Mayan Heat (Start Puerto Vallarta, end Mexico City)
Overview
Highlights
- Walking tour of Guanajuato
- Visit the Hidalgo Market
- Cruise on a Trajinera & discover Xochimilco
- Visit Coyoacán, birthplace of Frida Kahlo
- Visit the Zapatec religious center Mitla
- Taste fiery mescal & sample spicy chapulines in the valley of Oaxaca
- Locally guided walking tour of colonial Oaxaca
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Welcome to Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's most popular beach destinations. Today, meet up with your group & get ready for a day of exploring the golden sands or famous seaside malecon (promenade) lined with bars, restaurants & shops.
This morning maybe give surfing a go in a hidden beach along the bay. You could also opt to explore the Marietas Islands for wildlife on an eco-tour. The islands, made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, provide the perfect environment for snorkelling & kayaking. Tonight maybe take in a performance over dinner on an optional ride in the bay.
Today we head to the city the locals call the "Pearl of the West", Guadalajara! Take a closer look at buildings & plazas filled with great murals & history. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic centre where you'll visit the four main squares, inside city hall & the magnificent cathedral.
Today we drive to the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato. This afternoon explore the winding streets & subterranean passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage city. View the romantic "Callejon de beso" & hear the legend about the two lovers. Later, see the cast-iron & glass Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel where you'll have a chance to shop for local sweet treats.
We travel to Mexico City through the charming countryside of the colonial heartland. We'll make our way through agricultural districts that lead to bustling Mexico City, the largest city of the country & the oldest capital city in North America
Today, we visit the unique floating gardens & markets of Xochimilco. Then, it's off through "The City of Palaces" to see the ancient ruins & colonial-influenced yet modern architecture.
Start the day with a tour of the incredible ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. Afterwards, get back to Mexico City for some down time before we head out for a night on the town.
Leave behind the buzz of Mexico City & fly to the beautiful white-stone city of Merida. Tour the city’s gorgeous colonial buildings & Government Palace before indulging in a mouthwatering Yucatecan meal.
Immerse yourself in a Mayan history on a guided tour at Chichen Itza - the country's spectacular ancient Mayan city. this afternoon we arrive in legendary Cancun with its endless shopping, nightlife & outdoor hub hotel.
Make this city your playground & start out with a day fee to explore. From snorkelling the clear blue waters to sitting back with a beer. You can shop, catch some rays & people watch.
Soak up all the Cancun action you want today - swim through a jungle lagoon, learn to scuba dive, or day trip to an eco-archeological park. And for your last night, party in great bars & dance clubs ’til the sun comes up. [A&M]
Adios Mexico, but we’ll be back! This morning we leave Cancun and head to Chetumal for some exploring & maybe bite to eat, before boarding our water taxis into Belize. We’ll park up on this Caribbean island, where the motto is “go slow.” Tonight it’s dinner we’ll offer a feast of fresh seafood & your chance to sample the reggae nightlife!
The day is all yours! Fuel up at breakfast, then you get to make the most of our ME Time optionals, like swimming with sharks at Belize’s World Heritage Barrier Reef, Kayaking the mangroves or lazing on “The Split” (a break in the island), where sipping and sunbathing is the scene! Enjoy included snacks, drinks and music during for our last night on the island.
Next up, Guatemala's El Petén ragion via Belize City! On arrival at our awesome Jungle Lodge there's the option to fly through the rainforest canopy on ziplines.. why not! Explore the local ruins then drift off to sleep to the sounds of the forest.
We rise before the sun to watch daybreak unfold from atop the Mayan ruin, Templo IV… so prepare for amazing! Enjoy an included guided tour of the area or explore the magnificent jungle ruins, before our afternoon trip to the island of Flores, built atop another ancien...
From the relaxed Flores to Guatemala’s bustling capital city! Today we’ll skip the queues and make a beeline for the unique beauty and relaxed vibe of World Heritage Antigua. You’ll be shown many of the historic and beautiful facets of town, among rooftop flowerbeds and horse drawn carriages bouncing over cobblestones.
With the day all yours, see the sights & tick those boxes. Adventure seekers can hike a volcano or ride mountain bikes. Or if you want to relax you could try making local native chocolates or shop for traditional textiles.
We'll take a private boat to a Mayan Lakeside community & meet local artisans who'll teach us to make yummy tortillas by hand. Afterwards, relax on a hammock & take in beautiful lake views!
We'll make our way through small Mayan communities of Guatemala's highlands before we reach the beautiful & rugged territory of Chiapas. Next on the list, the evergreens & cool cultural centre of San Cristóbal de las Casas via Comitán!
Adventurers could try horse riding or mountain biking this morning, then we'll visit the Mayan hillside communities of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán. Tonight try some traditional 'tamales chapanecos' before hitting the town. Get festive!
After a morning relaxing, we'll descend from the forested hills on to the beautiful coastal plains of Tehuantepec, where you'll visit the city square. This evening, chill by the pool before a delicious local meal.
First we head to World Heritage Oaxaca then it's on to Matatlan. Later we heat to Mitla, sacred rites were once carried out among the still intact geometrical stonework. We'll see colonial architecture this evening, stopping at the local market for some delicious chapulines... yum!
Discover local museums & shops before we visit Monte Alban, built on a mountaintop. Famous for its traditional crafts, we will visit a local workshop before our last night… Salud!
This morning we travel to the centre of the ancient Aztec universe. We'll take a panoramic tour of World Heritage Puebla, then head to Cholula. Choose to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the small town plaza or enter the ruins & explore the ancient tunnels (entrance fee not included). This evening, we arrive in Mexico City, where you can say 'adios' to your amigos!
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Contiki Reviews & Ratings
Other Contiki Reviews
Damian Taylor
May 2024
Turkish Sailing
Trip was fantastic, a smaller group was so much better a...
Damian Taylor
May 2024
Anonymous
Could of been a bit more concise cause technically I wasn’t run by Contiki rather a 3rd party
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Anonymous
Great hotels and hit all the essential sights!
Tour Operator
We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.
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