Destinations Cover
Cancun - Merida - Mexico - Playa del Carmen
Tour Overview
Mexico City is the densely populated, high-altitude capital of Mexico. It's known for its Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple), the baroque Cathedral Metropolitana de México of the Spanish conquistadors and the Palacio Nacional, which houses historic murals by Diego Rivera. All of these are situated in and around the Plaza de la Constitución, the massive main square also known as the Zócalo. Mexico city is one of the most enjoyable destinations, its historic centre better known as Zocalo is declared World Heritage by UNESCO and is the heart of a living culture. Visit its neighborhoods flooded with art nouveau and art deco, enjoy its cuisine and lose yourself in the streets of the city with the most museums in the world. Mexico City's Historic downtown area brings together the stages of preColumbian and viceregal Mexico. In it, you can admire the archaeological ruins of the Templo Mayor, or Main Temple, as well as its civil and religious buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts and enjoy the permanent and temporary exhibitions that are housed there. Delight yourself with the lights that illuminate the night and dine in a restaurant framed by viceregal or porfirian architecture in the Historic Center. You can find several options, such as the House of the Tiles,
Day 1: Mexico City
Attractions: Palace of Fine Arts,House of the Tiles,Chapultepec Park
Mexico City – a fascinating capital that charms the visitor with endless options. Rest of the day at leisure. Mexico City is the densely populated, high-altitude capital of Mexico. It's known for its Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple), the baroque Cathedral Metropolitana de México of the Spanish conquistadors and the Palacio Nacional, which houses historic murals by Diego Rivera. All of these are situated in and around the Plaza de la Constitución, the massive main square also known as the Zócalo. Mexico city is one of the most enjoyable destinations, its historic centre better known as Zocalo is declared World Heritage by UNESCO and is the heart of a living culture. Visit its neighborhoods flooded with art nouveau and art deco, enjoy its cuisine and lose yourself in the streets of the city with the most museums in the world. Mexico City's Historic downtown area brings together the stages of pre Columbian and viceregal Mexico. In it, you can admire the archaeological ruins of the Templo Mayor, or Main Temple, as well as its civil and religious buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts and enjoy the permanent and temporary exhibitions that are housed there. Delight yourself with the lights that illuminate the night and dine in a restaurant framed by viceregal or porfirian architecture in the Historic Center. You can find several options, such as the House of the Tiles, Habita’s Downtown Mexico Hotel or the Grand Hotel of Mexico City. Visit the “Chapultepec Park” more commonly called the "Bosque de Chapultepec" in Mexico City, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, measuring in total just over 686 hectares. This 1600 acre park has enough activities every day and is particularly popular with families with children. Visit the Mexico City “Metropolitan Cathedral” – the largest cathedral in the Americas. You can also visit one of the many popular museums – Museo Soumaya – art museum with many European works, Museo Rufino Tamayo – museum with contemporary art exhibits, Popular Art Museum with kid activities etc. Then see the “La Torre Latinoamericana” – the fourth largest skyscraper in the world outside the United States, the building which has the fastest elevators in the world, the first and largest building with glass façade, Its central location, height and history make it one of the city's most important landmarks. It has an observation area, museum, restaurants etc. Or you can visit “Chapultepec Zoo” - Chapultepec Zoo is a zoo located in Chapultepec Park; it is one of four zoos near Mexico City, and the best known Mexican zoo. It is a part of the Mexican tradition of conserving animal species that dates back to ancient times, like in the time of Aztecs. Late evening experience the Mexico nightlife which is as lively and varied as everything else the city has to offer. There are elegant cafés and all-night dance spots amid the few old taverns and restaurants, Entrepreneurs converted aging office buildings into private clubs, nightlife is vibrant in Centro Historico, Juarez, Polanco etc. All tastes are catered for, from gentle supper clubs with floorshows and loud music, live salsa dancers, Latin Music etc. Shopping in malls. Flea markets, department stores etc. Overnight at hotel in Mexico City.
