Mexico: Maya, Aztecs & Conquistadors
Experience Overview
Few countries can unleash your inner Indiana Jones quite like Mexico, where jungle temples and the abandoned cities of ancient civilisations make way to Colonial towns with cobbled streets and Spanish architecture. This fusion of history has led to a unique culture, encompassing the art of Frida Kahlo and the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca. Uncover the historical and cultural layers of the country as we journey from the highlands of Mexico City to the jungles and beaches of the Yucatan via the lands of Aztecs, Zapotec, Maya and Conquistadors.
Profile
— Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private minibus and boat — Some long drives — Special Day of the Dead Festival departures
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private minibus and boat — Some long drives — Special Day of the Dead Festival departures
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Journeys: Covering a lot of ground from Mexico City to Cancún does mean there are some long drives, some of which are on winding mountain roads. Many of the drives take between two and six hours, with a maximum drive time of approximately eight hours.
Climate: Some of the trip, in the lowlands of Chiapas and the Yucatan in particular, is likely to be hot and humid, especially in summer (drinking plenty of water and dressing in loose cotton clothing will help).
Fitness: Walking city tours and visits to various pre-Hispanic sites mean a fair amount of time on our feet. Many of the areas visited are at high altitude and some short walks (normally one to three hours) are planned. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Swimming: This trip includes a water-based excursion on the Xochimilco canals, where local safety standards may differ from those you are used to. There are unlikely to be personal flotation devices (ie lifejackets or buoyancy aids) available for you to use. If you cannot swim, you should not take part in this activity/excursion. If you are concerned about taking part in this activity, please discuss with your tour leader at the start of the trip so they can make alternative arrangements.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and two lunches are included.
Breakfast generally consists of fruits, cereals, beans and eggs.
Meals vary in price from around 275-365 Mexican pesos (US$15-US$20) for lunch and 275-550 pesos (US$15-US$30) for dinner. A beer costs on average 55-90 pesos (US$3-US$5).
We have the opportunity to discover the richness of Mexican cuisine on this trip. In Oaxaca, we attend a cooking class, the exact dishes we learn to cook can vary but generally include tortillas, salsas, mole (chocolate-based savoury dishes) and guacamole. We also learn about Mexican drinks, visiting a mezcal distillery.
Note, drinking water will be provided on the bus in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Transportation
Transport during this trip is by private minibuses (usually with air conditioning) and boat.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, C. 5 de Febrero 24, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Phone: +52 55 8000 5000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, Mexico City (MEX)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The last night of the trip is spent in Chichén Itza and the tour finishes in Cancún. The group transfer back to Cancún is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight. Free airport departure transfers are only available for return flights departing after the chosen flight route to London – from our Cancún hotel (if you have booked post-tour accommodation) to the airport.
Departure tax for international visitors
The state of Quintana Roo charges all international visitors a departure tax, approximately US$15 per person. This can be paid and a receipt obtained by visiting www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/ prior to arrival or during the visit. The payment must be verified prior to leaving Quintana Roo. Once you have concluded your stay in Quintana Roo, you must show your receipt at the airport checkpoint before boarding. Those who do not have a receipt will receive assistance to make the payment at that time.
Weather Information
On the coast and in the lowland areas there is little variation in temperatures between the seasons. These are likely to be 28C-33C (82F-91F) average daytime maximum and 18C-23C (64F-73F) night-time minimum. On the coast, the heat and humidity are moderated by sea breezes, but inland it is likely to be quite humid.
In the hills, the temperatures are moderated by the altitude, and there is more seasonal variation. Between November and February, the daytime maximum is around 20C (68F), rising to 27C (81F) in summer. Nights are much cooler, around 6C (43F) in winter and 12C (54F) in summer. Note that it can be surprisingly cold in the highlands on winter nights.
The wet season is from June to October, when it rains one day in three on average. The rains tend to be short and heavy, alternating with pleasant clear spells. During the other months, rain is much less likely, but there is the chance of an occasional storm at almost any time.
