Mexico: From the Pacific to the Caribbean

Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, after which you will have free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.

IMPORTANT: If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. Until then, you’ll have free time to enjoy at your leisure.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Today, we’ll explore Mexico City and the remarkable site of Teotihuacan, located just 40 km from the capital. After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey at the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where past and present merge seamlessly. From there, we’ll continue to the impressive archaeological site of Teotihuacan, where we’ll visit the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. We’ll also stop by a local artisan center. On our way back to the city, we’ll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Latin America. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the day will be free.

After breakfast, we’ll journey through the mountains to Chilpancingo de los Bravo, the capital of Guerrero. This vibrant city embodies the life and spirit of Mexican cities and holds a significant place in Mexico’s independence history. Our guide will accompany you to the regional museum, featuring large murals that depict Mexico´s rich history.

We’ll then continue to Acapulco, famed for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax on its popular beach, lined with various restaurants where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit La Fortaleza, a 17th-century fort designed to protect the city from pirate attacks (admission included). Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to unwind.

After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey along the Pacific Coast, traveling 230 km to reach Zihuatanejo, a charming tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and quaint cobblestone streets. Originally a quiet fishing village, Zihuatanejo has retained its unique charm. This trip includes a short boat ride (10 minutes) to Playa Las Gatas, accessible only by sea, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim, relax, and have lunch at one of the many restaurants. After returning by boat, it will be time to get settled into your accommodation and enjoy some free time.

Note: During peak season, accommodation options in Zihuatanejo may be limited. In such cases, we may depart in the late afternoon to stay in the city of Lázaro Cárdenas.

The scenery will slowly transform as we leave the desert landscapes behind and enter the green mountains of Michoacán. Our first stop will be Lake Pátzcuaro, where we’ll board a boat for a 30-minute journey to Janitzio, an island inhabited by the Purépecha community, known for preserving its traditions and unique butterfly-net fishing. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants, stroll through the traditional streets, and, if you wish, climb to the impressive statue of José María Morelos.

We’ll return by boat to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Mexico, with its pre-Hispanic roots, colonial architecture, artisan markets, and charming ambiance that make it truly unforgettable.

We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.

Total distance: 140 km

09:00 h.- In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic centre, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage.


12:00 h.- Guadalajara - Departure
14:00 h.- TEQUILA - Arrival. We include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila.

Important Note: On arrival in Tequila, the big bus cannot enter to the city centre, so you will have to walk for about twenty minutes.


Important Note: In High Season, the appointment to the Distillery can be in the morning, so the order of the visits on this day will be reversed without affecting its content.

15:45 h.- We return to Guadalajara.

17:00 h.- Guadalajara – Arrival and free time.

Total distance: 275 km
08:00 h.- Guadalajara –Departure-.
13:00 h.- GUANAJUATO – Arrival-.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre.

On arrival, walk down to the Pípila viewpoint, time for photos. Afterwards, we will take the cable car ride to the centre. Free time to have lunch. After lunch, we will visit this beautiful university city declared World Heritage Site, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its temples. We included a visit to this beautiful university city and World Heritage Site, with its narrow, steep streets and churches. Followed by free time. Visitors who are interested can visit the impressive “Mummies´ Museum”.


17.30/18.00 hrs: Transfer by sprinter vehicle to the hotel.

Total distance: 170 km

Scenery: Attractive mountain scenery between Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo.


08:30 h.- Guanajuato –Departure-. We travel through impressive mountain landscapes.
10:00 h.- DOLORES HIDALGO, the birthplace of Mexican independence. Visit to the church where the priest “Hidalgo” cried out for independence.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre.
11:30 h.- Dolores Hidalgo –Departure-.On the way, we will visit the Sanctuary of ATOTONILCO, known as "Sanctuary of God and the Patria", a World Heritage Site (sometimes we will not be able to visit its interior due to the retreats that take place).
13:30 h.- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with colonial architecture and cobbled streets, declared a World Heritage Site. Time to explore.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre. In this case, the alternative is to walk for about 15 minutes or take public transport.

17:00 h.- San Miguel de Allende –Departure.
18:30 h.- QUERÉTARO –Arrival-. City with its attractive colonial city centre, main square and busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.

We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. We’ll spend the night in this lively and active city.

Total distance: 340 km

08.00 hrs.- We travel to the state of Oaxaca, through mountainous regions with pleasant landscapes. 13.00hrs.- OAXACA. Arrival. We go up to the site of MONTE ALBAN, which is set deep in a 400-metre mountain above the Valley of Oaxaca – entry tickets and visit are included. This is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. Return to Oaxaca and visit included to this UNESCO World Heritage City of Aztec origin with its impressive monumental heritage.

In the evening we recommend a stroll through the historic centre of Oaxaca, an extremely beautiful colonial city which is full of life and music.

Total Distance: 505 kmCountryside: Mountains. Small towns en route.

Note: A new fast toll road is being built between Oaxaca and the Isthmus. Inauguration is expected throughout 2018. Travel time, when open, will be reduced by approxibately one and a half hours compared to that indicated in this itinerary.


07.30 hrs.- Oaxaca- Departure.-
09.30 hrs.- SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA. Arrival. We stop at a this magical town. We allow time for a walk together to the Church of San Pablo dating back to the Sixteenth Century and through its beautiful rustic streets.


10.15 hrs.- San Pablo. Departure. We continue our route in the sierras of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. Lunch is included en route.


20.30 hrs.- At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.

Total Distance: 100 km
Landscapes: spectacular
Notes: We recommend you to take appropriate waterproof clothing for the speedboat ride.- The visit of the towns of Zinacantán and San Juan can take place on Wednesday or Thursday morning (according to opening times of the church of San Juan).