Day 2: Mexico City
Attractions: Metropolitan Cathedral,Zocalo Square,National Palace
After breakfast at the hotel, morning proceed for the City tour of Mexico City, visit the “Metropolitan Cathedral” the largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the Americas, it is located in the heart of the city’s Centro Historico. Even the stones used to construct the cathedral were plundered (or recycled, depending on your perspective) from the Aztec temple. But step in inside and you’re immediately greeted, by the glistening, large, and ornate gold Altar of Forgiveness. It is here that many of the cathedral’s day-to-day services are held. Then visit the “Zocalo Square” the public square in central Mexico city. This great square, called the Zocalo, evokes the place of homage and center of the world which was the heart of the ceremonial nucleus of Mexico Tenochtitlan. Then visit the “National Palace” or “Palacio National”, the official seat of the Mexican government, ever since the Aztec Empire was in power, the site is located along the entire eastern edge of the central plaza of the city, which is commonly referred to as the Plaza de la Constitucion or Mexico City Zocalo. In addition to being the seat of the federal government, the National Palace Mexico City also houses the Federal Treasury, the National Archives, and the president’s offices. The Palace in Mexico City also functions somewhat as a museum. Visitors can view original paintings by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera as well as displays with government artifacts. Visiting the National Palace is one of the many interesting things to do on a Mexico City day trip. Continue to visit “Anthropology Museum” (closed on Mondays) – the museum contains significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from the pre-Columbian heritage of Mexico such as the Piedra Del Sol (Aztec Calendar Stone). If you’re a fan of Aztec and Maya culture, you’ll enjoy the exhibits of the Anthropological Museum, considered one of the best archaeological museums in the world. Come upon the Aztec Calendar Stone, burial tombs, giant Olmec stone heads and a reconstructed Maya temple. Have lunch in the restaurant in the museum. Rest of the day at leisure. Today you can visit the ‘Coyoacan’ including ‘Frida Kahlo Museum’. Pass by Coyoacán’s gorgeous 16th-century mansions, cobblestone streets and San Juan Bautista church. If you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo, you’ll enjoy La Casa Azul (the Blue House), her former home turned into a museum. Then, relax aboard a ‘trajinera’ boat for a tranquil float along Xochimilco’s canals that date back to Aztec times. Or experience Mexico City’s local flavours on a night tour - First, dine at a traditional cantina before moving on to a reserved seat at a lucha libre match. Get lost in the theatrics and cheer on for your favorite masked wrestler until your voice gets hoarse. At Garibaldi Square, dance to mariachi band music and cap the night off at a pub in the Zocalo. After dinner, follow your guide to the subway to get to the Lucha Libre Arena, and settle into your reserved seat for an exciting 2-hour experience. Learn the basic rules of lucha libre, or masked wrestling, one of Mexico’s most beloved spectator sports, perhaps second only to soccer. Lucha libre draws huge audiences, and you’ll watch some of the best matches of the night. Cheer on as each masked fighter, or luchador, catapults into the ring. After the show, check out the masks for sale and snap shots of your visit to the stadium. After the arena, head over to Garibaldi Square, teeming with locals, visitors and music. For an hour here, listen to Mexican mariachi bands and join in on the singing and dancing. Then, your guide escorts you to a Zocalo-area pub or club, the perfect place to wind down your night with drinks (own expense). Overnight at hotel in Mexico City.
Day 3: Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Mexico City (1 hr 30 min)
Attractions: Guadalupe Shrine,Three Culture Square,The archaeological site of Teotihuacan
After breakfast, proceed for visiting the ‘Guadalupe Shrine’ and ‘Three Culture Square’ and see both the sites. Continue to Teotihuacan and visit the site of Teotihuacan - the archaeological site of Teotihuacan is also known for its large residential complexes, the so-called “street of the dead”, and its colourful well preserved murals. Teotihuacan, which means the place where men become gods. These are among the most important pre-Hispanic ruins in the Americas due to their masterful urban layout, the monumental architecture and the strong religious and political influence that Teotihuacan held over other cities, here we will visit the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Tequila tasting included in the visit. Have a buffet lunch in Posada del Jaguar restaurant (Mexican and International dishes – at an additional cost). Evening return back to Mexico City. Overnight at hotel in Mexico City.
Day 4: Mexico City – Merida
Attractions: Ciudad Universitaria,Coyoacan
After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit Ciudad Universitaria and Coyoacan. You will be directed to the outside of the university campus to admire the mural, of the Central Library of Juan or Gorman that of the Olympic Stadium of Rivera. Then continue to Coyoacan, located in the south part of Mexico city, near San Angel. Founded by Courteous Hernan in 1522, it was the second city council of the New Spain. Formerly it was a small town conformed by eight districts, that due to the uncontrollable one and disorganized growth of the Federal District, now are part of urban La Mancha of the city, within the Coyoacan Delegation. Between its population they found artists, journalists and intellectuals which addition to the fact that is near the Independent National University of Mexico has caused that its atmosphere characterizes for being artistic and Pacific. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Merida (flight ticket is not included). Arrive at Merida and transfer to your hotel. Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture. Overnight at Merida hotel.
