Real Mexico

Intrepid Travel · 14 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Make new amigos in Mexico with this 14-day exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This overland adventure covers the best of the mex – from the colourful architecture and weaving cobblestoned laneways of Oaxaca to the highland charm of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Highlights

Tour the historic site of Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why these ancient Maya ruins are the most important in all of Mexico.
Go for an unforgettable dip in Yokdzonot Cenote – a sinkhole managed by a cooperative of local Maya women. Float beneath ancient tree roots that dangle into the water and learn about the role of cenotes in Maya culture.
Eat your way through Mexico City on a taco crawl, enjoy a homecooked lunch in Piste and visit Gastromotiva – a social kitchen tackling food insecurity.
Experience the bustling nature and bright colours of local Mexican markets. Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Valladolid.
Kick back, get active or explore this amazing region with loads of free time – maybe go snorkelling in the paradisical waters of Playa de Carmen, cycle through San Cristobal de las Casas or take daytrips to some archaeological sites, cenotes and ancient Maya ruins.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Overnight public bus,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Mexico City, Mexico

Finishes

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos! Your adventure starts in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, Mexico City has plenty of museums, galleries and walkable streets to keep you busy. Maybe check out the Chapultepec area with its many museums, hop on one of the colourfully painted boats that cruise through the canal district of Xochimilco or head to the National Palace to see the murals of Diego Rivera. After your meeting tonight, you might want to seek out some tacos for dinner (try to place your order in Spanish)! If you want to explore the vibrant nightlife tonight, your trip leader will have the best recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) (50 MXN)
Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)
Mexico City - Chapultepec National History Museum (100 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Mexico City

Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) this 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, but your leader will know where to go. Along the way, visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva - an organisation tackling food scarcity and homelessness while promoting a sustainable food movement in Mexico. Walking makes you hungry, so it’s time to head on an included taco crawl and sample a couple of tacos from local street food vendors. 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 also 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.

Included Activities:

Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
Mexico City - Gastromotiva (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Optional Activities:

Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (100 MXN)
Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)
Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (320 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Oaxaca

Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’). This colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. You’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings when you arrive. With two full days here, 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. Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec 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. Make sure you pick up a tejate (a maize and cinnamon-flavoured chocolate drink served cold).

Included Activities:

Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Oaxaca

The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day. Perhaps head to the mountaintop 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 carved out of the mountain. You’d better have your camera ready because up here you can get a fantastic view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could take a day tour of 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, drop by the springs of Hierve el Agua – a series of mineral pools and calcified waterfalls dotted on top of a mountain, providing sweeping views of the Mexican countryside.

Optional Activities:

Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (100 MXN)
Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (100 MXN)
Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (1200 MXN)
Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Hierve el Agua visit, mescal distillery (950 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Oaxaca / Overnight bus

Today is another free day in Oaxaca, but you’ll board an overnight bus later tonight 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 cooking class. Otherwise, check out the artisan stores in the markets and around town, or head to the historic Templo de Santo Domingo – a grand stone church with a large forecourt.

Optional Activities:

Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)

Accommodation:

Overnight bus (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: San Cristobal de las Casas

This afternoon, say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Your leader will point out the main things to know on a leader-led orientation walk this morning. 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. After your walk, you’ll head to the colourful Santo Domingo textile market with your group – one of the best spots to shop for jewellery and clothing. After, maybe 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).

Included Activities:

San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
San Cristobal - Santo Domingo Market Visit

Optional Activities:

San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum (65 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas

There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Maybe take in the cobblestone streets and architecture, soaking up the old-world feel that’s mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the mood for adventure, maybe 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.

Optional Activities:

Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) (900 MXN)
San Cristobal de Las Casas - Bicycle rental (per hour) (400 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Palenque

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. When 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.

Included Activities:

Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: 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 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 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:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Campeche

Take a local bus to the coast to spend the night in Campeche – a seaside town with photogenic streets lined with multi-coloured low-rise buildings. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. For dinner tonight, you’ll find good seafood almost anywhere, and some great local restaurants at Portales de San Martin.

Included Activities:

Campeche - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Valladolid

Tavel to the city of Valladolid, known for its pastel-coloured buildings. On the way, visit the town of Becal, known as ‘the Hat Town’, where your group will meet with an artisan who weaves traditional jipi hats (named after the variety of palm used to make them). Learn about the history of jipi and how the palm bunches are hung out to dry, often in the backyards of local homes. Once dyed and dried, a skilled artisan braids the palm strands into beautiful hats, often working in a homemade cave – the cave's humidity makes the palm fibers easier to manipulate. After talking with the locals, you’ll carry onto Valladolid. When you arrive, visit a local market with your leader and enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Valladolid - Local Market Visit
Becal - Visit to Jipi hat artisan cave studio

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Valladolid

Today is a free day to explore Valladolid and its surroundings. Maybe start the day with a morning walk around the city’s gorgeous streets, then visit one of the nearby cenotes – Xkeken, Samula, Nool-Ha and Suytun are all gorgeous natural swimming holes and you can spend your day lazing in the underground cave, with huge stalactites hanging above, swimming in the electric blue waters. Tonight, maybe ask your leader where the best spots for some local food are.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen

Head to the Yokdzonot cenote for a swim this morning. Surrounded by hanging vines, the cenote was developed by a group of local Maya women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for the local people. After, see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World at Chichen Itza – considered the most important examples of the fusion of Maya and Toltec traditions 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 (don’t forget your camera!). For lunch, get to know a local family over a pibil feast in Piste (a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground). Later, continue to Playa del Carmen. Blessed with clear waters and gorgeous beaches, you can spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves or in underground caverns or strolling along the white sands of the playa (beach). Your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the city when you arrive. Tonight, maybe feast on seafood, kick back with your group and watch the waves with a margarita.

Included Activities:

Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
Yokdzonot Cenote – Visit and Swim
Piste - Home-cooked Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Playa del Carmen

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end – but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to! Today is a perfect day to travel south on a half-day tour to the Tulum archaeological site, which is quite unique because of its placement on the side of a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you wish to spend more time in Playa del Carmen, just reach out to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (1400 MXN)
Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (600 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 $2,315

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Jun 2026

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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

Amber

Traveled, February 2024

03/27/2024

This tour was absolutely incredible! It was the best way to visit many different places in Mexico. Our tour guide, Gil was the best! He was so passionate and knowledgeable about Mexico which made it an incredible tour! Would definitely recommend.

5.0

Tom

Traveled, February 2024

02/21/2024

Gil was the best tour leader a traveller could ask for and I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly! It was amazing.

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

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