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Travel through vivacious Mexico from Mexico City to Playa Del Carmen

Discover the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Mayan and Spanish cultures on this two-week journey spanning ruins, pueblos and beaches. Arrive in Mexico and travel through the mad metropolis of Mexico City to the relaxed beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient Mexican civilisations along the way. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of Latin America's most colourful and exciting destinations.

Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Destination
Mexico
Style
Basix
Code
QVRM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • You've never seen true colour until you've been to a Mexican market. Practice your bargaining skills, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in multiple destinations

  • Eat your way through arty Oaxaca. Mole, mezcal and chocolate for dinner? Delicioso!

  • Escape the Mexican heat in San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by ancient tribal villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots

  • Discover the colonial history of charming Merida. Loaf around in leafy plazas, get cultural at a museum or work your salsa shimmy with a friendly local

  • Chichen Itza is one the New Seven Wonders of the World. It's not hard to see why - strolling around the ancient Mayan ruins feels pretty wondrous

  • Splash around, sun-bake and play on Playa del Carmen's white sandy beaches

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport, including one overnight bus. While this can be tiring, it's also a fantastic way to rub shoulders with the locals and get under the skin of a place.

  • Mexico's climate is sultry and tropical, so can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and make sure stay hydrated, especially while out on walking tours.

Map of Mexico Unplugged including Mexico
mexico playa del carmen beach sunbaking ocean
mexico antigua colourful textiles handmade local
mexico antigua textiles shopkeeper market local
mexico chilon bright local market
mexico maya pyramid ancient structure local handmade'
mexico playa del carmen beach
mexico san cristobal ancient building structure street market

Itinerary
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Bienvenidos a Mexico City! Welcome to Mexico City!
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be checking your passport details, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). 

Modern meets ancient in Mexico City - one of the world's largest urban centres. Although crowded and smoggy, D.F. (Distrito Federal) offers a great variety of museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting nightlife and delicious street food. If you arrive into the city early, head to the Zocalo, the city's huge central square, to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture. Perhaps relax in one of the many parks, plazas or gardens or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Mexico City - Templo Mayor (Archaeological Site and Museum) (Closed Mondays) - MXN70
  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (Closed Mondays) - MXN60
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (Closed Mondays) - MXN70
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may be continuing on longer itineraries – Complete Central America (QVBDC) or Discover Mexico & Cuba (QVBAC) or Central America Encompassed (QVRYC) to name a few. Please contact our sales team if you wish to book or know more information on these longer combination trips.

