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Those on the group flights normally arrive in Mexico City in the evening. Land only passengers can arrive at any time.Hotel Royal Reforma or similar
Today we head out for a day of exploring the bohemian side of Mexico City.We start off by making our way to the south of the city and a particular house hidden behind cobalt blue walls known as Casa Azul. This is where the acclaimed 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 colonial house, set around a luxuriant garden, doesn’t only showcase the collections and personal effects of the two great artists but is a window into the life of affluent Mexican bohemians in the first half of the 20th Century.Next, we visit the quaint neighbourhood of Coyoacan (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 that the conquistador, Hernan Cortes, made this the first capital of New Spain.Finally, we enjoy a relaxing ride on a pre-Hispanic boat along the peaceful waters of the Xochimilco Canals. These scenic waterways would have been used by the Aztecs and today see us enjoying a relaxing journey past floating gardens and little floating kitchens selling local food.We will return to our hotel in the late afternoon.Hotel Royal Reforma or similar
The ancient city of Teotihuacan reached its zenith around 1,000AD when it was the 6th biggest city in the world with a population of about 125,000. Amongst the avenues and structures are the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the 3rd and 4th largest in the world. We explore this impressive archaeological zone with an expert local guide to unearth some of the site’s secrets.Returning to Mexico City, we visit the historic centre on a walking tour based around the Zocalo (main square) and the Cathedral Metropolitana. Our exploration will start in the capital’s main square, known as the Zócalo, but officially named the Plaza de la Constitución. Considered one of the biggest squares in the world, and just as it was an important gathering place for the Aztecs, it remains so in modern day Mexico, often hosting book fairs and concerts. On the North side of the Zócalo is the Metropolitan Cathedral. The largest Cathedral in the Americas, it was constructed over the Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, as a sign that the Spanish were now in power. Our tour finishes outside of 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 Boari. It has an art nouveau style and its facade is made of marble from Carrara. Hotel Royal Reforma or similar
Before leaving Mexico City behind we visit the Museum of Anthropology and History with its impressive collection of artefacts from Mexico’s many civilisations. We continue to The Palacio Nacional*, which not only contains the offices of the President, the Federal Treasury and the National Archives but also murals depicting pre-Hispanic life and a large mural filling the central stairway depicting the entire history of Mexico from the conquest on. Starting our journey south we head towards the city of Puebla (about 2.5hrs). In the late afternoon we arrive in Puebla de los Angeles, the City of Angels – so called because of a legend that claims angels came down from heaven to place the cathedral’s bells in the towers when builders were unable to do so. The colonial city is known for its traditions, especially its handicrafts, including blue-and-white pottery, and its cuisine that is some of the best in Mexico.*Please note that the Palace may occasionally close at short notice due to official events involving the President.Hotel Colonial Puebla or similar
We spend this morning discovering the city of Puebla which has been given UNESCO 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. Early settlers who came from Talavera de la Reina in Spain introduced these tiles and associated ceramics. Today the glazed pottery has become synonymous with Puebla.After our city tour we continue our journey and drive towards another Mexican World Heritage City, Oaxaca (about 4.5hrs). With a colonial centre of shaded pedestrian streets, bright, clear light, indigenous traditions and a creative atmosphere, Oaxaca has attracted and inspired many artists and artisans alike.The city boasts such sights as the beautiful zocalo (main square), the Cathedral and the vast Convento de Santo Domingo, along with museums, fascinating markets and charming inns.Hotel Oaxaca Real/Hotel Aitana or similar
Our next exploration of Mexican history takes us to the Zapotecan site of Monte Alban. Whilst the name dates back to a Spanish landowner in the 16th-century, previous names come from the Mixtec word ‘Sahandevul’ meaning ‘At the foot of the Sky’ or the Zapotecan ‘Danibaan’ meaning ‘Sacred Mountain.In 500 BC the Zapotecans moved into the Oaxaca region and began the monumental task of levelling the top of a 1,600m high mountain that intersects and divides three valleys. Here they built the city of Monte Alban with a maze of subterranean passageways, rooms, drainage and water storage systems.We later return to Oaxaca and explore the cobbled streets and vibrant squares and churches of the historical town. We also visit the Museum of cultures Santo Domingo.Hotel Oaxaca Real/Hotel Aitana or similar
