Discounted

Highlights of Mexico

Mexico - Trip code MXS Discovery
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340Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

From the captivating capital to the sun-soaked Caribbean coast, get an introduction to Mexico on this whistle-stop tour. Journey through the country's vast history, uncovering Mayan gems including Palenque and Chichen Itza as well as the charming Colonial town of San Cristobal. Finish up on the Yucatan Peninsula, where we combine ruins with a side of relaxation, capping it off with a night in Playa del Carmen.

Why we love this trip
  • Visit archaeological wonders - Discover bucket-list sites like Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore colonial icons - Walk through the colourful markets of the picturesque city, San Cristobal de las Casas.
  • See the Sumidero Canyon - Take to the water on a boat trip through this towering gorge, spotting wildlife along the way.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

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    Accommodation

    6 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join tour in Mexico City

Our tour starts today in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico and the bustling heart and soul of the country. The city is a patchwork of historic landmarks, buildings and the largest number of museums in the world.

Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, our tour leader will meet you on the morning of day two for a welcome meeting. Look out for a message in the hotel reception with timings and other details for the day.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) which is around a 30-minute to one-hour drive from the hotel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to have a stroll around Alameda Central, Mexico City's oldest municipal park, or visit the Templo Mayor Museum, which is known for its exhibits relating to the Aztec civilization.

Accommodation:

Hotel Casa Blanca (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, tour of Mexico City

We'll dive right into Mexico City's history today and head to the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacan. Although it was abandoned in the thirteenth century, the site was once the largest city in the Americas with 100,000 inhabitants. Its influence continued through Middle America, and Mayan craftsmen borrowed its decorative motifs and building designs. Centuries later the Aztecs referred to Teotihuacan as 'the Place of the Gods', hinting at its importance.

Afterward, we'll return to the downtown district for a walking tour of the Zocalo; the main square that has been a cornerstone in public gatherings since ancient times. The National Palace is located on the east side of the square - the President lives here as his permanent residence and we'll take a look at it from the outside, along with the grand metropolitan cathedral. Many of these key sights were built on top of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital.

Accommodation:

Hotel Casa Blanca (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Fly to Tuxtla Airport, boat trip through Sumidero Canyon en-route to San Cristobal

This morning, we'll fly to Tuxtla airport, in the state of Chiapas, and set off for Sumidero Canyon, a unique rift 41 kilometres long and up to 1000 metres deep, cut by the Rio Grijalva. This is where, in the 16th century, 1000 Chiapa peoples allegedly committed suicide rather than submit to Spanish rule. We'll take a trip on a speed boat to fully appreciate the towering gorge, before driving approximately two hours up a scenic mountain road to San Cristobal de las Casas, a small colonial and indigenous town located high in the tree-lined Chiapas range. At 2210 metres above sea level, it can get quite cold here at night, so it's worth packing an extra layer.

Accommodation:

Casa Mexicana (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Visit indigenous villages, free afternoon in San Cristobal

The indigenous groups from the surrounding hills fill the town and marketplace with their colourful dress including the distinctive Tzotzil community who still retain much of their Mayan customs and language.

Today, we'll be visiting San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, indigenous villages close to San Cristobal that practise an interesting blend of Catholicism and traditional Maya beliefs. This area is famous for its bright textiles and weavings in intricate designs. You might like to pick up souvenirs here during our free time this afternoon.

Much like Oaxaca, San Cristobal is a charming town to explore on foot and also has its fair share of museums. The Na Bolom, House of the Jaguar, is dedicated to the preservation of the Lacandón tribe and displays many of their artefacts, while the Textiles Centre is a superb showcase of the weaving traditions found both in Chiapas as well as the rest of Mexico and Central America. There are also museums dedicated to amber and jade, that not only display historical pieces, but also give an understanding of the importance of these materials to the ancient civilisations.

Accommodation:

Casa Mexicana (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Travel to Palenque

Leaving the highlands behind us, today we have a long driving day ahead of us, approximately eight hours plus stops. The road is slow and winding, but there are scenic views as we descend to the jungles of Palenque. We'll be driving via the town of Villahermosa, where we'll stop for lunch.

Accommodation:

Hotel Maya Tulipanes (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Discover the Mayan site of Palenque, continue to Campeche

Today's guided visit to the ruins of Palenque is one of the highlights of our tour of Mexico. Palenque is both a fascinating and important site and we'll explore it in depth with a guide. Once the choking forest was cleared, the ruins revealed the tomb of the high priest Pakal, his body adorned with a marvellous jade death mask - one of the most prized relics of the Mayan culture, discovered only in 1952. The entire site, shrouded by the steamy rainforest, has an aura of deep mystery.

After our visit, we'll continue to the colonial city of Campeche, around a five-hour drive away (350 kilometres). In the early evening, we'll take a stroll to explore on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was constantly besieged by pirates and so is the only walled city in Mexico. We'll take time to get an impression of the walled ramparts, narrow cobblestoned roads, boulevard and pastel coloured buildings on arrival.