Spending Money
It is possible to pay for some items in US dollars, including some souvenirs, though in normal shops you need to use Mexican pesos.
Optional excursions (prices subject to change)
Optional activities should be paid in Mexican pesos directly to the tour leader and must be ordered by Day 3.
Puebla
— Visit to a talavera workshop: 170 Mexican pesos (US$9)
San Cristobal
— Sumidero Canyon boat trip: approximately 310 pesos (US$15) per person, transport included as part of main tour — Visit to local Maya community: approximately 760-1,785 pesos (US$37-US$87) per person, depending on group size. Separate transport included in price — Local Mayan community visit and Sumidero Canyon boat trip: approximately 1,870- 3,545 pesos (US$90-US$175) per person, depending on group size. Separate transport included in price
Tipping
Although entirely optional, we suggest you budget between US$85-US$90 in total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:
Approximately 55 pesos (US$3) per day for your tour leader.Approximately 35 pesos (US$2) per day for your driver.Approximately 100 pesos (US$6) for each local guide used.
Highlights
— Enjoy incredible culinary and artistic traditions — Visit ancient temples, cities and colonial towns — Explore highlands, jungles and coastlines
Trip Details
Product Code: 4235
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: and boat.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AMX
Starts: Mexico City, Chiapas
Finishes: Mexico City, Chiapas
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and two lunches — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Historic and modern hotelsStaying in a mix of colonial and modern properties, we discover the wide variety of accommodation styles available in Mexico. Typically, these are of a three-star standard and, when we are based in cities, within the historic centres. Listed below are some of the standout properties we usually use on this trip. Puebla: Hotel Colonial Puebla (night 4) Just one block from the zócalo (main square), Hotel Colonial is a historic building dating to 1668. Originally constructed by Jesuits, it hosted travellers as early as the 18th century. Nowadays, its restaurant is particularly renowned – try the mole poblano, a chilli and chocolate sauce that comes from Puebla. San Cristóbal: Hotel Diego Mazariegos (nights 9-10) In the historic centre of San Cristóbal, Hotel Diego Mazariegos is within walking distance of the main square and cathedral. The tranquil courtyard, two restaurants and pub provide ample opportunities to relax and refuel after a busy day exploring. Palenque: Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic (night 11) Set in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Palenque National Park, La Aldea del Halach Huinic provides a tranquil place to stay. It has been designed to blend with its natural surroundings and reduce its environmental impact. The outdoor pool is a focal point of the property, and all rooms come with a balcony and hammock overlooking the gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and toucans! Worth knowing Rooms may vary in size, style and decoration within a property
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,460 ($431 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Mexico City, one of the most exciting capital cities in the world. Take time to settle into the hotel before our welcome briefing this evening. Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (or similar)
Explore the bohemian side of Mexico City. We start by visiting quaint Coyoacán (meaning place of coyotes) with its pebbled streets, colonial churches, bustling little markets and quiet squares. This area was inhabited before the arrival of the Spanish and it is said conquistador Hernan Cortes made this the first capital of New Spain. Next, we head to Casa Azul (visit subject to availability), where artist Frida Kahlo was born, grew up and, eventually, lived with her muralist husband, Diego Rivera, until she died in 1954 at the age of 47. Now a museum, the cobalt-blue colonial house, set around a luxuriant garden, showcases the collections and personal effects of the two great artists and provides a window into the life of affluent Mexican bohemians in the first half of the 20th century. Finally, enjoy a ride on a pre-Hispanic boat along the Xochimilco canals. These scenic waterways were used by the Aztecs and today see us enjoying a journey past floating gardens and kitchens selling local food. Return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (or similar)
