Days:
13
Starts:
Mexico City
Finishes:
Playa Del Carmen
Meals:
12B, 2L, 1D
From:
$2599USD
Viva Mexico
Highlights
Crammed full of rich cultural tradition, fiery eats, and breathtaking landscapes, there’s something for everyone in this colourful country. From the bustle of vibrant Mexico City to gorgeous colonial towns and the palm-fringed beaches of Playa Del Carmen, we’ve created a 13 day adventure to immerse yourself in ancient wonder and natural beauty at every turn. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll be doing all this with a knowledgeable group leader, plus an instant crew of new mates? The trip of a lifetime just got even better… get ready to turn up the HEAT!
What's Included
12 NIGHTS ACCOM
From tropical oasis' to traditional Hacienda-style buildings, you'll experience it all!
Check it out here
13 DAYS OF EPIC ACTIVITIES
Visit vibrant streets, swim in magical cenotes, sip margs on some of the most beautiful beaches & more!
See the full list
ALL TRANSPORT INCLUDED
All transport during your adventure is sorted, including a private minivan!
AWESOME GROUP LEADER
You'll get an awesome group leader from the moment you step off the plane to provide 24/7 support during & after your trip.
10 TREES PLANTED
We'll be planting 10 trees for every INTRO Travel booking made on your behalf!
Itinerary
MEXICO CITY
Hola and welcome to Mexico City! On arrival we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. You’ll have time to relax before meeting up with your new group of mates, and this evening we’ll head out and immerse ourselves in the capital's intoxicating atmosphere and get excited for the adventures to come!
MEXICO CITY
Today we explore the fascinating historical centre. We’ll gain insight into the centre of the Aztec Empire, and learn about the history of Spanish conquest. We'll pass icons like the Cathedral Metropolitan and Zocalo and then have free time to explore, listen to a mariachi song or two and see some floating shops for snacks and drinks. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Mexican dinner and show in Plaza Garibaldi!
OAXACA
After breakfast we’ll depart for the beautiful ‘Magic Town’ Puebla, flanked by four of Mexico’s famous volcanoes. Here we’ll learn about the history of the area - such as, this town is where Cinco de Mayo originates from! Following lunch we’ll continue our journey to Oaxaca. Once we’ve checked in to our accommodation, we’ll head out and discover some of the streets by moonlight, enjoying the local bars and restaurants!
TEHUANTEPEC
First up today we’ll visit a local family to learn about how hand-made textiles are produced, then we’re off into the valley to visit a traditional mezcal distillery. We’ll learn all about this energising spirit, then we’ll head to the beautiful town of Tehuantepec, where we will spend the night.
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
Hopping on a local boat we’ll cruise through the immense Canyon of Sumidero, spotting towering waterfalls, lush jungle valleys, searching for monkeys and coming face to face with crocodiles. We’ll then head up into mountains to our next destination - the iconic city of San Cristobal de las Casas. Enjoy a short walking tour and Pox tasting - a traditional drink from Chiapas region, before going out to an incredible dinner.
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
A cobblestoned city maintaining much of its Spanish colonial layout, today San Cristobal de las Casas is ours to discover. We’ll visit a local family to learn and make a traditional breakfast and then enjoy the breakfast with the family. Later we’ll visit the church of St. Juan Bautista in the town of San Juan Chamula. The afternoon is free for you to visit the local markets, try some of the famous Chiapas coffee, see the beautiful churches in San Cristobal de la Casas.
PALENQUE
This morning we’re up early to drive through lush green valleys before arriving at the stunning cascading waterfalls of Agua Azul. We’ll have plenty of time to swim in clear pools and snap some of the best grams of your life before we head off to the famous ancient Mayan city of Palenque to explore mesmerising pyramids and tombs that were once lost amongst the thick tropical jungle.
BACALAR
This morning’s we leave for Chicanná, a majestic Mayan archaeological site rising from the jungle. This afternoon we’ll continue to Bacalar, a town that witnessed the Caste War of Yucatan between the native Maya people and the European-descending Yucatecos.
BACALAR
Today we get to uncover Bacalar’s immaculate blue lagoon on a private boat tour. Also called the Lagoon of Seven Colours due to it’s jaw-dropping blue and turquoise hues, today is the perfect day in paradise with abundant opportunities to swim, see cenotes, work on our tans and enjoy a few drinks.
TULUM
Our Mexican adventure continues as we depart Bacalar for the Riveria Maya, a gorgeous stretch of Carribean coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula. On arrival in Tulum - a place famous for it’s perfect white sand and Mayan ruins facing the sea - we’ll check in and spend the afternoon exploring and catching the sunset by the beach.
TULUM
First up today is another icon - Chichen Itza, a masterpiece of Mayan culture that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage protection. After soaking in the majesty of this ancient place, we'll then enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming in the crystal clear waters of a stunning cenote, a natural limestone swimming hole in a secret subterranean world.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
After breakfast in Tulum we’ll travel to the palm-lined, tropical beaches of Playa del Carmen. We’ll have the day to relax on the beach, or walk along 5th Avenue - a famous street full of restaurants, bars and shops. Tonight we have our farewell dinner before heading out for some final drinks, a tequila shot (or two) and a dance!
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Time to bid farewell as our unforgettable Mexican adventure comes to an end. You can either check out and make your way back home or continue your travels in Central America. If you need any assistance planning onward travel, we’ll be there to help.
#SmallChange
Making a positive difference to the amazing destinations we travel is at the core of what we do. Small Change is our own socially conscious initiative aimed at making the world that little bit better place to explore!
Check out the #SmallChange you'll be part of while doing this tour. Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
The great thing about Mexico is that it’s usually warm year round, so you can go anytime. Between December and April it’s the dry season and there’s virtually no rain, and the coolest months are between December and February.
While there are certain areas within Mexico known for crime, these are limited and nowhere near where INTRO goes.
Mexico is a very popular tourist destination and safe to travel to, with only the need for the usual commonsense precautions we recommend for all our destinations.
At INTRO we have not only chosen the most beautiful and fascinating areas of Mexico but also places we know to be safe. Another benefit of travelling Mexico as part of a guided group tour.
When should I arrive for my tour?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins. Once you have booked your flights you can log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early we can still arrange your airport pick up for you (excluding Japan) and can book in your extra nights accommodation. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked.
Where can I update my arrival information for my tour?
Once you have booked your flights log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early we can still arrange your airport transfer for you (excluding Japan) and can book in your extra nights accommodation. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked. Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about arriving into the country, your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You can find information on which airport to fly into and out of in the 'Arrival Info’ and ‘After Your Trip’ sections of our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?
If you are arriving before the start date you can book extra nights at the tour accommodation. To do this, simply log into the Manage My Booking area of our website, add the extra nights and pay for them.
Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?
Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just need to let them know when you arrive.
How do I organise my airport transfer?
Our Mexico tour includes an airport transfer for when you arrive. Once you have booked your flights simply log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early and staying at the tour accommodation we will still arrange your airport transfer. Please let us know if you do not require an airport transfer.
A return transfer (after the tour) is not included, however your group leader can help arrange this for you, along with any other onward travel you need.
Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive. Please download it here for iPhone or Google
Are flights included in the price?
Flights to and from Mexico are not included in the price of the tour and will need to be booked separately. However if your tour has an internal flight as part of the itinerary, then this is included!
You can get a quote on a flight to your destination here.
When should I book my flight to arrive?
It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Do I need a visa and can you arrange it for me?
Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality. It’s your responsibility to check the visa and entry requirements for the country/s you will be travelling to. There is some information about visas in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
IMPORTANT: We cannot apply for your visa for you and strongly recommend that you check on the relevant embassy or consulate website for the country/s you’ll be travelling to well in advance of your departure, as requirements can change and some countries require you to apply for a visa before you travel.
How much spending money will I need?
All your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are included in the tour, so you will mainly just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel.
The amount of money you’ll need depends on the tour you are doing. There’s information about how much money you’ll need for each tour in our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
What’s the best way to access my money?
We recommend getting a Wise travel card, which will allow you to pay for things in local currency and avoid getting charged high foreign exchange fees by your bank.
Getting a Wise travel card is easy! You can get a Wise travel card here.
What should I pack for my tour?
Whether you have a backpack or a suitcase the main thing to keep in mind is not to bring too much stuff! We strongly recommend that you bring less than 20 kgs of stuff with you.
If you haven’t got a backpack yet, try and get one that zips open along the side. There will be places on the tour where you can do laundry, so you don’t need to bring 16 pairs of shorts with you.
You can view a packing checklist on our INTRO Travel App, which you can download here for iPhone or Google
How many people will be in my group?
Our groups usually have around 12-16 people on them, usually aged between 18 to early 40's. We get people from all over the world on our tours, so you’ll get to bond with a wide range of travellers who all share that same passion for adventure! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy bonding with people of all backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly!
How can I get in touch with my group?
Your group leader will make a WhatsApp group chat at the start of your tour. But you are welcome to make one earlier! You can reach out to your fellow travellers in our designated Facebook groups. We have a Facebook group for all our destinations, if you go to our INTRO Travel Community Facebook page you will be able to find the relevant group for your destination.
How can I get in touch with my group leader?
You will receive a ‘welcome email’ from your group leader approx. 2 weeks before your tour begins.
What if I'm travelling solo?
If you're struggling to convince your friends to join you on an adventure, you're not alone!
Travelling solo on a group tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience a new destination, and you won't have to wait around for your mates to be ready. You leave yourself open to meeting amazing people, making new friends, and can keep yourself and your onward travel plans flexible.
The majority of our group members are solo travellers, so joining one of our group tours is a great way to meet people and make friends. Before your trip starts we'll put you in touch with the rest of your group so you can start chatting and get to know each other. And after the trip a lot of people continue travelling with the new friends they've made!
What if I'm travelling with a friend/s or partner?
Once you’ve made a booking just let us know who you’re travelling with and we can make a note that you are travelling together, and can put you in the same room.
A big part of the INTRO Travel difference is our after-trip support. Your group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want. We'll also provide 24/7 support and advice after your trip, and will always be there to help when you need it.
13 DAYS
FROM
$2599
USD
secure your place now and pay later!
from
$400
USD