Oaxaca is possibly the most famed region in Mexico for its cuisine and we get more acquainted with it as we head for a cooking class, learning dishes that can easily be recreated at home. The exact menu can change but we generally learn how to make two types of tortilla, three different salsas, guacamole, mole, a starter, a soup, a desert and a drink. We visit a local market where different ingredients are showcased and explained before returning to the restaurant for our class and a succulent lunch.The afternoon is free to wander around Oaxaca on your own.Hotel Oaxaca Real or similar
A short distance from Oaxaca is the village of Teotitlan del Valle known for its colourful, hand-woven rugs and our first stop today. From here we continue to the Don Agave distillery to taste some mescal. Distilled from agave plants, mescal is different to tequila and is most popular in the Oaxaca region. After the tasting we drive to Tehuantepec where we spend the night (total drive time is about 7 hours plus stops)Hotel Calli or similar
Drive to San Cristobal (about 6hrs plus stops).One of Mexico's most popular cities with visitors, San Cristobal de las Casas is filled with cobbled stoned alleyways of whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs that give onto plazas and picturesque arcades.Arriving in San Cristobal in the afternoon, we have a short orientation tour of the historic city before checking into our hotel.Hotel Casa Mexicana or similar
Today is a free day to explore San Cristobal at your own pace. Wander the colonial streets, take in the lively cafés, or buy handicrafts produced by the local Tzotzil indigenous groups with their different colourful dress. It’s also possible to do an optional boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon and/or visit one of the traditional Mayan communities who live in the villages surrounding the city (see money section for prices).Hotel Casa Mexicana or similar
The road we take towards Palenque is very windy but picturesque. En route we visit the waterfalls of Agua Azul (after about 5hrs driving plus stops). Agua Azul is a group of beautiful waterfalls that create wonderful natural pools and has been a protected area since 1980. Due to the strong and unpredictable currents we do not recommend swimming at this location.Following a stop at the falls it’s a further 2.5hrs to the town of Palenque, named after the nearby impressive ruins.Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic
Emerging from the jungles of the Chiapas’ low-lying hills is one of Mexico’s most impressive ruins: the Mayan site of Palenque. The temples, sanctuaries and pyramids, with their sculptured walls and ceilings are some of the best-preserved and finest examples of Mayan buildings despite the city-state having peaked over 1,300 years ago in the 7th century.We explore this magnificent site before continuing on the road towards the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean town of Campeche (about 5hrs plus stops).Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the colonial town’s best feature are its impressive city walls built to protect it from the constant attacks by English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries.Hotel Lopez or similar
About two hours drive from Campeche is our second Mayan site: Uxmal. Quite open, it is in contrast to the jungle-ruins of Palenque we visited yesterday. This site, which dates to the late classic era (500-800AD) and features the Pyramid of the Magician; the Nunnery Quadrangle with 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 local Mayan family restaurant. Here we get to eat Pollo Pibil and Cochinita Pibil – slowly cooked pork and chicken. The meat is roasted for about 5hrs along with achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves. This is a typical Yucatan dish and representative of the local cuisine.After lunch it’s about 1.5hrs drive to Merida. A number of the city’s buildings, including the cathedral, were built using Mayan stones found on this site and, along traditional colonial architecture, features 19th century houses built in a French style.Arriving mid-afternoon we have a walking tour of Merida, returning later to enjoy the main square which is particularly delightful at night.Hotel Caribe or similar
Our first stop is at the traditional Mayan village of Tixkokob where local families practice the age-old craft of hammock weaving.After learning about how hammocks are made we continue to the ‘magic town’ of Izamal. Once a Mayan settlement, the name means ‘Place of the God of Medicine’. The town is covered in buildings painted yellow and white and is known for the 16th century Franciscan monastery built on top of the base of a huge Mayan pyramid (which was probably once larger than the Castillo in Chichen Itza).From here we transfer to Chichen Itza, possibly the best known and most impressive of all Mayan sites (total drive time of about 3.5hrs plus stops).Hotel Chichen Itza or similar
Our final day starts with a visit the most famous Mayan temple city: Chichen Itza. Having spent the night near to the site means we can get in nice and early before the hordes of day-trippers coming from the beach resorts.Chichen Itza served as the political and economic centre of the Mayan civilisation and thrived from around 600 to 1200AD. 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 the extraordinary commitment to architecture, space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and possibly the greatest, of Mayan pyramids.This afternoon we drive about 2.5hrs to Cancun airport in time for the group flight. This is where the tour’s land only portion ends.
