Best of Mexico Vacation: Mayan Masterpieces to Colonial Cities | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Best of Mexico Vacation: Mayan Masterpieces to Colonial Cities

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PRIVATE TOUR - 13 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5375

Private Tour Highlights

  • Climbing the towering ancient temples of Teotihuacan, whose grandeur is awe-inspiring and panoramic views unforgettable.
  • Savoring the enticing sights, sounds and smells of San Cristobal de las Casas and Oaxaca, both exquisite colonial towns in the south of Mexico.
  • Exploring the intriguing archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla near Oaxaca City, where a string of pre-Columbian civilizations flourished.
  • Gazing up in wonder at the craggy rock faces of the towering Sumidero Canyon as you sail along the Grijalva River.
  • Observing the traditions of the highland villages in Chiapas, including the distinctive dress, colorful markets and festivals.
  • Staring in awe at the iconic Mayan-Toltec pyramids of Chichen-Itza, which dates back around 1,000 years and is an emblem of Mexico’s heritage.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

The Best of Mexico Vacation: Mayan Masterpieces to Colonial Cities package has some of everything! The sophistication of Mexico City, the white-sand beaches of Cancun, colonial charm of Mérida, and the history and mystery of the Mayas at Palenque and Chichen-Itza. Here you can climb the pyramids, gaze into the “sacred cenote” and see where men used to play ball games that sometimes led to honorable deaths by sacrifice for the winners. Chichen-Itza has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most fascinating places in all of Mexico.

Travel through one of the world’s largest metropolis, Mexico City, also the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere. Then continue to Oaxaca, located in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur, was once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. Today’s Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences. The early Zapotecs developed a great civilization at nearby Monte Albán. Fly to San Cristobal de las Casa, characteristically indigenous Chiapaneca town nestled in the heart of the jungle highlands. In San Cristobal you are in a perfect location to visit the ruins of Palenque. From Palenque continue to Mérida, explore the the social and economic center, as well as the capital, of the state of Yucatán. From here you will explore the ruins of Chichen-Itza and end your journey in Cancun.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations.

Inclusions
Price includes:
Local air transportation from Mexico City to Oaxaca, Oaxaca to Tuxtla-Gutierrez, and Villahermosa to Mérida, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Note: Prices include private day tours and transfers in this itinerary. Yampu Tours believes this is the best way to experience the destination but if you are interested in group/shared tours please consult with your Yampu Tours Tour Consultant.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 5375

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Mexico City

Upon arrival in Mexico City transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure or choose from optional excursions.

Upon arrival in Mexico City transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure or choose from optional excursions.

Day
2

Teotihuacan Site – Mexico City Walking Tour

In the morning depart the city heading to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. By the afternoon, after a magnificent tour of the ruins, return to Mexico City to visit the first quarter – el Zocalo. Mexico City is also known as the Ciudad de los Palacios (City of Palaces). The tour continues in the main square, where one will visit some Colonial palaces like the Palacio Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral and other beautiful architectural sites and walk through the main streets. Continue to the Paseo de la Reforma to admire its monuments and buildings. ...read less

Mexico-City
Day
3

Oaxaca

Transfer to the airport for a flight to one of the most traditional states in the country: Oaxaca, in Southern Mexico. There, transfer to the hotel. Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful colonial city center.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to one of the most traditional states in the country: Oaxaca, in Southern Mexico. There, transfer to the hotel. Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful colonial city center.

Oaxaca-Ocotlan-de-Morelo
Day
4

Monte Alban and Mitla

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the impressive archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla. Today, Mitla is a popular destination for tourists to Oaxaca. It has a small museum and hosts a large outdoor market. Many of the townspeople speak a form of the Zapotec language.

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the impressive archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla. Today, Mitla is a popular destination for tourists to Oaxaca. It has a small museum and hosts a large outdoor market. Many of the townspeople speak a form of the Zapotec language.

Day
5

Oaxaca

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Oaxaca. Optional Oaxacan cuisine cooking course available, not included in price.

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Oaxaca. Optional Oaxacan cuisine cooking course available, not included in price.

Oaxaca-Casa-de-Cantera-Restaurant-Mexico
Day
6

San Cristobal de las Casas

Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transfer to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, visit of the enormous Sumidero Canyon to enjoy a spectacular boat ride. Live an unforgettable experience sailing throughout the Grijalva River all across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs of up to one-kilometer-high and the river's depth of up to 100 meters deep; the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon is located near San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas. Wild monkeys and iguanas inhabit the area, among other different wild animals. ...read less

Sumidero-Canyon-Mexico
Day
7

Local Villages

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the mysterious Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring their patron saint and other special religious days. Afterwards, walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas. San Cristobal de las Casas is a colonial jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. It is the indigenous soul of the town, coexisting harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it such an enchanting place to visit. ...read less

San-Cristobal-Church-Mexico
Day
8

Agua Azul – Palenque

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to the small town of Palenque. On the way, visit the outstanding blue waters of the “Agua Azul” waterfalls.

