Discover lost civilisations, Spanish colonial heritage, natural beauty and a rich culture
Few countries unleash your inner Indiana Jones quite like Mexico, where jungle temples and the abandoned cities of ancient civilisations make way to colonial towns with cobbled streets and Spanish architecture. This fusion of history has led to a unique culture, encompassing the art of Frida Kahlo and the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca. Uncover the historical and cultural layers of the country as we journey from the highlands of Mexico City to the jungles and beaches of the Yucatan via the lands of the Aztecs, Zapotecs, Maya and Conquistadors.
This trip is our special Day of the Dead festival departure, which is one day longer than the standard trip and spends the day celebrating the festivities in Oaxaca.
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the Day of the Dead festivities
Travel from Mexico City to Cancún
Discover Oaxaca's intense culinary and artistic traditions
Be awed by Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Explore highlands, jungles and coastlines
Key Information
Accommodation: 15 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by private minibus and boat
Some long drives
Day of the Dead festival special departure
Countries visited: Mexico
What's Included
All breakfasts and two lunches
All accommodation (see below)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice hereand find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. The small group number enables us to stay at a unique family-run hotel, La Aldea del Halach Huinic.
We visit a family of weavers of the Zapotec community. They make woven goods following ancient traditions that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Purchasing items from these families provides direct support for the local economy.
We tour Oaxaca market to learn about local foods and then enjoy a cooking class with a local chef. This is a great way to gain an appreciation for the local culture while sampling the cuisine.
We eat at the Donys family restaurant Halach Huinik (close to Uxmal). During the visit, the waiters are very pleased to have the chance to practise their English with our guests.
During the visit to the traditional Maya village of Tixkokob, we learn about the age-old tradition of hammock weaving at a local family’s home.
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites.
With our partners, Rewilding Apennines, we rewild 100 square meters (1,075 sqft) of land per passenger who travels with us.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Our local partner is an active member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and sit on the Board of Advisors of the Oceanic Society. They are also involved in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Working Group. This pioneering group helps to combat illegal wildlife trade and encourages responsible wildlife-based tourism by raising awareness among customers, staff and professional trade networks.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Itinerary
Mexico City
Cancún
Day
1
Start Mexico City
The adventure begins in Mexico City, one of the most exciting capital cities in the world. Take time to settle into the hotel before our welcome briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Reforma or Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Fly to Mexico City
Those on the group flights normally arrive in Mexico City in the evening. Land only passengers can arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Reforma or Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Day
2
Mexico City historic centre, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Xochimilco
Starting the day in Mexico City, we visit the historic centre on a walking tour based around the Zócalo (main square) and the Catedral Metropolitana. Our exploration starts in the Zócalo, which was an important gathering place for the Aztecs, and remains so in modern Mexico, often hosting book fairs and concerts. On the north side of the Zócalo is the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas. It was constructed over El Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple, as a sign the Spanish were now in power.
Next, we visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Construction of this massive neoclassical building began in 1904, on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent. It has an art nouveau style and its impressive facade is made of Carrara marble.
Finally, we enjoy a relaxing ride on a pre-Hispanic boat along the Xochimilco canals. These scenic waterways would have been used by the Aztecs and today see us enjoying a relaxing journey past floating gardens and little floating kitchens selling local food. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Reforma or Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Museum of Anthropology and Museum of History, Coyoacán and Museo Frida Kahlo
We begin our day with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology and History with its fascinating collection of artefacts from the many civilisations of Mexico. Next we explore the quaint neighbourhood of Coyoacán, which has pebbled streets, colonial churches, bustling little markets and quiet squares. This area was inhabited before the arrival of the Spanish and it is said conquistador Hernan Cortes made this the first capital of New Spain. To end the day we visit a house hidden behind cobalt blue walls known as Casa Azul (visit subject to availability). This is where artist Frida Kahlo was born, grew up and, eventually, lived with her muralist husband, Diego Rivera, until she died in 1954. Now a museum, the colonial house, set around a luxuriant garden, showcases the collections and personal effects of the two great artists and provides a window into the life of affluent Mexican bohemians in the first half of the 20th century.
