Real Mexico

14 Days | Mexi-go on an adventure to sparkling blue cenotes, ancient Maya ruins and bright city streets

4.8 out of 5 based on 80 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
USD $1,512
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Make new amigos in Mexico with this 14-day exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This overland adventure covers the best of the mex – from the colourful architecture and weaving cobblestoned laneways of Oaxaca to the highland charm of San Cristobal de las Casas. Discover the lush jungle and ruins of Palenque, the lively hub of Merida and the gems of the Caribbean. Stay in an eco-lodge in Lacanja’s wilderness, then soak up heaps of free time to get active (or laze in speakeasy bars). Not to mention a visit to the new Wonder of the World – Chichen Itza! All of this, plus streetside tacos, tostadas and tejates and you’ll see, hear, feel and taste the real Mexico.

Trip overview

Map of Real Mexico including Mexico
Start
Mexico City, Mexico
Finish
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Theme
18 to 35s
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 18- Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QBYM
This trip generates 43 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.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip
  • Head deep into the jungle to the lush wilderness of Lacanja River during your stay at an eco-lodge, which supports the local indigenous community in the forest of the Lacandon area. Maybe opt to raft through the waterfalls and backwaters or take a guided hike.
  • Tour the historic site of Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why these ancient Maya ruins are the most important in all of Mexico.
  • Indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine, with an included taco crawl and marquesitas tasting and some optional cooking classes (not to mention the huge range of fresh seafood, hot street food and everything corn!)
  • Experience the bustling nature and bright colours of local Mexican markets. Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida.
  • Kick back, get active or explore this amazing region with loads of free time – maybe go snorkelling in the paradisical waters of Playa de Carmen, discover the ruins of Uxmal from Merida or take day trips to some archaeological sites and ancient Maya ruins.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle and public bus with your group, including an overnight bus journey. Conditions may feel a little cramped, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • Mexico's climate is tropical, so it can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and make sure to stay hydrated, especially while out on walking tours. You can expect to walk a lot on this trip 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.
  • This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala or Epic Central America.
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Itinerary

Map of Real Mexico including Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Overnight public bus (1 night), Cabin (2 nights)

Activities
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Mexico City - Gastromotiva (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • San Cristobal - Santo Domingo Market Visit
  • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Lacanja River - Jungle Camp
  • Palenque - Archaeological site (Entrance fee & Transport)
  • Merida – Marquesitas Snack
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
  • Yokdnozot Cenote – Visit and Swim
  • Piste - Home-cooked Lunch
Optional activities
  • Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (Entrance Fee) - MXN37
  • Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) - MXN700
  • Mexico City - Chapultepec National History Museum - MXN90
  • Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN95
  • Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) - MXN84
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN263
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
  • Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN900
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery - USD27
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
  • San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum - MXN65
  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN593
  • Lacanja - Half-day Rafting, Waterfalls & Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) (Minimum 4 people) - MXN800
  • Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) - MXN1035
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
  • Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN900
  • Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN525
  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN578

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 5 (Overnight bus) and Day 8 & 9 (Cabin) where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This tour includes some nights in multi-share rooms (triple and quad). This means travelers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to single gender allocation.

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 80 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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Jasmine · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 19 Nov 2024

Persia · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 19 Nov 2024

Molly · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 19 Nov 2024

Flynn · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 19 Nov 2024

Rosie · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 19 Nov 2024
Real Mexico
From
USD $1,512