The ancient city of Teotihuacán peaked around 1,000 CE when it was the sixth-biggest city in the world with a population of about 125,000. Among the avenues and structures are the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the third and fourth largest pyramids in the world. We explore this impressive archaeological zone with an local guide. Returning to Mexico City, we explore the historic centre on a walking tour. It starts in the main square, known as the Zócalo, but officially named the Plaza de la Constitución. It was an important gathering place for the Aztecs, and remains so in modern Mexico, often hosting book fairs and concerts. On the north side of the Zócalo is the Cathedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas. It was constructed over an Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, as a sign the Spanish were now in power. Our tour finishes outside the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Construction of this massive neoclassical building began in 1904, on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent, under the Italian architect Adamo Boari. It has an art nouveau style and its facade is made of marble from Carrara. Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (or similar)
Before leaving Mexico City, we visit the Museum of Anthropology, which has an impressive collection of artefacts from the many civilisations of Mexico. We then transfer (about 2hr 30min) south to Puebla. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Puebla de los Angeles, the City of Angels, named after a legend in which angels came from heaven to place bells in the cathedral towers when builders were unable to do so. The colonial city is known for its traditions, especially its handicrafts, including the blue-and-white talavera pottery. If you’d like to watch artisans create their pieces in a talavera factory, speak to your sales representative about joining an optional visit (payable locally). Accommodation: Hotel Colonial Puebla (or similar)
Spend this morning exploring Puebla, which has been named a World Heritage site for its colonial architecture. We visit the Patio de los Azulejos and the Ex-Convent of Santa Rosa, both of which provide classic examples of how talavera tiles were incorporated into buildings, inside and out. After, we drive (about 4hr 30min) to Oaxaca, another World Heritage city. With a colonial centre of shaded pedestrian streets, indigenous traditions and a creative atmosphere, Oaxaca has attracted and inspired artists and artisans alike. The city has such sights as the beautiful zócalo (main square), the cathedral and the vast Convento de Santo Domingo, along with museums, fascinating markets and charming inns. Accommodation: Casa Conzatti (or similar)
Our next exploration of Mexican history takes us to the Zapotecan site of Monte Albán. While the name dates to a 16th-century Spanish landowner, previous names came from the Mixtec word Sahandevul, meaning at the foot of the sky, or from the Zapotecan Danibaan, meaning sacred mountain. In 500 BCE, the Zapotecans moved into the Oaxaca region and began the monumental task of levelling the top of a 5,250ft (1,600m) mountain that intersects and divides three valleys. Here, they built the city of Monte Albán with a maze of subterranean passageways, rooms, drainage and water-storage systems. We then transfer (30 minutes) to the small village of San Antonio Arrazola, where the local population are known for creating fantastical creatures called alebrijes from wood or papier-mâché. We later return to Oaxaca and explore the cobbled streets, vibrant squares and churches of the historic city. We also visit the Museum of Cultures Santo Domingo. Accommodation: Casa Conzatti (or similar)
Oaxaca is possibly the most celebrated region in Mexico for its cuisine and we get more acquainted with it as we head for a cooking class, learning dishes that can be recreated at home. The exact menu can change but we generally learn how to make two types of tortilla, three salsas, guacamole, mole, a starter, soup, dessert and drink. We visit a local market where different ingredients are showcased and explained before returning to the restaurant for our class and a delicious lunch. The afternoon is free to wander around Oaxaca on your own. Accommodation: Casa Conzatti (or similar)
A short distance from Oaxaca is Teotitlán del Valle, a village known for hand-woven rugs and our first stop today. From here, we continue to a mezcal distillery in Santiago Matatlán to taste the agave-based spirit. Mezcal is produced from the heart of the agave plant and contains more than 40% alcohol! After the tasting, we drive to Tehuantepec, where we spend the night (the total drive time is about seven hours plus stops). Accommodation: Hotel Calli (or similar)
Today we drive to San Cristóbal (about six hours plus stops), one of the most popular cities in Mexico for visitors. It is filled with cobbled alleyways of whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs that lead to plazas and picturesque arcades. Arriving in the afternoon, we have a short orientation tour of the historic city before checking into our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Diego Mazariegos (or similar)