Accommodation:

Hotel Lopez (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Visit Uxmal and drive to Merida

This morning, we'll visit Uxmal, one of the Yucatan's most underrated ancient sites to those in the know. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive in its design with majestic palaces and pyramids, and long geometrical friezes that rank among the most splendid examples of ancient American Art. The incredible Pyramid of the Magician and the beautiful Governor's Palace are two of the finest examples of Mayan art found in MesoAmerica.

Later in the day, we'll drive to Merida, famed for its Spanish-Moorish style architecture, where we'll have time to wander the narrow streets watching the horse-drawn carriages rattle past.

Our total driving time today will be approximately three and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Hotel Del Gobernador (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Explore Chichen Itza and continue to Playa del Carmen

This morning we'll visit the ruins of Chichen Itza. Founded in AD432, re-founded in 987 and conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century, the culture of the Maya and the Toltec gradually fused. The pyramids, palaces, temples and ballcourt (where death was the penalty for defeat) are adorned with astonishing sculptures. Under the pressure of the civil war, the great monuments deteriorated and the Maya civilisation collapsed. Chichen Itza remains one of the most outstanding sites in the Americas, and its main pyramid was named the Seventh New Wonder of the World in 2007.

We'll have a lengthy visit here, before setting off to Playa del Carmen for our final night. Time permitting, we'll stop for a swim in one of the Yucatan's cenotes (a cenote is an underground pool naturally formed in limestone, used by the ancient Mayans as a source of water). We'll arrive in Playa del Carmen in the evening.

Our total driving time for today will be approximately four and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Hacienda Real del Caribe Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Trip ends in Playa del Carmen

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Playa del Carmen.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Playa del Carmen at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Cancun Airport (CUN), which is approximately a 60-minute drive away.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Mexico

Climate

Mexico is a vast country whose weather varies by season and region. The optimum time to travel is generally between December and April when rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures are coolest between December and February and temperatures start to rise from March, with the hottest months being May to August. The rainy season runs from May until October when humidity and temperatures are highest. The rains tend to be intense and short, clearing the humidity before building up again. The Caribbean coast can be affected by hurricane season between June and November. Please bear in mind that at altitude (particularly trips that pass through San Cristobal) the temperatures can drop considerably at night and sudden changes can occur at any time.

Time difference to GMT

-6

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic, Protestant

Language

Spanish is the official language, but around 50 languages/dialects are also spoken by the indigenous peoples of Mexico.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Mexico City - Folkloric Ballet US$80-120
San Cristobal - Na Bolom US$5;
Merida - Mundo Maya Museum US$10 + transport

Clothing

Warmer clothing is needed in the highlands (San Cristobal and Mexico City), which are mostly mild, but temperatures can drop dramatically at night. Pack a fleece and some long sleeved clothing for protection from sun and insects. Lightweight rainwear is essential. In general, winter is dry and summer wet. Casual clothes are acceptable. Shorts are acceptable everywhere except in churches.

Footwear

Bring walking boots if you have them, otherwise comfortable shoes/trainers with a good grip and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daysack. Remember - you are expected to carry your own luggage
so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

An umbrella is useful for tropical downpours. A torch and waterbottle are recommended. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a sunhat.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 40, approx. 760 pesos for group tipping

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Mexico

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Breakfast price
£10
Lunch price
£15
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£3
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Mexican New Peso (MXN)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. Sterling can only be exchanged in Mexico City. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check online for up to date information. MX/Y trip - For those continuing to Guatemala and Belize, bring USD along with you to use. There is no longer an exchange at the border crossing with Guatemala and you will need dollars for the entrance/exit taxes. Dollars can be used in most places in both countries.
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in MXN. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat

Accommodation notes

Accommodation on our tour of Mexico has been graded as comfortable. This means, you can expect modern features such as en-suite rooms and air-conditioning, however, standards might not always meet those at home. Some, but not all, hotels have a restaurant and bar as well as a garden or swimming pool for you to relax in after a day of exploring.

We choose our hotels based on location, comfort and authenticity, to give you a feel for the local area. This means that we avoid larger, chain hotels in favour of smaller accommodations that guarantee you a warm welcome.

It's worth noting that as we head into the mountains to San Cristobal, temperatures drop and it can be very cold at night. Our hotel can provide extra blankets on request or an electric heater at an additional cost. If you feel the cold easily, pack a layer to wear under your pyjamas.

Mexico

Food and drink

In Mexico, catering to clients with dietary requirements is feasible, though it varies by location. Typically, meat and other restricted items are replaced with additional vegetables, potatoes, and rice. Vegans and those with other food intolerances should expect limited options, as creatively prepared dishes are generally scarce. Specifically, we do not recommend the "A Taste of Mexico - Markets and Mayan Sites (MXF)" trip for vegans or anyone with a specialized diet.

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip- unless it is filtered through a reusable filtration bottle (such as Water-to-Go​)

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Mexico: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada require a Mexican Tourist Card to enter. This is obtained on arrival, at some check-in desk of the airline you are travelling with or online in advance from the following website - https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html . Please note that due to the requirements of the online system, the advance option is only possible if your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to Mexico. You must take a printed copy with you which you will present on arrival with your passport. You will need to be kept this on you until you exit Mexico.

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Mexico

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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