Best of Mexico
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. 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.
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
Product Code: 2477
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QVKD
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (3), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,875 ($325 /day)
Itinerary
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) (84 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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) (263 MXN)
- Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) (70 MXN)
- Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
- Teotihuacan - Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Cholula – Cholula Pyramid (entrance fee, closed Mondays and Tuesdays) (95 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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
- Free time in Puebla in the afternoon
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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
- Dinner in Oaxaca
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Zooologico Magic Alebrijes visit - Tilcajete
- Free afternoon
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal) (130 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (95 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (89 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
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 (70 MXN)
- San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum (65 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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) (1035 MXN)
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (1470 MXN)
- Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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) (525 MXN)
- Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide) (142 MXN)
- Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) (578 MXN)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Claudia - Traveled, March 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Anders - Traveled, March 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Hayden - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing locations which provided a great taste of all parts of mexico. However, it was unfortunately soured by low quality transportation (which comprised a lot of the trip). Was also disappointing that me and my male partner were booked in twin beds without getting the opportunity to specify at the time of booking the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Pradeep - Traveled, February 2024
Best of Mexico - provides mixture of both cultural & historical insight of the ancient civilisations. The food & people are excellent! The archaeological sites compares those with Egypt & Peru & also has one of the new wonders of the world listed "Chichen Itza".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Peter - Traveled, February 2024
This trip covers every destination that you would want to visit and more. Organised and exhaustive, it was made special by our Group Leader. Daniela had the knowledge and enthusiasm to bring us together as a group and described and explained the context of each visit. I highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Amy - Traveled, March 2024
The Best of Mexico in 14 days was brilliant! We were so lucky to have Suz as our guide, The places we travelled, the food, the ancient history, the variety of the inclusions offered and the colour and vibrancy of the places we visited were exactly as I had hoped. The small group number allowed to get us to know our fellow travellers and we all got along really well. I highly recommend this trip as a way to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid provided an excellent tour of Mexico. The guide was amazing, group size perfect and itinerary excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Adrian - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was very comprehensive and the guide was amazing. However the trip is exhausting and the van was less than comfortable with air con that did not hold up. Also as a gay couple we were booked into twin rooms on an assumption we were not a couple which is not acceptable. For a comfort trip, the hotels were nice but the transport needs to measure up and be improved to be a true comfort trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Rachel - Traveled, April 2024
The Best of Mexico is a great trip to see the landscape, diversity and many cultures of Mexico. There is so much to learn about the history and all of the ancient civilisations. It was great having our own private transport and guide, a big thank you to Adrian and William!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Cylie - Traveled, March 2024
Feel free to use any of the other comments
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Suzanne - Traveled, March 2024
This was my first trip and I was a solo traveller. I felt safe, supported and throughly enjoyed all of the trip. Will be booking another soon!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Jill - Traveled, January 2024
I have written a review 3 times..now but it was deleted by your soft ware... so sorry not again. there should be a save button for each page... this happened last trip too.. still not corrected !!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/01/2024
Naomi - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing trip if you are looking at experiencing all of Mexico in 2 weeks. So much to see and do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Renee - Traveled, January 2024
Adriana is a fantastic guide- so enthusiastic and full of information! Great trip - saw so much of Mexico!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Danielle - Traveled, January 2024
The Best of Mexico is truly that. It is an amazing experience full of history, culture, and immense beauty. I am so grateful to our leader for her knowledge and passion on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Anna - Traveled, December 2023
Mexico trip exceeded my expectations! Please don't just go to Cancun and think that you've been to Mexico as the country is sooo much different than your experience at such tourist targeted places. Mexico is full of color,culture,history,music,architecture! I was blown away by its beauty and variety of everything!! Adriana was our tour leader and she was a superstar! Please be mindful there is a lot of travelling involved and the roads are often through hilly areas and not always go through highways. Overall I would 100% recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Nadia - Traveled, December 2023
BEST OF MEXICO 15 day tour was incredible! This country did not disappoint with a colourful and vibrant culture and a history dating back thousands of years. Adriana our guide and Manuel our driver were knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend this tour if you want to learn more about ancient civilisations, enjoy Mexican food and experiencing new things. A great adventure ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Alice - Traveled, November 2023
Overall the Best of Mexico was awesome. Our guide was great and the included activities really added to the trip. The bus journeys are long and it is jam packed so take that into account. However, the experiences you have outweigh that.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Mary - Traveled, November 2023
Loved this tour, lovely mix of activities on the itinerary and also good free time. Days travelling on the bus seemed to fly by with some good stops along the way to look forward to. Accommodation very comfortable. Susana was our tour leader and was fantastic…. hope you get her for your trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Martina - Traveled, November 2023
Amazing trip to know how Mexico is for real. I am happy i didn’t decide to do only Yucatán area. The guide Susana was the best and everything was organized amazingly!!! I really recommend this trip to have a full view of this country even if in only 15 days. Mexico is much more than just tacos and nachos!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
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