Mexico Unplugged

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 311 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,369
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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 35 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

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) - MXN84
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN95
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
  • Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee) - Free
  • Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) - MXN179
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN37
  • Puebla - Lucha Libre Show (Mondays only) from - MXN368
  • Puebla - Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel (entrance fee) - MXN21
  • Puebla - San Pedro Art Museum (entrance fee) - MXN47
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
  • Oaxaca – Mitla, Teotitlan weaving town & mezcal distillery - MXN893
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) - MXN32
  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN593
  • Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
  • Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1365
  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN578
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 311 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.

Filter by rating

Giacomo · Traveled September 2024
Extremely disappointed with Intrepid. Poor accommodations, mediocre restaurant choices, and a tour leader who ignored the group's needs, leaving us in discomfort. The guide lacked professionalism, and the trip felt more like mass tourism than sustainable, community-based travel. Sadly, this is likely my last trip with Intrepid.
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Kesia · Traveled August 2024
What a trip! A beautiful two weeks exploring the very best that Mexico has to offer. Highlights include the beautiful city of Oaxaca and a very rainy (but beautiful) tour of the Sumydero Canyon’s Valentina is an asset to Intrepid, she has given us a real love for Mexico and its people - we will be back!
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024

Owain · Traveled August 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable trip and a great way to see Mexico. There were so many highlights, including the trips to the Sumidero Canyon, the temples at Palenque and Chichén Itzá, swimming in a cenote, the cooking lesson and food in Oaxaca. Our guide, Valentina, was amazing, as was the group. She was so enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgable about her country - a great ambassador. She took great care of the group and made the trip even more special. Intrepid is lucky to have such a great tour guide.
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Julie · Traveled August 2024
I loved the whole trip throughout Mexico. Highlights were Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City. The visit to San Pedro Tlahuac farm tour and lunch. The fabulous day visit to San Juan Chamula Church which was out of this world and the Zinacantan church and people. The Sumidero Canyon boat trip. The Agua Azul cascades. The Palenque archaeological zone was the most impressive of the ruins. Loved Merida. Chichen Itza was also excellent. However our Guide Valeria Valdivia was outstanding. We were always given the best advice for where to visit and where to eat. Her commentary and knowledge about everything Mexican was supurb. She made sure we arrived at sites early to beat the crowds and the heat and her personality blended with our small group of single travellers who gelled together like old mates.
Review submitted 05 Sep 2024

Alpna · Traveled August 2024
Intrepid is a great way to travel and immerse yourself in the country’s culture and value. It’s basic travel but all essential needs are met. Clean accommodation and all important a good shower. I was fortunate to have an exceptional guide called VIN who made it so interesting to listen to the history and facts of the trip. I think this is the key thing with my tour… the guide has to be informative and keep you on your toes.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
Mexico Unplugged
From
EUR €1,369