Magical Mexico Adventure 17D/16N

Mexico City Airport Transfer

Type: Shuttle (Arrival)

Transfer from Mexico City to Mexico City

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to  Mexico City, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour

Departure Time: 6:20 hrs

Duration: 8 hrs

Embark on a mystical journey to the "City of the Gods," Teotihuacan, before the tour groups from Mexico City arrive. Explore the impressive archaeological site in peace and tranquility as you visit its different structures, squares, and murals, surrounded by a magical and mystical atmosphere.

Your experience is enhanced by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories, history, and updates on the latest discoveries at the site. Immerse yourself in the culture of ancient Mexico with a stop at a local Teotihuacan family's obsidian workshop, where you'll sample cactus-based liqueurs and traditional Mexican spirits like tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

Cap off your day with a delightful lunch experience (not included), where you can savor a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and flavors.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Mexico City to Oaxaca

Type: Bus

Times: 00:10, 09:00, 10:00, 23:00

Duration: 7 hours

Transfer from Mexico City to Oaxaca

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Oaxaca.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Hierve El Agua, Mitla & Tule Day Trip

Departure Time: 08:00 hrs

Duration: 11 hrs

Take this amazing tour and explore the petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua and the majestic nature surrounding it (closed in rainy season). Also, see a gigantic 2,000 year-old tree in Tule and then gaze at the beautiful stone carvings at the Zapotec ruins of Mitla. Visit a local village to learn the process of making woolen rugs from hand. Round off the tour visiting a Mezcal factory and learn how this popular Mexican drink is made.

Hierve el Agua

Due to the variety and high concentrations of mineral salts, a pre hispanic irrigation system and various waterfalls are now petrified. A series of small natural pools have been excavated to form an esplanade called "the amphitheater", from which you can admire the amazing scenery. There are two distinct levels: in the lower level there are springs and the irrigation system, and in the upper level there are facilities for visitors.

Mitla

Its name in Nahuatl means "Place of the Dead", while the Zapotecs called it lyobaa, meaning "Place of burials" Mitla was a place of residence for the Zapotec priestly class. It was inhabited from the classic period of Monte Albán (100 to 650 AD), and reached its peak in the post-classical period (750 to 1521 AD). The layout of the city was probably planned with structures grouped in five sets, currently called the Columns, the Church, the Stream, the Adobes and the South.

Santa María El Tule

Among the natural beauties of this town is the huge, ahuehuete cypress called "El Árbol del Tule". The tree is a wonderful example of Oaxacan flora, 40 meters high with a diameter of 52.58 meters, it weighs around 509 tons and is approximately 2000 years old. We suggest you visit the handcraft market of the community and to sample the wide variety of local foods.

Teotitlán del Valle

This town is where woolen rugs are made on domestic looms. The artisans here use natural dyes such as indigo, moss and grana cochinilla. We will take you to an artisan house to see the process of making a rug.

Mezcal Factory

Perhaps the most famous drink to come out of Mexico is one made from the agave plant: tequila. But there’s another drink derived from the agave, one less known but just as potent: Mezcal. And lately, it is moving on up among the hip and the chic, not only in Mexico but also abroad. The New York Times recently published an article about this spirit beverage newfound fame in New York and beyond. We will take you down to a mezcal distillery where you will be able to discover all about Mezcal. You've gotta try it, Mezcal is the new tequila! As the old saying goes: "Para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien, también" (for any harm, mezcal, for every charm, as well).

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Monte Alban & Indigenous Villages Day Tour

Departure Time: 09:00 hrs

Duration: 9 hrs

This adventure begins at 9 a.m. when we pick you up at the hostel of your choice. You will visit the Monte Alban ruins, the greatest ancient capital built by the Zapotec culture and the most important archaeological site in Oaxaca.

Then, you will continue to Arrazola to visit a famous wood-carving village, where Alebrijes are made. Alebrijes are brightly coloured Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures.

Following this, you will visit Cuilapan de Guerrero, a 16th century Dominican ex-monastery. Lastly, you will stop in San Bartolo Coyotepec to visit the home of the popular regional black clay pottery.

Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

Type: Bus (Overnight)

Times: 22:30

Duration: 10.5 hours

Transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Puerto Escondido.

Free Day

Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal

Type: Bus (Overnight)

Times: 20:00, 21:30

Duration: 13 hours

Transfer from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to San Cristobal.

Free Day

Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Sumidero Canyon Experience

Departure Time: 09:00 hrs

Duration: 6 hrs

This tour starts in the morning when we pick you up from your hostel and drive you 45 minutes from San Cristobal through the mountains along the scenic highway towards Tuxtla Gutierrez. Keep an eye out on the beautiful panoramic views as you drive through the clouds to reach the canyon. You will arrive at the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, from where you will embark on a boat trip that will take you on a 2-hour ride down the river, where the steep walls of the canyon tower overhead. Look out for stunning waterfalls, caves and the dramatic cliffs. You may have the chance to glimpse a crocodile and tons of other natural wildlife, especially birds. Take your last photos as we make our way back to the dock where we will meet our van again.

From here we will make the return trip to San Cristobal passing along the curvy mountain roads to reach the colonial town of San Cristobal. You will be dropped off in the city center so you can continue your day of sightseeing, shopping or popping into a local cafe for a fulfilling lunch on your own. From the city center, you can easy walk to your hotel.

WHAT TO BRING: Take a hat and if you will be wearing shorts please remember to use sunscreen for your legs, because you will be on a boat cruising by the immense walls of this amazing canyon. Do not worry about wearing your swimsuit as swimming is not allowed (due to the crocodiles!).

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Indigenous Communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Day Tour

Departure Time: 09:30 hrs

Duration: 5 hrs

We will pick you up at your accommodation at 09:30am and will take you to visit the local indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan where you will have plenty of time to wander around the local artisan markets and peek inside the beautifully preserved churches.  A local guide will explain the history of the region as you drive through the beautiful and peaceful countryside to reach these remote towns. Discover firsthand the ancient native traditions and ways of life.  Observe how ancient Mayan traditions are now intertwined with modern day Catholic practices.  Please bring extra money for souvenirs and snacks along the way.  Remember to be respectful of the local people as they are usually very shy and don't like having their picture taken.  Ask politely or have your guide ask for you.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (San Cristobal to Palenque)

Departure Time: 04:00 hrs

Duration: 11 hrs

You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to Agua Azul where you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 30 minutes. The last stop will be at Palenque ruins. You will have 2 hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle on your own. After visiting Palenque, you will be taken to Palenque and dropped off at the City Center.

Palenque Ruins

The ancient Mayan city of Palenque is one of Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological parks surrounded by lush tropical forest and jungle. This site has a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Explore the site on foot and climb up the pyramids for great views of the ancient city and the jungle. (approx. 2 hours)

Agua Azul Waterfalls:

Rio Xumul-Ha (meaning River of Blue Water, or in Spanish, Agua Azul) features a series of torrential cascades and fast flowing waters rolling down a limestone ridge to form pools and small streams. Take a one-hour walk next to the falls in the breath-taking green valley and swim in one of the calm parts of the refreshing blue river. (approx. 60 - 90 minutes)

Misol-Ha Waterfall:

River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), in the "Chol Maya" tribe area of Chiapas, creates one of the state's most wonderful natural sights as the river glides off the edge of a cliff and 40 meters down into a deep pool of water surrounded by lush vegetation. Swim in the deliciously refreshing water and be impressed by the sight of the fall from below. A small walkway will take you behind the water curtain created by the waterfall where you can walk inside the caves. (approx. 30 - 45 minutes)

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Bonampak & Yaxchilan 

Departure Time: 05:30 hrs

Duration: 2 days

Depart Palenque-Yaxchilan & Bonampak Ruins Visit (B/L/D)

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Palenque early in the morning to head towards the incredible ruins of Yaxchilan. We will have a stop on our way for breakfast before continuing to Corozal border where we will take off in a boat and navigate the Usumacinta river (1 hour) to Yaxchilan. We will have 2 hours to visit the impressive Yaxchilan Archaeological Site buried deep in the Lacandon Jungle. Here you will have a few hours to discover this secluded site with plenty of time to take photos and relax listening to the sounds of nature. We will then return to the border where you will enjoy a tasty lunch before having a 1-hour visit to the Bonampak Ruins where you will have the chance to explore the magical archaeological site and see ancient frescoes firsthand. From Bonampak, you will be taken to rustic jungle cabins where you will have dinner and spend the night.

