Pre-Columbian Mexico: from Mexico City to the Maya Sites of the Yucatán

A journey to the heart of the great pre-Columbian civilizations, from the highlands of Mexico City to the Yucatán Peninsula. Over 11 days you cross seven Mexican states, visiting the country’s most important archaeological sites, four UNESCO World Heritage cities and natural wonders such as the Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. You will also discover the living traditions of the indigenous communities of Chiapas. Small-group tour (2 to 14 people) with an Italian-speaking guide, 4* and 5* hotels and 8 lunches included.

Day 1 – Friday: Mexico City

Arrival at Mexico City airport, transfer to the hotel and overnight at the Barceló Reforma 5*.

Day 2 – Saturday: Mexico City – Teotihuacán – Mexico City (100 km)

City tour of the capital. We start at the Zócalo, with the National Palace (exterior), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Aztec Templo Mayor (exterior). We then drive along the main avenues and visit the Diego Rivera Mural Museum, home to the mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central”. Panoramic tour of the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco, once the most important market of the Aztec empire. Excursion to Teotihuacán, the “city of the gods”: Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, Avenue of the Dead, the Citadel with the Temple of Quetzalcóatl and the Palace of the Butterflies. Buffet lunch. On the way back, visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe.

Day 3 – Sunday: Mexico City – Puebla – Oaxaca (474 km)

Visit of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage city: Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Rosary Chapel, the House of Dolls, the Church of the Society of Jesus, the University, Callejón de los Sapos and the Casa del Alfeñique. Free time at the Parián, the colorful handicraft market. Lunch and continuation to Oaxaca. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca Centro Histórico 4*.

Day 4 – Monday: Oaxaca – Monte Albán – Oaxaca (30 km)

Visit of Monte Albán, the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilization. Continuation to Teotitlán del Valle, where local weavers demonstrate their weaving techniques and natural dyeing methods. Back in Oaxaca, a short walk through the historic center. Lunch and free afternoon.

Day 5 – Tuesday: Oaxaca – Tuxtla Gutiérrez (565 km)

In Santiago Matatlán we visit a palenque, a traditional artisanal mezcal distillery, to learn how mezcal is made. We continue towards Tehuantepec, with lunch at the Hotel Calli restaurant, and then on to Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Overnight at the Marriott Tuxtla Gutiérrez 4*.

Day 6 – Wednesday: Tuxtla Gutiérrez – San Cristóbal de las Casas (62 km)

In Chiapa de Corzo we board a boat on the Grijalva River to explore the spectacular Sumidero Canyon. Visit of the town’s Moorish-style fountain, shaped like the crown of the Catholic Monarchs. Lunch and continuation to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Overnight at the Sombra del Agua 4*.

Day 7 – Thursday: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Indigenous communities (20 km)

Visit of the Indigenous Market and the Church of Santo Domingo, followed by the Tzotzil communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Free afternoon.

Day 8 – Friday: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Agua Azul – Palenque (191 km)

A drive through lush rainforest to the Agua Azul waterfalls, famous for their turquoise water. Continuation to Palenque and overnight at the Villa Mercedes Palenque 4*.

Day 9 – Saturday: Palenque – Campeche (362 km)

Visit of the archaeological site of Palenque, set in the jungle: the Palace, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Foliated Cross and the Temple of the Inscriptions. Lunch en route and arrival in Campeche, a fortified UNESCO World Heritage city. City visit and overnight at the Hotel Plaza Campeche 4*.

Day 10 – Sunday: Campeche – Uxmal – Mérida (169 km)

Visit of Uxmal, the jewel of the Puuc Route, with the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace. Buffet lunch and continuation to Mérida. Panoramic tour of the city, which grew rich on the henequen (agave fiber) trade, as shown by its French, Italian and Moorish-style mansions. Overnight at Villa Mercedes Mérida, Curio Collection by Hilton 5*.

Day 11 – Monday: Mérida – Chichén Itzá – Cancún/Riviera Maya (309 km)

Visit of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Observatory, the Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo), the Great Ball Court and the Sacred Cenote. Stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim. Lunch and transfer to your chosen hotel in Cancún or the Riviera Maya. End of services.