Accommodation: Hotel Century Reforma or Hotel Royal Reforma (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Visit Teotihuacan and the Great Pyramid of Cholula; to Puebla
The ancient city of Teotihuacan reached its zenith around 1,000 CE when it was the sixth biggest city in the world with a population of about 125,000. Among the avenues and structures here are the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the third and fourth largest pyramids in the world. We explore this impressive archaeological zone with an expert local guide to unearth some of the site’s secrets.
Then, starting our journey east, we head to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl (approximately a two-hour drive). Considered to be the largest pyramid in the world, the structure has a fascinating history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Puebla de los Angeles, the City of Angels, so called because of a legend that claims angels came down from heaven to place the cathedral bells in the towers when builders were unable to do so. The colonial city is known for its traditions, especially its handicrafts, including blue-and-white pottery, and its cuisine is considered among the best in Mexico.
Accommodation: Hotel Colonial Puebla (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Puebla city tour; to Oaxaca
We spend this morning exploring Puebla, which has been named a Unesco World Heritage site for its colonial architecture. We visit the Patio de los Azulejos and the ex-Convent of Santa Rosa, both of which provide classic examples of how talavera tiles were incorporated into buildings, inside and out. Early settlers who came from Talavera de la Reina in Spain introduced these tiles and associated ceramics. Today, the glazed pottery is synonymous with Puebla.
After our city tour, we drive (about five hours) to Oaxaca, another Unesco-badged city. With a colonial centre of shaded pedestrian streets, indigenous traditions and a creative atmosphere, Oaxaca has attracted and inspired many artists and artisans alike.
The city has such sights as the beautiful Zócalo (main square), the cathedral and the vast Convento de Santo Domingo, along with museums, fascinating markets and charming inns.
Accommodation: Hotel Oaxaca Real or Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Day of the Dead traditions and festival in rural Oaxaca
We spend today uncovering the beliefs and history of the Day of the Dead. It starts with a typical breakfast in the Ocotlán de Morelos market, where we learn about traditional Oaxacan dishes and experience the market on this special occasion, when altars are set up for the festivities.
From here, we head to San Antonio Arrazola, which is renowned for its imaginative wood carvings. It was in 1936 that Pedro Linares, inspired by a dream, started producing colourful animal figures made of papier-mâché, which he called alebrijes. This folk art is now known throughout the world. Next, we visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, where a unique style of black pottery developed in the 1950s. We will see a potter at work and learn about the process to create amphorae, amongst other items.
This afternoon, we join a family in their home for lunch, where we eat traditional mole and other regional dishes. The family will also invite us to see their Day of the Dead shrine and introduce us to the Zapotec language. We take part in a Day of the Dead parade in the local town before visiting a graveyard at night, listening to brass bands and watching the entire town fill the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones.
Accommodation: Hotel Oaxaca Real or Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Monte Albán and Oaxaca
Our next exploration of Mexican history takes us to the Zapotecan site of Monte Albán. While the name dates to a 16th-century Spanish landowner, previous names come from the Mixtec word Sahandevul, meaning at the foot of the sky, or from the Zapotecan Danibaan, meaning sacred mountain. In 500 BCE, the Zapotecans moved into the Oaxaca region and began the monumental task of levelling the top of a 5,250ft (1,600m) high mountain that intersects and divides three valleys. Here they built the city of Monte Albán with a maze of subterranean passageways, rooms, drainage and water-storage systems.
We later return to Oaxaca to explore the cobbled streets, vibrant squares and many churches of this historic town.
Accommodation: Hotel Oaxaca Real or Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Market visit and Mexican cookery class
Oaxaca is arguably the most famed region in Mexico for its cuisine and we get more acquainted with it as we head for a cooking class, learning dishes that can easily be recreated at home. After visiting the market in Teotitlán del Valle to collect ingredients, we don our aprons and get cooking!
