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Epic Mexico & Cuba

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Epic Mexico & Cuba

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Description

Mexico and Cuba are a bit of culture, a dash of sandy beaches, a splash of lush jungle and a sprinkling of delicious food all mixed together. Smash some street tacos in Mexico City, taste the best mezcal around in Oaxaca, swing through San Cristobal, Lacanja and Palenque, then finish up snorkelling, tanning and eating by the Caribbean before hopping over to Cuba. Cycle through the streets of retro Havana, head to Santa Larga for a dip in the crystal-clear waters, soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Trinidad and sip on Cuban cocktails with the locals in Vinales. Get right to the heart of these fiery nations on a 22-day epic adventure, and oh boy, they sure are pumping.

Trip Name
Epic Mexico & Cuba
Last Updated
2022-11-16
Days
22
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the culturally-rich highlands of Chiapas. San Cristobal de las Casas has an old-world town vibe, surrounded by ancient tribal villages.
  • Head deep into the jungle and experience the lush wilderness and cultural significance of Palenque and Lacanja – a real Indiana Jones moment.
  • Take an optional tour to the historic site of Chichen Itza to understand why these ancient Maya ruins are one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Cycle through the culture-soaked streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the eclectic history of Cuba’s capital on a half-day walking tour of the city.
  • Venture to the village of Vinales, where the small-town charms are many. Spend your time smoking fat cigars with locals and exploring hidden caves in the mountains.
  • Learn the lingo with an informal lesson in the Spanish language. From Hola to Hasta Luego to the all-important phrases – like how to order a cerveza!
  • Sip on Cuba’s famous liquor on a visit to a local bar for a rum tasting – as far as the rum world is concerned, Cuba is home to some of the best out there!