08.30 hrs.- Tuxtla - Departure.
09.00 hrs.- We will explore the SUMDERO CANYON. Travelling by boat, we will travel for more than 1 hrs up this impressive canyon which is almost 1 km deep and 14 km long.


10.45 hrs.- Sumidero Canyon.- Departure.
11.00 hrs.- Next, we will walk through CHIAPA DEL CORZO, a white traditional and cultural colonial site. Time for a stroll and a coffee.


11.45 hrs.- Chiapa del Corzo. Departure. We enter into the center of the Mexican Mayan culture. We discover 2 beautiful villages inhabited by the Tzotzil Indians.
12.45 hrs.- In ZINACANTAN we can admire the dresses worn by the women and also their small loom workshop-shops.


13.45 hrs.- Zicacantan.- Departure.
14.15 hrs.- SAN JUAN CHAMULA we will be surprised by their church that mixes Christianity with pre-Columbian traditions. Time for lunch.


15.45 hrs.- San Juan Chamula.- Departure.
16.15 hrs.- We continue to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Free afternoon in this beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.

Distance travelled: 225 km Landscape: Beautiful mountain landscapes of Chiapas. Villages which retain their ancient Mayan language and traditions.


Important: We suggest you bring comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen - as well as a bathing suit and a towel, to fully enjoy the natural waterfalls and spectacular blue river water.


08:00 - San Cristobal, we head to central Chiapas.
10:45 - OCOSINGO. We stop at the commercial regional capital situated on dairy-farmlands, next to the north Chiapas range, where incredible archaeological remains are found.


11:45 - Ocosingo- departure - We get back on the road and drive through mountains and jungle.
13:45 - Parque Nacional de AGUA AZUL (Agua Azul National Park). Entrance fee and lunch included after the visit, time to have a walk or bathe in the pools and more than 50 waterfalls, which range from 3 to 30 meters in height.


16:30 Agua Azul- departure.
17:45 - MISOL HA. Arrival at this impressive waterfall and its walking trails.


19:00 - Misol Ha- departure.
20:45 - Palenque- arrival. Dinner included.


Important: in some instances, roadblocks might be experienced in the region of Ocosingo due to local social unrest. In that event, we would take an alternative route visiting the City of Villahermosa and the ecological reserve of Yumka instead of the usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul and Misol.

Total distance: 360 km.

Scenery: Yucatan Peninsula. Beautiful views over the coastal road of the Gulf of Mexico.


09.00 hrs.- We include entrance and guided visit to the impressive archaeological site of PALENQUE. This Mayan city, surrounded by jungle, reached its peak between 600 and 800 AD. During the visit we will see its temples, pyramids and ball game. Free time for lunch.


12.30 hrs.- Palenque -departure-. We travel to the Gulf of Mexico through the state of Tabasco.
18.30 hrs.- CAMPECHE- Arrival to this Mexican port city known for its colonial buildings and 17th century fortifications created to confront pirate attacks. Dinner included.

Total distance: 180 km.


09.00hrs- We leave Campeche for the state of Yucatan. In a bit over two hours, we arrive to Merida.

11.30 hrs- MÉRIDA- arrival. Tour of the city, the vibrant capital of the Mexican Yucatan State boasts a rich colonial and Mayan heritage. We see the fortified cathedral of Merida and the limestone church of the Third Order as well as the House of Montejo, a 16th century mansion and the emblem of Plateresque colonial architecture. Afternoon free, we suggest you to visit the Museum of the Mayan World on your own. In the evening, we include a transfer to attend the Mayan Ball Game show". Accommodation.

Total distance: 290 km
Scenery: Nice stage to get to know the state of Yucatan.
N.B.- Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, swimsuit and towel, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.


08.00 hrs- Merida- departure.
09.15 hrs- IZAMAL- arrival to one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, declared a "Magic town".

10.15 hrs- Izamal, departure.
11.30 hrs- CHICHEN ITZAN,- we include admission and a visit to the most important and renowned vestige of the Mayan civilization, a World Heritage Site where we see the mythical pyramid of Kukulcán and the warriors’ temple.

14.30 hrs - After the visit we include a Mayan cuisine lunch.

16.00 hrs- Chichen Itzan- We continue on our beautiful stage through the state of Yucatan.
18.15- RIO LAGARTOS, arrival to this small fishing village in the middle of a Biosphere Reserve.


Note: The hotel infrastructure in Rio Lagartos is very limited. Occasionally, we will have to provide accomodation in Valladolid. In that case, we will visit Valladolid on Sunday instead of Monday and spend more time in Rio Lagartos on Monday.

Distance: 265 km.

Note: Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, swimwear and towel, sunscreen and mosquito cream.


08.00 hrs.- We include a boat ride of more than two hours. We enter the biosphere reserve, where we can see crocodiles among its mangroves, lots of birds, including pelicans and pink flamingos. You can also "live the mud experience" by smearing mud with high concentrations of sulfur, minerals and salts that act as exfoliants for the skin, leaving a feeling of softness throughout the body.


11.30 hrs- Rio Lagartos, departure. We head to the interior of the peninsula.
13.00 hrs- VALLADOLID- arrival in the third largest city of the Yucatan with a very nice historical city center. We recommend that you have lunch in one of the restaurants in the main square.


14.30 hrs- Valladolid, departure.
15.30 hrs- CENOTE CHOJ HA. We will explore this Cenote managed by the local Mayan community. We will walk along a short trail in the jungle to visit the dry cave and swim in the wonderful lake inside the wet cave.


17.00 hrs- Cenote, departure. Continuation to Cancun.
20.30 hrs- CANCUN, arrival.

Our services end after breakfast. We suggest that any travellers who wish to extend their stay for a few days can do so resting by the beautiful beaches of Cancun or the Riviera Maya.