Travel across the highlights of Mexico on an immersive route linking imperial capitals, Indigenous cultures and UNESCO‑listed treasures. From Mexico City and Teotihuacán, the journey continues through Oaxaca and Chiapas to the Maya cities of Palenque, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, before ending in the relaxed seaside setting of Cancún.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Mexico City: Dive into Mexico’s rich past with a visit to the world‑class National Museum of Anthropology, home to iconic treasures such as the Aztec Sun Stone. Continue to Teotihuacán, where the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon reveal the grandeur of an ancient civilization just outside the modern city.
Oaxaca & Monte Albán: Experiences Oaxaca’s vibrant culture, colourful streets, and renowned gastronomy. Nearby Monte Albán, dramatically set on a hilltop, offers sweeping views and remarkable Zapotec ruins that showcase one of Mesoamerica’s earliest urban canters.
Sumidero Canyon Boat Tour: Cruise through the breath-taking Sumidero Canyon, where towering cliffs rise dramatically above the Grijalva River. This scenic boat journey offers close encounters with nature, wildlife, and striking geological formations.
San Cristóbal de las Casas & Indigenous Villages: Stroll through the charming colonial streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas, known for its highland ambiance and artistic spirit. Visits to nearby indigenous villages provide meaningful insight into local traditions, crafts, and daily life.
Palenque Archaeological Site: Hidden deep within the jungle, Palenque is one of the most atmospheric Maya sites in Mexico. Its beautifully preserved temples and intricate carvings reveal the sophistication of Maya architecture amid lush natural surroundings.
Uxmal & Chichén Itzá (UNESCO): Discover two of the greatest Maya cities. Uxmal impresses with its refined Puuc-style architecture and decorative stonework, while Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Wonder of the World, stands out for its iconic El Castillo pyramid and astronomical significance.
Mérida & TUI Foundation “Doña Way” Experience: Explore Mérida, the elegant capital of Yucatán, known for its colonial heritage and lively cultural scene. The TUI Foundation “Doña Way” experience offers a deeper connection through community-based initiatives that celebrate local traditions and support sustainable development.
Cancun: End the journey in Cancún, where turquoise Caribbean waters, white-sand beaches, and relaxed coastal vibes provide the perfect contrast to the cultural discoveries of the tour – a refreshing and memorable finale.
1 giorno: ARRIVAL MEXICO CITY (10km – 30min)
Upon arrival at Mexico City Airport, transfer to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently.
Overnight in Mexico City.
2 giorno: MEXICO CITY
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for Chapultepec Park to visit the National Museum of Anthropology (closed on Mondays), one of the most renowned museums in the world. Covering 40,000 m², it offers an exceptional overview of Mexico’s pre‑Columbian civilisations, including the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, Huaxtecs and others. Continue to the Xochimilco district, once the floating‑garden city that supplied Aztec emperors with fresh produce. Today, it is a lively recreational area where locals enjoy traditional boat rides, music and celebrations. Enjoy a colourful boat excursion accompanied by Mexican music and a festive atmosphere. A traditional picnic will be served on board, where you will prepare your own tacos with guacamole and chicharrón, accompanied by a hot dish cooked in parchment paper and locally grown fruit. Later, enjoy a panoramic visit of Mexico City’s historic centre, including the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest religious monument on the continent; and Garibaldi Square, famous for its mariachi bands that gather there at dusk.
Overnight in Mexico City.
3 giorno: MEXICO CITY – OAXACA (515km - 6.5hrs)
Depart for the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important symbol of faith and national identity in Mexico. Continue to the impressive archaeological site of Teotihuacan, a major civilisation of the Classic period that disappeared around the 6th century but strongly influenced later cultures such as the Aztecs. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead toward the Pyramid of the Sun, over 2,000 years old and the third largest in the world, and the Pyramid of the Moon, rising to 46 metres. Enjoy free time at the end of the visit. Lunch at a local restaurant, including an introduction to margarita preparation. Continue by road to Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and nearby Zapotec archaeological sites such as Monte Albán.
* Dinner en route for departures on 22/01/26 and 12/03/2026.
Overnight in Oaxaca.
