12 Day Premium Mexico & Mayan Discovery

Hola! And welcome to Mexico City!

Upon arrival at Benito Juarez International Airport, our tour representative will meet and greet you before assisting you to your hotel.  The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and, if you have time, take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant and rapidly growing capital where the ancient and modern collide.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.  At 8.00am, meet your guide for your city tour.  First stop will be the the ‘Zocalo’ – the city’s main square. Here you’ll find the cathedral and presidential palace. 

Later, visit the National Anthropology Museum, which houses a priceless collection of artefacts, some 35,000 years old. Enjoy a guided tour of this facility featuring 11 sections dedicated to different eras and civilisations. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the Aztec sunstone, but Olmec sculptures and Mayan murals have not lost their beauty after all these centuries. The scale models of pre-colonial cities offer an insight into the architectural feats of these ancient people despite the rudimentary technologies at their disposal. 

Following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.  Later this evening enjoy an included dinner.

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Having observed artefacts from the different civilizations that inhabited Mexico before the arrival of the Spaniards, it is now time to visit the remnants of one at the well-preserved ruins of Teotihuacan.

Ancient Teotihuacan appears to have gone into decline in the sixth century but its influence on later civilizations such as the Aztecs cannot be doubted. Transport yourself back in time as you stroll along the Avenue of the Dead towards the imposing 2,000-year-old Pyramid of the Sun, the third largest in the world, and be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of this once vast city.

At the end of the visit, there is some free time to explore the site and climb one of the colossal pyramids to take in the panoramic views. We then return to the city, stopping at the famous Guadalupe shrine to visit both the old and new basilicas. Return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Mexico City Airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. On arrival you will be met by a local guide before taking you to the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most outstanding natural attractions. This spectacular gorge carved into the earth over millions of years by the River Grijalva has to be one of Mother Nature’s least celebrated masterpieces. This makes visiting it even more exciting. During a two-hour boat tour along the imposing canyon bed, you will be able to appreciate just how deep this ravine gorge is. Find yourself dwarfed by the sheer scale of its high walls, which are covered in a thick coat of vegetation. Admire the beautiful wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys and birds, and the wide range of flora in the surrounding rainforests. 

After the boat ride, continue to San Cristobal de las Casas, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel late in the afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a visit to the captivating town of San Juan Chamula, known for its picturesque whitewashed cathedral adorned with vibrant ornamentation. Inside the cathedral, you will be greeted by the enchanting scent of pine and the flickering glow of candlelight, setting the stage for the religious rituals performed by the local inhabitants. This town is predominantly populated by the Tzotzil Maya community, who not only speak their own language but also showcase their distinctive attire. The men don tunics called 'chujes,' while the women adorn themselves in beautiful blouses known as 'huipils.' Chamula is renowned for its skilled weavers, and the local shops and markets offer a splendid array of their creations. Afterward, as you return to San Cristobal, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend visiting the baroque church of Santo Domingo, as well as immersing yourself in the vibrant art and food markets, where you can admire the traditional clothing of the Maya cultures that inhabit the region.

In the early morning, you will be collected from your hotel to commence your trip to Palenque. Enjoy your breakfast en route as we begin travelling north-east towards the beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas, perhaps some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world! Today, don't forget to bring your swimsuit, as you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools with their vibrant blue waters. This remarkable natural oasis offers a serene and rejuvenating ambiance, providing the perfect setting to relax and revitalise yourself. After immersing ourselves in the beauty of the waterfalls and enjoying a swim, we will continue our journey towards the city of Palenque, where we will arrive in the afternoon. 

Once we reach Palenque, check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is free to unwind and spend the remainder of the day at your own leisure, exploring the charms of Palenque.

After enjoying breakfast, we will embark on an exciting visit to the Temples of Palenque. This archaeological site is renowned for its exceptional Mayan architecture, featuring remarkable sculptures, intricate roof combs, and incredible bas-relief carvings. Prepare for a captivating guided tour of this ancient site, where you will have the opportunity to admire its beauty and delve into fascinating historical insights. One of the highlights is the impressive Temple of Inscriptions, standing at a towering height of nearly 23 metres. It was in this temple that the tomb of a Maya ruler was discovered and excavated in the early 1950s, adding to the allure of Palenque. In its prime, Palenque was a vast city-state that sprawled across an area of almost 60 square kilometres. However, it is estimated that only a small fraction, about 5-10%, of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site has been excavated thus far. Over 200 structures have been uncovered, with notable highlights including the Temple of Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Count, and the Temple of the Cross. 

As our tour of Palenque concludes, we will then proceed to the city of Campeche. Upon arrival, you will be assisted with the check-in process at the hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably and enjoy your time in Campeche.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a delightful day of exploration. Begin with a panoramic tour of Campeche, a historic coastal city. As you drive through the charming old town, admire the colonial houses, arcades, and churches that create a picturesque atmosphere. Take the opportunity to disembark and continue exploring on foot, visiting notable sights like the old city walls and St. Francis' Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating architecture of Campeche.

Next, we will leave Campeche and journey to the remarkable archaeological site of Uxmal. As you approach, you will witness the awe-inspiring sight of Uxmal rising above the lush canopy of the jungle. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site offers a unique experience, as Uxmal was engulfed by the rainforest after the arrival of the Spanish. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, with its most famous structure, the 35-metre Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle. Explore the central plaza, where you'll find the Governor's Palace adorned with elaborate decorations on its roof. At the southern end of the main complex, you can marvel at the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated. Uxmal presents a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization.

Afterward, we will continue our journey to the beautiful white colonial city of Merida. Upon arrival, embark on a panoramic tour that showcases the city's most prominent sites. Explore the residential area, admire the monument to the homeland, and take in the sights along Montejo Avenue. Merida's charm lies in its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Prepare to be enchanted by the history and beauty of both Uxmal and Merida as you delve into the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then prepare for a day at Cenotes de Cuzama (Santa Barbara). On this tour, we will visit three of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán, located in the "Cenote Ring," an extraordinary semicircular alignment of more than 100 cenotes.

Experts associate this formation with the theory of an asteroid's impact on Earth 65 million years ago, which not only altered the course of life on the planet but also left a 180-kilometre crater. At the very site of these events, we will discuss the occurrence, the ecosystem, and the profound connection between the Maya civilization and the cenotes. Be ready to swim, and if you'd like, snorkel in the crystal-clear, magical waters of these unique natural formations.

After the visit and swim, we’ll have time for lunch before returning to Merida.

This morning we travel approximately two hours to reach the fascinating complex of Chichen Itza. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, uncover the secrets of what is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a Mesoamerican step-pyramid.

After a fulfilling morning of exploration, take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical restaurant, savouring the flavours of the region before we continue to Playa del Carmen arriving in the early evening. 

On arrival, check into your all-inclusive beachfront resort. Sit back and truly unwind as you enjoy all included dining and beverages at more than 6 included restaurants,  bars and lounges.

Today is yours to relax and unwind in Playa del Carmen. Visit the city of Playa del Carmen and wander the Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach, filled with blocks of shops, restaurants and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs.

Today your journey through Mexico comes to an end after breakfast. 

Make your own way to Cancun Airport for your onward flight. 

Alternatively, you can extend your stay in this tropical paradise by booking extra nights.  Further details for either option can be found under ‘Extra Services’.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. If required, your local Tour Leader can help you arrange a transfer to the airport.