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 is 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, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. 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 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 leader know you are interested in the Group 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 leaders 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! Where better to start a Meh-i-co exploration than in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres. Forget about the crowds and the smog, Mexico City has got museums, galleries and diverse architecture for you, along with pumping nightlife and delicious street food. Let’s kick things off with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm. If you arrive into the city early, head to the Zocalo, the city's huge central square to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture, or relax in one of the many parks, plazas or gardens. Another great thing to do is to hop on one of the colourfully painted boats that cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco, or head to the National Palace for a look at the intricate murals painted by Diego Rivera. After the meeting tonight, you’re definitely going to want to seek out some tacos for dinner, and with an informal lesson from your group leader, try to place your order in Spanish!
Day 2 - Mexico City
Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) in the morning, then join your leader for an orientation walk around the historic centre of the city. Mexico City can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size and volume of people, however your group leader will know where to go. Walking makes you hungry, so it’s time to head on an included taco crawl, sample a couple of tacos from local street food vendors. It’s nothing fancy, but they sure are delicious. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy – if you like art, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see, and for all museum lovers there's the Museum of Anthropology or the Palace of Fine Art. Don’t forget to snack your way around the city too, munching on tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones all day long. Alternatively, you can choose to take an optional day trip to the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, 50 kilometres out of the city. A local guide will lead you down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’, pointing out the historic Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Day 3 - Oaxaca
Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (around 7 hours). Pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’, this colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. Your group leader will provide an orientation walk to get your bearings, before giving you the time to visit at your own pace. With two full days to come, you’ll have heaps of time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets in the city, as well as the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians selling colourful woven blankets and shawls populate the markets – a great place to shop for textiles, as well as margarita flavours. Here you’ll also find some tasty regional food specialties, everything from cactus fruit, to spicy baked chilli and lime grasshoppers and the heavenly Oaxacan cheese. Make sure you pick up a tejate – a maize and cinnamon flavoured chocolate drink served cold. On your walk, be sure to look out for any reference to Oaxaca’s renowned arts scene, including folk art, fine art and dance. Get lost admiring the spectrum of coloured buildings or sit in the main square listening to a street performer, sipping a mezcal and watching the world pass by.
Day 4 - Oaxaca
The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day, full of optional experiences. Perhaps head to the spectacular mountain top temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The settlement's terraces, dams, canals and pyramids were literally carved out of the mountain. You’d better have your camera ready, because up here you can get an amazing view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could take a day tour out to the nearby Mitla Ruins. Mitla (the Nahuatl word for ‘underworld’) is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious centre for the Zapotec people. For something more relaxing on your way from Mitla, drop by the springs of Hierve el Agua – a series of mineral pools and calcified waterfalls dotted on top of a mountain, providing sweeping panoramic views of the Mexican countryside. Perhaps on the way back to Oaxaca, you could stop into a mezcaleria (mezcal distillery) to learn about the lesser-known but more and more popular hermano (brother) of tequila. It is mainly produced in Oaxaca, but is not for the faint-hearted as it’s generally enjoyed straight-up. Bottom’s up!
Day 5 - Oaxaca / Overnight bus
Today is another full day in Oaxaca, but be prepared to board an overnight bus later to travel to the mountain-top village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ve got today to bask in the colour and sights of Oaxaca, so why not test out your culinary skills at a delicious cooking class? Otherwise, check out the artisan stores in the markets and around town, and head to the historic Templo de Santo Domingo – a grand stone church with a large forecourt. This evening the group will take an overnight bus to he highland town of San Cristobal de las Casas – a journey of approximately 13 hours. Reclining seats and toilet are available on the bus. They are always air-conditioned, so make sure you take a warm layer with you, as it may get cold on board. While the bus is very comfortable, the road from Oaxaca to San Cristobal has some very winding sections. If you suffer from motion sickness, this will be a good time to have your medication ready.
Day 6 - San Cristobal de las Casas
Say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Arrive early in the morning – check-in at the hotel isn't usually until midday, so leave your luggage and start exploring the city. Today and tomorrow are at your leisure here. Your group leader will point the main things out on a leader-led city tour, and afterwards, will help you arrange any optional activities. With its winding cobblestone streets snuggled in the Chiapas highlands, San Cristobal de las Casas has an old-world feel mixed with strong pre-hispanic roots. Wander to a local cafe and check out their baked goods or try some pox – a traditional corn-based liquor, often flavoured with other ingredients.
