Mexico Unplugged

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 246 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,773
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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 North 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 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
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
  • Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in Mexico City and Puebla.
  • 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. You can also expect to walk a lot and the terrain is rarely flat. Make sure to pack a jacket for the higher altitude cities like Mexico City, Puebla and San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

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
  • Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids Urban Adventure - USD79
  • 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. 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.

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 246 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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Gordon · Traveled November 2023
Absolutely loved Mexico Unplugged. Its jam packed with all the must do’s in Mexico and Sabina was a very knowledgeable and approachable guide. Accomodation was good and all the transfers were well organised.
Review submitted 25 Nov 2023

Jana · Traveled November 2023
My first trip with intrepid and also outside Europe. I would definitely recommend this trip to all, full on diverse and rich experience of Mexico and it’s beautiful nature, culture and history.
Review submitted 26 Nov 2023

Mary · Traveled November 2023
Mexico Unplugged was my first Intrepid Trip and our guide Valentina made it such a special trip. Dhe had to deal early on with several sick participants including 2 Covid positive participants. She ensured we all had a great experience. She found local people off the beaten path to teach us about their culture. The lunches with the local Mayans were the best meals. It was truly an authentic trip made special by Valentina. I hope my next trip with Intrepid has the same quality guide as Valentine.
Review submitted 21 Nov 2023

Katie · Traveled November 2023
An amazing experience. As a 29yo solo female traveller I met a bunch of like-minded travellers with whom I enjoyed plenty of tacos, margaritas, city tours, cool ruins and some amazing canyons, waterfalls and cenotes, plus a few long bus journeys! Intrepid and our tour guide JJ took such good care of the itinerary and my safety and enjoyment that it will be a no brainer to use them again. Thank you.
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023

Jessica · Traveled November 2023
Absolutely amazing tour which allows you to fully experience some of the wonderful things Mexico has to offer. Highly recommend this tour, if you're on the fence about booking this tour, just go for it. It was so worth it! A jam packed itinerary with an great guide who takes care of your questions and worries.
Review submitted 23 Nov 2023
Mexico Unplugged
From
USD $1,773