Best of Mexico

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
Best of Mexico
15 Days
From AUD $5925
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Best of Mexico

Best of Mexico

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

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.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Mexico City, Mexico

Finishes

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee)
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays)

Optional Activities:

  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (320 MXN)
  • Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) (75 MXN)
  • Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Included Activities:

  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Optional Activities:

  • Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee, closed Mondays and Tuesdays) (100 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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.

Included Activities:

  • Cholula - leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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.

Included Activities:

  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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.

Included Activities:

  • San Martín Tilcajete - Alebrijes workshop visit

Optional Activities:

  • Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (Fridays only) (130 MXN)
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (100 MXN)
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (100 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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.

Included Activities:

  • Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
  • Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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.

Included Activities:

  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
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.

Included Activities:

  • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:

  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Bicycle rental (per hour) (400 MXN)
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Na Bolom Museum (75 MXN)
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum (65 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Palenque
Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. Once you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Palenque
This morning, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you take a 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. The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived. This afternoon visit Misol-Ha, where the cascading falls and quiet surroundings create a refreshing escape into nature.

Included Activities:

  • Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
  • Misol-Ha - Waterfall Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
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.

Included Activities:

  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) (1800 MXN)
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (2200 MXN)
  • Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
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.

Included Activities:

  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (600 MXN)
  • Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) (451 MXN)
  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) (650 MXN)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $5,925
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Nov 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Claudia
Traveled, March 2024

04/12/2024

Claudetta Agosta Crisafi The Inspirational Poet????? Mexico Te Amo?????? Hola amigos Todo es muy bien, the road trip continues on this foreign Mexican land. Mexico city, the golden angel stands so grand, overlooking the cosmopolitan avenue, el centro of the Mayan land. Teotihuacan, the wonderful Mayan ruins of Temples and Palacios, deep history inset in the limestones, an honour to walk amongst the Spirits, on the gravel and many small stones. My Spiritual Journey continues to San Pedro Cholula, the magnificent base of the Mayan Temple, es porsupuesto muy linda. El Santuario that stands so grand, overlooking the volcano, a natural wonder on this land, surrounded by fluffy white mist, I've definitely ticked Mexico off my bucket list. Puebla es herrmosa, una ciudad de Mexico, con su centro historico, and paved cobblestones. The colourful market place, the quaint artist lane, surrounded by lush green trees, life is definitely sweet. My total surprise, to see colourful ceramics, of Arabic design, dejavu moments I experience, of my Sicilian heritage, so deep and alive in my heart. Oaxaca a most humble place, the wonderful groups of indigenous, who live in the State of Chiapa in a most colourful city, with vast open space. The road is long and winding, sitting down can be quite tiring, the landscape is dry with bursts of greenery, I'm so fascinated with nature and it's changing scenery. A refreshing moment awaits, amongst the rainforest, is nestled the Grand Canyon with its flora and fauna, it's nature at it's best. The spectacular waterfall cascades, the acqua water so pristine, the rock pools above, is the place to be. Salina de Cruz, San Cristobal e Palenque, the accommodation all wonderful, I'm happy to have a roof over my head. I feel so blessed to have visited the Palenque Archaeological Site and to climb the Temple of the Sun and the Sanra Cruz one. I've enjoyed my time in Mexico, everyday is a surprise overall, from the vast stretch of beach in warm waters so tropical, to snorkelling in the cenotes, the magnificent grottos with stalactites, I'm in awe Merida te Amo Tomorrow begins another day, the excitement is building up, even though it's the last day. Chichen Itzsa here we come. Claudetta Agosta Crisafi The Inspirational Poet????? Mexico Te Amo?????? Hola amigos Todo es muy bien, the road trip continues on this foreign Mexican land. Mexico city, the golden angel stands so grand, overlooking the cosmopolitan avenue, el centro of the Mayan land. Teotihuacan, the wonderful Mayan ruins of Temples and Palacios, deep history inset in the limestones, an honour to walk amongst the Spirits, on the gravel and many small stones. My Spiritual Journey continues to San Pedro Cholula, the magnificent base of the Mayan Temple, es porsupuesto muy linda. El Santuario that stands so grand, overlooking the volcano, a natural wonder on this land, surrounded by fluffy white mist, I've definitely ticked Mexico off my bucket list. Puebla es herrmosa, una ciudad de Mexico, con su centro historico, and paved cobblestones. The colourful market place, the quaint artist lane, surrounded by lush green trees, life is definitely sweet. My total surprise, to see colourful ceramics, of Arabic design, dejavu moments I experience, of my Sicilian heritage, so deep and alive in my heart. Oaxaca a most humble place, the wonderful groups of indigenous, who live in the State of Chiapa in a most colourful city, with vast open space. The road is long and winding, sitting down can be quite tiring, the landscape is dry with bursts of greenery, I'm so fascinated with nature and it's changing scenery. A refreshing moment awaits, amongst the rainforest, is nestled the Grand Canyon with its flora and fauna, it's nature at it's best. The spectacular waterfall cascades, the acqua water so pristine, the rock pools above, is the place to be. Salina de Cruz, San Cristobal e Palenque, the accommodation all wonderful, I'm happy to have a roof over my head. I feel so blessed to have visited the Palenque Archaeological Site and to climb the Temple of the Sun and the Sanra Cruz one. I've enjoyed my time in Mexico, everyday is a surprise overall, from the vast stretch of beach in warm waters so tropical, to snorkelling in the cenotes, the magnificent grottos with stalactites, I'm in awe Merida te Amo Tomorrow begins another day, the excitement is building up, even though it's the last day. Chichen Itzsa here we come. The tour of Southern Mexico covered the complete Mayan Ancient Civilisation including the natural wonders of Mexico

3.0
Anders
Traveled, March 2024

03/24/2024

Mexico is magical and I higly recommend a visit. Using Intrepid is a good way to see it, unless you don't like cramped busses. Then you should certainly avoid this trip, particularly if you are above 180 cm. The travel style was described as "comfort", but the bus was the very definition of UNcomfortable.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989