Day 7 - San Cristobal de las Casas
Head out of town this morning and take a tour of the nearby San Juan Chamula, a traditional Maya village that serves as a centre for the indigenous folk around here. The villages are home to Tzotzil and Tzeltal groups, who maintain their tribal origins through their traditional dress and customs. Your leader will take you to a church where the floor is covered with pine needles and the air is heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings with firewater, ancient prayer and chickens. Please be aware of a strict ban on cameras as the local people maintain their traditional customs. Afterwards, there's an option to take a trip to Sumidero Canyon, where you can take a boat down the mighty Rio Grijalva. Or you might like to get things pumping with further exploration of the villages by mountain bike. For something more adventurous, try a canyoning trip to ‘El Chorreadero’. This 6-hour excursion will see you venture a kilometre inside a (dry) cave and return following the river through a number of cascades, pools and rappels. A truly memorable experience, but probably not recommended for the claustrophobic or those with fear of heights.
Day 8-9 - Lacanja River
Today travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Lacanja River (approximately 6 hours). You will stop at Agua Azul (blue water) waterfall on the way (providing road conditions allow), where you'll have an option to swim in the cascading pools. Once you've arrived, the afternoon and tomorrow is free for you to relax or explore. There are a few optional activities on offer, including a rafting experience over Lacanja River waterfalls and backwaters and to the nearby archaeological site, then travelling back through the jungle and past the waterfalls of Moctuniha. There are also some awesome guided hikes available to book, so ask your group leader if you would like to organise this. Coming from the city today, you’ll have a much different experience – staying right in the middle of the jungle in an eco-cabana.
Day 10 - Palenque
This morning, drive to Palenque by private transfer (approximately 2.5 hours). After arrival, head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Mayan relics in Mexico. As you take a self-guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still un-excavated and remain concealed in the forest. You can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle to a hidden waterfall (at an extra fee). The area gives you a great idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they first arrived. This feels like real Tomb Raider stuff.
Day 11 - Merida
Today, travel by public bus and head north up to the old-world charm of Merida (approximately 7-8 hours in total). Founded in 1542, this city has a large indigenous population, with approximately 60% of Merida residents of Maya background. Take use of an orientation walk on arrival and wander through the Old Town, checking out some museums 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 Mantejo on the others. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, go for a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. Mornings are the best time to visit the outdoor markets, where you can stock up on hammocks and Maya replicas. This is also a great place to sample local food specialities, such as cochinita pibil (slow-roasted barbeque pork) or the extremely spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. For a snack, there's a bicycle cart on almost every corner in Merida selling elotes (corn on the cob) doused in salt, chilli, cheese, lemon juice or other toppings. If you haven’t noticed already: yeah, they like corn.
Day 12-13 - Merida
Make the best of these two free days to explore Merida. Merida is the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Perhaps today a tour of the ruins is on the cards, including a guide and shared transport. Little is known about the site’s origins but it’s thought the city was founded around AD500. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. Otherwise, you can also visit a nearby bird sanctuary or a variety of other ruins, or hunt down one of the hidden cenotes (stunning natural sinkholes filled with water) and take a dip in the crystal clear fresh water. If you decide to stay in the city, know that Merida's locals love dancing. Every Sunday the town's streets are transformed into an open-air dance floor, with salsa and merengue bands providing the music.
Day 14 - Playa del Carmen
Today, travel to Izamal by private bus (approximately 2 hours), which is known as the City of Yellow, because of the yellow ochre and white hues painted on many of the buildings, as the local’s way to preserve its light and project it to the future. Enjoy a leader-led city tour with a visit the San Antonio de Padua Convent – an imposing colonial structure at the centre of town adorned in the city’s distinct colour. Then continue to visit the most well-known archaeological site in Mexico: Chichen Itza. Listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza is considered the most important example of a fusion of Maya and Toltec tradition and civilisation in Yucatan. See the Caracol (a circular stellar observatory), the Great Ball Court (the largest field in Mesoamerica) the main sight in El Castillo (a step pyramid dominating the centre of the site) and many more historic ruins. Lastly onto the resort hub of Playa del Carmen (approximately 2.5 hours). Blessed with azure waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, Playa del Carmen is relatively close to Cancun but with less of a young party atmosphere. Here you can spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves or in underground caverns, tanning, or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Your group leader will provide an orientation walk to the city, with a visit to a Mexican ice-cream store for an included tasting (of course). You’ll lean more about the fruits, flavours and the traditional combinations. With a free afternoon at your leisure, why not pull up a towel and bask in this tropical paradise? It is also possible to take a ferry from here across to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef. In the evening, feast on seafood, kick back with your group and watch the waves with a margarita in hand.
Day 15 - Havana
