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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Mexico

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Best of Mexico

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Description

Raise a margarita to the beauty and culture of Mexico on this adventure. Discover Maya history at the incredible Chichen Itza ruins and visit Indigenous communities near the charming San Cristobal de las Casas. Indulge in a traditional pibil feast (slow roasted pork) with a Maya family and learn about Zapotec culture over lunch in a local home. Stroll the charming streets of Merida, be charmed by the alebrijes of Oaxaca and chill out on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. From museums and ruins to canyons and waterfalls, this journey will give you a taste of Mexico’s best.

Trip Name
Best of Mexico
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Discover the fantastical world of alebrijes – folk art sculptures of mythical creatures – during a visit to a women-run workshop outside Oaxaca. The artists will share their process and stories of how they came to specialise in these artworks.
  • Take a step way, way back during enlightening guided tours through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Palenque and Mitla.
  • Get a taste of Maya culture during a homecooked pibil lunch with a local family, sampling this traditional method of cooking which involves barbecuing food underground.
  • Explore the Maya communities surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas and learn about local culture, religion and the traditional way of life retained in the highlands.
  • Sail the mighty Sumidero Canyon on board a guided boat tour, cruising below the canyon’s towering walls and spotting wildlife along the way.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Mexico City
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm – until then, the day is yours. Perhaps take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant capital where the ancient and modern collide. After the meeting, you might like to head out with your leader for an optional group dinner, an opportunity to get stuck straight into the many local culinary delights.
Day 2 - Mexico City
Get to know Mexico City during a guided tour with your leader. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral – the largest and one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America. You’ll also explore Zocalo, the city’s main square, and the remains of Tenochtitlan – the capital city of the Aztec empire. Check out famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s Mural Museum at the Alameda Central. Your tour includes a visit to the Museum of Anthropology – home to an impressive collection of 600,000 pieces of Mexican art and artifacts. After, the day is yours to spend as you please. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) museums are famous sights worth checking out as an optional activity. Otherwise, maybe visit the colourful floating gardens of Xochimilco just outside the city.
Day 3 - Puebla
Depart Mexico City this morning and visit the ancient Teotihuacan ruins, once one of the biggest cities in the world. Meet with a local guide and discover the ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. Stroll down The Avenue of the Dead and get a sense of what life was like here nearly 2000 years ago. Continue to the colourful city of Puebla, joining your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings around the beautifully preserved city centre. Puebla is known for its delicious food scene and your leader will have tips on the best places to dine on local specialties this evening.
Day 4 - Puebla
This morning, get to know Cholula, a city close to Puebla, by joining your leader on an orientation walk. As Cholula has the most churches in Mexico, you’ll stop at a few on your journey, like Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, located on the top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Head back to Puebla after to explore the historic city at your own pace in the afternoon – maybe sit down for a dish of mole pueblano, the speciality of Puebla.
Day 5 - Oaxaca
Today you’ll journey to Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ca), the city best known for its mole and mezcal. You’ll see the rest of its best bits on an orientation walk with your leader. Maybe see the main square with its architecture dating back to the 16th century or the 20 de Noviembre Market – a food market loved by the locals. Tonight, maybe join your group for a dinner, where you can try some of the regional specialities, such as tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza) or one of its seven varieties of mole.
Day 6 - Oaxaca
Learn about the traditional skill of crafting alebrijes – brightly coloured folk art sculptures of mythical creatures – in a women-run workshop in San Martin Tilcajete. They’ll walk you through the history of the art and how the crafting process works. Then, enjoy a free afternoon in Oaxaca – maybe visit the nearby archaeological site of Monte Alban. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this place was inhabited for over 1500 years by the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were carved out of the mountain and are now the symbols of a sacred topography. Have your camera ready to go because you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Season-depending, a folkloric ballet performance is also a great optional activity, or the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is also well worth a visit. Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the streets and take the opportunity to feast on some regional delicacies.
Day 7 - Salina Cruz
Set off with your leader this morning, first stopping at the famous Tule Tree, a 1500-year-old Montezuma cypress with a 36 m circumference, making it one of the widest in the world. Travel on to the Mitla archaeological ruins – once the religious centre for the Zapotec people. Lunch today will be at the home of a local Zapotecan family, where you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes and learn about their culture. Visit a woman-owned mezcal farm and tour the cacti plantation – sampling some of the different mezcals rounds out your day of exploration. Relax on the bus as you travel to Salina Cruz for the night.
Day 8 - San Cristobal de las Casas
Your journey continues as you drive to the Sumidero Canyon, a gigantic natural canyon with walls reaching as high as 1000 m. Here, you’ll hop aboard a boat for an up close and personal tour of this remarkable landscape. Be sure to keep an eye (or an ear) out for howler monkeys along the way! After your boat trip, drive to the charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas. When you arrive in 'San Cris', take a walk and soak up the strong old-world atmosphere of this town, which is due to the grand Spanish architecture, prominent Indigenous cultures and winding cobblestone streets. Your leader will help orientate you with a walk around the town centre, and then you’re free to venture wherever your heart desires.
Day 9 - San Cristobal de las Casas
This morning, your leader will take you on another orientation walk of the city, passing impressive churches, green plazas and countless museums before bringing you to the nearby Maya village of San Juan Chamula. Sitting in the highlands, this village serves as a marketplace and religious ceremonial centre for the Indigenous communities who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and can often be seen wearing their own distinctive clothes. Make the short drive to the next town of Zincantan. As you explore with your leader, you'll learn more about these mostly Maya communities. Later, during free time back in San Cris, perhaps rent a bike to explore the town further.