The exact menu can change but we generally learn how to make two types of tortilla, three salsas, guacamole, mole, a starter, soup, dessert and drink.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Oaxaca at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Oaxaca Real or Hotel Victoria (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
9
Teotitlán del Valle, mezcal tasting and to Tehuantepec
We return today to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, known for its colourful, handwoven rugs. Freshly dyed wool threads adorn the houses as they dry in the sun and await the next stage of the production process.
From here, we continue to a distillery in the small village of Santiago Matatlán to taste the agave-derived spirit, mezcal. Produced from the agave plant after it has blossomed the first time, the liquor always contains more than 40% alcohol and is not for the faint-hearted! After the tasting, we drive to Tehuantepec, where we spend the night (total drive time: about five hours plus stops).
Accommodation: Hotel Calli (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
To San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Today we drive to San Cristóbal (about six hours plus stops), one of the most popular cities in Mexico for visitors. It is filled with cobbled alleyways of whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs that lead to plazas and picturesque arcades.
Arriving in San Cristóbal in the afternoon, we have a short orientation tour of the historic city before checking into our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Mexicana or Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
11
Free day in San Cristóbal
Today is a free day to explore San Cristóbal at your own pace. Wander the colonial streets, take in the lively cafes, or buy handicrafts produced by the local Tzotzil indigenous groups. It’s also possible to do an optional boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon and/or visit one of the traditional Maya communities who live in the villages surrounding the city (see money section for prices).
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Mexicana or Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
12
To Palenque via Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
We depart San Cristóbal de las Casas early and spend much of today on the road as we head to Palenque. We break the journey (6-7 hours) at Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, hidden in the sub-tropical jungle of Chiapas state. Here, water cascades along several hundred metres of beautiful flora and there’s time for lunch and a dip in the turquoise-blue plunge pools and rock basins.
After our stop, it’s a further 1hr 10min to Palenque, a town named after the impressive ruins nearby.
Accommodation: Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
13
Palenque ruins, to Campeche
Emerging from the jungles of Chiapas is one of the most impressive ruins in Mexico: the Maya site of Palenque. The temples, sanctuaries and pyramids, with sculptured walls and ceilings, are some of the best-preserved and finest examples of Maya buildings despite the city-state having peaked in the seventh century.
We explore this magnificent site before continuing on the road towards the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean town of Campeche (about six hours plus stops).
Yet another Unesco World Heritage site, the colonial town has impressive city walls built to protect it from constant attacks by English and Dutch buccaneers and pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Accommodation: Hotel Lopez or Hotel Castelmar (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
Uxmal, traditional lunch and on to Mérida
From Campeche, we visit our second Maya site: Uxmal. Quite open, it contrasts to the jungle ruins of Palenque we visited yesterday. This site, which dates to the Late Classic era (500 CE to 800 CE), features the Pyramid of the Magician; the Nunnery Quadrangle, which has long, elaborately carved facades; and a ball court, where a traditional ball game was played, sometimes ending in human sacrifice.
Having worked up an appetite, we have lunch at a Maya family restaurant. Here we can eat pollo pibil and cochinita pibil (slowly cooked pork and chicken). The meat is roasted for about five hours with achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves.
After lunch, it’s about a 1hr 30min drive to Mérida, where several colonial buildings, including the cathedral, were built using stones from nearby Maya ruins.
Accommodation: Hotel Caribe (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
15
Mérida walking tour, Tixkokob craft village, Izamal magic town and on to Chichén Itzá
In the morning, we embark on a walking tour of Mérida, before heading out of the city to the traditional Maya village of Tixkokob, where local families practise the age-old craft of hammock weaving.
We then continue to Izamal, a one-time Maya settlement now marked as a Pueblo Magico (magic town) by the Mexican government. The town is covered in yellow-and-white buildings and is known for the 16th-century Franciscan monastery built on top of a huge Maya pyramid.
From here, we transfer to Chichén Itzá, possibly the best known and most impressive of all Maya sites (total drive time of about four hours plus stops).
