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Discover Mexico, where jungle temples and abandoned cities make way to colonial towns. This fusion of history has led to a unique culture, encompassing the art of Frida Kahlo and the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca. See it all on a journey from Mexico City to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Wonders of the World. This extra-special adventure, which is one day longer than the standard trip, also spends the day celebrating the Day of the Dead festival in Oaxaca, joining a Zapotec family for a traditional lunch, taking part in a parade and visiting the graveyard at night to see the entire town decorate the graves of their loved ones.
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Optional Single Supplement
Tuesday Tuesday
27 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026
Wednesday Thursday
11 Nov 2026 12 Nov 2026
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 8098Now USD 7695Saving USD 403 Usually USD 8098Now Saving USD 403 Book with USD 1923 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 1815
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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Wednesday
27 Oct 2027 27 Oct 2027
Thursday Friday
11 Nov 2027 12 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 8400 Book with USD 2100 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 1905
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThe adventure begins in Mexico City, one of the most exciting capital cities in the world. Take time to settle into the hotel before our welcome briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Royal Reforma (or similar)
Those on the group flights normally arrive in Mexico City in the evening. Land only passengers can arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Royal Reforma (or similar)
Explore the bohemian side of Mexico City. We start by visiting quaint Coyoacán (meaning place of coyotes) with its pebbled streets, colonial churches, bustling little markets and quiet squares. This area was inhabited before the arrival of the Spanish, and it is said conquistador Hernan Cortes made this the first capital of New Spain.
Next, we head to Casa Azul (visit subject to availability), where artist Frida Kahlo was born, grew up and, eventually, lived with her muralist husband, Diego Rivera, until she died in 1954 at the age of 47. Now a museum, the cobalt-blue colonial house, set around a luxuriant garden, showcases the collections and personal effects of the two great artists and provides a window into the life of affluent Mexican bohemians in the first half of the 20th century.
Finally, enjoy a ride on a pre-Hispanic boat along the Xochimilco canals. These scenic waterways were used by the Aztecs and today see us enjoying a journey past floating gardens and kitchens selling local food. Return to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Royal Reforma (or similar)
Discover the capital city today. We begin in the historic centre on a walking tour, starting in the main square, known as the Zócalo, but officially named the Plaza de la Constitución. It was an important gathering place for the Aztecs, and remains so in modern Mexico, often hosting book fairs and concerts. On the north side of the Zócalo is the Cathedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas. It was constructed over an Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, as a sign the Spanish were now in power.
Our walking tour finishes outside the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Construction of this massive neoclassical building began in 1904, on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent, under the Italian architect Adamo Boari. It has an art nouveau style and its facade is made of marble from Carrara.
Next, we visit the Museum of Anthropology, which has an impressive collection of artefacts from the many civilisations of Mexico and provides us with an in-depth insight into the country.
Finish at Chapultepec Castle, home to the National Museum of History, which contains collections throughout the centuries and the declaration of independence of the Mexican empire, signed in 1821.
Accommodation: Royal Reforma (or similar)
We transfer (1hr 10min) to the ancient city of Teotihuacán, which reached its zenith around 1,000 CE when it was the sixth biggest city in the world with a population of about 125,000-250,000. Among the avenues and structures here are the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the third and fourth largest pyramids in the world.
After, we drive (2hr 25min) to Puebla de los Angeles, the City of Angels, so called because of a legend that claims angels came down from heaven to place the cathedral bells in the towers when builders were unable to do so. The colonial city is known for its traditions, especially its handicrafts, including blue-and-white pottery known as talavera, while the local cuisine is considered among the best in Mexico. If you’d like to watch artisans create their pieces in a talavera factory, speak to your sales representative about joining an optional visit (payable locally).
Accommodation: Hotel Colonial Puebla (or similar)
Spend this morning exploring Puebla, which has been named a World Heritage site for its colonial architecture. We visit the Patio de los Azulejos and the Ex-Convent of Santa Rosa, both of which provide classic examples of how talavera tiles were incorporated into buildings, inside and out.
After, we drive (about 5hr 20min) to Oaxaca, another World Heritage city. With a colonial centre of shaded pedestrian streets, indigenous traditions and a creative atmosphere, Oaxaca has attracted and inspired artists and artisans alike.