Today is a free day to explore San Cristóbal at your own pace. Wander the colonial streets, take in the lively cafes, or buy handicrafts produced by the local Tzotzil indigenous groups. It’s also possible to do an optional boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon and/or visit one of the traditional Maya communities who live in the villages surrounding the city. Accommodation: Hotel Diego Mazariegos (or similar)
Depart San Cristóbal early and spend much of today driving to Palenque, a town named after the impressive ruins nearby. After hotel check-in, those who wish can visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, hidden in the sub-tropical jungle of Chiapas state. Accommodation: Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic (or similar)
Emerging from the jungles of Chiapas is one of the most impressive ruins in Mexico: the Maya site of Palenque. The temples, sanctuaries and pyramids, with sculptured walls and ceilings, are some of the best-preserved and finest examples of Maya buildings despite the city-state having peaked in the seventh century. We explore this magnificent site before continuing to the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean town of Campeche (about five hours plus stops). Yet another World Heritage site, the colonial town has impressive city walls built to protect it from the constant attacks by English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries. We have an orientation tour before dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Castelmar (or similar)
About two hours’ drive from Campeche is our second Maya site: Uxmal. Quite open, it contrasts the jungle ruins of Palenque we visited yesterday. This site, which dates to the Late Classic era (500 CE to 800 CE), features the Pyramid of the Magician; the Nunnery Quadrangle, which has long, elaborately carved facades; and a ball court, where a traditional ball game was played, sometimes ending in human sacrifice. Having worked up an appetite, we have lunch at a Maya family restaurant. Here we eat pollo pibil and cochinita pibil (slowly cooked pork and chicken). The meat is roasted for about five hours with achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves. After lunch, it’s about a 1hr 30min drive to Mérida, where several colonial buildings, including the cathedral, were built using stones from nearby Maya ruins. Arriving mid-afternoon, we have a walking tour of Mérida, returning later to enjoy the main square, which is particularly delightful at night. Accommodation: Hotel Caribe (or similar)
Our first stop is Yokdzonot cenote, a natural swimming hole with vertical walls decorated with thick mangrove roots. Take a dip in the fresh water or try your hand at the zipline. We then continue to Izamal, a one-time Maya settlement now marked as a Pueblo Mágico (magic town) by the Mexican government. The town has yellow-and-white buildings and is known for the 16th-century Franciscan monastery built on top of a huge Maya pyramid. From here, we transfer to Chichén Itzá, the best known and perhaps most impressive of all Maya sites (total drive time of about 3hr 30min plus stops). Accommodation: Hotel Puerta Chichén (or similar)
Our final day starts with a visit to Chichén Itzá. Having spent the night near the site, we can get in early before the day-trippers arrive from the beach resorts. Chichén Itzá served as the political and economic centre of the Maya civilisation and thrived from around 600 CE to 1200 CE. The pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars and the Playing Field of the Prisoners can still be seen today and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to architecture, space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and possibly greatest, of all Maya pyramids. This afternoon, we drive about 2hr 30min to Cancún airport, where the tour ends. Please note: The group transfer back to Cancún is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Heather Titcombe - Traveled, February 2024
Great road trip in Mexico ! Was a wonderful trip from Mexico City to Cancun ..we covered lots of ground and experienced happy Mexican hospitality, food, weddings, demonstrations and lots of pyramids and tricky mathematical equations Most Inspirational Moment Oaxaca was fantastic - fun weddings with the full band experience at high volume and intensity and the 'carnival' plus a few demonstrations with lots of interesting swirling props and craziness ( i would be on one everyday if I lived in Oaxaca ) - great restaurants . Puebla was lovely . Cookery class was fun . I enjoyed all the historical sites and the nuances of the different phases of history ( even liked climbing them, in the heat) . Also, enjoyed tostados in the market near Frida's house Thoughts on Group Leader Adriana was a great group leader. She was very passionate about her homeland and was keen to share this with all of us. She had a wonderful personality and nothing was too much trouble for her to make our trip as interesting and comfortable as possible . Pillows for the back seats, the offer of getting tea bags from Walmart, fresh fish and sea side trip , lots and lots of restaurant and bar recommendations/ shopping . Also, asked us for toons for the mini bus and downloaded these for us to sing along to - some Spice Girl moments slipped in to the playlist ! We also 'taught' Adriana some more obscure English words !! Advice for Potential Travellers Quite a few long days travelling . Make sure you have a decent water bottle and day pack and also closed in shoes for the walking at the main archaeological sites . Check Frida Kahlo trip and tickets are confirmed before you arrive . Mini bus had four seats at back which were uncomfortable , limited view and it was hotter at the back ( although good speakers in the back ) - pillows helped with this and the rotation of the 14 in the group Suggestions Mexico is a wonderful country . I was pleasantly surprised that its got everything ! plus very good cocktails , colour and exuberance ...I will be back , that's for sure - it was great fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
M B - Traveled, February 2024
Good Mexico trip covering lots of distance Covered a large amount of Mexico , lots of historical sites of varying sizes and complexity. Mini bus rear seats unusable ( thats 4 seats ) until some pillows were purchased to assist in sitting upright, visibility from the rear seats was severely restricted. We operated a voluntary rota system which most people complied with. Differences between various cities afforded multiple perspectives of passage through time of various civilisations. Most Inspirational Moment Enjoyed impromptu wedding processions in Oaxaca, along with some protests ( which were loud, noisy musical affairs accompanied by huge wooden framed figures carried on shoulders of dancing men) . The cooking lesson in Oaxaca was very good . Thoughts on Group Leader Adriana was an excellent guide/tour leader . She provided lots of information and suggestions for eating establishments ( for all budgets) . Even downloaded a ton of music ( nominated by us travellers) to her phone so it could be played on minibus stereo system . Advice for Potential Travellers Learn a few words of spanish, such as please, thank you and I am sorry. Dont leave your manners at home ! Carry a reusable/refillable water bottle as temperatures can get very high and you drink more ( water available on mini bus) , especially when wandering around sites of historical interest . Have some closed toe shoes/sandals as the steps up Mayan pyramids can be uneven / rocky / jagged. Suggestions Trip notes mention tipping kitty but this no longer happens. So travellers either have to tip local guides (without knowing correct amounts or notes) or hope to persuade trip guide to operate a kitty . Frida Kahlo musuem tickets are nowhere near guaranteed despite prominent mention in online trip notes , so if thats important to you check availability yourself and query if resellers available . Request this info from Exodus just prior to departure . Quintana roo deprture tax can be purchased via web site prior UK departure online, however also at Cancun airport. However , tax desk was "closed " when we went through and no one checked /interested so it really depends on your view of risk ! Show less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Dennis Wheatley - Traveled, February 2024
Mexico Tour We saw many inspiring ruins from several cultures, tried delicious Mexican dishes, and visited many interesting cities. Most Inspirational Moment The Teotihuacan ruins near Mexico City, Palenque, and Chichen Itza were all different, yet amazing. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader, Adriana, is absolutely excellent. She was very organized, informative, and helpful. She made our trip fun in many ways like making playlists of our requested music to pass the long road trips. This also inspired positive group dynamics. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some long days of travel. The temperatures in March are very hot (mid-30s celsius). Suggestions The transportation in the minibus was uncomfortable for the long trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Jill Vincent - Traveled, February 2024
Busy trip showing varied sites of Mexico Lots of road travel but many amazing ancient sites lovely colonial and vibrant cities Most Inspirational Moment Palenque pyramids and Oaxaca wedding processions final meal in a Mayan family home (also independent visit to Churmula Church ) Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent knowledgeable friendly helpful flexible Advice for Potential Travellers Bear in mind there are many hours on the road in an uncomfortable minibus. Double check well before departure that Frida Kahlo's house is included as per itinerary. We didn't find out it wasn't until arriving in Mexico so far too late to do anything about it and very disappointing Suggestions A smaller group of 12 is more suitable as no visibility from back seats. When buying snacks from small shops en route vegetarian options can be limited