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to the small town of Palenque. On the way, visit the outstanding blue waters of the “Agua Azul” waterfalls.

agua-azul-Mexico
Day
9

Palenque

Enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque. Walk through the same paths as the great Mayan Lords and feel the charm and mystery of this culture while discovering the Mayan site of Palenque which is located in the northwest of the Maya lowlands in Chiapas, Mexico. Surrounded by the jungle, Palenque is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Mesoamerica, as well as a ceremonial center and home to a number of Mayan Lords. There are religious temples, plazas, open courts and a ball court, but majority of the structures are palaces. Artifacts discovered at this site tell us about the Mayan Lords and in particular of Lord Pacal, one of the most well-known Lords of the Mayan civilization. Continue to Villahermosa for the night. ...read less

Day
10

Merida

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Merida, the “white city”, transfer to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Merida, the “white city”, transfer to the hotel.

Merida-Mexico
Day
11

Uxmal and Kabah

Enjoy today’s incredible excursion to the wonderful archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Uxmal was probably built around 700 AD. The rich green fertile land provides a perfect setting for some of the most magnificent ancient pyramids, buildings and temples of the ancient Mayan world. One can sense the history here while walking around and gazing at the stunning architecture and majestic layout of this ancient city. The Piramide del Adivino (the Oracle’s Pyramid) stands majestically above other buildings. A climb to its summit will reward with spectacular views of the entire half-square-mile ancient city. Kabah is located south of Uxmal connecting both archaeological sites by a grand 18 km long pedestrian causeway with 5 meters wide with monumental arches at each end. Kabah is the second largest ruin of the Puuc region, after Uxmal. The most famous structure at Kabah ruins is the Palacio de las Mascaras (the Palace of the Masks), the fascade decorated with hundreds of stone masks of the long-nosed Rain God Chaac. The site also has a number of other palaces, low stone buildings, and step-pyramid temples to discover and enjoy. ...read less

Uxmal-Mexico
Day
12

Chichen-Itza

After breakfast, leave Merida on the way to the ancient archaeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza are over 1500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichen”. One will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Continue to Cancun for the night.

After breakfast, leave Merida on the way to the ancient archaeological site of Chichen-Itza. The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza are over 1500 years old. The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichen”. One will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Continue to Cancun for the night.

chichen-itza-Mexico
Day
13

Flight Home

Transfer to Cancun airport for the international flight back home or stay a few nights in a hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

Transfer to Cancun airport for the international flight back home or stay a few nights in a hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

Mexico City, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

Palenque, Mexico

Villahermosa, Mexico

Merida, Mexico

Cancún, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • palace-fine-arts-mexico-city

    Mexico City

    From the bustling nightlife, to the massive collection of museums, Mexico City appeals to all. Bring the family to Six Flags Mexico, or the Chapultepec Park and Zoo. Sports fans can enjoy the Estadio Azteca, the biggest soccer stadium in the world, or the Arena Mexico to watch the famous Lucha Libre. Or simply stroll the streets and visit different restaurants and shops.

  • mexico-oaxaca-cathedral

    Oaxaca

    Capital of the Mexican state Oaxaca, Oaxaca city is a bustling area with impressive colonial structures and important archaeological sites including Monte Alban. This Zapotec site was created by leveling the mountains and constructing terraces. Keep in mind this was all before the massive power tools of today. One can explore the markets and take cooking classes along with Spanish lessons.

  • Palenque-pyramid-Mexico

    Palenque

    Containing some of the finest architecture, Palenque was once a Maya city state that had been abandoned to be swallowed by the Mexican jungle. Now partially excavated, eight temples and other structures stand today. It is believed that this is only ten percent of the entire Maya City that is still mostly consumed by nature. Enjoy a guided tour and learn what there is of this ancient city.

  • olmec-tabasco-mexico

    Villahermosa

    Villahermosa is an important business center for Mexican oil companies, rich in farming and agriculture, and the capital city of the Mexican state of Tabasco. Visit La Venta, an archeological site consisting of pieces from the Olmec civilization, the first major civilization in Mexico.

  • Merida-Mexico

    Merida

    Take in the Colonial architecture while visiting the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan. Merida is a bustling city overflowing with culture and history. Explore the art scene with some stops at local museums including the MACAY Gallery. Find souvenirs and other fun things at the bustling and colorful Lucas de Galvez market, and learn about ancient Maya culture at The Great Museum of the Maya World.

