13 DAYS MEXICO EXTRAVAGANZA

Upon arrival, you will be driven 1 hour to Guanajuato and check in at your hotel. Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gem of well-preserved colonial architecture, shaded plazas and monuments that celebrate its proud role in Mexico’s independence movement.

Visit Guanajuato’s highlights including Plaza San Rouge, Teotro Juarez, Basilica and El Pipila monument for a spectacular city view. Continue through the labyrinth of subterranean cobbled streets and plazas intermeshed with steep mountain valleys. This afternoon, visit Mercado Hidalgo market and Alley of Kisses before driving 1 hour to San Miguel de Allende.

Explore the UNESCO city’s colonial architectures such as Jardin, the city’s main square with its beloved Parroquia, Museo Casa de Don Ignacio Allende showcasing Allende’s role in the country’s struggle for independence. Two blocks away is Plaza Civica, the town’s original marketplace and town square. Cross to Templo del Oratorio’s ornate chapel and climb uphill to a vegetable and fruit market connecting with a three-block arts and crafts market. Fifteen minutes away we reach Fabrica la Aurora, the city’s art and design centre with historic photos and idle machinery reminiscent of its past as a muslin factory, followed by sunset cocktail over rooftop bar.

Drive 3.5 hours to Mexico City via Museo Nacional del Virreinato with Mexico’s most complete colonial art collection, as well as the ornate façade and gold interior of San Francisco Javier Church, prime examples of Mexican High Baroque. Next is 2,000-year-old Teotihuacan with some of Americas’ most imposing ritual sites, including Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Continue 35 min to Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe where Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in Saint Juan Diego. Drive another 45 min to Mexico City.

This vibrant capital has some of the world’s finest museums, galleries, restaurants and archaeological sites. Explore Zocalo (Main Square), National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor. This afternoon, head to National Museum of Anthropology for an overview of civilizations on this land. Hunt for Latin American crafts at La Ciudadela Market and conclude with evening Ballet Folkloric performance (Wed & Sun only).

Drive 2h to Huejotzingo near Sierra Nevada foothills to learn the history of 16th century San Miguel Exconvent and mask carnival (7th Sat before Easter). Experience a section of the 8km tunnels inside Great Pyramid of Cholula (the world’s largest) which also houses 365 churches including Church of Our Lady of the Remedies. Continue to Puebla (UNESCO), sculpted with tiles and freestones. Explore the Baroque masterpiece of Capilla del Rosario, Mexico’s most prestigious museum, Museo Amparo and learn about the Mexican Revolution in front of Serdan’s house with its bullet holes façade.

Fly Mexico City / Villahermosa      AM 802      0840/1019

Drive 2h to Palenque, a Mayan architecture success such as Temple of Inscriptions which was King Pakal’s final dwelling, Palace tower and stuccos, the North Group, Temple of the Count, Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Foliated Cross and Temple of the Sun which still hide secrets. Visit the Palenque Museum (Tue-Sun 9am-5pm) before transferring to hotel, followed by an after-hour visit with specialist guide to a secluded part of Palenque.

We depart 5hrs to Campeche. The city’s historical center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. En route, visit one of the best Mayan Ruins with little crowd, Edzna. Explore the quaint Campeche on foot though colourful labyrinth of cobblestone streets and check into your hotel.

Drive 90km to Celestun Biosphere Reserve, home to 587 plant species (42 endemic), 75 mammals, 64 reptiles and 304 birds such as Mexican pink flamingo, least tern, jabiru, king vulture and greater white-fronted goose. Take a boat ride through the estuaries and stop at a freshwater springs. OPTIONAL: Visit the impressive Mayan ruin of Uxmal.

Explore Merida historical centre, built 450+ years ago in the ancient Mayan city of T’ho. Marvel at Cathedral of San Ildefonso’ murals depicting meeting between Francisco de Montejo (founder of Merida) and Mayan King Tutl Xiu. Visit Francisco de Montejo’s grandiose home at Casa Montejo and Governor’s Palace with its 27 huge Don Fernando Castro Pacheco murals of Yucatan’s somewhat violent history. From the tree-shaded Plaza Principal, we take pictures of the Cathedral, Palacio Municipal (town hall), Casa Montejo and Governor’s Palace. Drive along Paseo Montejo boulevard with its stately homes, shops and restaurants.

The Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza (UNESCO) are over 1,500 years old. Some say this is because people were thrown into nearby cenote as sacrifices and survivors were believed to be seers. The north group of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The south group is known as Old Chichen. You will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Enjoy light and sound show at night.

This morning, visit Chichen Itza before the official opening hours to avoid the crowd. Enjoy your breakfast and check out. Take a dip at nearby cenote (sinkhole) before continuing to Valladolid for short visit & lunch (own expense). Drive to Maya Riviera and check into your beach front resort. Relax & enjoy the turquoise ocean.

Free day at leisure to enjoy the beach. OPTIONAL: Tulum and Playa del Carmen town tour.

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight out.