Mexico Unplugged
Experience Overview
Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Start by experiencing the mix of influences that make up Mexico City, then, then head out to taste pasita in Puebla, visit the markets of Oaxaca and learn about the textile traditions of Teotitlan del Valle. Immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of ancient civilisations during guided tours in Chichen Itza and Palenque. Sample the incredible cuisine along the way, sharing meals with the communities of San Pedro Tlahuac and Piste, then relax beachside at Playa del Carmen. This is the ideal introduction to one of North America's most colourful and exciting destinations.
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Maya temples of Palenque and stroll through Chichen Itza, with local experts at both sites explaining their storied history.
- Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants, and enjoy a lunch made with produce picked fresh from a chinampa farm.
- Wander market stalls, relax in public parks and sample the enticing Mexican eats of Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca.
- Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
- Share Yucatecan specialties with locals then finish off your journey in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2489
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QVRM
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (4),Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,832 ($189 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world's largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, perhaps head to the Zocalo – the massive central square – and check out the Aztec ruins and colonial architecture nearby. There are also plenty of parks, plazas and gardens to relax in and adjust to the Mexican way of life.
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (84 MXN)
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up and get ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la Reforma and more. Parts of this walk will look different depending on whether Day 2 falls on a weekday or the weekend. If it's a weekday, your leader will take you to the Gastromotiva project, an Intrepid Foundation partner, whose culinary training programs open job opportunities for local youth. There, you’ll be shown how to make guacamole and salsa, which you can then enjoy! On weekends, you’ll instead stop by a stall in a local market run by a former Gastromotiva student. They’ll share information about the organisation and their own journey, and there’ll also be a snack of guacamole and chips. For lunch, join your local leader on a ‘taco crawl’ around town to taste Mexico City’s delicious street-food staple, tacos al pastor, among plenty other delicious treats. After, the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Tonight you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
- Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
- Mexico City - Gastromotiva (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit (weekdays only)
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (263 MXN)
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee) - Free
- Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) (179 MXN)
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) (37 MXN)
- Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids Urban Adventure (79 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who are keeping their way of life alive. The community practices traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies. After an included lunch, your group will head to Puebla, where your leader will take you out for an orientation walk and run through some handy Spanish phrases to help you make the most of the days ahead. Put your newly learnt Spanish skills to the test with an evening visit to La Pasita bar, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste pasita – a sweet liqueur made of raisins in one of Puebla’s most famous bars. Salud!
Included Activities:
- Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
- Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
- Tlahuac - Community Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best examples are Santa Domingo Church and the Rosary Chapel, located in town. Further afield lies the Great Pyramid of Cholula, containing over eight kilometres (five miles) of tunnels, with the enormous Popocatepetl Volcano serving as a backdrop. In town, Puebla also has plenty of markets where you can pick up some local handicrafts.
Optional Activities:
- Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) (21 MXN)
- Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) (47 MXN)
- Puebla - Cholula archaeological site (400 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You'll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands of years. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through Oaxaca and to Mercado 20 de Noviembre – an iconic fresh food market. Here, you’ll be able to shop for fresh ingredients to put together your own meal. Grab some guacamole, salsa and some fresh tortillas on the way and then find a spot at one of the long tables where you can down for a classic Oaxacan lunch. Later, you’re free to walk the narrow, cobblestone streets, or maybe sit back in one of the squares, sipping mezcal and watching the world go by. The city is known for its arts scene, particularly its folk and fine art, but you'll also discover a grungier side to Oaxaca and some incredible examples of street art.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There's an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre, with terraces, dams, canals and pyramids carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, why not have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class, visit a traditional weaving arts town, and stop by a local mezcal distillery. In the evening, if you've any energy left, you could head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and enjoy the town's lively atmosphere.
Optional Activities:
- Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) (95 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (89 MXN)
- Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Oaxaca this morning, and board a private transfer to Tehuantepec. On your way out of town you’ll stop in at the Arbol del Tule, or the Tree of Tule, which holds the record for having the stoutest tree trunk in the world. Further along the road, visit the town of Teotitlan del Valle. Famous for its weaving and textile traditions, you can wander past artisans showing off their incredible handcrafted wares. You’ll also visit a mezcal distillery, getting to sample the smoky liquor to see if it’s to your taste! Later, arrive in Tehuantepec and settle in for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head back out on the road this morning to San Cristobal de las Casas. Once you arrive in the early afternoon Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the important places. The evening is then free – you might like to ask your leader for a dinner recommendation!
Included Activities:
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) (32 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll visit the village of San Juan Chamula, home to the fascinating Iglesia de San Juan. This church, with its pine-covered floor and air thick with incense, is often frequented by shamans who come to carry out cleansings using firewater and ancient prayer. Please note that there is a strict ban on cameras inside the church. Outside, the village is alive with colourful markets that sell local handicrafts. The rest of the day is free for your own adventure. You might like to get active and ask your leader to help organise an optional boating trip in the Sumidero Canyon, which is as old and impressive as the Grand Canyon (at your own expense).
Included Activities:
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
Optional Activities:
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) (593 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Palenque, stopping en route at the beautiful Agua Azul cascades for a refreshing swim. Once you've arrived in Palenque, 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:
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you visit the Palenque archaeological zone. The stunning Mayan temples of Palenque are quite rightly considered a must-see during any trip to Chiapas, or indeed Mexico. Situated on a hilltop, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you walk among the temples with a local guide (closed-toe shoes recommended), listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins which are still un-excavated and remain hidden in the forest. Return to Palenque this afternoon and enjoy a free rest of your day to relax.
Included Activities:
- Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan region. On route you’ll stop at Campeche, a harbour town that retains a few remnants of its colonial past. Take a leader-led walk through its fortified centre then sit down for an included lunch. Afterward, continue to Merida. Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader on arrival, then enjoy free time to get settled in for the rest of the day.