  • cancun-mexico

    Cancun

    From historical relics of Mayan civilization, to sandy beaches, Cancun has it all. Visit El Meco, a substantial archeological site on the mainland, or The Interactive Aquarium of Cancun where you can get acquainted with all sorts of aquatic life, and even swim with dolphins. If an aquarium isn’t exciting enough, dive into the sea with some of Cancun’s best scuba diving instructors.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Mexico City : Hotel NH Centro Historico

Oaxaca : Mision de Los Angeles

Oaxaca : Hotel Casa Conzatti

San Cristobal de las Casas : Ciudad Real Centro Historico

San Cristobal de las Casas : Diego de Mazariegos

Palenque : Mision Palenque

Villahermosa : Hilton Villahermosa & Conference

Merida : Gamma by Fiesta Inn

Merida : Del Gobernador

Cancun : Beach Scape Kin Ha Villas & Spa

Cancun : Presidente Intercontinental

4 Star Properties

Oaxaca : Hotel Victoria

San Cristobal de las Casas : Villa Mercedes San Cristobal

Palenque : Chan-kah Resort Village

Palenque : Villa Mercedes Palenque

Villahermosa : Quinta Real Villahermosa

Merida : Mision de Fray Diego

Cancun : Westin Resort & Spa

Cancun : Krystal Grand Cancun

5 Star Properties

Mexico City : Presidente InterContinental (Polanco View)

Mexico City : Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Oaxaca : Quinta Real Oaxaca

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (deluxe room)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Casa del Alma Boutique Hotel

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (standard)

Merida : Hacienda Merida

Merida : Casa del Balam Hotel

Cancun : Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun

Cancun : Hotel Casa Turquesa

Luxury Properties

Mexico City : St. Regis

Mexico City : Four Seasons

Oaxaca : Casa Catrina

Oaxaca : Hacienda Los Laureles and spa Hotel Boutique

San Cristobal de las Casas : Parador San Juan de Dios (Master suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (Ik suite)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (deluxe Suite)

Villahermosa : Hilton Villahermosa & Conference (Deluxe suite)

Merida : Casa Lecanda

Merida : Casa Azul Hotel

Cancun : Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort

Cancun : Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Testimonials

Reinhard, German clients

Traveled March, 2010

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour

Everything went very smoothly on our private tour, many thanks. We were able to see many different regions and aspects of Mexico making it a simply fascinating experience. We had a great time in Mexico City and Taxko (sadly Puebla was flooded and had to be taken out of the itinerary), and were able to take in the Aztek culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Then in the north, Copper Canyon (bigger than the Grand Canyon in the US) and the amazing train journey. The trip at the end to Baja California we managed to see the grey whales and the Yucatan and beautiful Maya ruins. The exposure to these very different areas in a short time made this a truly memorable journey.

Traveled To

David O.

Traveled December, 2012

I had a wonderful time!

Mexico was great! I’m very happy with all the tour guides, the transportation was spotless, and the hotels you arranged for me did the trick! Happily the world didn’t come to an end. Hahaha! Thank you so much for your help in planning my trip! You gracefully crunched a wild assortment of messy details in to a smooth flowing system! I saw and did everything I wanted to see and do and then some! I had a wonderful time!

Traveled To

Liz K

Traveled February, 2012

Thank you again for everything

The trip went off without a hitch due to your excellent planning, awesome tour guides and drivers and wonderful accommodations. I had an incredible time, the Mayan sites were indeed magic and the scenery in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize is something not to be missed. I wanted to mention my driver, Gustavo Morales, who drove me from the Lake Atitlan hotel to the Guatemala Airport (for my flight to Flores). Gustavo should as far as I am concerned be nominated for the Tourist Driver of the Year Award. If such an award doesn’t exist, one should be created for him. On the day he was to drive me to the airport, there was a massive two-large truck collision in the middle of the main highway to the Airport. In addition, the teachers had gone on strike and were blocking the roads. Gustavo thought that we would not make it to the airport in time, but said he would try his best. He backtracked almost as far as Antigua and took all the back roads through Guatemala City to circle the city and come back to the airport from the other direction. Not only did he give me the Drive of a Lifetime, but he did get me to the airport in plenty of time for the flight. It was nothing short of a miracle and I would like to pass along my thanks and also, my admiration for his driving skills. He is a wonderful guy and I wish him all the best of luck for the future. Thank you again for everything I will definitely recommend Yampu to anyone who wishes a fantastic, personally tailored vacation.

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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