Accommodation: Hotel Ikal Chichén or Hotel Puerta Chichén (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
16
Chichén Itzá visit; on to Cancún; end Cancún
Our final day starts with a visit to the most famous Maya temple city: Chichén Itzá. Having spent the night near the site, we can get in nice and early before the day-trippers arriving from the beach resorts.
Chichen Itza served as the political and economic centre of the Maya civilisation and thrived from around 600 CE to 1200 CE. The pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars and the Playing Field of the Prisoners can still be seen today and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to architecture, space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and possibly greatest, of all Maya pyramids.
This afternoon, we drive about 3hr 30min to Cancún airport, where the trip ends and we begin our return journeys home.
Please note: The group transfer back to Cancún is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Arrive London
Arrive London
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us
Covering a lot of ground from Mexico City to Cancun means there are some long drives, some of which are on winding mountain roads. Many of the drives take between two and six hours, with a maximum drive time of approximately eight hours. Some of the trip, in the lowlands of Chiapas and the Yucatan in particular, is likely to be hot and humid, especially in summer (drinking plenty of water and dressing in loose cotton clothing will help). Walking city tours and visits to various pre-Hispanic sites will mean a fair amount of time on our feet. Many of the areas visited are at high altitude and some short walks (normally one to three hours) are planned. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Please note, this trip includes a water-based excursion on the Xochimilco canals, where local safety standards may differ from those you are used to. There are unlikely to be personal flotation devices (ie lifejackets or buoyancy aids) available for you to use. If you cannot swim, you should not take part in this activity/excursion. If you are concerned about taking part in this activity, please discuss with your leader at the start of the tour so they can make alternative arrangements.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel in 2023: Hotel Regente City, París 9, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Phone: +52 55 1084 8700
Start hotel in 2024: Hotel Royal Reforma, C. Amberes 78, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX Phone: +52 55 9149 3000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately. Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, Mexico City (MEX)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 40-50 minutes’ drive from the airport.Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The last night of the trip is spent in Chichén Itza and the tour finishes in Cancún. The group transfer back to Cancún is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight. Free airport departure transfers are only available for return flights departing after the chosen flight route to London – from our Cancun hotel (if you have booked post tour accommodation) to the airport.
Departure tax for international visitors
The state of Quintana Roo charges all international travellers a departure tax. This tax is approximately US$15 per person. The fee can be paid and a receipt obtained by visiting http://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/ prior to arrival or during the visit. The payment must be verified prior to leaving Quintana Roo. Once travellers have concluded their stay in Quintana Roo, they must show their receipt at the airport checkpoint before boarding. Travellers who do not have a receipt will receive assistance to make the payment at that time.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Mexico City Location end: Cancún
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline’s website for the latest information prior to your departure. The usual, standard check-in baggage weight allowance is 20-23kg.
Vaccinations and Health
Mexico
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. Additionally, dengue, zika and chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. All are spread by biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxes available, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten.
Visa
Mexico
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
Food & Drink
Breakfast generally consists of fruits, cereals, beans and eggs.
Meals are around 275-365 Mexican pesos (US$15-US$20) for lunch and 275-550 pesos (US$15-US$30) for dinner. A beer costs on average 55-90 pesos (US$3-US$5).
We can discover the richness of Mexican cuisine on this trip. In Oaxaca, we attend a cooking class, the exact dishes we learn to cook can vary but generally include tortillas, salsas, mole (chocolate-based savoury dishes) and guacamole. We also learn about Mexican drinks, visiting a mezcal distillery.
Note, drinking water will be provided on the bus in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Weather
On the coast and in the lowland areas there is little variation in temperatures between the seasons. These are likely to be 28C-33C (82F-91F) average daytime maximum and 18C-23C (64F-73F) night-time minimum. On the coast, the heat and humidity are moderated by sea breezes, but inland it is likely to be quite humid.
In the hills, the temperatures are moderated by the altitude, and there is more seasonal variation. Between November and February, the daytime maximum is around 20C (68F), rising to 27C (81F) in summer. Nights are much cooler, around 6C (43F) in winter and 12C (54F) in summer. Note that it can be surprisingly cold in the highlands on winter nights.
The wet season is from June to October, when it rains one day in three on average. The rains tend to be short and heavy, alternating with pleasant clear spells. During the other months, rain is much less likely, but there is the chance of an occasional storm at almost any time.
Historic and modern hotels
Staying in a mix of colonial and modern properties, we discover the wide variety of accommodation styles available in Mexico. Typically, these are of a three-star standard and, when we are based in cities, within the historic centres.
Listed below are some of the standout properties we usually use on this trip.
Puebla: Hotel Colonial (night 4)
Just one block from the zócalo (main square), Hotel Colonial is a historic building dating to 1668. Originally constructed by Jesuits, it hosted travellers as early as the 18th century. Nowadays, its restaurant is particularly renowned – try the mole poblano, a savoury chilli and chocolate sauce that comes from Puebla.
San Cristóbal: Hotel Diego Mazariegos (nights 9-10)
Hotel Diego de Mazariegos offers colonial-style rooms with complimentary wifi. With a convenient position in the historic centre of San Cristóbal, it is within walking distance of the main square and cathedral. The tranquil courtyard, two restaurants and pub provide ample opportunities to relax and refuel after a busy day exploring.
Palenque: La Aldea del Halach Huinic (night 11)
Set in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Palenque National Park, Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic provides a tranquil place to stay. It has been designed to blend with its natural surroundings and reduce its environmental impact. The outdoor pool is a focal point of the property, and all rooms come with a balcony and hammock overlooking the gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and toucans!
Worth knowing
Rooms may vary in size, style and decoration within a property
This was a really well -planned full itinerary with little down time and early starts every morning!
The traffic in Mexico City meant that journeys between locations always took a long time but Berto, our driver was very calm. On the first day you are still recovering from the long day of travel but the visit to the Frida Kahlo House was very worthwhile and the canal boat “dodgems” at Xochimilco was great fun!
It was nice to get out of the City to the site at Teotichuacan the next day – the large pyramids are stunningly impressive but you can no longer climb them.
The best time was in Oaxaca as we spent 4 nights at the same central hotel and we had plenty of opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere and see plenty of costumes and parades. The food is very good here and, of course, we learned how to make some salsas and mole.
We were lucky enough to spend time at the cemetery with a family where the son was playing the guitar and singing ballads to the dead relatives – very moving and atmospheric.
Monte Alban was my favourite archaeological site, partly because of the stunning views but Palenque was lovely because of its jungle location with the howler monkeys screeching in the background and the fact it was possible to climb the Pyramid of the Cross to have a view across the site.
Unfortunately, we only had less than an hour at Uxmal as we arrived late in the afternoon and our visit to Chichen Itza was quite short as we had to leave for the airport.
We did so many extras and Arturo always ensured we had good places to eat and drink!
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to single something out as the trip itinerary was so diverse and enjoyable but my least favourite location was San Cristobal, although I did buy some fabulous hand-painted wooden masks there!
We did a sneaky swim in a small cenote too - the water was crystal clear and a pleasant temperature - so refreshing!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arturo was absolutely smashing! He always had a smile on his face, was super organised and packed so much into the day. He had a great sense of humour and really gelled with the group. He was really charming and kind too.
We always had so many questions about the history and culture which he was able to answer very knowledgeably.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes are somewhat misleading on some points:
Currency - really get mostly in Pesos to cover what you will be spending on food and drinks. I only used USD for the tips and the additional boat trip in the canyon. Eating out is relatively expensive and a 15% tip is usually applied. You can use credit cards in the more touristy areas but usually cash is preferred.
Packing - I was led to believe a warm jacket and jumper would be required so I ended up taking some non-essential items. It is generally very warm and humid and balmy in the evenings so no jumpers or jackets required.
I only wore a fleece when we had to leave San Cristobal at 4am. A denim jacket was fine. But DO take a raincoat - we got absolutely drenched in flash floods in Puebla.
Girls - ignore the comments about shorts not being acceptable. They are commonplace both with tourists and locals - and essential when climbing up pyramids! Skirts very impractical.
Patrick O'Connor
Reviewed November 2022
Mexico Day of Dead Festival started 27 October 2022
Very good trip overall. The local guide was extremely knowledgeable, highly motivated. The hotels were variable good to very good. The bus was somewhat crowded. I managed to find some vegetarian selection at each location. Local people were quite friendly and ready to help, despite my very limited spanish.
Most Inspirational Moment
I enjoyed pyramids at Teotichuacan, especially walking to temples of the Sun and Moon on the Avenue of the Dead. Also Mayan pyramids at Uxmal, Chichen Itza. Wandering the streets of Oaxaca, Campeche, Merida.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The local guide Arturo was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer most questions in great detail. He was highly motivated, even arranging hotel staff with umbrellas to meet group at the entrance to Hotel Regente in Mexico City during heavy rain, and helping to carry guest bags to the bus. Arturo showed us where there were good restaurants, shops, foreign exchange bureaux. My spanish is quite limited, so Arturo was helpful to translate so that I could find vegetarian selections at the restaurants. The bus driver Alberto was well motivated and able to get group to destination in good time, despite heavy traffic in larger cities like Mexico city, and securing baggage. Good rapport between the local guide and driver. Both were accommodating and ready to assist us travellers.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try to learn as much spanish as possible, English spoken little outside main tourist areas. Bring sun screen for daytime, and rain gear for nights, still heavy rains in mid-November. Cooler at night in high elevation areas, esp. San Cristobal, Oaxaca, Puebla.
Peter Stocker
Reviewed November 2022
Mexico Day of the Dead Oaxaca
An excellent introduction to the sights , sounds and culture of Mexico. It involved long days travelling on occasion, and a larger bus would be an improvement. The one provided had the exact number of seats for the passengers so there was no possibility of spreading out, the seats in the back being particularly cramped.
Most Inspirational Moment
I particularly liked the visit to Teotihuacan and walking along the Avenue of the Dead from the Citadel to the Pyramid of the Moon. Chichen Itza Was also spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arturo Romero was excellent, very knowledgeable and worked really hard to make everything run smoothly.
Ruth Green
Reviewed December 2019
Pleasure & Pain.....
A great trip that could have been SO much more! My husband & I mostly enjoyed the first half of this trip, chosen especially to see the Day of The Dead celebrations in Mexico. The accommodation was pretty good throughout with some lovely colonial hotels, some with lovely swimming pools. Unfortunately we often arrived far too late in the afternoon, to enjoy those facilities and the next day we were off again on the tour. Very disappointing.
Travelling for the whole trip in a minibus (this was mentioned in the trip notes to be fair, but we have never had to endure this in any 7 of our previous Exodus trips, always having had much larger coaches) with no spare seats, unable to be fully comfortable or recline our seats, on some very long journeys (albeit with comfort breaks) spoilt the trip for us. Being in very close quarters with our group for several hours each day, some of whom we felt were selfish & insensitive to the needs of their fellow passengers, was at times, a strain & caused a lot of tension.
In retrospect I think the tour could perhaps should be cheaper and split into two separate trips. So that those who wish to experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca can and perhaps add on another separate tour with the Yucatan & Mayan pyramids for those that want to experience the history. The first half with maybe more time in Mexico City to experience all that it has to offer.
We are no strangers to ‘full on’ Exodus trips, having been to Peru last year,also China, Russia, Cuba & India twice. However this trip felt exhausting to us, mainly because of the travelling conditions in the minibus, nearly all the road journeys were longer than the ‘estimates ‘ in the trip notes. It was also very unfortunate I was ill in Oaxaca & had to see a doctor for antibiotics and steroids. To be honest we felt that to appreciate the country, more time is need in some of the towns – Merida & Campeche especially.
