Mexico Grande
Experience Overview
Viva Mexico! This magical destination truly has it all. Crammed full of rich cultural tradition and diverse geography, there is something for everyone - from Puerto Vallarta and Cancun to the jungles of the Yucatan and from the World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza to the thriving metropolis of Mexico City. At every turn, immerse yourself in adventure activities, water sports, cultural sites, an unbelievable variety of food, and a sizzling nightlife. In every aspect, Mexico dials up the heat.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Lima: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Mexico City: What can I expect when travelling in Mexico? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Mexico. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
- Mexico City: Which currency should I bring? You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
- Mexico City: Can I get access to an ATM when in Mexico? It depends on where you’re travelling to. Mexico has lots of ATMs (just be careful of those sneaky fees). But you’re better off carrying cash when visiting rural places.
- Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
- Mexico City: What’s the best time to travel to Mexico? Mexico is marvellous all year round. But if you’re looking for the sweet spot - visit Mexico between November and March, since the weather is perfect for exploration. And that’s what we like!
- Mexico City: What is the local food like in Mexico? As good as you’re expecting, if not better! Street food is very common in Mexico, so you can expect a steady supply of meats and veggies, served with tortillas and plenty of grated cheese.
- Iguassu Falls: How much luggage can I bring? You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person. Internal flights are included in this trip (your Trip Manager will have your tickets ready for you). Each traveller is allowed 1 checked bag & 1 carry-on bag/personal item (eg: small backpack/handbag or laptop bag). Our suitcase restriction above means that the checked bag will be within the limitation for this flight. The carry-on bag must not exceed 114 cm (45”). Extra or overweight bags will incur a fee by the airline which is the traveller’s responsibility. Fees range from US$25.00-US$100.00.
- Mexico City: What should I pack for my trip? You’ll be able to buy a lot of things at an affordable price once you arrive. But we’d suggest you bring: • Summer clothes: shorts and lightweight tops essential for keeping cool. • Warm overcoat: there’ll be colder parts of your trip, even in summertime. • Good walking socks & shoes: keep comfy on any terrain. • Sturdy backpack: one you don’t mind getting dusty too! Weather in the Mexico is unpredictable, so please make sure you also bring these items with you: - Teva-style sandals (thongs or flip-flop sandals are not suitable for hikes) - Swimming (bathing) suit & towel - Light to medium fleece jacket - Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket - Shorts, T-shirts, Long pants, Long-sleeve shirt, Hat or cap - Sunglasses (preferably polarised) - Socks (athletic style socks for walking & hiking) - First aid & medication - aloe vera gel, sunblock or sunscreen of the highest SPF possible, insect repellent, hand sanitiser or gel, moisturising cream, pain relief (e.g. aspirin etc for headaches or muscle pain) motion sickness medication - Water bottle - Plastic Ziplock bags (to protect valuables from drizzle, rain etc)
- Mexico City: What is the weather like in Mexico? Mexico’s climate varies by region - arid in the west and central-north, rainy in the mountains and southern tropics. Summer’s the wettest season. And annual rainfall ranges from 20 inches (central-north) to 118 inches (in Chiapas). Temperatures average 81°F (27°C) in Yucatán and 60°F (15°C) in central areas. So pack accordingly!
- Mexico City: Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling? Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Mexico. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
- Mexico City: Is there any trip specific information I need to know? Ground Handler InformationContiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Journey Mexico. Passport InformationA passport is needed to enter Mexico for all passengers unless they are residents or citizens of Mexico.
- Iguassu Falls: What is the role of the Trip Manager? Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
- Iguassu Falls: What power adapters do I need? Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).
Included Experience
- Puerto Vallarta: Grab your new buddies and a Paloma cocktail. It’s time to feast on Mexican food and watch the sunset over the sea.
- Tequila: Discover how Mexico’s famous liquor is made. And knock back a cheeky shot or two.
- Guadalajara: This work of architectural art was originally built as a place to care for disadvantaged people. Nowadays, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Guadalajara: Stroll around the official birthplace of tequila and mariachi music.
- Guanajuato: Narrow cobbled streets. Colourful colonial architecture. Manicured gardens. You’ll see why this place is labelled ‘most beautiful city in Mexico’.
- Mexico City: The candy-coloured buildings and antiquated streets make this one of Mexico’s most photogenic cities. And the perfect backdrop for an Insta shoot.
- Mexico City: Craving some authentic tacos, pambazo or barbacoa? It’s time to galvanise your tastebuds.
- Mexico City: Heads up culture vultures! Visit Coyoacan to walk in the footsteps of the famous artist. And check out the museum in her honour. Plus, you can go inside the museum at your own cost if you purchase a ticket in advance.
- Mexico City: Admire the ‘City of Gods’: one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Although no one really knows who built it.
- Mexico City: Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife.
- Chichen Itza: Take a guided tour of this ancient Mayan city. Soak up the history and hear the myths and legends.
- Chichen Itza: It’s time to live your best life, as you cool off in the emerald waters of this sinkhole. Don’t forget your camera!
- Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17257
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 236.1362A
Starts: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Finishes: Cancun, Mexico
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,654 ($332 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, also known as the 'Mexican Riviera'. Spa, pool, relax, repeat are all high on the agenda today as well as an optional zipline adventure – and that's before we top it all off with a beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today you’re free to explore Puerto Vallarta however you like. You can surf, or, take a day trip to remote beaches on a sailing trip. Then, in the evening, catch a Pirate show! Expect the unexpected in Puerto Vallarta.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Bye bye beach hangs, but don't worry, this isn't your last taste of Mexican beach life - we'll see you soon, sea. Nothing screams ‘Mexico’ like tequila, so why not head to a genuine distillery where you can learn how this fiery spirit is made and taste some for yourself? Afterwards, take a stroll around the streets to get a feel for the old and new world architecture this place is known for – and then sample some seriously electric nightlife. It's time to learn about the city known as the 'Pearl of the West', Guadalajara, with its four main squares and glorious cathedral. Then you could go and find a spot to watch one of the city's famous live Mariachi bands do its thing.
Accommodation: Hotel de Mendoza Guadalajara (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We leave Guadalajara and hit the road. Here at the old colonial city of Guanajuato (now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City), you’ll learn about the history of the famous silver mining town and how the economy has shaped much of its culture. Discover the famous 'Mummies', the lovers at the 'Alley of Kisses', and even the Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Plaza Guanajuato (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Thanks to the bright facades of Guanajuato, your eyes should be wide open by now. Just in time too, because there is so much to see in Mexico City.Quick pitstop! We'll check out this colourful UNESCO World Heritage City, known for its baroque architecture and vibrant art scene. Stroll through the charming plazas. Explore local artisan shops. Admire the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. And then we'll be on our way. Mexico City is the largest city in the country and impressively, the oldest capital in Central America. Known for its Aztec temple, its surprising altitude at 2200m, and mountainous landscape, this place is busy, bustling and oh-so-wonderful.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
The theme 'getting out there' will take on a whole new meaning today. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the focus for this leg of your journey in this bustling city. Get stuck into the local flavours by tasting some Mexican delicacies at a local market. Do some shopping in Coyoacan. Then, tonight, re-fuel with city eats, like enchiladas, tamales and tacos. Even head out and get a little loco, if the mood takes you...
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
It’s a busy one today, travellers. Today, we're heading to the archaeological city of Teotihuacan.Pyramids and Aztec temples are the focus for this leg of your journey. As you go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge on many interesting topics so you're in the know on anything and everything.Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, admire the grandeur of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon from ground level, and explore beautifully preserved murals and temples.Back in the capital, it's time to look back on all the mesmerising history & architecture you've seen today (and catch a good night's sleep).
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye Mexico City. Señoras y señores, let's hit the road!Welcome to Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With its high energy vibes, this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on. One suggestion for tonight's dinner? Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights.
Accommodation: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Yes, Yes. We just arrived. But we're saying goodbye to bright & buzzing Cancun (only for a bit!) to check out an epic historical hotspot.The most famous ancient ruins in Mayan history. With our Local Guide leading the charge, we’ll learn all about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us. Afterwards, we’ll take a dip in a cenote – which is the best way to beat the Mexican heat.You've got the entire day tomorrow to spend soaking up the Cancun sun. So, rest up!
Accommodation: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cancun is a hub of fiery entertainment… known for way more than party vibes. Powdery beaches, endlessly swimmable waters and laid-back taco joints (basically all you need, no matter your mood.) Your Trip Manager knows this place like the back of their hand too, so you're guaranteed to be in the know on all the best spots to head for the evening.
