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Experience some of Mexico's highlights on this 9 day Signature Mexico tour, from Mexico City, via Merida and Chichen Itza to the stunning Caribbean!
Begin in lively and vibrant Mexico City, exploring the cobblestone streets of traditional neighborhoods, the central historical area, complete with majestic cathedrals, 400 year old building rich in history, and one of the largest main plazas in the world. There is fantastic food to sample, including fine dining, arts and music - be sure to check out the beautiful Aztec sun calendar at the renowned National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. Have fun exploring the cobblestone streets of Coyoacan, with its colourful buildings, artisan markets and the Frida Kahlo museum. Not to be missed, a visit to the ancient city of Teotihuacan to see the pyramids of the sun and moon - explore on foot and take to the skies and float in a hot air balloon right over the top!
Fly to Merida, in the Yucatan Peninsula, rich in Mayan and colonial heritage. Sample local tacos and other typical dishes on a street food tour, the local ice cream is a wonderful treat in the hot tropical weather!
Chichen Itza, one of the most well-known and magnificent Mayan ruins in Mexico is your next stop, before heading to the Riviera Maya, the magnificent coastline along Mexico's Caribbean Sea. Spend your days soaking up the sun in either Playa del Carmen or Cancun, on white sand beaches and swimming in turquoise oceans.
If you have more time, be sure to check our our Signature Mexico in depth!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City, Mexico’s colourful capital. With more than twenty million inhabitants living in the greater metropolitan area, it’s one of the largest and most populated cities in the world.
From its Aztec temples, baroque and colonial architecture to its vibrant and flavoursome cantina’s, Mexico City will awaken your senses.
Today is an arrival day, with no activities planned, so explore at your leisure.
Day 2
Mexico City
We will explore magnificent Mexico City, built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Our first stop is the Zocalo (main square), one of the biggest public squares in the world. We will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the biggest church in Latin America, and the Templo Mayor. We then drive along the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built during the short-lived reign of Emperor Maximilian to connect the main square and his castle in Chapultepec. Our last stop is the Museum of Anthropology, where we will have some time to explore the treasures of the Aztec culture. Visiting the Aztec Hall, which contains one of the biggest highlights of this museum: the Aztec Calendar. This 12-foot carved basalt slab was discovered buried beneath the Zocalo. Approximate duration: 4-5 hours.
Rest of your day is at leisure, check out more of the city as you wish.
Please note: This tour only operates Tuesday to Sunday. Templo Mayor and the Museum of Anthropology are closed on Monday’s.
Day 3
Teotihuacan
Waking early, you will enjoy an excursion to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan.
Known as the ‘city of the gods,’ Teotihuacan is one of the most important pre-Aztec civilisations. The origins of the city and what happened to the population who once lived here are somewhat of a mystery. The city consists of a number of structures including The Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Ciudadela and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Today’s highlight is a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids with a champagne to celebrate, followed by breakfast. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit the site on foot to explore the temples up close.
You will be return to your hotel in Mexico City in the early afternoon, the rest of your day is at leisure to explore or relax.
Day 4
Mexico City: Coyoacan
Today you will enjoy a private tour to Coyoacan, the Frida Kahlo Museum and the studio of Diego Rivera.
Coyoacan is a neighbourhood of Mexico City’s south known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, colourful buildings and artisan markets.
There you will visit the home and museum of Frida Kahlo, a painter known for her portraits and nature inspired artworks. The museum is a treasure trove of both Frida’s and her husband Diego Rivera’s paintings. Then you will visit the house of Diego Rivera, this is a house and studio that was designed by his wife Frida and offers a more in-depth look at their life and art.
Day 5
Mexico City - Merida
You will board a flight for the city of Merida, capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan.
Merida was founded in 1542 and built on the site of a Mayan city called T’ho, which means ‘city of five hills’ in reference to five main pyramids that were later destroyed by the Spanish and used in the construction of the city’s cathedral.
Within the city walls you will discover Mexico’s second largest city, complete with several white limestone buildings that have earned the city the nickname La Ciudad Blanca (the white city).
There are no planned activities and today is free to explore after your arrival.
Day 6
Merida
The city of Merida is considered somewhat of a gastronomical and foodie hub, so today you will embark on a guided street food tour.
Your first stop is the central market, Lucas de Galves. Here you will learn about local produce and get the opportunity to taste some empanadas, polcanes, panuchos or salbutes and cochinita pibil tacos.
Afterwards, we will take you to a local restaurant for a seafood taco feast before visiting a local ice creamery for dessert.
Day 7
Merida Chichen Itza
Today you will travel via private service to Chichen Itza, passing Mayan villages and sisal plantations along the way.
Chichen Itza is Mexico’s most famous and impressive Mayan ruins and is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Highlights include the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the hall of 1,000 columns, the Maya ball court and the Cenote de los Sacrificios.
From Chichen Itza you will continue the Riviera Maya where you will be dropped off at your hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Day 8
Playa del Carmen
Free day to enjoy the white sand beaches and pristine waters of Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya. Explore the area at your leisure or sit back and relax on the beach, the choice is yours.
Day 9
Depart Playa del Carmen
You will be transported to Cancun airport to fly to your next destination.
- 9 days guided touring from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen
- Standard accommodation with breakfast daily
- Option to upgrade to superior or deluxe accommodation
- Other meals where stated
- Airport Transfers
- Internal flights as part of this itinerary*
- Sightseeing with local English-speaking guides
- Hot Air Ballooning
Important Notes:
International flights, visas/reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips and travel insurance are not included.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
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