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Mexico Unplugged

15 Days | Say hola to ancient cities, Aztec surprises and azure coastline

4.9 out of 5 based on 238 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CAD $1,955
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Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Discover ruins, visit pueblos and meet wonderful people on a tour that covers all the basics so you can get to exploring. Enjoy the relaxed shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient civilisations in Chichen Itza. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of Central America's most colourful and exciting destinations.

Trip overview

Map of Mexico Unplugged including Mexico
Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Mexico
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QVRM
This trip generates 36.03 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Practice your bargaining skills, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in Mexico City and Puebla.
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
  • Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Finish off your epic journey and recharge with a little beach time in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes basic accommodation and has free time for activities when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
  • 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 you stay hydrated, especially while out on walking tours.
  • Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can before the trip. In many of the destinations we visit, local people are reserved and/or do not speak English. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Mexico Unplugged including Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Overnight public bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

Activities
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
  • Tlahuac - Community Visit
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Zinacatan Church - Visit
  • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
  • Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
  • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Add on activities
  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN80
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN90
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN250
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee) - Free
  • Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) - MXN170
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN35
  • Puebla - Lucha Libre Show (Mondays only) from - MXN350
  • Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN20
  • Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN45
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN90
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN85
  • Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery - MXN850
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1300
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) - MXN30
  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN565
  • Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1400
  • Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1300
  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN550
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm 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 if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Overnight bus) where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 238 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sheena · Traveled October 2023
Mexico unplugged offers a comprehensive itinerary for anyone looking to explore central and southern Mexico in the safety of a group and with a local guide. The basix tour provides a balance between having an organised itinerary whilst also building in free time to go off and explore by yourself so you don't feel tied to the group or that you have to go to all the activities . The hotels are clean and comfortable and the tour includes a good mix of private vehicles and public transport. As it is a basic tour, very limited meals and activities are included so those are additional costs to keep in mind when considering this trip. Also, if you're vegetarian or vegan, Mexico can be a bit tricky but there were generally some options available in each place we visited (just do some research before you go!). Other than that, Mexico is a fab country, I felt really safe as a solo female and met some awesome people! Susana was a wonderful guide :)
Review submitted 14 Nov 2023

Tom · Traveled October 2023
What an amazing adventure in Mexico! Our tour guide Suz was exceptional and truly made the trip special with her thoughtfulness and sense of humour. The places we visited were great and despite the service level being billed as 'Basix' on this trip, the hotels and transport were fantastic. Would highly recommend!
Review submitted 15 Nov 2023

Helen · Traveled October 2023
We had a fantastic time on this tour which explored Mexico's history, culture and geographical landscape. Our guide Susana was brilliant, providing local knowledge and being great fun. Would love to do it all over again
Review submitted 14 Nov 2023

Lauren · Traveled October 2023
This trip was perfect for people who want to explore without having to put hours into the research of places to stay and the transport with it, amazing guides that can help you make the best of your destination with the freedom of going off on your own
Review submitted 14 Nov 2023

Alice · Traveled October 2023
Great way to see the highlights of México in a short space of time. Wide range of activities. Very comfortable accommodation and transport.
Review submitted 31 Oct 2023
Mexico Unplugged
From
CAD $1,955