Best of Mexico: Colonial and Mayan Treasures

Welcome to the capital city of the diverse and vivid Mexico! Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel to relax. The rest time of today is yours to do some exploration on your own.

Your city exploration today will start from the Zocalo, the main square of Mexico City. As the heart of the Historic Center, it is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral - the biggest church in Latin America, the Palacio Nacional hosting Diego Rivera's murals depicting the 400 years history of Mexico, and some other magnificent buildings.

Drive out of Mexico City along the famous Paseo de la Reforma built during the short-lived reign of Emperor Maximilian to visit the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, the most impressive city in the pre-Columbian Americas. There, you will discover the Quetzalpapalotl Palace Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Conches, the Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun.

Today you will move forward to the World Heritage Site of Puebla and then to Oaxaca. The first stop on the way is the exuberant Church of Santa Maria Tonanzintla that uniquely fuses indigenous art with Christian themes. The second stop is Cholula, where you will visit the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid by volume known to exist in the world today and an important religious center in Prehispanic time. When arriving in Puebla, you will explore its colonial center lined with churches and colonial mansions. There, you will also have some leisure time on your own to taste some local flavors including the most authentic "mole poblano", Mexico's national dish. Later in the afternoon, arrive in Oaxaca and check into your hotel for rest.

Departure early in the morning to visit Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on a mountain 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley. Monte Alban is the greatest of the Zapotec cities, and it came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic life of the region. Here, you will explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace, and other beautiful structures.

When returning to Oaxaca, once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations, you will walk through the streets of this colonial city along with the Cathedral, the Iglesia de Santo Doming, the Casa Juarez, browse its colorful markets, and soak up the bustling atmosphere on its Zocalo.

Have an early breakfast and then head to the airport for the flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to take a boat tour in the Sumidero Canyon National Park. Formed by a geological fault some 40 million years ago, the immense Sumidero canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Chiapas, with the canyon walls reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters and the Grijalva River dotted with waterfalls and caves.

Before proceeding to San Cristobal de las Casas for overnight, you will also visit the peaceful colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, the first city founded by the Spaniards in Chiapas.

This morning, you will explore the colonial city center of San Cristobal de las Casas on foot, with visits to the cathedral on the north side of the main square and the impressive 16th-century Dominican church Templo de Santo Domingo.

In the afternoon, drive about 10km into the Chiapas highlands to discover the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. There you will have close contact with the Tzotzils, who descend from the ancient Maya and maintain some unique customs, costumes, and beliefs, and explore beautiful churches and handicraft markets. Afterward, return to San Cristobal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Depart early to Palenque. On the way, you will make a stop in Agua Azul, a breathtaking sight consists of 500 small waterfalls between 2 to 30 meters high, thundering into turquoise pools surrounded by verdant jungle.

After breakfast, you will visit the archaeological site of Palenque. Located in the foothills of the Chiapas altiplano of modern Mexico, Palenque was an important Maya city that flourished between c. 600 and 750 CE. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is not only an archaeological site for Mayan ruins hidden deep in the rainforest but also home to countless toucans and howler monkeys. There you will marvel at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temple of the Sun crowned with a prominent roof comb, and the Palace with its maze of corridors and rooms. After the tour, depart to Campeche for overnight.

After breakfast, we will visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site, located 80km south of Merida.

Uxmal is one of the few Mayan ruins that are almost as same as they were abandoned in the second half of the 16th century. The architectures here are mainly in Puuc style that features low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with a lot of sculptures depicting the long-nosed rain god Chaac. Here you will explore its main buildings, including the Pyramids of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the House of Turtles, and then continue to Merida for overnight.

Continue your Mayan culture discovery today with a visit to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Located about 120km from Merida, it is one of the best restored Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here you should not miss the magnificent Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, the Cenote of Sacrifice, and many other beautiful temples.

After that, you will drive to the beach location of your hotel in Cancun. Hotel and beach extensions in Cancun are not included in this tour but we will be so glad to recommend and book for you if any needs.