Mexico City To Cancun

15 days - from $1250

Mexico is a perfect destination of ours. Rich in culture, stunning scenery, colourful markets, great local transport, friendly people and the archaeological remnants of the great empires of the Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayas.

Our overland journey begins in Mexico City, where the colour and vibrancy of this bustling city will surely get you in the mood for our adventure. We visit the ‘can’t miss’ ruins at Teotihuacan before visiting the beautiful colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Next is the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban before we come to the wonderful town of San Cristobel de Las Casas, home of the descendents of the ancient Maya. Further on are their ancestral ruins at Palenque. The ‘White City’ – Merida is our gateway to the state of Yucatan, the stunning Chichen Itza ruins and finally the beautiful blue waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mayan ruins of Palenque
• The house of Leon Trotsky in Coyoacán
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chichen-Itza
• Burritos from a street vendor
• San Cristobal de Las Casas' Chiapas indigenous culture
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed pre-Hispanic city of Uxmal
• The Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán and Spanish city of Oaxaca
• Teotihuacan's Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
• Panteón Civil de Dolores cemetery
• Oaxaca's street stalls
• Make 'Bread of the Dead'
• The Blue House of Frida Kahlo
• Chili lime grasshoppers at Oaxaca Market
• Mexico City
• Mexican flag-resembling 'chiles en nogada' in Puebla
• Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan

Itinerary:

Day 1: Mexico City2: Teotihuacan Ruins3: Mexico City4: Puebla5: Oaxaca6: Monte Alban7 - 8: San Cristobal de Las Casas9 - 10: Palenque11-12: Merida13: Chichen Itza - Cancun14: Cancun15: Cancun

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko's expert English-speaking regional tour guide throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Orientation walking tour in Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobel, Palenque and Merida.

• Exploration of four archaeological ruin sites with local guides and entry included: Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque and the most famous Mayan site in Mexico - Chichen Itza.

• Visit to indigenous highland villages near San Cristobal.

• Time at the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol Ha.

• Free time to relax on the beaches of Cancun.

• Free time to explore Mexico City, Spanish colonial Puebla; Oaxaca, and the 'White City' of Merida

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.