14 nights in a mixture of standard and comfortable hotels with en suite
facilitiesAll breakfasts and 2 lunchesTravel by private minibus and boatSome
long drivesDay of the Dead Festival special departure
All breakfasts and 2 lunches included.Breakfast generally consist of fruits,
cereals, beans and eggs.Meals vary in price from around $15-20 USD for lunch
and $15-30 USD dinner. A beer costs on average $3-5 USD.There is a lot more
to Mexican cuisine than fajitas and tacos and we have the opportunity to
discover the wealth of dishes on offer. 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, in particular by visiting a mezcal distillery.
14 nights in a mixture of standard and comfortable hotels with en suite
facilitiesAll breakfasts and 2 lunchesTravel by private minibus and boatSome
long drivesDay of the Dead Festival special departure
Covering a lot of ground from Mexico City to Cancun does mean there are some
long drives – some of which are on windy mountain roads. Some of the trip,
in the lowlands of Chiapas and the Yucatan in particular, is likely to be hot
and humid, especially in the summer months – drinking plenty of water and
dressing in loose cotton clothing will help. Whilst this is a leisurely trip,
walking city tours. as well as visits to various pre-Hispanic sites. does
mean a lot of time spent on our feet. Many of the areas visited on the trip
are at high altitude and some short walks (normally one to three hours) are
planned. A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip. Please
note, 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 (i.e. lifejackets or
buoyancy aids) available for you to use on the activity. 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 leader at the
start of the tour so they can make alternative arrangements.
HotelsWe will stay in a variety of colonial and modern properties, all with
en-suite facilities.Some of the accommodation highlights will include: a
hotel classified as a historic monument which was originally a Jesuit
monastery in Puebla, a Spanish colonial residence in the heart of San
Cristobal de las Casas and a property 2km from Palenque surrounded by
forest.Some of the hotels have pools and most have WiFi/internet.Single
supplements are available upon request.
All breakfasts and 2 lunches included.Breakfast generally consist of fruits,
cereals, beans and eggs.Meals vary in price from around $15-20 USD for lunch
and $15-30 USD dinner. A beer costs on average $3-5 USD.There is a lot more
to Mexican cuisine than fajitas and tacos and we have the opportunity to
discover the wealth of dishes on offer. 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, in particular by visiting a mezcal distillery.
Transport during this trip is by private minibuses (usually with air
conditioning) and boat.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 DaysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or United
Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmeduntil approximately two weeks before
departure.Travelling land only: 15 days starting in Mexico City and ending in
CancunYour trip normally starts at our accommodation in Mexico City in the
evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.The state of Quintana Roo has recently implemented a
new tax levied on all international travelers in effect April 1, 2021. This
tax will be approximately 12 USD per person and can be paid the fee and
obtain a receipt by visiting http://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/prior to arrival
or during the visit. The payment must be verified prior to leaving the state
of Quintana Roo. Once travelers have concluded their stay in Quintana Roo,
they must show their receipt at the airport checkpoint before boarding.
Travelers who do not have a receipt will receive assistance to make the
payment at that time.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this
transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense
On the coast and in the lowland areas there is little variation in
temperatures between the seasons. These are likely to be 28ºC to 33ºC
average daytime maximum and 18ºC to 23ºC 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 20ºC, rising to 27ºC in summer. Nights are
much cooler, around 6ºC in winter and 12ºC 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 normally rains on average one day in three. 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.
SunglassesSunhatSunscreenRain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacketWarm
sweaterSwimming gearShortsSturdy walking shoes for ruinsLong
trousersLong‐sleeved lightweight shirtsInsect repellent.Refillable water
bottleDress is fairly conservative. Women do not normally wear shorts in the
towns and men should always wear a shirt or t‐shirt.At time of writing the
standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international
carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked
baggage.As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is
subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
UmbrellaBinocularsHeadtorchSmall daypack for walks/ruins visitsUniversal sink
plug
It is possible to pay for some items in USD including some souvenirs though
in normal shops you will need to use Mexican Pesos. Optional ExcursionsVisit
to local Mayan community (available during free day in San Cristobal de las
Casas) ‐ US$35 per personBoat trip on the Sumidero Canyon (available during
free day in San Cristobal de las Casas) ‐ US$55 per personMisol Ha
Waterfall ‐ US$5 per personLocal Mayan Community & Boat Trip to the
Sumidero Canyon ‐US$80 per person
Although entirely optional, we suggest that you budget between US$85-90 in
total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:Approximately US$3 per
day for your tour leader.Approximately US$2 per day for your
driver.Approximately US$2 for each local guide used.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinationsDeparture tax from Cancun Airport
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.