Echoes of Mexico: Five Civilizations and Beyond
11 days / 10 nights
Explore Mexico’s rich heritage through its ancient civilizations, colonial cities, and modern culture. From iconic sites like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza to vibrant towns like Oaxaca and Campeche, this journey blends history, art, and natural beauty into an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1:
Arrive in Mexico City
Begin your journey with a transfer from the airport to your hotel in Mexico City, a short 30-40 minute drive through the lively and dynamic capital.
Day 2:
Discover Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Anthropology Museum (10 hours)
Experience the cultural diversity of Mexico City, where indigenous, mestizo, Creole, and European traditions converge. Start your day at the “Zócalo,” the main square, where remnants of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan still stand. Admire Diego Rivera’s historical murals at the National Palace, chronicling Mexico’s story from ancient times to the Revolution.
Next, explore the treasures of the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park, home to artifacts from civilizations like the Toltec, Aztec, Maya, and Olmec. Highlights include the famed Aztec Calendar Stone.
Later, venture 80 km outside the city to Teotihuacán, once the world’s sixth-largest city in 400 A.D. and abandoned centuries before the Aztecs arrived. Tour its landmarks, including the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Jaguar Palace, and the Temple of the Plumed Conch Shells. Return to your hotel after an enriching day.
Day 3:
Frida Kahlo Museum – Trotsky Museum – Taxco – Acapulco
Delve into Mexican artistry at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, exploring her surrealist works and the life she shared with Diego Rivera. Continue to the Trotsky Museum, learning about the revolutionary’s exile and his critique of Stalin.
In the afternoon, journey to the picturesque silver town of Taxco, renowned for its charming streets and the baroque beauty of Santa Prisca Cathedral. From there, travel on to Acapulco for an overnight stay.
Day 4:
Acapulco – Cliff Diving Show – City Exploration
Witness the fearless cliff divers of Acapulco, a tradition spanning over four decades. These daredevils leap from a 45-meter cliff into the Pacific, timing their jumps perfectly with the ocean waves. The torch-lit night dives are particularly breathtaking.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant streets of Acapulco, soaking up the lively atmosphere and its rich historical heritage.
Day 5:
Acapulco – Puebla – Oaxaca
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Puebla, one of Mexico’s oldest cities, famed for its colonial buildings adorned with painted ceramic tiles (azulejos) and its 70 churches in the historic center. Take a guided tour of the city before continuing to Oaxaca for the night.
Day 6:
Oaxaca – Monte Albán – Tule – Tehuantepec
Visit Monte Albán, a spectacular Zapotec city-state perched 2,000 meters above sea level. This ancient site features a ball court, an observatory, and the famous Danzantes wall carvings. Afterward, proceed to Tehuantepec for an overnight stay.
Day 7:
Tehuantepec – Sumidero Canyon – San Cristóbal de las Casas
Embark on a boat ride through the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. Marvel at the caves and altars along the canyon walls. Later, journey to the indigenous-rich city of San Cristóbal de las Casas and settle into your hotel.
Day 8:
San Cristóbal de las Casas – Misol-Ha Waterfall – Palenque
Explore the bustling markets and colorful streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Visit the nearby villages of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula to learn about indigenous traditions. In the afternoon, admire the stunning Misol-Ha waterfall before arriving in Palenque for the night.
Day 9:
Palenque – Campeche
Dive into the ancient Mayan world at Palenque, a jungle-shrouded archaeological site featuring intricate temples, sculptures, and Emperor Pakal II’s sarcophagus. Later, cross the Usumacinta River to reach Campeche, a charming city with well-preserved 17th-century walls. Stay overnight in Campeche.
Day 10:
Campeche – Uxmal – Mérida
Explore Campeche’s colonial charm and pirate lore before heading to Uxmal, a masterpiece of Puuc-style architecture. Discover landmarks like the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor’s Palace, and the Temple of the Turtles. Continue to Mérida for your evening stay.
Day 11:
Mérida – Chichen Itza – Ek Balam – Riviera Maya
Travel through the henequen fields of the Yucatán to reach Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Highlights include the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court, and the ancient observatory.
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cenote Ik-Kil before visiting Ek Balam, a lesser-explored archaeological site with remarkable discoveries. Conclude your journey at the Riviera Maya.
