Mexico City to Playa Del Carmen

Day 1-2: Mexico City

An incredible mix of old and new awaits in Mexico City. Over the next couple of days you'll have the chance to acclimatise on an orientation walk of the city, where you'll discover a whole host of archaeological, cultural and exciting options ensuring you really get to hit the Aztec trail at full pace. There's so much to do in Mexico City that it may take you a while to stop your head from spinning! Kick-off with a football match, explore anthropology museums or find out more about the ruins of Teotihuacan – the choice is yours! We recommend tapping up your knowledgeable local guide for tips so you can hit the ground running!

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Floating Gardens and boat tour MXN350
• Museum entrances US$FREE-US$10 each
• Teotihuacan archaeological site US$80

Day 3-4: Puebla

Wave adios to the ancient pyramids and urban excitement of Mexico City as you head by local bus further south to the colonial streets and handicraft markets of Puebla. Test out your haggling skills, hike by a volcano or take the opportunity to have a go at making the delicious local sauce, mole poblano. Cookery lessons are a great way to learn a bit of the local lingo and take home a couple of recipes to impress the folks back home.

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Cooking class US$92
• Lucha Libre show from US$15
• Museum of Art US$5

Day 5-7: Oaxaca

Take a local bus to Oaxaca where you'll be met by a mixture of native and colonial buildings including the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban. This is an exceptional site and an absolute cultural experience to savour no matter what you're into. Monte Alban is literally carved from the mountain and features: terraces, canals, pyramids and ceremonial alters that pay testament to the ingenuity of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of Oaxaca. On day seven you're free to enjoy Oaxaca before boarding your overnight bus to San Cristobal de las Casas.Please note: On the overnight bus, petty thefts can happen from time to time. It is safest to carry all your valuable belongings in the main luggage compartment which remains locked and out of the reach of anyone throughout the journey.

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Mitla Ruins, Hierve el Agua & mezcal distillery tour US$45 (full day)
• Monte Alban Ruins US$5
• Santo Domingo Cultural Centre US$5
• Cooking class US$85

Day 8-9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

The effects of Spanish colonialism are littered throughout Mexico, and nowhere is this more evident than the cobbled streets of San Cristobal de las Casas. Get out of the city discover what life was like before the arrival of the early European explorers. Optional village tours are a great way to explore the local area and renting a bike will allow you to travel at your leisure and experience life at your own pace.

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Sumidero Canyon boat tour US$30
• Mountain bike tour US$45
• El Chorreadero canyoning MXN1400
• Museum Entrance fees US$2-$5

Day 10: Palenque

Wind your way through the jungle to the ancient city of Palenque by local bus where you'll find one of the finest collections of Mayan architecture and carvings in existence. Palenque is situated on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle and is home to possibly the most impressive series of Mayan ruins, which date back at AD600. Whilst walking amongst the ruins it is often possible to hear the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle, giving an added dimension to this magnificent site. The temples are superb relics of Mayan culture and there are many ruins here still unexcavated and hidden in the surrounding forest. Please note:The local Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque has been quite active in recent months, occasionally holding protests or blocking roads. Our local operations team is constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders. In some cases, we might need to use an alternative route from San Cristobal to Palenque to avoid this activity – more so to bypass long traffic delays than any real danger.

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Day 11-13: Merida

After a long bus journey (approx. 8 hours) arrive in Merida. Leave the jungles behind as you explore the museums, galleries and cathedrals of Merida, the capital city of Yucatan. This is a great chance to collect your thoughts amongst the markets and mansions of this cultural hub. If you're still hankering for more Mayan ruins then the site of Uxmal is easily within reach. Fancy slipping on your dancing shoes? You won't be disappointed! Showing off your snazzy salsa steps is the perfect way to finish off the weekend. As streets close and turn into buzzing dance floors, you may not be able to stop yourself from joining in. Watch out Strictly! For spectacular sites of the feathered variety head to the pink flamingos of Celestun Bird Sanctuary, which always proves to be a highlight on this stretch of your Mexican adventure.

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Celestun Bird Sanctuary MXN810
• Guided city tour US$24
• Uxmal Ruins tour MXN810

Day 14-15: Chichen Itza - Playa Del Carmen

Chichen Itza is just one of those 'must see' Mayan destinations and that's why we've included a visit for you. After you've had your fill of pyramids, inscriptions and gigantic stone staircases it's time to let your hair down and celebrate in Playa del Carmen. Although close to Cancun, Playa isn't as full on and if you're hoping for a spot of snorkelling, or simply watching the sunset with a tropical cocktail or two then why not - you deserve it and it makes for the perfect end to one heck of an awesome trip!

Meals Included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:

• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour MXN350
• Ferry to Cozumel MXN326
• Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site MXN800