Day 10 - Palenque
Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque and its surrounding jungle. It will be an early start to minimise the chance of hitting road closures, which are common in the area. Stretch your legs on the stop or two along the way, before landing at the low and wide Agua Azul Waterfalls, which flow slowly over limestone rocks. Enjoy your lunch in nature and then cool off with a quick dip. Otherwise, take a scenic stroll around the grounds before continuing to Palenque.
Day 11 - Palenque
Set out this morning to the archaeological site of Palenque. Located on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle, these are some of the most astounding Maya ruins in the region, dating back as far as AD 600. Some of the ruins remain unexcavated and are hidden in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and listen out for the calls of howler monkeys as you explore this lost city. After, head back to your hotel in the more modern city of Palenque and perhaps spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
Day 12 - Merida
Settle in for another driving day as you travel from Palenque to the historic city of Merida. Your drive will be broken up with short stops and an included lunch stop. Lunch will be a moreish selection of local seafood, with alternatives available. Founded in 1542, Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and has retained much of its old-world charm. After the drive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader where you’ll have the chance to learn about its Maya heritage.
Day 13 - Merida
Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets, which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Montejo on the other. The outdoor market is another essential visit, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil ('little pig') or the incredibly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. If you can't visit enough Maya sites, you may want to head for the ancient ruins of Uxmal. Here, you'll see the amazing Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the best example of classic Maya architecture.
Day 14 - Playa del Carmen
Your first stop today is Chichen Itza, possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You'll see the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan standing over the ruins and not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’, where many disputes are known to have been settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it was not such a casual sport. Following a guided tour of the site, enjoy a special lunch with a family in the town of Piste. Tuck into a traditional pibil feast – a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family have perfected over generations. Finally, continue to the popular seaside town of Playa del Carmen, where you may like to join your group for a final dinner together.
Day 15 - Playa del Carmen
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Playa Del Carmen, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-11-202407-12-2024AUD $ 7,170-
07-12-202421-12-2024AUD $ 6,228-
14-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 6,453-
17-12-202431-12-2024AUD $ 6,174-
21-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 7,665-
28-12-202411-01-2025AUD $ 7,230-
04-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 7,625-
18-01-202501-02-2025AUD $ 6,530-
25-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 6,530-
01-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 6,530-
08-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 6,507-
15-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 6,507-
22-02-202508-03-2025AUD $ 6,291-
01-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 5,828-
08-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 5,612-
15-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 5,724-
22-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 5,612-
29-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 5,612-
05-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 5,612-
12-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 5,666-
19-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 5,396-
26-04-202510-05-2025AUD $ 5,396-
03-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 5,396-
17-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 5,396-
24-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 5,396-
07-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 5,396-
21-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 5,396-
05-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 5,396-
26-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 5,396-
09-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 5,396-
06-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 5,396-
04-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 5,612-
11-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 5,612-
18-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 5,612-
25-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 5,612-
01-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 5,612-
08-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 5,778-
15-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 5,828-
22-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 5,828-
29-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 5,828-
06-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 5,612-
13-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 5,612-
20-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 6,475-
27-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 6,475-
03-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 6,800-
17-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 6,800-
24-01-202607-02-2026AUD $ 6,800-
31-01-202614-02-2026AUD $ 6,800-
07-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 6,800-
14-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 6,800-
21-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 6,800-
07-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 6,545-
14-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 6,545-
21-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 6,545-
28-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 6,545-
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 6,545-
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 6,545-
18-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 6,295-
25-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 6,295-
02-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 6,295-
16-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 6,295-
23-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 6,295-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 6,295-
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 6,295-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 6,295-
25-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 6,295-
05-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 6,295-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 6,545-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 6,545-
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 6,545-
07-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 6,800-
14-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 6,800-
21-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 6,800-
28-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 6,800-
05-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 6,545-
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 6,800-
26-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 6,800-

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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