotihuacan. Visit the extraordinary ruins of this once great city.

• Take a boat trip through the sheers cliffs and waterfalls of Sumidero Canyon.

• Soak up the timeless colonial flavour of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Crradled by mountains this lovely town is filled with cobblestone streets and quaint cafes. Go souvenir hunting here and in the nearby villages.

• Explore the Mayan ruins of Palenque and enjoy a traditional meal of hot coal roasted meats prepared under a ‘Mayan Palapa’ or open hut.

• Journey across the Yucatan Peninsula from pretty Merida to beachy Cancun discovering the impressive pyramids at Chichen Itza en route.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY 

This itinerary may be tailored, lengthened or shortened, just for you and your companions click here to enquire.

MEXICO CITY / AZTEC PYRAMIDS ~ 3 NIGHTS

Mexico’s huge capital is where Unesco World Heritage meets designer boutiques and slick city skycrapers. Its glamorous heart is the historic plaza, El Zocalo, surrounded by fine colonial buildings, churches and museums. Take in the impressive Museum of Anthropology perhaps or spend an evening at the world-famous Folkloric Ballet.

At ancient Teotihuacan, one of the most visited sites in all Latin America, explore the impressive monuments of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Temple of Quetzacotl, powerful reminders of a grand, former civilisation

Gourmet Highlights:
Learn about the legendary makings of Mole, one of the country’s  most celebrated dishes, at a well-known city restaurant.  Tour San Juan Market, meet a local chef for a 5-course cooking class with wine pairing and artisan chocolate tasting.

Overnight:            Las Alcobas

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA CASAS ~ 3 NIGHTS

Fly south to visit San Cristobal, one of Mexico’s symbolic Pueblos Magicos (magical villages) where much Spanish colonial character has been maintained. Stop for a boat ride in beautiful Sumidero Canyon,  keeping an eye out for monkeys, crocodiles and all manner of birds.  Visit the traditional, indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan on an absorbing day out among the Tzotzil people.  Explore their markets for delicately woven, hand-crafted textiles pattened with flowers.

Gourmet Highlights:
Indulge in fresh seafood, meats and vegetables adorned with all the flavours of Mexico – smoky chipotles, savoury chilli salsas, juicy lime and coriander. Food stalls offer tacos, tomales and tortillas. And to follow…tropical fruits, nuts and spices….can you resist?

Overnight:            Hotel Bo

PALENQUE ~ 2  NIGHTS

Admire the many turquoise waterfalls and pools in the Aqua Azul National Park – there’s time for a swim if you fancy.  Private tour of the ruins of Palenque with time to savour the ancient structures. The jungle backdrop is a natural shangri-la.

Overnight:             Quinta Chanabnal

MERIDA ~ 1 NIGHTS

Transfer to Villahermosa for the short flight to Merida. There’s a mix of colonial influences to discover here and time to delve a little on your own. Late afternoon is promenade time in the Plaza Grande.  Join in or simply enjoy the passing parade from one of the many cafes lining the cobbled streets.

Overnight:              Rosas y Xocolate

CANCUN ~ 2  NIGHTS

Through the Yucatan Peninsula stopping en-route for a guided tour of the famous, age-old ruins of  Chichen Itza.  In pure contrast the contemporary city of Cancun, on the Caribbean coast, is a major leisure and beach destination. Part island, part mainland, it has a great, semi-tropical climate, warm seas and plenty of nightlife.  Relax and enjoy!

Gourmet Highlights:
Cancun is noted for fantastic seafood,  fresh lobster is a speciality and shrimps and shellfish are popular.

Overnight:                 Esencia

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Extend in Cancun for a few days, relax in the sun on the beach or by the pool. Or venture south a little to discover the Riviera Maya and Tulum ruins.