Day 5: Merida – Chichen Itza – Cancun
Attractions: Chichen Itza,Cancun watersports,Great Mesoamerican Reef
After breakfast at the hotel, depart to visit the world famous ‘Chichen Itza’ (approx 2 hrs 15 min), this is the most visited archaeological site in the peninsula of Yucatan, due to its extraordinary architecture beauty and its geographical location. Chichén Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a worldfamous complex of Mayan ruins on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. A massive step pyramid known as El Castillo dominates the 6.5-sq.-km. ancient city, which thrived from around 600 A.D. to the 1200s. Graphic stone carvings survive at structures like the ball court, Temple of the Warriors and the Wall of the Skulls. Nightly sound-and-light shows illuminate the buildings' sophisticated geometry. Have lunch at Xay-Beh restaurant (Mexican and International dishes), then proceed to Cancun (approx 2 hrs 45 min). Arrive at Cancun and check in at your beachfront resort. Cancún, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. It’s composed of 2 distinct areas: the more traditional downtown area, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, shops and restaurants. There is the glitzy hotel zone with its famous white-sand beaches, unabashed party scene and sophisticated sea food restaurants. Cancun watersports are one of the main attractions for visitors to Cancun owing to the some of the world’s finest beaches and of course the Great Mesoamerican Reef which is the second largest reef in the world. With more than 14 miles of white powdery sand beach and the spectacular reef, Cancun watersports are an enthusiast’s dream. Whether you want to windsurf, parasail, or learn to scuba dive, Cancun is the perfect watersports destination. Jungle Tours are extremely popular, or you can rent a wave runner or catamaran, take a trip on a glass bottom boat or take the plunge and get SCUBA-certified by an experienced dive instructor. With its shallow reefs and breathtaking views of amazing corals and vividly colored fish, Cancun scuba diving is a feast for the sense. Experience the magical underwater world of the Great Mesoamerican Reef with a Cancun snorkeling trip. Because of the shallow reefs Cancun snorkeling is the perfect alternative for those that are not so keen on scuba diving. You will still get to see the beauty of the reefs close up. Cancun fishing is fabulous as you can enjoy fly-fishing, sportfishing or deep sea fishing depending on which may be your particular passion. Cancun sailing is the best way to explore the turquoise blue waters around Cancun. You can choose to take a Cancun sailing trip organized by a Cancun tour operator, or you can choose to charter a sailboat or catamaran of your own and take to the open waters and round up your day with a romantic sunset sail, or go on a booze cruise for lots of fun and frolics. Day at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities and the various water sports. Overnight at Cancun resort.
Day 6: Cancun – Tulum – Xcaret - Cancun
Attractions: Maya Site,Eco archaeological Park
After breakfast, proceed to ‘Tulum’, visit the ‘Maya Site’ formerly also known by the name of Zama, or the city of Dawn, Tulum is also the Mayan word for fence, trench or wall and the walls surrounding the site allowed Tulum Fort to serve as a defense against an invasion. From the numerous depictions in murals and other works around the sites, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Descending God. It was built in 1200 A.D. as the Mayan Civilization declined. The Tulum ruins are the only ones set along the coast on an impressive 45 foot Cliffside facing the Caribbean. Even if you are not into history, Mayan culture, or architecture – these sea views are sure to leave you breathless. You can even visit the beach at Tulum for a swim in the turquoise waters. Tulum also has ziplne circuit in the jungle, a chance to try rappelling and also snorkel in an incredible cenote. Visit Xel Ha in Tulum - Want to see the fishies? This natural aquarium is a snorkelers paradise. Set in a natural inlet, Xel Ha is home to over 90 fresh and salt water marine species including rays, turtles and conch. You can take an inner tube down the mangrove river, do a little zip lining, and snorkel to your heart’s content. Top all that off with several all inclusive restaurants and bars and you’ve got an amazing day. The beach in Tulum is an award-winning beach. Think long, white, powder like sand that stretches on for miles. One of the best things about Tulum beach is that it is still fairly quiet and you can find areas that are remote. Why not head up to spend a day at a beach club? Laze out on a beach bed, eat fresh ceviche, and enjoy a few cold cocktails. Then continue to XCaret – a ‘Maya Civilization’ archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula. Visit the Eco-Park - Experience the culture and nature of Mexico with the best benefits. Xcaret Plus invites you to delight in fine buffet restaurants, cool off in Underground Rivers, and relax at the inlet. The most complete and enjoyable experience of your vacation! It is opened 365 days a year with access to beaches, bays and natural pools, use of snorkelling equipment, water activities in the underground river, it is the best eco-archaeological park in Cancun with a natural sanctuary where the history of Mexico combines with fun traditions and the splendor of the Mayan culture. See the fauna in the Mayan jungle with unforgettable shows. Return back to the Cancun resort in the evening. Overnight at Cancun resort.