Accommodation: Ocean View Arenas Cancun (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we conquered all... We'll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it's time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you're homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia no-doubt.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I loved absolutely everything about this trip from start to finish. Was a 10/10 tour guide and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from him. All the optional activities were well worth it, I definitely recommend doing them all if possible. I will always recommend this trip to everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2024
Emily - Traveled, September 2024
The trip was amazing from the get go. It was so well organised and easy as a traveller to do as much or as little as you wanted. Was super knowledgable about everywhere we visited and you could especially passionate about giving us the best recommendations for what we wanted, even going out to his way to show us some of his personal favourites in his free time. There was so much packed into the trip even on travel days having the opportunity to stop at unique smaller towns and sights we might have missed otherwise. Would 100% recommend to anyone. I booked my trip really last minute, about a week and a half before. So was very skeptical id even get a spot. Contiki were super helpful down the phone in the booking process and ensured me that while I waited for confirmation (which took about 48 hours) I would get a full refund if the trip was unable to take me. All the pre trip information was super helpful. My one feedback would be that it wasn’t 100% clear that there were activities before the set meet time for those who arrived earlier.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2024
Emily R. - Traveled, August 2024
Was a phenomenal tour guide, so knowledgeable and fun. Got to see so many incredible sights and eat some awesome food. Made some friends for life for sure. Easy and flexible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
The trip was great and Ish was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable. We saw a lot of Mexico and really got a feel for the culture. I will definitely come back to Mexico. The only hiccup to the trip was the flights to Merida. It took a long time to get there from Oaxaca to Cancun by flight. My flight was later and I didn’t get to see Merida as much. The flight was overbooked so some people in our group had to stay behind. Other than that I really enjoyed the trip. Very easy. Agents are very responsive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
Katie - Traveled, June 2024
You get to do A LOT in 2 weeks! Can’t beat the safety & convenience of a Contiki trip with a trip manager that coordinates all your activities! Great well-rounded trip to be able to experience what Mexico has to offer from the West Coast to the East Coast of the country! As always, the true value of a Contiki trip is meeting all our wonderful travel companions from around the world! Our trip manager was awesome & made us feel like one big family! Highly recommend this 2-week trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Samuel - Traveled, June 2024
Had the best trip we’ve ever had on the Mexico contiki. Finished up in Cancun but wish we had stayed on for the next two weeks as well. Was amazing at planning and organising things for all of us to do and see. We will definitely be back to do the second half of the contiki!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2024
Activities were fun but could use more adventure options such as snorkelling, 4x4 etc. Was incredible, could not fault him. He made everything so fun and easy: was supportive and fun and was a friend as well as a manager. We're good until I wanted to extent my trip, they then were quite hard and wouldn't compromise even though another girl and I wanted to share a room, they wanted us to pay for two single rooms but still share.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
The trip itself was an extraordinary journey through Mexico, rich in diverse experiences and meticulously planned activities. However, it wasn’t well communicated that this tour is part of a larger itinerary that extends to Belize and Guatemala. Knowing this beforehand would have allowed me the option to extend my adventure and continue with the fantastic group I met. The itinerary was packed with a variety of engaging activities that provided a deep dive into the local culture, history, and landscapes. Our Trip Manager, was exceptional in his role, offering insightful guidance, valuable recommendations, and ensuring everyone had an unforgettable time. Future travelers should inquire about the full range of trip options to fully maximize the experience. I highly recommend this Contiki tour for its vibrant itinerary, outstanding leadership, and the chance to be part of an amazing travel community. Booking my Contiki trip was a mixed experience. While the process of reserving my spot on the tour was straightforward, I found the customer service aspect lacking. There were instances where getting detailed information and timely communication from Contiki proved to be challenging. The support before the trip did not meet my expectations, as responses to inquiries were slow and often lacked the necessary detail to fully prepare me for the journey. However, it’s important to note that these initial hiccups were completely overshadowed by the exceptional quality of the trip itself. Once on the tour, the experiences, guidance from our tour leader and the overall execution of the trip were outstanding and more than compensated for the earlier customer service shortcomings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Radu - Traveled, December 2024
Excellent trip to Mexico. Very well planned by the trip manager the trip included lots of variety (culture, food, adventures, beaches, walking tours, nightlife) across many great cities in Mexico. Would 100% recommend. It was a quick and easy process to book the trip with Contiki; it was quick to book through their website, the requirements of me (e.g. check in, insurance) were clearly laid out, and they sent a lot of helpful documents along the way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
We were very excited to go and explore new parts of Mexico - however, we found ourselves sorely disappointed by the tour as a whole. We were so disappointed that we decided to end our tour a week early. When we signed up for the tour, we had no idea that the majority of the time spent on tour would be on the road. It took hours to travel between each destination, and we found ourselves spending little time in each city. Next, we were given heaps of free time and few activities to do as a group. In places where we are unfamiliar with the location, language, and culture, why would you give us so much time to ourselves? We found ourselves uneasy with the freedom as we were not keen on going to a bar/club every night like our peers, so we ended up staying in our hotel rooms for the most part. We were worried about getting ourselves into trouble with the locals and would’ve been more at ease to do things with our guide. Why did some destinations have so many add ons and things to do, yet other places had nothing? Why did you even bother to take us there if we were to arrive after everything closes, just leave the next morning? Our guide also mentioned a few of the destinations are not tourist friendly and had major language barriers, making exploring a nerve wracking experience. These locations were Guadalajara and Guanajuato. Why would I want to go somewhere after my guide said the area had shady characters? Many of the activities we did do as a group required us to hail our own rides to and from the locations, including included dinners and paid add-ons. We paid for transportation with this tour, shouldn’t rides/taxis be included in the cost- especially for things that were included in the tour costs? We had to spend a ton of money on ride-shares alone, and we learned after the fact that we were overcharged for many of our rides. Something that seriously bothered us was that people were joining and leaving the group a week into the tour. It felt like there was no consistency. The hotels were the cherry on top. The locations of the hotels were all far from the activities and interests. Mexico City had some of the worst traffic we’d ever seen, and once again we were spending more time commuting rather than experiencing. The hotels were also pitiful. Many of the rooms did not have a working air conditioner and resulted in sleepless nights, nights where every minute of rest matters immensely. And it was cooler outside than it was in the rooms; yet there was no way to open a window/vent in some of the rooms!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2024
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