4 giorno: OAXACA – TEHUANTEPEC (270 km - 5hrs)
Visit Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 12km from Oaxaca. This major ceremonial centre was first Zapotec and later Mixtec, before being incorporated into the Aztec Empire prior to the Spanish arrival. Return to Oaxaca for a city tour featuring colourful façades, the Zócalo and the Church of Santo Domingo, considered one of the finest baroque churches in Mexico. Visit the lively handicraft market, renowned for its colour and variety. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Tehuantepec along a spectacular mountain road through the Sierra, surrounded by lush and exotic vegetation. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Tehuantepec.
5 giorno: TEHUANTEPEC – SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS (400 km - 6hrs)
Drive to Sumidero Canyon for a motorboat excursion through one of Mexico’s most dramatic natural landscapes. The canyon, carved by the Grijalva River, reaches depths of up to 1,000 metres. During the 1.5‑hour boat ride, observe impressive flora and fauna, including crocodiles, monkeys and numerous bird species. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, named after its patron saint and Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican bishop and defender of Indigenous peoples. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
6 giorno: SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS
Enjoy a morning walk through the charming historic centre of San Cristóbal, including the Zócalo and the 16th‑century cathedral with its Tuscan‑style façade. Visit Santo Domingo Church, built between 1547 and 1560, noted for its pink stone façade, twisted columns, gilded wooden altars and remarkable pulpit. Continue to the Indigenous village of San Juan Chamula, famous for its whitewashed church, colourful interior decorations and candle‑lit rituals practised by the Tzotzil Maya. Observe traditional dress, including chujes worn by men and huipils worn by women, and learn about local weaving traditions. Proceed to Zinacantán village. Lunch at the hotel, followed by a demonstration of traditional weaving techniques and homemade tortilla preparation. Return to San Cristóbal and enjoy free time.
Overnight in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
7 giorno: SAN CRISTÓBAL – PALENQUE (220km – 5hrs)
Early departure for Palenque via Villahermosa. Breakfast will be provided as a packed meal. Lunch in Villahermosa before continuing to Palenque, with a stop at the Agua Blanca waterfalls in the surrounding national park. Discover crystal‑clear cascades flowing over rock formations, with the possibility of swimming depending on weather conditions. Explore nearby caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Palenque.
8 giorno: PALENQUE – CAMPECHE (380km - 5hrs)
Early departure to visit the archaeological site of Palenque, one of the finest examples of Maya architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, set amid lush jungle surroundings. Highlights include the Temple of the Inscriptions, nearly 23 metres high and famous for the discovery of a Maya ruler’s tomb in the 1950s, as well as the Palace and the Temple of the Cross. Lunch included. Continue to Campeche. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Campeche.
9 giorno: CAMPECHE – UXMAL – MÉRIDA (250km - 4hrs)
Visit the colonial city of Campeche, including the Malecón and the historic centre with its colourful houses and cobbled streets. Continue to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising above the jungle canopy. Visit the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the ball court and the richly decorated Governor’s Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant, including a demonstration of cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatán pork dish. Proceed to Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. Explore the historic centre, Paseo de Montejo with its elegant 19th‑century mansions, and the Plaza Grande with its cathedral and the Casa de los Montejos. Discover fair‑trade handicrafts created by Maya communities in collaboration with Casa Donia Way and the TUI Colourful Cultures Mexico project. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Merida.
10 giorno: MÉRIDA – CANCÚN (300km - 4hrs)
Depart for Chichén Itzá, stopping en route at a Maya cemetery to observe the brightly decorated tombs. Visit the UNESCO‑listed archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore El Caracol observatory, the Group of a Thousand Columns, the Sacred Cenote and the iconic Temple of Kukulcán, a 24‑metre‑high pyramid designed as a Maya calendar and famous for the serpent‑shadow phenomenon during the equinoxes. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Cancún, renowned for its white‑sand beaches and turquoise waters. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Cancun.
11 giorno: CANCÚN
Free morning at the hotel. Depending on flight schedule, transfer to the Cancún Airport for departure.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. However, the climate can be wet and cold, especially in winter, therefore we recommend bringing warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