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Patricia Arlt - Traveled, May 2019
MEXICO is great !!!! My 3rd trip with Exodus and they just keep om getting better !! The itinerary was really diversified and days were all extremely interesting. May was a great time to travel as we missed the rainy spell. Highly recommended!! Most Inspirational Moment Quite a few: Archeological sites, cooking course, BIG TREE visit (extra stop bonus), canyon trip, Concote SWIM in sink hole (another extra stop bonus). Thoughts on Group Leader HIGH PRAISE & THANKS!!! Artero was an absolutely fantastic Tour Leader, passionate about his work and devoted to well being and care of his group. Went the extra mile on more than one occasion. Miguel, the Driver, always kind and cautious! Advice for Potential Travellers Take 100 dollar US Notes. You get better FX rate at the exchanges Suggestions Saving for the next trip !!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2019
Dennis Jenkins - Traveled, January 2019
Mexico: Mayans, Aztecs and Conquistadores This was a very comprehensive tour from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsular visiting many amazing archaeological sites, colonial cities, markets, churches and seeing different local products being made. It also gave us the opportunity to sample a wide range of different Mexican foods including a lesson on how to prepare, cook and present a typical Mexican meal. Also interesting to see the varied wildlife and often stunning scenery. Most Inspirational Moment As always very difficult to highlight just one inspirational moment in such a varied trip but the optional visit to the Sumidero Canyon which also included a visit to the Mayan community of San Juan Chamula, particularly witnessing some of the pre hispanic ritual in the church. Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was excellent in every way. His knowledge of his country, which he obviously loved, was phenomenal and he was always cheerful, enthusiastic and always showed great concern for the welfare of all the group. A first class tour leader! Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for long days and some early starts as distances are generally quite large or in the case of some of the mountain roads, quite slow. The trip notes do make this quite clear. I would strongly recommend the optional excursion to the Sumidero Canyon and visit to the local Mayan communities. Suggestions Accomodation was generally very good in terms of location and character with some delightful colonial establishments. Although the trip is classified as "Leisurely" and it is entirely optional to climb the pyramids at the pre Hispanic sites, with the early starts, long days and with some of the places visited at medium altitude, I would think the classification should be "Leisurely/Moderate" as the tour is certainly"Full on". Again, this is outlined in the trip notes in which case I would question the "Leisurely" classification. I would also recommend may be extending the trip by staying 2 nights in Campeche rather than just 1 night. Campeche is an interesting city with a calm atmoshere and would give some relaxation after the long drive the day before from Palenque
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2019
Donna Heinle - Traveled, January 2019
Mexico tour The title of this tour describes the itinerary. We explored archaeological sites galore, toured historical city centers, visited local artisans, and ate lots of Mexican (and some Mayan) food. The hotels were all comfortable, and the baños mostly had toilet paper and soap. We had opportunities to swim and to visit a cenote. Most Inspirational Moment Walking into the church at San Juan Chamula with its thousands of candles ablaze. Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was our professor, our concierge, our maitre d'hotel, our friend. It was a pleasure to explore Mexico with him as our guide. He's the best. Advice for Potential Travellers The first week of the trip is spent in areas at relatively higher altitude, so the weather was cooler than I expected. With the second week, we hit warm weather. I found my walking sticks helpful for climbing the pyramids at the archaeological sites. Comfortable shoes, of course, are also important.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2019
Michele Jones - Traveled, October 2018
Good introduction to Mexico Good introduction to Mexico , combining culture, history and scenery. Most Inspirational Moment Mayan sites Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was, quite simply, excellent. He has immense empathy, knowledge, good humour and patience. His command of English, including technical archaeological and geological terms, was outstanding. He also looked after me very, very well when I had a slight altercation with a park bench! Suggestions I would have liked to have had more opportunities for sampling street food and maybe a free day in Oaxaca.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2018
kathy tuggey - Traveled, October 2018
