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13 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America

Mexico Highlights (from Cancun) Express Travel Pass

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Mexico's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes with this express travel pass. Discover ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and lively markets starting from Cancun. Marvel at the iconic Chichen Itza, swim in crystal-clear cenotes, and relax in the charm... Read More

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Bamba Travel Inc

By Bamba Travel Inc

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cancún

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Backpacking

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

See the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza

2

Marvel at the rock formations at Hierve El Agua

3

Dine with a local family at Teotihuacan

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Cancun, Mexico

Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)

Departure Time: 4:00

Duration: 12 hrs

Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of ancient civilization with this breathtaking early morning tour of Chichen Itza. Rise with the sun and beat the crowds as you delve into the rich history of this renowned archaeological site.
With a specialized guide by your side, journey back in time as you explore the remains of this once powerful city. Discover the secrets of the Maya civilization and learn how Chichen Itza played a pivotal role in shaping their world from 600 AD to 1200. Marvel at the intricate details of this sacred site, still considered holy by the Maya people of the Yucatan today.
Brave the jungle's lush terrain as you unearth the mystery of this lost city, protected by UNESCO and now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the cool morning air at your back and the warm sun at your face, this early morning tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Chichen Itza in a way most will never have the chance to.
Please note: The government requires an additional fee for the use of mobile devices such as GoPros, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and drones at the ticket office. Get ready for a truly epic adventure!

Meals: Lunch

Day 2

place Day 2: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Type: Bus

Time: Every 30-45 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30

Duration: 1.2 Hours

Transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Playa del Carmen.

Day 3

place Day 3: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Free Day


Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 4

place Day 4: Tulum, Mexico

Playa del Carmen to Tulum

Type: Bus

Time: 09:16, 09:25, 09:51, 10:00, 10:36

Duration: 1 Hours

Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Tulum.

Day 5

place Day 5: Tulum, Mexico

Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 6

place Day 6: Merida, Mexico

Tulum to Merida

Type: Bus

Time: 01:40, 08:57, 10:47, 14:37, 18:57, 20:17, 21:27

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Transfer from Tulum to Merida

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.

Day 7

place Day 7: Merida, Mexico

Merida to Palenque

Type: Bus (Overnight)

Time: 22:00 23:30

Duration: 9 Hours

Transfer from Merida to Palenque

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Palenque.

Day 8

place Day 8: Palenque, Mexico

Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Palenque to San Cristobal)

Departure Time: 08:00

Duration: 14 hrs

You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the Palenque ruins. You will have a couple of hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle own your own. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 45 minutes. The last stop will be at Agua Azul where you will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. After seeing these 3 beautiful attractions, you will be transferred to San Cristobal which is about a 4-5 hour drive, so be prepared for a VERY LONG but VERY EXCITING and BEAUTIFUL DAY AS WELL.


-Description of the attractions-


-Palenque Ruins-


The ancient Mayan city of Palenque is one of Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological parks surrounded by lush tropical forest and jungle. This site has a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Explore the site on foot and climb up the pyramids for great views of the ancient city and the jungle. (approx. 3 1⁄2 hours)


-Agua Azul Waterfalls-


Rio Xumul-Ha (meaning River of Blue Water, or in Spanish, Agua Azul) features a series of torrential cascades and fast flowing waters rolling down a limestone ridge to form pools and small streams. Take a one-hour walk next to the falls in the breath-taking green valley and swim in one of the calm parts of the refreshing blue river. (approx. 2  1⁄2 hours)


-Misol-Ha Waterfall-


River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), in the "Chol Maya" tribe area of Chiapas, creates one of the state's most wonderful natural sights as the river glides off the edge of a cliff and 40 meters down into a deep pool of water surrounded by lush vegetation. Swim in the deliciously refreshing water and be impressed by the sight of the fall from below. A small walkway will take you behind the water curtain created by the waterfall where you can walk inside the caves. (approx. 45 minutes)

Day 9

place Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Local & Sustainable Foodie Experience

Departure Time: 13:00

Duration: 2 hrs

Mexican food is varied, as is the diversity of its culture. The best experiences are meaningful when the senses are nurtured. In Chiapas, traditional cuisine is recreated with the ingredients that walkers of history brought with them and mixed with local ingredients to create delicious gastronomic dishes. First we will give you an introduction to the meaning of party dishes in Chiapas and their special ingredients. You will be able to taste a dish from the Chiapas culinary options' menu. Then, you will taste a Posh Traditional tsotsil, and you will learn about the traditional food of Chiapas, being able to taste an authentic soup from San Cristóbal and a dish based on pork, chicken or vegetarian with the seasoning and secrets of the "Coletas" families. You can taste a Mayan drink to accompany your food. The place you will be taking part in the activity, is a pleasant and light-filled space where fair trade in handicrafts made by indigenous women is also promoted. In addition to providing the inputs with which the dishes are made, they also exhibit here their handicrafts. Language is not a problem, we love learning new words and making friends!

NOTE: Travelers can also choose local vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan food options.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ACTIVITY DOES NOT OPERATE ON SUNDAYS.

Meals: Lunch

Day 10

place Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca

Type: Bus (Overnight)

Time: 11:30, 20:00, 21:20

Duration: 12.5 Hours

Transfer from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Oaxaca.

Day 11

place Day 11: Oaxaca, Mexico

Hike through Hierve el Agua

Departure Time: 7:00

Departure Days:  Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

Duration: 9 hrs

Join us on a tour of Hierve el Agua, a popular tourist destination in the Mexican state of Oaxaca known for its tall petrified waterfalls made of carbonated water and natural springs. During the tour, you'll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear pools, take guided walks through the trails, and learn about the tradition of mezcal making while sampling different flavors. We'll also visit the Zapotec weavers town of Teotitlan del Valle, where skilled artisans use ancient techniques to create and paint stunning rugs inspired by famous artists. Hierve el Agua is located in the Sierra Madre mountain range and is about 50 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca.

Day 12

place Day 12: Mexico City, Mexico

Oaxaca to Mexico City

Type: Bus

Time: 08:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30, 21:30, 22:00, 22:15, 22:30. 23:00, 23:15, 23:30, 23:59

Duration: 7 Hours

Transfer from Oaxaca to Mexico City

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Mexico City.

Day 13

place Day 13: Mexico City, Mexico

Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour

Departure Time: 6:20

Duration: 8 hrs

Embark on a mystical journey to the "City of the Gods," Teotihuacan, before the tour groups from Mexico City arrive. Explore the impressive archaeological site in peace and tranquility as you visit its different structures, squares, and murals, surrounded by a magical and mystical atmosphere.

Your experience is enhanced by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories, history, and updates on the latest discoveries at the site. Immerse yourself in the culture of ancient Mexico with a stop at a local Teotihuacan family's obsidian workshop, where you'll sample cactus-based liqueurs and traditional Mexican spirits like tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

Cap off your day with a delightful lunch experience (not included), where you can savor a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and flavors.

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (2)

Transport expand_less

  • Cancun to Playa del Carmen
  • Playa del Carmen to Tulum
  • Tulum to Merida
  • Merida to Palenque
  • San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
  • Oaxaca to Mexico City

Activities expand_less

  • Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)
  • Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Palenque to San Cristobal)
  • Local & Sustainable Foodie Experience
  • Hike through Hierve el Agua
  • Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour

Not Included expand_less

  • Other Meals / Drinks
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratiuties
  • Travel Insurance
  • Accommodations

About Bamba Travel Inc

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