Mexico Unplugged

Mexico Unplugged

Embrace a kaleidoscope of colour at a Mexican market, Toe-tap to a mariachi band in Mexico City, Take a ride on a bright and bouncy local bus, Escape the Mexican heat in San Cristobal de las Casas, Bask on Playa del Carmen's white sand beaches, Try Oaxaca's famous chocolate and cheese, See the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza

Discover the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Mayan and Spanish cultures on this two-week journey spanning ruins, pueblos and beaches. Arrive in Mexico and travel through the mad metropolis of Mexico City to the relaxed beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient Mexican civilisations along the way. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of Central America's most colourful and exciting nations.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

The following day is free for you to explore Mexico City, your group leader will assist you with the different optional activities available.

In Mexico City we stay in a hotel with air-conditioning and ensuite rooms. The hotel has a bar and restaurant attached.

Optional Activities

•Diego Rivera murals, Mexico City - Free
•Jai-Alai, Mexico City - USD7.00
•Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City - USD40.00
•Soccer match, Mexico City - USD4.00
•Teotihuacan Ruins, Mexico City - USD20.00
•Mariachis Garibaldi Square, Mexico City - Free
•Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.

The following day is free for you to explore Mexico City, your group leader will assist you with the different optional activities available.

In Mexico City we stay in a hotel with air-conditioning and ensuite rooms. The hotel has a bar and restaurant attached.

Optional Activities

•Diego Rivera murals, Mexico City - Free
•Jai-Alai, Mexico City - USD7.00
•Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City - USD40.00
•Soccer match, Mexico City - USD4.00
•Teotihuacan Ruins, Mexico City - USD20.00
•Mariachis Garibaldi Square, Mexico City - Free
•Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

This afternoon and tomorrow are at your leisure to discover Puebla.

Although a rapidly growing city, Puebla has managed to combine modern development with its colonial past and there are plenty of well-maintained churches and colonial buildings to admire. Head to the markets to brush up on your bargaining skills and take some fantastic photos. This is a great place to pick up hand-painted tiles and other handicrafts. If you're looking for something more active, go for a hike near one of the area's looming volcanoes.

Just two blocks from the main square our hotel has a typical rustic Mexican atmosphere.

 
Optional Activities

•Cholula visit, Puebla - USD5.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

This afternoon and tomorrow are at your leisure to discover Puebla.

Although a rapidly growing city, Puebla has managed to combine modern development with its colonial past and there are plenty of well-maintained churches and colonial buildings to admire. Head to the markets to brush up on your bargaining skills and take some fantastic photos. This is a great place to pick up hand-painted tiles and other handicrafts. If you're looking for something more active, go for a hike near one of the area's looming volcanoes.

Just two blocks from the main square our hotel has a typical rustic Mexican atmosphere.

 
Optional Activities

•Cholula visit, Puebla - USD5.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

We take a local bus (approx. 5 hours) from Puebla to Oaxaca.

We have two free days here and your group leader will assist you to make the most of your free time in this fascinating city.

When the conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain, he chose wisely. Sitting in the three Valles Centrales, between the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Oaxaca has an impressive city skyline, especially at sunset.

In the evening of day 7 we take a first class bus (approx. 13 hours) to San Cristobal del las Casas. First class buses in Mexico can be quite comfortable. They are equipped with seats that recline and have more leg room than regular buses. They usually make a quick toilet stop every 4 to 5 hours, however they normally also have a toilet at the rear of the bus, which you may use in case of an emergency. They are all air conditioned, so make sure you take a light jumper with you as it may get a bit cold on board.

Optional Activities

•Cultural Museum and Garden, Oaxaca - USD6.00
•Folkloric ballet, Oaxaca - USD10.00
•Monte Alban Ruins, Oaxaca - USD40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

We take a local bus (approx. 5 hours) from Puebla to Oaxaca.

We have two free days here and your group leader will assist you to make the most of your free time in this fascinating city.

When the conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain, he chose wisely. Sitting in the three Valles Centrales, between the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Oaxaca has an impressive city skyline, especially at sunset.

