Taste of Mexico History Tour

Arrive in Mexico City, the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere. You will be transferred to Boutique Hotel The Amsterdam. Spend the day exploring the city's vibrant history and culture, starting with the central plaza, Zocalo, where remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor stand.

Today you will delve into Mexico City's street food culture. With the guidance of an English-speaking culinary expert, visit the bustling streets of a historic neighbourhood, sampling a diverse array of authentic Mexican delicacies such as tamales, burritos, and carnitas. Gain insight into the rich history and cultural significance behind each dish as you navigate through this vibrant culinary landscape during the 3-hour group street food tour.

Following your gastronomic adventure, continue your exploration with a private city tour, focussing on the city's architectural and historical treasures. Discover the heart of Mexico City with a leisurely stroll along Madero Street, soaking in panoramic views of architectural marvels like the Temple of San Francisco, Casa de los Azulejos, the Post Office, and the Fine Arts Palace.

Enjoy a full day to exploring Mexico City's historical and cultural gems. Begin at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, showcasing Aztec ruins, a colonial church, and modern structures. Next, visit the Shrine of Guadalupe, where the Virgin of Guadalupe is believed to have appeared. Explore the New Basilica and view Juan Diego's cloak. Then, journey to Teotihuacan, an ancient city sacred to the Aztecs. Marvel at its temples and the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the world's largest.

Check out of your Mexico City hotel and journey to Oaxaca, stopping en route to explore Puebla. Wander its historic centre adorned with colonial architecture and Talavera tiles. Continue to Cholula, a UNESCO site featuring the Great Pyramid, topped with a church. Arrive in Oaxaca, where you'll stay at boutique hotel Azul Oaxaca. Experience the blend of pre-conquest, colonial, and modern influences in this charming valley city, once the centre of Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations.

A full day of exploration starts at the ancient archaeological marvel of Monte Albán. Perched atop a mountain overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site was the heart of the Zapotec civilization. Explore its ceremonial grounds, including the Gran Plaza and Ball Court.

Returning to Oaxaca city, delve into its colonial centre. Admire Spanish architecture at landmarks like the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church, while immersing yourself in the city's vibrant indigenous culture evident in its bustling streets and markets. Gain an understanding of Oaxaca's rich history, from its pre-Columbian roots to its enduring indigenous identity amidst Spanish colonial influences.

Depart from Oaxaca on your flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas. Upon arrival, join a boat ride through the majestic Sumidero Canyon, carved by the Grijalva River. Marvel at its 800-metre deep geological formations. Next, visit the colonial gem of Chiapa de Corzo, famed for its 16th-century Mudejar-style fountain. Then, journey to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city. Check into boutique Hotel Bö for a 2-night stay.

Today's exploration is of San Cristobal de las Casas and the surrounding indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Start with a walking tour of San Cristobal's historic centre, including visits to the majestic cathedral and the Templo de Santo Domingo. Explore the bustling handicraft market, where local Tzotzil people sell their traditional wares.

Venture into the Chiapas highlands to discover the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Witness unique customs, costumes, and spiritual practices as you visit the white church of San Juan Chamula, filled with chanting worshippers. Explore the handicraft market and pretty church of Zinacantan before returning to San Cristobal.

Check out from your San Cristobal de las Casas hotel and journey to the ancient Maya site of Palenque. En route, stop in Villahermosa to explore the impressive Parque-Museo de La Venta, showcasing archaeological finds from the Olmec site of La Venta. Marvel at the massive stone Olmec heads, relocated here for preservation. After the museum visit, continue your drive to Palenque and check into Quinta Cha Nab Nal

Check out from your Palenque hotel and journey to the historic coastal city of Campeche. Begin your day with a visit to the Palenque archaeological site, accompanied by your private guide. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions and the intricate Palace complex.

Continue your journey to Campeche, a city surrounded by 16th-17th century fortified walls, reflecting its history as a target for pirates. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre, including the dramatic light and sound show at the Land Gate, recounting the city's pirate past.

Check into Casa Don Gustavo and enjoy the ambiance of this charming city as you unwind after your day of exploration.

Continue to the city of Merida, the capital of Yucatan state. En route, explore the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its distinctive architecture adorned with symbolic Chaac motifs. With your private guide, visit highlights like the House of the Magician and the Nunnery, enjoying a delicious lunch.

After Uxmal, continue to Merida and check into Künük for a 2-night stay. Merida boasts a charming colonial atmosphere, with a historic downtown featuring a large central plaza and the grand Paseo Montejo boulevard lined with European-style mansions. Use your free time to explore Merida's attractions, including nearby Mayan sites and natural wonders like pink flamingo sanctuaries and cenotes.

Discover Merida's historic treasures starting in the colonial downtown, marvelling at the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built in the 16th century with stones from ancient Mayan temples. Admire murals depicting the encounter between Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo and Mayan King Tutl Xiu.

Explore the Casa Montejo, former home of Francisco de Montejo, and the Governor's Palace, adorned with 27 murals illustrating Yucatan's history. Capture photos of these landmarks from the tree-shaded Plaza Principal. Drive along the historical Paseo Montejo boulevard, reminiscent of Paris's Champs-Élysées, lined with elegant mansions, shops, and restaurants.

Depart from Merida and journey to the picturesque coastal town of Tulum, with a stop at the renowned Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Explore the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, and the sacred cenote with your private English-Spanish speaking guide.

After the Chichen Itza tour, continue the drive (approximately 3.5 hours) to Tulum. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is the only fortified Mayan city by the sea. Check into Boutique Hotel Tago Tulum for a 3-night stay in a jungle view suite with continental breakfast included.

Enjoy your time in Tulum relaxing on its pristine white-sand beaches, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and embracing the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Take a private transfer from your Tulum Hotel to Cancun for your departure flight.