Included Activities:
- Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
- Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It's thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, the House of the Tortoises and the Ball Court. Alternatively, you could choose to take an optional guided tour to Las Coloradas – the incredible pink lagoon that’s home to flocks of flamingos.
Optional Activities:
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (1470 MXN)
- Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (1365 MXN)
- Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Containing both Toltec and Maya ruins lying alongside each other, the site is dominated by the famous El Castillo pyramid there’s also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. You’ll get to see all of this on a guided tour of the ruins, and then you’ll have the chance to hear about modern life during a lunch stop at the nearby community of Piste. Sample some Yucatecan specialties, chat with the locals, then continue on to Playa del Carmen. After a quick orientation walk around Playa del Carmen, pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sun go down. You might like to get the group together for one last dinner before saying your farewells tomorrow!
Included Activities:
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site with local guide
- Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the final day of this tour. If you have time in Playa del Carmen before moving on to your next destination, you may choose to embark on optional tour to Dos Ojos Cenote, and take a dip at the incredible turquoise freshwater swimming hole, or jump on a local ferry to explore the nearby island of Cozumel. If you wish to spend more time in Playa del Carmen, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) (578 MXN)
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) (525 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
Jaya - Traveled, April 2024
Mexico Unplugged was really a fantastic way to see Mexico. For a solo female traveller, it was amazing to explore different places and activities. Some highlights include seeing lucha libre wrestling and seeing the Palenque ruins
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
Sarah - Traveled, April 2024
Absolutely loved our Mexico Unplugged experience with our incredible guide JJ. JJ made us feel well looked after from the very start while still being up for social events with the gang. The trip was absolutely amazing and cannot be put into words the scenery, beautiful kind people, delicious food and gorgeous cities you will encounter. Book it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Dean - Traveled, April 2024
World class tour guide, excellent food, jaw-dropping locations. Mexico is a cultural powerhouse and this is the tour to see it all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Ayden - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic tour that far exceeded my expectations! The locations visited, the people I met along the way, the tour leader (Valentina) and of course, the food - all were beyond incredible! Loved it and would do it again! 10/10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Gavin - Traveled, March 2024
An excellent cross section of attractions in southern Mexico! This itinerary keeps travellers stimulated throughout with a diverse range of locations - cultural, natural and historical. The accommodation is of a high standard for a basic tour, the food and drink are delicious and the music entertaining. Viva Mexico!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Anakha - Traveled, March 2024
This was an amazing trip that covers a lot of ground in a short period of time! However, this does mean it can be quite intense travel wise so just be prepared. We loved everything about Mexico and will be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Stephanie - Traveled, March 2024
Mexico! A destination I definitely will be going back to. Tour Leader Danny went above and beyond to make us comfortable and provided a lot of education about each place we visited!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
Jack - Traveled, March 2024
This is the type of trip to do if you want a true authentic experience of Mexico!! I highly recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
hayley - Traveled, March 2024
On the whole a great tour, let down by an unenthusiastic and deeply unorganised guide. Have been on a lot of Intrepid tours and not what I would have expected at all. Mexico itself is great and if you do all the optional activities you can fit a lot in. 9 hour bus ride was hell due to the wrong size bus being send with broken air conditioning
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Romy - Traveled, February 2024
I would do this tour defiantly again and enjoyed every minute. I can highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Kristian - Traveled, February 2024
Even though we have been in Mexico before, we learned a lot and had a great time. Especially our tour leader made the trip so great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Thomas - Traveled, February 2024
Raw and authentic experience of Mexico. If you love colour, culture, history and food then this is the trip for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Andrew - Traveled, February 2024
Highly recommended. Mexico is a vast and varied country, and on this trip you see all of it - bustling cities, colourful villages, sprawling ruins, green jungle, wide rivers, flooded caves, and barren mountains. Basic means not much is included in the price, but don't despair - Mexico is not at all expensive, and all the 'extras' are fairly cheap. Food is good (if spicy), and the drinks are varied. Our guide was excellent, and made a great trip even better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Karen - Traveled, February 2024
A fabulous trip that covers the history and vibrancy of this amazing country and its cultures. Definitely recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Steven - Traveled, February 2024
This tour was a great experience for me and I look forward to returning to Mexico again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Kristy - Traveled, February 2024
Excellent introduction to Mexico. Both the trip and Mexico as a country exceeded my expectations and I loved every minute. This trip covers a lot of ground and some of the travel days are long, but it’s absolutely worth it for the breadth of the experience. The inclusions and optional extras were incredible- Palenque and San Cristobel were unexpected highlights, as well as Cenote swimming. The Mexican people were friendly and warm and I felt very safe. Our guide was fantastic and provided excellent recommendations along the way for extra activities and restaurants and bars. Accom was also excellent. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
David - Traveled, February 2024
Our leader was enthusiastic about showing us her countries different cultures. Valentina made me think about poverty, opportunity and historical imperialism. This was a great learning experience. Loved the diverse make up of our group as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Michelle - Traveled, February 2024
This trip “Mexico Unplugged” has something for everyone. It covers a lot of Mexico. You are on the go and you cover a lot of ground. But it is worth it!!! “Mexico Unplugged “ has truly opened my eyes to the richness of Mexico and has me wanting to keep coming back to Mexico.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Sumathipala - Traveled, February 2024
We have taken a 15-day tour in Mexico, from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen, and passed through Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, Palenque, and Merida. The overall tour covers the most important locations and different features related to the History, Food, Nature, and entertainment of Mexico. I recommend anyone take this tour so that you can complete information about Mexico.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Christina - Traveled, February 2024
Well organised trip where you get to see the highlights of Mexico. Our leader Adrian was fantastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
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