In the evening of day 7 we take a first class bus (approx. 13 hours) to San Cristobal del las Casas. First class buses in Mexico can be quite comfortable. They are equipped with seats that recline and have more leg room than regular buses. They usually make a quick toilet stop every 4 to 5 hours, however they normally also have a toilet at the rear of the bus, which you may use in case of an emergency. They are all air conditioned, so make sure you take a light jumper with you as it may get a bit cold on board.

Optional Activities

•Cultural Museum and Garden, Oaxaca - USD6.00
•Folkloric ballet, Oaxaca - USD10.00
•Monte Alban Ruins, Oaxaca - USD40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

We take a local bus (approx. 5 hours) from Puebla to Oaxaca.

We have two free days here and your group leader will assist you to make the most of your free time in this fascinating city.

When the conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain, he chose wisely. Sitting in the three Valles Centrales, between the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Oaxaca has an impressive city skyline, especially at sunset.

In the evening of day 7 we take a first class bus (approx. 13 hours) to San Cristobal del las Casas. First class buses in Mexico can be quite comfortable. They are equipped with seats that recline and have more leg room than regular buses. They usually make a quick toilet stop every 4 to 5 hours, however they normally also have a toilet at the rear of the bus, which you may use in case of an emergency. They are all air conditioned, so make sure you take a light jumper with you as it may get a bit cold on board.

Optional Activities

•Cultural Museum and Garden, Oaxaca - USD6.00
•Folkloric ballet, Oaxaca - USD10.00
•Monte Alban Ruins, Oaxaca - USD40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

We arrive in San Cristobal early in the morning. Check in at the hotel is usually not until midday, so if we can't check in upon arrival, we will be able to leave our luggage and start exploring San Cristobal straight away.

Go for a stroll and try to spot the cafe with the most locals in it for a taste of the traditional 'elote', a corn cob which makes a common snack in the highlands of Chiapas.

The remainder of today and tomorrow are at your leisure and, as always, your group leader will assist you arrange the many optional activities.

The outlying villages mix traditional beliefs and modern religion - with unusual results. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church. The floor is covered with pine needles and the air is heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings with firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets with colorful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go on a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

Our hotel is conveniently located near Central Park, walking distance from bars and restaurants.

 
Optional Activities

•Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD25.00
•Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00
•Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00
•Bicycle rental (per hour), San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
•Lagunas de Montebello, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
•Mountain bike tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

We arrive in San Cristobal early in the morning. Check in at the hotel is usually not until midday, so if we can't check in upon arrival, we will be able to leave our luggage and start exploring San Cristobal straight away.

Go for a stroll and try to spot the cafe with the most locals in it for a taste of the traditional 'elote', a corn cob which makes a common snack in the highlands of Chiapas.

The remainder of today and tomorrow are at your leisure and, as always, your group leader will assist you arrange the many optional activities.

The outlying villages mix traditional beliefs and modern religion - with unusual results. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church. The floor is covered with pine needles and the air is heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings with firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets with colorful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go on a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.

Our hotel is conveniently located near Central Park, walking distance from bars and restaurants.

 
Optional Activities

•Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD25.00
•Villages tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD12.00
•Horseback riding, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00
•Bicycle rental (per hour), San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
•Lagunas de Montebello, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD30.00
•Mountain bike tour, San Cristobal de las Casas - USD20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

We take the local bus to Palenque (approx. 6 hours). The afternoon is at your leisure to take part in any of the optional activities in town. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, as nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after the heat of the temples.

Our hotel is in the heart of town, close to internet and other amenities you may need.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We take the local bus to Palenque (approx. 6 hours). The afternoon is at your leisure to take part in any of the optional activities in town. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, as nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after the heat of the temples.

Our hotel is in the heart of town, close to internet and other amenities you may need.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We take a local bus (approx. 8 hours) to Merida. The following day is free for you to explore this colonial city.

Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the twin-towered 16th century Cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the others. For a taste of Merida's 19th century glory go for a walk along the mansion lined Paseo de Montejo. It's a great place to try out the local food specialities, like cochinita pibil or the head-blowingly spicy el yucateco.

Merida is also the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal and there is an opportunity to visit these impressive ruins. Little is known about the site's origins but it is thought the city was founded around 500AD. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. This is no great surprise as the area has a lack of natural water supplies and the city relied on rain water.

The local people from Merida are very relaxed and they like dancing! Every Sunday some of the roads are turned into an open air dance floor with a variety of Salsa and Merengue bands.