The city has such sights as the beautiful zócalo (main square), the cathedral and the vast Convento de Santo Domingo, along with museums, fascinating markets and charming inns.
Accommodation: Hotel Los Olivos Spa or Hotel Angel Inn (or similar)
We spend today uncovering the beliefs and history of the Day of the Dead. It starts with a typical breakfast in the Ocotlán de Morelos market, where we learn about traditional Oaxacan dishes and experience the market on this special occasion, when altars are set up for the festivities.
This afternoon, we join a family in their home for lunch, where we eat traditional mole and other regional dishes. The family also invites us to see their Day of the Dead shrine and introduces us to the Zapotec language. We take part in a Day of the Dead parade in the local town before visiting a graveyard at night, listening to brass bands and watching the entire town fill the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones.
Accommodation: Hotel Los Olivos Spa or Hotel Angel Inn (or similar)
Our next exploration of Mexican history takes us to the Zapotecan site of Monte Albán. While the name dates to a 16th-century Spanish landowner, previous names come from the Mixtec word Sahandevul, meaning at the foot of the sky, or from the Zapotecan Danibaan, meaning sacred mountain. In 500 BCE, the Zapotecans moved into the Oaxaca region and began the monumental task of levelling the top of a 5,250ft (1,600m) high mountain that intersects and divides three valleys. Here they built the city of Monte Albán with a maze of subterranean passageways, rooms, drainage and water-storage systems.
We then transfer (30 minutes) to the small village of San Antonio Arrazola, where the local population are known for creating fantastical creatures called alebrijes from wood or papier-mâché.
We later return to Oaxaca and explore the cobbled streets, vibrant squares and churches of the historic city. We also visit the Museum of Cultures Santo Domingo.
Accommodation: Hotel Los Olivos Spa or Hotel Angel Inn (or similar)
Oaxaca is possibly the most celebrated region in Mexico for its cuisine and we get more acquainted with an authentic cooking class.
The experience starts with an exploration of a local market with our tour leader, in which we pick up ingredients for the meal. Then, we drive to our rustic kitchen, where we are taught to cook a full Mexican menu, including tortillas, a main, and dessert, from a Zapotec cook. We take turns to prepare the dishes, sharing the stations and working together. After, we tuck into our delicious creations!
The afternoon is free to wander around Oaxaca on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Los Olivos Spa or Hotel Angel Inn (or similar)
A 40-minute drive from Oaxaca is Teotitlán del Valle, a village known for hand-woven rugs and our first stop today.
From here, we continue (30 minutes) to a mezcal distillery in Santiago Matatlán to taste the agave-based spirit. Mezcal is produced from the heart of the agave plant and contains more than 40% alcohol! After the tasting, we drive (3hr 35min) to Tehuantepec, where we spend the night (the total drive time is about seven hours plus stops).
Accommodation: Hotel Calli (or similar)
Today we drive to San Cristóbal (about 5hr 40min plus stops), one of the most popular cities in Mexico for visitors. It is filled with cobbled alleyways of whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs that lead to plazas and picturesque arcades.
Arriving in the afternoon, we have a short orientation tour of the historic city before checking into our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
Today is a free day to explore San Cristóbal at your own pace. Wander the colonial streets, take in the lively cafes, or buy handicrafts produced by the local Tzotzil indigenous groups. It’s also possible to do an optional boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon and/or visit one of the traditional Maya communities who live in the villages surrounding the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
Depart San Cristóbal and drive to Palenque, a town named after the impressive ruins nearby. After around 5hr 30min, we stop in Villahermosa, capital of the Tabasco state, before completing the drive (another 2hr 35min) to Palenque. After hotel check-in, those who wish can drive (70 minutes each way) to the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, which are hidden in the sub-tropical jungle of Chiapas state.
Accommodation: Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic or Hotel Chablis Palenque (or similar)
Emerging from the jungles of Chiapas is one of the most impressive ruins in Mexico: the Maya site of Palenque. The temples, sanctuaries and pyramids, with sculptured walls and ceilings, are some of the best-preserved and finest examples of Maya buildings despite the city-state having peaked in the seventh century.
We explore this magnificent site before transferring (6hr 20min) to the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean town of Campeche.
Yet another World Heritage site, the colonial town has impressive city walls built to protect it from the constant attacks by English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries. We have an orientation tour before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Lopez or Hotel Castelmar (or similar)
After a 2hr 35min drive from Campeche is our second Maya site: Uxmal. Quite open, it contrasts the jungle ruins of Palenque we visited yesterday. This site, which dates to the Late Classic era (500 CE to 800 CE), features the Pyramid of the Magician; the Nunnery Quadrangle, which has long, elaborately carved facades; and a ball court, where a traditional ball game was played, sometimes ending in human sacrifice.
Having worked up an appetite, we drive (20 minutes) to a Maya family restaurant in Muna. Here we eat pollo pibil and cochinita pibil (slowly cooked pork and chicken). The meat is roasted for about five hours with achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves.
After lunch, it’s about a 1hr 20min drive to Mérida, where several colonial buildings, including the cathedral, were built using stones from nearby Maya ruins. Arriving mid-afternoon, we have a walking tour of Mérida, visiting the cathedral, Palacio Municipal, and Casa de Montejo, the birthplace of the city’s founder.
Accommodation: Hotel Caribe (or similar)
Our first stop, after a 1hr 40min drive, is Izamal, a one-time Maya settlement now marked as a Pueblo Mágico (magic town) by the Mexican government. The town has yellow-and-white buildings and is known for the 16th-century Franciscan monastery built on top of a huge Maya pyramid.
We then continue (1hr 10min) to Yokdzonot cenote, a natural swimming hole with vertical walls decorated with thick mangrove roots. Take a dip in the fresh water or try your hand at the zipline.
From here, we transfer (25 minutes) to Chichén Itzá, the best known and perhaps most impressive of all Maya sites.
Accommodation: Hotel Puerta Chichén (or similar)
Our final day starts with a visit to Chichén Itzá. Having spent the night near the site, we can get in early before the day-trippers arrive from the beach resorts.
Chichén Itzá served as the political and economic centre of the Maya civilisation and thrived from around 600 CE to 1200 CE. The pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars and the Playing Field of the Prisoners can still be seen today and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to architecture, space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and possibly greatest, of all Maya pyramids.
This afternoon, we drive about three hours to Cancún airport, where the tour ends.
Please note: The group transfer back to Cancún is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
Arrive London
Staying in a mix of colonial and modern properties, we discover the wide variety of accommodation styles available in Mexico. Typically, these are of a three-star standard and, when we are based in cities, within the historic centres.
Listed below are some of the standout properties we usually use on this trip.
Puebla: Hotel Colonial Puebla (night 4)
Just one block from the zócalo (main square), Hotel Colonial is a historic building dating to 1668. Originally constructed by Jesuits, it hosted travellers as early as the 18th century. Nowadays, its restaurant is particularly renowned – try the mole poblano, a chilli and chocolate sauce that comes from Puebla.
San Cristóbal: Hotel Diego Mazariegos (nights 9-10)
In the historic centre of San Cristóbal, Hotel Diego Mazariegos is within walking distance of the main square and cathedral. The tranquil courtyard, two restaurants and pub provide ample opportunities to relax and refuel after a busy day exploring.
Worth knowing
This was a really well -planned full itinerary with little down time and early starts every morning!
The traffic in Mexico City meant that journeys between locations always took a long time but Berto, our driver was very calm. On the first day you are still recovering from the long day of travel but the visit to the Frida Kahlo House was very worthwhile and the canal boat “dodgems” at Xochimilco was great fun!
It was nice to get out of the City to the site at Teotichuacan the next day – the large pyramids are stunningly impressive but you can no longer climb them.
The best time was in Oaxaca as we spent 4 nights at the same central hotel and we had plenty of opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere and see plenty of costumes and parades. The food is very good here and, of course, we learned how to make some salsas and mole.
We were lucky enough to spend time at the cemetery with a family where the son was playing the guitar and singing ballads to the dead relatives – very moving and atmospheric.
Monte Alban was my favourite archaeological site, partly because of the stunning views but Palenque was lovely because of its jungle location with the howler monkeys screeching in the background and the fact it was possible to climb the Pyramid of the Cross to have a view across the site.
Unfortunately, we only had less than an hour at Uxmal as we arrived late in the afternoon and our visit to Chichen Itza was quite short as we had to leave for the airport.
We did so many extras and Arturo always ensured we had good places to eat and drink!
Difficult to single something out as the trip itinerary was so diverse and enjoyable but my least favourite location was San Cristobal, although I did buy some fabulous hand-painted wooden masks there! We did a sneaky swim in a small cenote too - the water was crystal clear and a pleasant temperature - so refreshing!
Arturo was absolutely smashing! He always had a smile on his face, was super organised and packed so much into the day. He had a great sense of humour and really gelled with the group. He was really charming and kind too. We always had so many questions about the history and culture which he was able to answer very knowledgeably.
The trip notes are somewhat misleading on some points: Currency - really get mostly in Pesos to cover what you will be spending on food and drinks. I only used USD for the tips and the additional boat trip in the canyon. Eating out is relatively expensive and a 15% tip is usually applied. You can use credit cards in the more touristy areas but usually cash is preferred. Packing - I was led to believe a warm jacket and jumper would be required so I ended up taking some non-essential items. It is generally very warm and humid and balmy in the evenings so no jumpers or jackets required. I only wore a fleece when we had to leave San Cristobal at 4am. A denim jacket was fine. But DO take a raincoat - we got absolutely drenched in flash floods in Puebla. Girls - ignore the comments about shorts not being acceptable. They are commonplace both with tourists and locals - and essential when climbing up pyramids! Skirts very impractical.
Very good trip overall. The local guide was extremely knowledgeable, highly motivated. The hotels were variable good to very good. The bus was somewhat crowded. I managed to find some vegetarian selection at each location. Local people were quite friendly and ready to help, despite my very limited spanish.
I enjoyed pyramids at Teotichuacan, especially walking to temples of the Sun and Moon on the Avenue of the Dead. Also Mayan pyramids at Uxmal, Chichen Itza. Wandering the streets of Oaxaca, Campeche, Merida.
The local guide Arturo was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer most questions in great detail. He was highly motivated, even arranging hotel staff with umbrellas to meet group at the entrance to Hotel Regente in Mexico City during heavy rain, and helping to carry guest bags to the bus. Arturo showed us where there were good restaurants, shops, foreign exchange bureaux. My spanish is quite limited, so Arturo was helpful to translate so that I could find vegetarian selections at the restaurants. The bus driver Alberto was well motivated and able to get group to destination in good time, despite heavy traffic in larger cities like Mexico city, and securing baggage. Good rapport between the local guide and driver. Both were accommodating and ready to assist us travellers.
Try to learn as much spanish as possible, English spoken little outside main tourist areas. Bring sun screen for daytime, and rain gear for nights, still heavy rains in mid-November. Cooler at night in high elevation areas, esp. San Cristobal, Oaxaca, Puebla.
An excellent introduction to the sights , sounds and culture of Mexico. It involved long days travelling on occasion, and a larger bus would be an improvement. The one provided had the exact number of seats for the passengers so there was no possibility of spreading out, the seats in the back being particularly cramped.
I particularly liked the visit to Teotihuacan and walking along the Avenue of the Dead from the Citadel to the Pyramid of the Moon. Chichen Itza Was also spectacular.
Arturo Romero was excellent, very knowledgeable and worked really hard to make everything run smoothly.
A great trip that could have been SO much more! My husband & I mostly enjoyed the first half of this trip, chosen especially to see the Day of The Dead celebrations in Mexico. The accommodation was pretty good throughout with some lovely colonial hotels, some with lovely swimming pools. Unfortunately we often arrived far too late in the afternoon, to enjoy those facilities and the next day we were off again on the tour. Very disappointing.
Travelling for the whole trip in a minibus (this was mentioned in the trip notes to be fair, but we have never had to endure this in any 7 of our previous Exodus trips, always having had much larger coaches) with no spare seats, unable to be fully comfortable or recline our seats, on some very long journeys (albeit with comfort breaks) spoilt the trip for us. Being in very close quarters with our group for several hours each day, some of whom we felt were selfish & insensitive to the needs of their fellow passengers, was at times, a strain & caused a lot of tension.
In retrospect I think the tour could perhaps should be cheaper and split into two separate trips. So that those who wish to experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca can and perhaps add on another separate tour with the Yucatan & Mayan pyramids for those that want to experience the history. The first half with maybe more time in Mexico City to experience all that it has to offer.
We are no strangers to ‘full on’ Exodus trips, having been to Peru last year,also China, Russia, Cuba & India twice. However this trip felt exhausting to us, mainly because of the travelling conditions in the minibus, nearly all the road journeys were longer than the ‘estimates ‘ in the trip notes. It was also very unfortunate I was ill in Oaxaca & had to see a doctor for antibiotics and steroids. To be honest we felt that to appreciate the country, more time is need in some of the towns – Merida & Campeche especially.
Personally it was experiencing the Day of the Dead in the evening, with the families in the cemetery. The atmosphere was incredible. To see the decorated shrines and just be there with everyone, was a joy! I loved the skeleton figures everywhere and the rich colours of the marigolds on the altars. Oaxaca was a terrific place to see & feel the celebrations. We also had a great time at Frida Kahlo's house,in Mexico City even thought here were long queues, our guide had prebooked so we got in without too much waiting. I wasn't prepared for the scenery to be so varied either-vast plains,mountains, jungles, forests.... Seeing the Gulf of Mexico just as the sun set was magical! Unfortunately in Oaxaca, we were very disappointed when told by our guide that although printed in the itinerary, we were not going to have lunch with a local family, take part in the parade or go to the family's shrine in the evening. Many of the group wanted to dress up, have their faces painted and really immerse themselves in the experience. In fact that was why we had chosen Exodus, because it offered those things. But it was not to be. Perhaps the trip notes should reflect this in future, so as not to disappoint clients.
Arturo was all things to us all. From being a mine of information about his country's history, culture & religion, he was always willing to go the extra mile - from providing medication when we were ill ( a bad cold struck most of us down during the trip) to providing a fruit plate & bananas for my husband when he suffered an upset stomach and was unable to leave the hotel in Oaxaca for 2 days. Arturo took us to some very good restaurants so we could experience the variety that is Mexican cuisine - despite my dislike for chillies! He was always patient and mostly helpful. We especially had a good time with him in Oaxaca watching the dancing in the square from the restaurant balcony.
.Be prepared for long journeys - with little in the way of 'enjoyable' food when travelling from place to place! Motorway services & cafes do not cater for gluten free diets - so take snacks with you - cereal bars, small packs of dried fruit & nuts etc. You can buy snacks but the food is very 'plastic'! . Take Mexican pesos with you - although US dollars can be exchanged, you are not always near an ATM or bank. . If you like crafts, Mexico is a wonderland. Make sure you have room in your case especially for souvenirs of the Day of the Dead. We experienced some VERY heavy rain one day but generally the weather is good in October/November - take a brolly/packable waterproof in your rucksack. . Take headphones, iPad/tablet, Kindle, book etc to pass the time on long road journeys.
This trip packs a lot in – culture, Mayan sites, eating, seeing local craftsmen at work, and just soaking up the atmosphere in the old Spanish colonial towns. Around and about in Mexico city, beautiful Puebla, San Cristobal and then lots of Mayan sites.
The hotels were all good (had one slight problem in one of them but hopefully Exodus can get that sorted out for future trips).
There are some long travelling days due to the distances which need to be covered, but it’s worth it and a lot of the scenery is just amazing to see.
Hahaha - cannot pick just one: climbing the sun pyramid and almost, just almost, making it to the top (vertigo got me); seeing Mayan carvings in an old tomb on top of a hill; some of the restaurants were wonderful; all the Day of the Dead "stuff"; watching the sunset on the seafront; swimming in a Cenote; Teotihuacan; Uxmal; Palenque and Chichen Itze.
Arturo was one of the best tour leaders I've had - from meeting the group at Mexico City airport, with a big smile, he was there for us for the whole time, sorting out any problems, answering millions of questions, and generally making sure everyone was ok. And, that smile never wavered. I'd also like to mention Fernando, our driver. He was brilliant as well.
It's hot and you will get sweaty climbing the pyramids - pack for that. Take a swimming costume - a couple of the hotels have pools which are brilliant for cooling down. I took hiking boots, but didn't wear them, walking sandals were fine for all the sites. I didn't get bitten and didn't use deet, but I did wear long sleeves and I think all the hotels had aircon (units). You can get washing done in Oaxaca (about £1 per item), which might be helpful. A brolly would probably be useful - it did rain a couple of times (the tropical rain that comes down hard, then stops). This trip packs a lot in but there's still a lot more to see and I'll definitely be going back.
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