Super trip exceeding expectations Saw so much of Mexico including Day of the Dead Festival. Lots of fantastic scenery, culture and history not to mention food and art. Be prepared for some long days and windy, mountain roads. Most Inspirational Moment Loved swimming in cenotes which was added to the tour as well as Frida Kahlo house and the Mayan sites. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide Arthuro couldn’t do enough for the group and had extensive and humour! Advice for Potential Travellers Booked group flight via Washington and on reflection should have booked my own flight either direct or via non US hub. Transfer queues were worse part of holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2018
R. Perry - Traveled, March 2018
So much to see! Our first Exodus trip, and first time in Mexico. Hugely enjoyed the experience, and saw so much more than we could have managed under our own steam. Nice mixture of ancient sites, colonial history and Mexico today. Most Inspirational Moment Turning around at the top of the pyramid in Cholula to see the sun set behind Popacatepetl - magical! Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was an excellent, knowledgeable and careful guide, who made the whole trip very special. Advice for Potential Travellers Keep a daily diary - you see SO much, it is easy to mix up your memories! Suggestions I'm looking forward to my next Exodus trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2018
Prue Losada - Traveled, February 2018
Mexico: Mayas, Aztecs & Conquistadores This is an epic journey through Mexico to see the ancient sites and to get a flavour of the country, its beautiful colours, its friendly people and its delicious food. Although we spent a lot of time on the road between locations (and some were very windy through the Sierra Madre mountains) we always made stops along the way to visit places of interest, have lunch and plenty of stops for the banjos! Most Inspirational Moment Frida Kahlo's house was somewhere I had looked forward to visiting, and it didn't disappoint. I also loved all the ancient sites, but Palenque was my favourite, due to its setting. Our cooking class in Oaxaca was excellent, ending in a 6 course lunch of all the food we had chosen and helped to prepare. The optional boat trip in the Sumidero Canyon is a must - we had gone early and that meant we were virtually on our own for the outward journey and for stopping to look at the wildlife. Some of the hotels we stayed in were exceptional but sadly at those for only one night. Likewise the restaurants our guide took us to were excellent. The final treat of my holiday was a swim at the cenote (sink hole) on the last morning. Was extremely refreshing on a very hot day and I would definitely recommend it. Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was a fantastic tour guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and he looked after us so well and thought of absolutely everything and always had with him anything we might need, from extra water, to suncream, to anti-mosquito repellent to travel sickness pills ahead of what he knew would be a very windy route, for which I was most grateful! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of everywhere we went; he would always dine with us (apart from a well-deserved couple of nights off) and he was very outgoing and had a great sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Just be prepared for long journeys and for it being chilly some mornings in the high locations before the sun comes up. Take most or all of your money in Mexican pesos. I had too many dollars and was having to change them, which was sometimes a very lengthy process. Some of the smarter restaurants/hotels did accept credit cards. Suggestions I would suggest to Exodus that they extend the trip to either a 2.5 or 3 week holiday so that you could really enjoy the best hotels/locations and make it a more relaxing holiday. Then setting off VERY early in the morning when heading for the next location would be ideal so that you got to the next destination in daylight and before sunset.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2018
Phyllis Ryan - Traveled, February 2018
Mexico: Myans, Aztecs & Conquistadors An excellent experience. We saw so many Mayan sites, and learned a lot about Mexico’s history in general. Most Inspirational Moment The experience of seeing some of the ancient sites, even from as far back as 200-500 years BC. I thoroughly enjoyed roaming around, and climbing up these pyramids. Thoughts on Group Leader Arturo was a very good leader. He knew so much about his local history, and passed on his knowledge with humour and a great sense of pride. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for mosquitoes. Although it wasn't Malaria season, I still got bitten. Take a good repellent with you. Suggestions No
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2018
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