NOTE: Local guide during the jungle walk can be arranged on site for an extra cost paying locally.

Palenque to Merida

Type: Bus

Times: 08:30, 20:45, 22:00

Duration: 9 hours

Transfer from Palenque to Merida

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.

Bonampak & Yaxchilan 2D/1N - Day 2 of 2

Hike in the Lacandon jungle-Return to Palenque (B/L)

After having breakfast on the second day, you will take a 4-hour jungle hike through the Lacandon jungle with the chance to see local flora & fauna plus a visit to beautiful virgin waterfalls and the incredible ruins of Lacanja. Returning from the hike, you will have lunch, and then we will continue back to your accommodation in Palenque where the trip will come to an end.

Uxmal & Cenotes Day Tour

Departure Time: 08:40 hrs

Duration: 8 hrs

Pick-up will be around 8:40am from your Merida accommodation. On this exciting tour you will explore unique cenotes (sinkholes) and several Spanish-style estates known as "Haciendas" that are representative of the "Henequen Golden Age".

We will first make a stop at Hacienda Yaxcopoil. The name of this hacienda means in the Mayan language “the place of the green Alamo tree” and dates back to the XVII century. There we are going to learn about three main pages of our history; pre-Colombian, Spanish colony and the splendor of the sisal fiber industry during the XIX and the early XX century. The walking tour consists in visiting the main house with its high ceilings and large windows and other rooms where there are Mayan artifacts found in the surroundings.

Afterwards, see the Adivino pyramid, The Nunnery Quadrangle, and The Governor's Palace.

Next, continue to the municipality of Peba, located only 15 minutes from Yaxcopoil Hacienda, where there is a Cenote surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna still used for the Mayan traditional medicine. The shallow and transparent water of this cenote is great for kids and adults.

Once today’s adventures have concluded, you’ll return to the white city of Merida.

(Note: We suggest passengers to bring a bathing suit, towel and money for snacks or a box lunch).

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Chichen Itza Day Trip (from Merida to Tulum)

Departure Time: 08:00, 08:10, 08:15, 08:20 hrs

Duration: 11.5 hrs

Chichen Itza is one of the most well-preserved Maya archaeological sites in the country and once stood as a mighty citadel of the Maya civilization in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D., serving as its political and economic center. One of its most legendary structures is the Kukulkan pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which is a giant Maya calendar with exactly 365 steps divided among 4 staircases and the pyramid’s highest platform. During both equinoxes (around March 21st; September 21st) the sun’s shadow cast on this pyramid at a perfect angle creates the illusion of a serpent creeping its way along the structure’s northern staircase.

Don’t miss the Gran Juego de Pelota, in which ancient Maya warriors battled to the death in this ceremonial game. Check out the acoustics of the structure by holding a conversation with someone standing 135 meters away at the opposite end of the field and the stone carvings of players in action. Feel the spirit of the Maya world by standing here admiring this unique and majestic construction that was once of monumental importance to the former inhabitants here.

Other impressive structures you can’t miss are the Plataforma de los Craneos (Skull Platform) and the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cave). Check out the impressive stone carvings on other pyramids and temples of jaguars, flowers, birds, trees, eagles and among the more gruesome, human sacrifices and human hearts in the clutches of bird claws. The observatory, El Caracol, named The Snail for its spiral staircase, was once an important point from which priests determined important dates for ceremonies and rituals.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Tulum to Cancun

Type: Bus

Times: 10:20, 11:31, 12:20, 13:00, 15:30, 16:00, 17:35, 18:20, 19:20, 20:00, 20:20, 22:20

Duration: 3 hours

Transfer from Tulum to Cancun

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Cancun.

Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm

Cancun Airport Transfer (Shared)

Type: Shuttle (Departure)

Times: 00:00, 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00

Duration: 0.5 hours

Transfer from Cancun to Cancun

You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Cancun, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.