This morning your leader will take you on an orientation walk to point out places of interest nearby the hotel and facilities such as the metro station and ATMs. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. If you like art, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see. Another fascinating activities is a boat tour through the canal district of Xochimilco.
Alternatively, you can choose to take an optional day trip to the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, 50 kilometres out of the city. A local guide will lead you down 'The Avenue of the Dead', pointing out the historic Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. You'll also visit the religious landmark of the Virgen de Guadalupe.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mexico City - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Mexican Night Out: Cantinas, Mariachi & Lucha Libre - Urban Adventures - USD58
  • Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - USD50
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (Cheaper for students, pensioners & on weekdays. Closed Mondays) - MXN220
  • Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) - MXN350
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning and most of the afternoon are free to continue exploring Mexico City. Later in the afternoon, take taxis to the bus station and catch a local bus to Puebla (approx 2.5 hours). Please make sure you bring bottled water and snacks for the journey. Local buses in Mexico aren’t the colourful school buses you’ll see in other areas of Central America. Most of the buses we use in Mexico are comfortable coach-style vehicles, with a bathroom and seats for all passengers. Local buses tend to blast the air conditioning so remember to pack a jacket in case you get cold.
On arrival, your leader will take you out to orient yourself around the hotel for the further exploration the next day. At some point tonight or tomorrow your leader will run over some common Spanish phrases and words to set you up for the trip ahead. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Puebla - Orientation walk
  • Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities
  • Mexico City - Mariachis in Garibaldi Square (Approx. for 2-3 songs) - MXN150
  • Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout - MXN100
  • Mexico City Markets and Food Tour - Urban Adventures - USD39
  • Mexico City - National Palace and Diego Rivera murals - Free
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral - MXN20
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is free to discover Puebla at your leisure. Although a rapidly growing city, Puebla features many well-maintained colonial churches and buildings. Two good examples are the Santa Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel. Head to the markets to brush up on your bargaining skills and pick up some hand-painted tiles or other handicrafts. If you're looking for something outside of the city, perhaps take the train to Cholula town to visit the Great Pyramid. After a day sightseeing and shopping, why not try some mole Poblano, a dish native to Puebla and famous all over Mexico? You could even try making it yourself during an optional cooking class.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel - Free
  • Puebla - Visit to Cholula - USD15
  • Puebla - Cooking class - USD85
  • Puebla - Lucha Libre show (ticket price depends on seating area) - USD15
  • Puebla - Museum of Art - USD5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today travel by local bus to Oaxaca (approx five hours). You'll have two full free days here. Your leader will provide ideas for activities and help you to make the most of your time. As usual, start with an orientation walk.
A beautiful old colonial town, Oaxaca is full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. The markets are populated by descendents of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians selling colourful woven blankets and shawls. Oaxaca is also known for its arts scene, including folk art, fine art and dance. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets or simply sit in the square drinking mezcal as the world goes by. Your hotel is within walking distance of Oaxaca's nightlife hot spots.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oaxaca - Orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today, perhaps visit the spectacular mountain top temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1,500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The settlement's terraces, dams, canals and pyramids were literally carved out of the mountain. Alternatively, you could take a day tour out to the nearby Mitla Ruins, the mineral springs of Hierve el Agua and a mezcal distillery. Back in town, why not whip up something delicious at a cooking class?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban Ruins (entrance fee) - USD10
  • Oaxaca - Full-day tour inc. Mitla Ruins, Hierve el Agua and mezcal distillery - USD45
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre - USD8
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - USD80
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today, take the chance to do whatever optional activity you couldn't fit in yesterday or perhaps simply stroll the streets and people watch at a local cafe.
In the evening, take a first-class overnight bus to San Cristobal del las Casas (approx 13 hours in total). First-class buses in Mexico are quite comfortable. They are equipped with toilets and reclining seats with plenty of leg room. They are always air-conditioned, so make sure you take a light jumper with you as it may get cold on board. While the bus is very comfortable, the road from Oaxaca to San Cristobal has some very winding sections. If you suffer from motion sickness, this will be a good time to have your medication ready.
Accommodation
  • Overnight bus (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Petty thefts happen from time to time during overnight bus journeys. These opportunistic individuals are not only an annoyance, they are also unfortunately extremely talented. They wait for passengers to be asleep to skilfully search through carry-on luggage in search of cameras, money and credit cards. During overnight bus journeys, it is safest to carry all your valuable belongings in the main luggage compartment which remains locked and out of the reach of anyone throughout the journey.

Arrive into San Cristobal early in the morning. Check-in at the hotel isn't usually until midday, so if you can't check in on arrival, leave your luggage and start exploring San Cristobal. Start with an orientation tour so you have a head start on where the most important facilities are located.
Today and tomorrow are at your leisure. As always, your group leader will help you arrange to take part in optional activities. With its winding cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, San Cristobal de las Casas maintains an old-world feel mixed with strong pre-hispanic roots. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led city tour
Optional Activities
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Amber (Jade) Museum - MXN20
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum - USD5
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Museum of Typical Costumes - USD4
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