Most Inspirational Moment
Personally it was experiencing the Day of the Dead in the evening, with the families in the cemetery. The atmosphere was incredible. To see the decorated shrines and just be there with everyone, was a joy! I loved the skeleton figures everywhere and the rich colours of the marigolds on the altars. Oaxaca was a terrific place to see & feel the celebrations. We also had a great time at Frida Kahlo's house,in Mexico City even thought here were long queues, our guide had prebooked so we got in without too much waiting. I wasn't prepared for the scenery to be so varied either-vast plains,mountains, jungles, forests.... Seeing the Gulf of Mexico just as the sun set was magical!
Unfortunately in Oaxaca, we were very disappointed when told by our guide that although printed in the itinerary, we were not going to have lunch with a local family, take part in the parade or go to the family's shrine in the evening. Many of the group wanted to dress up, have their faces painted and really immerse themselves in the experience. In fact that was why we had chosen Exodus, because it offered those things. But it was not to be. Perhaps the trip notes should reflect this in future, so as not to disappoint clients.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arturo was all things to us all. From being a mine of information about his country's history, culture & religion, he was always willing to go the extra mile - from providing medication when we were ill ( a bad cold struck most of us down during the trip) to providing a fruit plate & bananas for my husband when he suffered an upset stomach and was unable to leave the hotel in Oaxaca for 2 days.
Arturo took us to some very good restaurants so we could experience the variety that is Mexican cuisine - despite my dislike for chillies! He was always patient and mostly helpful. We especially had a good time with him in Oaxaca watching the dancing in the square from the restaurant balcony.
Advice for Potential Travellers
.Be prepared for long journeys - with little in the way of 'enjoyable' food when travelling from place to place! Motorway services & cafes do not cater for gluten free diets - so take snacks with you - cereal bars, small packs of dried fruit & nuts etc. You can buy snacks but the food is very 'plastic'!
. Take Mexican pesos with you - although US dollars can be exchanged, you are not always near an ATM or bank.
. If you like crafts, Mexico is a wonderland. Make sure you have room in your case especially for souvenirs of the Day of the Dead.
We experienced some VERY heavy rain one day but generally the weather is good in October/November - take a brolly/packable waterproof in your rucksack.
. Take headphones, iPad/tablet, Kindle, book etc to pass the time on long road journeys.
Keren Trimnell
Reviewed November 2018
Brilliant trip
This trip packs a lot in – culture, Mayan sites, eating, seeing local craftsmen at work, and just soaking up the atmosphere in the old Spanish colonial towns. Around and about in Mexico city, beautiful Puebla, San Cristobal and then lots of Mayan sites.
The hotels were all good (had one slight problem in one of them but hopefully Exodus can get that sorted out for future trips).
There are some long travelling days due to the distances which need to be covered, but it’s worth it and a lot of the scenery is just amazing to see.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hahaha - cannot pick just one: climbing the sun pyramid and almost, just almost, making it to the top (vertigo got me); seeing Mayan carvings in an old tomb on top of a hill; some of the restaurants were wonderful; all the Day of the Dead "stuff"; watching the sunset on the seafront; swimming in a Cenote; Teotihuacan; Uxmal; Palenque and Chichen Itze.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arturo was one of the best tour leaders I've had - from meeting the group at Mexico City airport, with a big smile, he was there for us for the whole time, sorting out any problems, answering millions of questions, and generally making sure everyone was ok. And, that smile never wavered.
I'd also like to mention Fernando, our driver. He was brilliant as well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's hot and you will get sweaty climbing the pyramids - pack for that. Take a swimming costume - a couple of the hotels have pools which are brilliant for cooling down. I took hiking boots, but didn't wear them, walking sandals were fine for all the sites. I didn't get bitten and didn't use deet, but I did wear long sleeves and I think all the hotels had aircon (units). You can get washing done in Oaxaca (about £1 per item), which might be helpful. A brolly would probably be useful - it did rain a couple of times (the tropical rain that comes down hard, then stops). This trip packs a lot in but there's still a lot more to see and I'll definitely be going back.
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Day of the Dead departure
Day of the Dead departure
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