Culture Holidays in Mexico

Mexico Cultural Trips

From dynamic cities and colonial towns to vibrant festivals and wild jungles, Mexico is a forerunner in the travel stakes. Cultural holidays in Mexico take you on a gripping journey into its soul where each day offers a new experience.

Travel back in time to learn about ancient civilisations and the colonial Spanish heritage, and explore the highlands, beaches and jungles to discover the country’s natural wonders. There’s no denying our Mexico cultural trips are a heady concoction designed for inquisitive travellers who want to get under the skin of places such as Yucatan, Mexico City and Oaxaca.

If you’re a budding historian, visit the lands of the Mayans, Aztecs, Zapotec and Conquistadors to uncover the fascinating layers that give an insight into Mexico’s rich heritage. Chichen Itza is one of the most significant Mayan sites and its ancient ruins, Kukulkan pyramid and the Hall of the Thousand Pillars are sights to behold.

As well as exploring Mexico City and sampling some of the authentic dishes, you must experience the Day of the Dead Festival, held each year at Oaxaca. Embracing the Mexican culture in a spectacular fashion, this vibrant festival transforms the streets with its unique celebration that blends ancient traditions and religion. The Mexicans believe that death shouldn’t be mourned but instead, celebrated with friends and family.

Food is a huge part of Mexican culture and one of the best ways to get to grips with its heritage is to visit an authentic local market where you’ll find stalls overflowing with colourful spices, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The atmosphere is undeniably electric and it’s a great way to socialise with the locals.

Mexico Culture Holidays

9 Days from USD 9160

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

16 Days from USD 7798

USD 7020

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

8 Days from USD 5023

USD 4020

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

15 Days from USD 6448

USD 5160

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

16 Days from USD 7800

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Culture

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Top Things to Do on Cultural Holidays in Mexico

Visit Chichen Itza: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is a must-see for anyone on Mexico cultural holidays. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, dating back to 600 AD. The site is home to 26 extraordinary Mayan ruins that are split into two parts: Chichen Itza and Old Chichen, each as impressive as the other. If you’re not sure which Mayan ruin to visit first, the Chichen Itza Pyramid or El Castillo are good places to start. But there are plenty more sights to see, including the Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Mayan Ball Game. The site is utterly enthralling and gives you a deeper insight into the history of the Mayans.

Explore San Cristobel: This colonial highland city wrapped inside ancient pine forest and traditional villages is a jumble of cobbled streets, colourful plazas and centuries-old buildings with red tiled roofs and whitewashed exteriors. As well as boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, San Cristobel is firmly rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and is a great place to scratch beneath the surface of Mexico. Its fusion of ancient customs and modern luxuries adds to its charms. The vibrant cafes are great for mixing with the local Tzotzil people and trying some authentic dishes, or perhaps wander through the streets and admire the old colonial houses.

Attend the Day of the Dead Festival: This is one of Mexico’s most famous festivals, which takes place every year to celebrate the passing of friends and family. The streets, homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca are filled with people remembering their lost loved ones. The Mexicans believe that death should be celebrated rather than mourned and they certainly know how to celebrate in style. You’ll see people of all different cultures gathering in nearby villages and market squares to perform spiritual rituals and traditions. In the evening, the streets are filled with carnivals and parties, with people dressed in spooky costumes.

As well as being immersed in the party atmosphere, you can learn about the local cuisine and sample foods such as enchiladas, almond stew or stuffed chillies. Enjoying lunch at the home of one of the local families is a great privilege and you’ll see their ‘shrine for the dead’ and learn about their heritage first hand.

Take a Tour of Mexico City: The beating heart of Mexico, Mexico City is a potent cocktail of historical sites, floating gardens and modern-day culture. The famous Plaza de la Constitución, Templo Mayor and the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana hark back to when it was the Aztec capital, yet today it’s a cosmopolitan hub where travellers from around the globe come to get their fix of Mexican culture. A tour of the city guides you through the Zócalo and ancient streets to some of the most significant landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, before visiting the Palacio Nacional and the Museum of Anthropology and History.

This trip offered an exceptional variety of experiences, from climbing Lion Rock and cycling through rural villages to visiting a local smallholding and enjoying white-water rafting—alongside memorable visits to beautiful temples. We met our group and guide on the first evening, and from that moment onward, the experience exceeded expectations.

There were so many highlights that it is difficult to single out just a few. However, sharing an outdoor lunch prepared by a local family and visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage were particularly special moments. That said, exploring a tea plantation, touring a spice garden, hiking Little Adam’s Peak, and every other activity on the itinerary were equally enjoyable.

Our guide, Prathap, was outstanding—humble, highly organised, genuine, and engaging. He was expertly supported by his assistant, Lucky, and our driver, Charles, whose combined efforts ensured the trip ran seamlessly and was thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

Exodus Travels has curated this itinerary exceptionally well, striking the perfect balance between vibrant city life (albeit wonderfully chaotic), peaceful rural experiences with opportunities for cycling and hiking, and relaxing time along the coast.

We are already looking forward to planning our next adventure.

Ian Mitchell Discover Sri Lanka

The trip is a great introduction to Sri Lanka well organised with a packed varied and interesting itinerary. There was a good mix of activities (walking, rafting, cycling) varied transport (buses, boats, bikes, tuk tuk and a train as well as culture (temples, ancient cities, tea & cinnamon farms, markets, botanical gardens and beaches. There was still enough free time to explore on your own or use the pools/swim in the sea.
The hotels were better than we expected, in good locations, most with lovely pools. The exception was Araliya Red in Nuwara Eliya which was a huge cold soulless barn of a place with the worst food and service of the holiday.

Linda Hamilton Discover Sri Lanka

A fantastic way to see an awful lot of Vietnam in a short time. The itinerary is full-on but not overwhelming – the Exodus rating of easy/moderate is about right. There’s enough time for chilling and recharging your batteries and no pressure if you want to opt out of any activities. Hotels are generally of a good standard – all clean and comfortable, a few niggles, but nothing too serious. The homestay in the Mekong Delta was more basic but again clean and comfortable. The Vietnamese people are extremely welcoming and hospitable. Overall, an excellent introductory trip.

Ian Rose Vietnam Adventure

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