The surrounding villages are home to Tzotzil and Tzeltal groups who maintain their tribal origins through their traditional costumes and customs. You might like to explore the villages by mountain bike. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church. The floor is covered with pine needles and the air is heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings with firewater, ancient prayer and chickens. If you visit, please be aware of a strict ban on cameras as the local people maintain their traditional customs. There are also markets selling colourful handicrafts. Another option is a day trip to Sumidero Canyon. Back in town, wander to a local cafe and try an 'elote', a traditional highland corn snack.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - El Chorreadero canyoning - MXN1250
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Maya villages tour including San Juan Chamula Church - USD20
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Mountain bike tour - USD40
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Sumidero Canyon (inc. transport) - USD30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today travel along a windy road by private minivan to Palenque (approx 6 hours). Once you've arrived, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in hot jungle, Palenque is the jumping off point to the nearby Mayan ruins of the same name. You'll have tomorrow to check them out.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The local Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque has been quite active in recent months, occasionally holding protests or blocking roads. Our local operations team is constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders. In some cases we might need to use an alternative route from San Cristobal to Palenque to avoid this activity - more so to bypass long traffic delays than any real danger.

Today you have the chance to visit the ruins of Palenque. Situated on a hilltop, the ruins date back to 600 AD and are some of the most impressive Mayan relics in Mexico. As you walk among the temples (closed-toe shoes recommended), listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins which are still un-excavated and remain hidden in the forest. You can opt to take a guided tour of the ruins or through the surrounding jungle. This afternoon, travel by private bus to the historic town of Merida (approximately 8 hours). 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palenque - Palenque Ruins (Entrance only)
Optional Activities
  • Palenque - Jungle Trail tour - USD15
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Founded in 1542, Merida still retains much of its old-world charm. After your orientation walk around the hotel, wander through the Old Town, check out some museums and stroll the city streets, which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the others. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, go for a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. Mornings are the best time to visit the outdoor markets, where you can stock up on hammocks and Mayan replicas. This is also a great place to sample local food specialities, such as 'cochinita pibil' or the extremely spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Merida - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Merida - Cuzama cenotes tour (inc. transport and guide) - USD45
  • Merida - Guided city tour - USD15
  • Merida - Contemporary Art Museum - USD5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Merida is the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Today perhaps choose to take a tour of the ruins which  includes transport and a local guide. Little is known about the site's origins but it is thought the city was founded around 500 AD. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. You can also visit a nearby bird sanctuary or a variety of other ruins. Merida's locals love dancing. Every Sunday the town's streets are transformed into an open-air dance floor, with salsa and merengue bands providing the music.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Merida - Dzibilchaltun Ruins tour - USD70
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN800
  • Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) - USD50
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel to Playa del Carmen by private minivan, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza (this first leg will take about two hours). Recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza contains both Toltec and Mayan ruins lying alongside each other. The famous El Castillo pyramid dominates the site. There is also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice offered up treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones. The group will spend 2-3 hours at Chichen Itza before continuing on to Playa (approx three hours). Blessed with azure waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, Playa del Carmen is a resort city close to Cancun also with a party atmosphere. After your quick and easy orienation walk, pick a place to kick back with a margarita and watch the sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chichen Itza Ruins - Entrance Fee
  • Playa del Carmen - Orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your adventure ends today. There are no activities planned for the final day.

If you are lucky enough to have the time to spend a couple of extra nights in Playa del Carmen, use your time snorkelling in fresh water rock pools (called Cenotes), strolling along the white sands or for an adventure further afield, take a ferry across to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving. Perhaps take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide.
Optional Activities
  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Entrance fee (snorkelling gear included) - MXN300
  • Playa del Carmen - Bicycle rental (per day) - MXN185
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip) - MXN300
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Local bus, Overnight bus, Private minivan, Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

Included activities

  • Mexico City - Orientation walk
  • Puebla - Orientation walk
  • Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Oaxaca - Orientation walk
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led city tour
  • Palenque - Palenque Ruins (Entrance only)
  • Merida - Orientation walk
  • Chichen Itza Ruins - Entrance Fee
  • Playa del Carmen - Orientation walk

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available for purchase on this trip, except on Day 7 (Overnight bus) where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Our Mexico Unplugged trips score an average of 4.65 out of 5 based on 268 reviews in the last year.

Mexico Unplugged, March 2018

Clodagh McCarthy

Review submitted 20 Apr 2018

Mexico Unplugged, January 2018

Daniel Dare

Review submitted 15 Apr 2018

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