New day; new country. Say goodbye to some of your travel pals who may not be making the journey across the Caribbean with you, then transfer to Cancun Airport before boarding a flight to colourful Havana. Please note that you will be unaccompanied on this flight. There aren’t any activities planned until another important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have time, you might like to visit Museo de la Revolucion – a museum focusing on the events leading up to, during and immediately after the Cuban revolution – or perhaps check out one of Havana’s many cool cafes or bohemian bars and grab a cheeky mojito! After your welcome meeting, why not dig into some delectable street snacks and join the group for some traditional Cuban cuisine at one of the many street vendors – churros anyone?
Day 16 - Havana / Bay of Pigs / Playa Larga
This morning, get ready for your leader-led walking tour of Old Havana – one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical city centres. Wander through the oldest square in town – Plaza de Armas – stroll around the architecturally eclectic buildings that line the 16th century Plaza Vieja – admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the Cathedral – with its elaborate baroque facade. This afternoon fuel up at Espacios – a laidback, trendy tapas bar hidden in the backstreets of Havana. Continue in your private vehicle to Bay of Pigs (approximately 2.5 hours) and learn some lingo along the way. Practice simple greetings from Hola to Hasta Luego to the all-important phrases – like how to order a cerveza! With crystal clear Caribbean waters, a deep underwater wall and an outstanding variety of coral and fish – Bay of Pigs is a haven for snorkellers. If time permits, you can enjoy an afternoon swim in either Playa Giron or Cueva de los Peces (Cave of fishes) – before travelling to Playa Larga where you’ll spend the night.
Day 17 - Trinidad
Enjoy a sleep-in this morning before taking the tourist bus at 9:55 am to Trinidad; one of Cuba’s standout destinations (approximately 3 hours). Trinidad is everything you imagine Cuba to be – horses trot down cobblestone streets, old men strum guitars on doorsteps and stretches of white sand are ripe for exploring. Join your leader for a short orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not climb the bell tower of Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos for epic city views or sip on a canchanchara – an invigorating Cuban cocktail invented by guerrillas during the war of independence. In the evening, your leader will take you to a local bar for a rum tasting – as far as the rum world is concerned, Cuba is home to some of the best out there!
Day 18 - Trinidad
Trinidad is a bucket-list destination for many visitors to Cuba, due in no small part to a friendly populace, old-fashioned feel and particularly well-preserved colonial buildings. The Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is practiced here makes the town even more intriguing. Today you can enjoy a free day of exploration. For some beachside fun and perhaps a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon – just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin! There are excellent walking trails in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains or you might like to hire a bike to discover the local area but a heads-up – Cuba's bicycles, like its cars, are vintage! Why not throw yourself into the Trinidad culture with an informal music lesson, a casual salsa class, or a folklore show at one of the town's numerous open-air venues.
Day 19 - Vinales
Get prepared for a long day of travel to Vinales (approximately 7 hours) – but the journey will be well worth it! From quaint bars to fragrant cigars – Vinales is known for being one of the most scenic parts of the country, where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and the mojitos are made with honey. This small and charming rural village is probably the easiest place in Cuba to mingle with the locals – who are very sociable and love nothing better than to drink rum and dance the night away. In the evening we suggest you choose to dine at an ecological farm that has sweeping views of the valley.
Day 20 - Vinales
Enjoy free time in picturesque Vinales – today is yours to soak up the slow, old-world pace of rural Cuba. The valley feels like something out of Jurassic Park, with huge mounds of rock covered in vegetation thrusting out of the earth at random spots. There’s plenty to do depending on your levels of energy and interests – for a culture fix – maybe stroll to the main square and the 19th century Casa de la Cultura and the next door Galeria de Arte with its collection of paintings by local artists – or if you're itching for something outdoorsy – you might like to cruise around the area on a bicycle, hike through the tobacco fields or visit Gran Caverno de Santo Tomas (one of the biggest cave systems on the American continent). If you can’t decide – ask your leader for their recommendations on how to make the most of charming Vinales.
Day 21 - Havana
It's time to head back to the capital today by tourist bus at 8:00 am (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, get a taxi to the guesthouse before getting on your bike and pushing your pedals through the streets of Havana on an included bicycle ride to Revolution Square (5 km each way). This famous plaza is a historic symbol of Cuba and has been home to some seriously important speeches. Later tonight maybe drop by the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and take the chance to toast to your trip and fellow travellers with a mojito. You can also join the hundreds of locals lining up to eat a Coppelia ice-cream – then why not shake the night away with a salsa lesson at Casa de la Musica.
Day 22 - Havana
There are no activities planned for today – so you might like to head out in a classic 1950s convertible on a Classic American Car Tour of Havana with Urban Adventures. Ride through the streets in style as you cruise through the capital and wind up with a Cuban cocktail at the swinging Hotel Nacional. For more information – visit urbanadventures.com.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-12-202203-01-2023AUD $ 3,760-
21-02-202314-03-2023AUD $ 4,880-
04-04-202325-04-2023AUD $ 4,880-
18-04-202309-05-2023AUD $ 4,880-
02-05-202323-05-2023AUD $ 4,695-
13-06-202304-07-2023AUD $ 4,515-
08-08-202329-08-2023AUD $ 4,515-
29-08-202319-09-2023AUD $ 4,515-
26-09-202317-10-2023AUD $ 4,515-
10-10-202331-10-2023AUD $ 4,515-
24-10-202314-11-2023AUD $ 4,695-
07-11-202328-11-2023AUD $ 4,880-
21-11-202312-12-2023AUD $ 4,880-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights),Overnight public bus (1 night),Cabin (1 night),Standard guesthouse (7 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus,local bus,Overnight public bus,Taxi,Plane

Map

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