Day 7: Cancun
Attractions: Swimming with dolphins in Cancun,The flora and fauna
After breakfast full day at leisure. Explore Cancun and its beaches. Lots of adventure activities – tailor make your tour including driving through the jungle in an open top jeep, mountain biking, swimming in the cool fresh waters of the cenotes. Swimming with dolphins in Cancun is the highlight of many people’s vacation and is an opportunity not to be missed. Children as young as 3 can enjoy this fun experience.You can visit some of the most beautiful nature reserves and protected areas near Cancun. The flora and fauna is incredible and you will have the chance to observe wildlife such as monkeys, whale sharks, flamingos, crocodiles, marine turtles and so much more in their natural habitat. You are guaranteed a spectacular day out at the Interactive Aquarium Cancun. You can swim with dolphins and even meet sharks face to face in total safety. You can also visit Xel Ha, the world’s largest natural aquarium, or go to Xcaret to the Coral Reef Aquarium. Isla Mujeres only a short hop from Cancun and is most famous for it beautiful beaches El Garrafon with its incredible snorkeling opportunities. Isla Contoy is about 30km north of Isla Mujeres and apart from its natural beauty it is considered to be the most important nesting place for sea birds in the Mexican Caribbean with more than 150 species of birds. Isla Holbox is separated from the mainland coast of Mexico by a shallow lagoon which gives sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures. During July and August you even have the chance to swim with the whale shark – a phenomenon not be missed! As one of the world’s premier tourist destinations the shopping in Cancun is as impressive as one would imagine. You will find everything from ultra-chic designer stores and famous brand names, to flea markets and souvenir shops selling Mexican local handcrafts. Cancun shopping is duty free so you can find some real bargains on cosmetics and fine jewellery. There are many shopping malls in Cancun all offering the avid shopper a real treat. La Isla Shopping Village, Plaza Caracol etc. Cancun is also one of the premier spa destinations in the world with a choice of more than thirty Cancun spa resorts awaiting you to transport your mind, body and spirit to a nirvana of pure bliss. The majority of the hotels in Cancun offer a variety of Spa treatments combining native herbs and plants with ancient Mayan healing rituals and the latest stress-reducing technologies and treatments. Try a traditional Temazcal steam bath or a full-body massage on the beach overlooking the turquoise blue waters. Indulge in a thalassotherapy treatment and relax as expert therapists provide natural body wraps made with local plants and flowers. The ultimate relaxation experience has to include a traditional Mayan massage incorporating all the traditions of an ancient world. Try the Mayan massages and body wraps. Whether you want to dance the night away in one of Cancun’s nightclubs or spend a relaxing evening with friends in one of the many bars, the nightlife in Cancun will never disappoint you. An eclectic selection of music fills the evening air and the Cancun nightlife takes to the streets until the sun comes up. Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to party! The nightclubs in Cancun are renowned for being some of the best in the world. You don’t have to go to a nightclub for a great night out in Cancun. There are many lively Cancun bars open until the early hours with a true party atmosphere. Whether you are dining in one of the hotels, or in one of the wealth of restaurants located in the Hotel Zone or in Downtown Cancun, you will find a different fabulous Cancun restaurant for every night of your vacation. Mexican cuisine is recognized as one of the three most popular food styles in the world. Where better to enjoy it than Mexican restaurants in Cancun? The Yucatan peninsula has a style of food all of its own which you can find in many restaurants in Cancun. The culinary delights of a typical Yucatecan kitchen come from a mouth-watering mixture of European and Mexican flavors. A lot of the dishes from this region are not spicy yet are absolutely delicious. Overnight at Cancun resort.
Day 8: Cancun
Today early morning depart for Cancun airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Tour price includes:
1. Accommodation at Standard / First class hotels as opted.
2. Daily breakfast at the hotel
3. Transfers and sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary on Seat-In-Coach basis by air-conditioned mini van.
4. Services of a local English speaking tour guide.
Tour price does not include:
1. International airfare, taxes on the international air ticket, visa charges, travel insurance etc.
2. Domestic one way air ticket for Mexico city – Merida. Approximate cost USD 235/- including taxes. Per person
3. Any increase in the rate of exchange, surface transportation and land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
4. Porterage, tips, insurance, laundry, wines, mineral water, telephone charges, optional tours and all items of personal nature and also food & drinks not forming part of the group menus.
5. Early check in and late check out supplement charges, additional transfers / sightseeings / excursions, water sports charges, spa treatments, alcohol/liquior, etc
Visa requirements: You must be in possession of a valid Mexico visa with sufficient funds at the time of entering Mexico.