Accommodation for these nights is a hotel in the historical centre of town.

Optional Activities

•Cenotes Tour, Merida - USD15.00
•Celestún Bird Sanctuary, Merida - USD35.00
•Uxmal Ruins tour, Merida - USD40.00
•Chichen Itza, Merida - USD9.00
•Contemporary Art Museum, Merida - USD5.00
•Dzibilchaltun Ruins tour, Merida - USD70.00
•Flamingos tour, Merida - USD20.00
•City tour, Merida - USD10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

We take a local bus (approx. 8 hours) to Merida. The following day is free for you to explore this colonial city.

Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the twin-towered 16th century Cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the others. For a taste of Merida's 19th century glory go for a walk along the mansion lined Paseo de Montejo. It's a great place to try out the local food specialities, like cochinita pibil or the head-blowingly spicy el yucateco.

Merida is also the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal and there is an opportunity to visit these impressive ruins. Little is known about the site's origins but it is thought the city was founded around 500AD. Much of the site is decorated with masks of the rain god Chac. This is no great surprise as the area has a lack of natural water supplies and the city relied on rain water.

The local people from Merida are very relaxed and they like dancing! Every Sunday some of the roads are turned into an open air dance floor with a variety of Salsa and Merengue bands.

Accommodation for these nights is a hotel in the historical centre of town.

Optional Activities

•Cenotes Tour, Merida - USD15.00
•Celestún Bird Sanctuary, Merida - USD35.00
•Uxmal Ruins tour, Merida - USD40.00
•Chichen Itza, Merida - USD9.00
•Contemporary Art Museum, Merida - USD5.00
•Dzibilchaltun Ruins tour, Merida - USD70.00
•Flamingos tour, Merida - USD20.00
•City tour, Merida - USD10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

We travel to Playa del Carmen, stopping enroute for an optional visit at Chichen Itza (approx. 2.5 hours), recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. We have about 2-3 hours to spend at Chichen Itza before we travel onwards to Playa (approx. 3.5 hours).

 

The city of Chichen Itza was founded in 432 and aligned with the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the 13th century civil war broke out and the city went into decline. In more recent years it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Playa del Carmen, our final destination is a slice of beach paradise on the Caribbean coast, where optional activities abound: go snorkelling among the mangroves or strolling along the white sands; in the evenings, kick back and watch the waves with a margarita before heading out to try the island's vibrant nightlife. For adventures further afield take a ferry across to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef-diving.

 

For a taste of Mayan architecture, a short trip brings you to Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff amid palm-fringed, white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls.

 

Our hotel in Playa del Carmen is located close to the main street and the beach.

 

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.

 

Optional Activities

• Diving course, Playa del Carmen - USD100.00
• Cenote Ikil, Playa del Carmen - USD5.00
• Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - USD16.00
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen - USD35.00
• Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - USD70.00
• Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - USD60.00
• Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - USD12.00
• Xel-Ha Water park, Playa del Carmen - USD75.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (1 nt)

 

We travel to Playa del Carmen, stopping enroute for an optional visit at Chichen Itza (approx. 2.5 hours), recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. We have about 2-3 hours to spend at Chichen Itza before we travel onwards to Playa (approx. 3.5 hours).

 

The city of Chichen Itza was founded in 432 and aligned with the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the 13th century civil war broke out and the city went into decline. In more recent years it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Playa del Carmen, our final destination is a slice of beach paradise on the Caribbean coast, where optional activities abound: go snorkelling among the mangroves or strolling along the white sands; in the evenings, kick back and watch the waves with a margarita before heading out to try the island's vibrant nightlife. For adventures further afield take a ferry across to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef-diving.

 

For a taste of Mayan architecture, a short trip brings you to Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff amid palm-fringed, white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls.

 

Our hotel in Playa del Carmen is located close to the main street and the beach.

 

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.

 

Optional Activities

• Diving course, Playa del Carmen - USD100.00
• Cenote Ikil, Playa del Carmen - USD5.00
• Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - USD16.00
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour, Playa del Carmen - USD35.00
• Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - USD70.00
• Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - USD60.00
• Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - USD12.00
• Xel-Ha Water park, Playa del Carmen - USD75.00

Accommodation

 

Hotel (1 nt)

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner