Mexico Unplugged

15 Days | Say hola to the landscapes, cultures and ancient sites of Mexico

4.8 out of 5 based on 311 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
ZAR  23,562
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Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Start by experiencing the mix of influences that make up Mexico City, then, then head out to taste pasita in Puebla, visit the markets of Oaxaca and learn about the textile traditions of Teotitlan del Valle. Immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of ancient civilisations during guided tours in Chichen Itza and Palenque. Sample the incredible cuisine along the way, sharing meals with the communities of San Pedro Tlahuac and Piste, then relax beachside at Playa del Carmen. 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
Original
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
  • Explore the stunning Maya temples of Palenque and stroll through Chichen Itza, with local experts at both sites explaining their storied history.
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants, and enjoy a lunch made with produce picked fresh from a chinampa farm.
  • Wander market stalls, relax in public parks and sample the enticing Mexican eats of Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
  • Share Yucatecan specialties with locals then finish off your journey in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves some long days of travel by private and local transport. 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 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Map of Mexico Unplugged including Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Local bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Activities
  • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
  • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Mexico City - Gastromotiva (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit (weekdays only)
  • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
  • Tlahuac - Community Visit
  • Oaxaca - Leader-led walking tour
  • Oaxaca - Tule Tree, Teotitlan weaving town, mescal distillery
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
  • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
  • Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site with local guide
  • Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
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
  • Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids Urban Adventure - USD79
  • 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
  • Puebla - Cholula archaeological site - MXN400
  • Oaxaca - Monte Alban archaeological site (entrance fee) - MXN95
  • Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) - MXN89
  • Oaxaca - Cooking class - MXN1500
  • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Amber Museum (entrance fee) - MXN32
  • Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport) - MXN593
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1470
  • Merida - Las Coloradas Flamingo Tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1365
  • Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • 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. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Mexico City. 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 applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. 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.

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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
ZAR  23,562