Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula - 14 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Oaxaca: An Immersion into MexicoArrival Day

  In the heart of Mexico lies Oaxaca, a land rich with indigenous cultures and incredible food, often considered to be the gastronomical heartland of the country. As you make your way into the city from the airport, savour the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant and ancient metropolis. We welcome you to Mexico, and invite you to indulge in the traditions and flavours that make the country so unique. Arrive to Oaxaca at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

• Days 2-1: Oaxaca: Past and Present

  Oaxaca's rich history and architecture is on full display with picturesque plazas, churches and charming cafes and restaurants around every corner. The valley and environs of Oaxaca have been inhabited for tens of thousands of years and has a wealth of fascinating archaeological sites which all tell their own stories about the Oaxaca's past and about how it has evolved into what it is today. Take a morning historical tour of Oaxaca on foot and by vehicle with a local guide before visiting the Monte Albán archaeological site. Have a delicious lunch at a typical restaurant as an introduction to the regional cuisine before a free afternoon for individual exploration. Enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.

• Days 3-2: Oaxaca: Cycle to Hierve el Agua

  Feel the breeze on your face as you pedal through farmland and agave plantations, a plant that has become a symbol of Mexico's famous spirits – tequila and mezcal. Indigenous communities have thrived in these parts and have held the agave plant sacred, as well as the imposing petrified waterfall of Hierve el Agua which is the crowning jewel of your ride. Head out on a biking excursion from Santa Maria del Tule to Hierve el Agua petrified waterfall with time for swimming and lunch, then stop at a local agave farm for mezcal tastings on the way back to Oaxaca. Free evening with dinner on your own or with the CEO.

• Days 4-3: Puebla: Artistic and Culinary Traditions

  Nestled amongst mountains and active volcanoes, Puebla is a feast for the senses. Marvel at 15th century architecture as you wander the cobblestone streets of the historical centre and get wafts of delicious aromas around every corner. Famous also for its beautiful and unique talavera pottery, Puebla is a treat to explore and to taste, with the delectable and essential mole poblano standing out as the region's flagship dish. Travel from Oaxaca to Puebla and take an orientation walk with the CEO of the historical centre, including a visit to a talavera pottery workshop before lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a mole demonstration and dinner.

• Days 5-4: Mexico City: Canals and Frida Kahlo

  Gliding along the ancient canals of Xochimilco on a traditional 'trajinera' boat is a multi-sensory and quintessentially Mexican experience. The brightly-coloured boats pass by with everything from local families, to mariachi bands to vendors selling tacos or flowers. Many of these aspects of traditional popular culture also served as an influence in the artwork of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's most famous artists who grew up in the nearby neighbourhood of Coyoacán, in Mexico City's southern reaches. Drive to Mexico City and take a boat trip along the Xochimilco canals before visiting the Casa Azul, which was home to Frida Kahlo and now houses a museum of her work and story. Free evening with dinner on your own or with the CEO.

• Days 6-5: Mexico City: Your OMG Day

  The history of the ancient Aztecs permeates all aspects of Mexico City in its architecture, traditions and food. Whatever your interest, you will have the opportunity to visit the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán or to stay in the city dig deeper into what makes the bustling metropolis one of the world's most interesting cities. Choose either a half-day visit to the Teotihuacán archaeological site or take a historical and food tour of Mexico City. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring or to visit one of the many excellent museums before a farewell dinner in the evening.

• Days 7-6: Playa del Carmen: The Yucatan Peninsula

  The first thing you'll notice as you get off the plane in Cancún is that it's a lot warmer in the Yucatán than it is in Central Mexico. The peninsula is clad with jungle in its interior, spotted with ancient Mayan archaeological sites throughout and edged with the white-sand beaches which make it so famous. Fly from Mexico City to Cancún and transfer to Playa del Carmen. Take an orientation walk with the CEO to get your bearings followed by an optional walk to the beach. Meet new travellers in the evening at dinner near the hotel.

• Days 8-7: Valladolid: Visit Chichen Itzá

  At the first glimpse of the massive pyramid at Chichen Itzá, you'll see why photos can't properly do it justice as you appreciate the sheer size and craftsmanship. Duck between the shade of trees to escape the blazing sun and explore what was a massive Mayan city, one of the most important in the region in its heyday. Jungle surrounds the site along with giant sinkholes in the limestone called cenotes, leading to the vast network of underground rivers, all of which played an important part in the cosmology and daily lives of the Maya inhabitants. Travel inland for a guided tour of the Chichen Itzá archaeological site before enjoying a delicious the tour operator-supported typical community lunch nearby. Continue to the town of Valladolid and set off on a CEO-led orientation walk before enjoying a free evening.

• Days 9-8: Mérida hacienda: A Living Ranch

  In many ways life at a working ranch (hacienda) mirrors what it would have been like hundreds of years ago, using traditional techniques in agriculture and raising livestock. The harvesting of henequen, a type of agave plant known locally as "green gold" is important in all sorts of practical ways as the fibres are used to make ropes, twine and even local spirits. Head east across the Yucatan Peninsula to a living hacienda, our base for the next few days. Dig into a traditional and delicious local meal of Cochinita Pibil and other regional delicacies before taking a tour of the facilities. On the walk, learn about the history of henequen production and its uses before some free time to relax before dinner.

• Days 10-9: Mérida Hacienda: Cenotes

  Pedaling through the jungle, you'll approach a giant hole in the earth filled with clear blue water that beckons you to take a break from the heat in the cool, fresh water. This part of the Yucatán is littered with these iconic landmarks that were so sacred to the Maya and serve as the perfect way to cool off and swim. The nearby city of Merida serves as the capital city of the Yucatán and embodies a unique cultural heritage of the indigenous cultures and the Spanish who settled here in the 1500s. Full day excursion to the cenotes, cycling between them and swimming with lunch. Take a short city tour of Merida en route back to the hacienda in the evening.

• Days 11-10: Mérida hacienda: Your OMG Day

  The Mayan ruins of Uxmal may not be as well-known as Chichen Itzá but they are similarly spectacular and with less visitors. If you're looking for something more active, then perhaps a kayaking trip in the Celestún Biosphere may hold more interest, the choice is yours. Flexibility is the order of the day for you to experience the Yucatan on your own terms. Choice of guided tour in the morning, both options with lunch. Return to the hacienda in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the surroundings on your own.

• Days 12-11: Tulum: Seaside Coastal Ruins

  What was once a small unknown town on the Mayan Riviera has now become the next big thing. The ruins themselves are one of the very few Mayan site lying along the coast, and in its day Tulum was an important outpost for trade and for strategic positioning. The azure blue water and white sand beaches make it one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen. Travel across the Yucatan from Mérida to Tulum and take a guided tour of the ruins. Enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.

• Days 13-12: Tulum: Explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

  Meaning "The Place Where the Sky is Born," the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along Mexico's Caribbean coast, designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site for its vast biodiversity and wetlands. Explore by boat along a network of canals dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds. Cool off in the the crystal clear water of one of the canals as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests. Full-day tour of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve by boat. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening and final night out with the group.

• Days 14-13: Tulum

  The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.