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17 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America

Mexico Highlights (from Mexico City) Travel Pass

Discover Mexico’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes with an unforgettable adventure starting in Mexico City. This immersive journey takes you to iconic landmarks like Teotihuacan’s pyramids, Oaxaca’s rich heritage, and breathtaking waterfalls in Palenque. You'll enjoy authentic culinary deligh... Read More

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Bamba Travel Inc

By Bamba Travel Inc

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Mexico City

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Backpacking

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan

2

Try your luck at surfing the perfect wave in Puerto Escondido

3

Sail through the impressive Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas

4

Marvel at unique sights such as Hierve el Agua and Agua Azul

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: 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.

Day 2

place Day 2: Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico City to Oaxaca

Type: Bus

Time: 00:10, 09:00, 10:00, 23:00

Duration: 7 Hours

Transfer from Mexico City to Oaxaca

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

Day 3

place Day 3: 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 4

place Day 4: Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

Type: Bus 

Time: 10:45, 19:45

Duration: 3 Hours

Transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Puerto Escondido.

Day 5

place Day 5: Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido Learn to Surf Experience (2 Hours)

Departure Time: 09:00, 15:30

Duration: 2 hrs

Test your surfing abilities in Mexico's number one surf spot!

Take a 2-hour lesson based on your experience level, our fully bilingual instructors will take you to specific beaches scattered around Puerto Escondido. If you are a begginer they might take you to La Punta located on the south-end of Zicatela, and if you are experienced and love challenges they could take you to the striking Mexican Pipeline.

Our surf instructors work with a maximum of 2 students per instructor, so that students can receive all the attention they need in order to have a quick progress, a personalised class and a safe instruction. We have experience in teaching all ages and levels. We guarantee that you will have a great and unforgettable surfing experience.

Puerto Escondido is characterized for its easy-going surfer vibe, so don't be afraid to share some pointers and tips while you sip some beers with fellow surfers after your lesson!

Day 6

place Day 6: Pochutla (Mazunte), Mexico

Puerto Escondido to Pochutla (Mazunte)

Type: Bus

Time: 07:00, 11:30, 16:30, 20:00, 21:15, 21:30

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Puerto Escondido to Pochutla (Mazunte)

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Pochutla (Mazunte).

Day 7

place Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Pochutla (Mazunte) to San Cristobal de las Casas

Type: Night bus

Time: 13:10, 21:30, 23:00

Duration: 12 Hours

Transfer from Pochutla (Mazunte) to San Cristobal de las Casas

Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 8

place Day 8: 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.

Day 9

place Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 10

place Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

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

Departure Time: 04:00

Duration: 11 hrs

You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to Agua Azul where you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 30 minutes. The last stop will be at Palenque ruins. You will have 2 hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle on your own. After visiting Palenque, you will be taken to Palenque and dropped off at the City Center.
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. 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. 60 - 90 minutes)
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. 30 - 45 minutes)

Day 11

place Day 11: Merida, Mexico

Palenque to Merida

Type: Bus

Time: 08:30, 20:45, 22:00

Duration: 9 Hours

Transfer from Palenque to Merida

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

Day 12

place Day 12: Merida, Mexico

Magic CENOTES + Hacienda

Departure Time: 7:30

Duration: 6.5 hrs

This is an authentic Yucatecan experience. We'll visit 2 of our favorite cenotes and one hacienda (historical building) on ​​this day of Mayan jungle adventure & probably (hopefully) we'll have them just to ourselves (depending on the season and the day) or at least we won't find a crowd in them. (Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers). The first cenote is a cavern one, with sapphire blue water (not cold) from where we will appreciate to the bottom of it (it may vary in raining season). The second cenote is a perfectly shaped open circle with incredible emerald water surrounded by trees and birds.


We’ll tell you a few things about the mayan culture as you take in the impressive views of these hundreds of millions of year old rock formation while you swim, snorkel, explore, float, do high jumps from almost 32 ft! (just for the most adventurous) or just relax in each of these cold&fresh water cenotes taking pictures. We will stay from 45 mins to 1 hour (depending on you) in each cenote, without rushing (something typical in normal tours).


Finally, you will enjoy a regional artisanal organic firewood cooked meal (VEGAN & VEGETARIAN option) prepared by the Mayan community from the harvest to your plate (welcome to México!) (Not included in the price) *Why is not included? This is made in order for you to not pay commission of the platform + taxes of the food price and also to make sure your money goes into the right hands!

Day 13

place Day 13: Merida, Mexico

Chichen Itza Day Trip (from Merida to Tulum)

Departure Time: 08:00, 08:10, 08:15, 08:20

Duration: 11.5 hrs

Chichen Itza is one of the most well-preserved Maya archaeological sites in the country and once stood as a mighty citadel of the Maya civilization in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D., serving as its political and economic center. One of its most legendary structures is the Kukulkan pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which is a giant Maya calendar with exactly 365 steps divided among 4 staircases and the pyramid’s highest platform. During both equinoxes (around March 21st; September 21st) the sun’s shadow cast on this pyramid at a perfect angle creates the illusion of a serpent creeping its way along the structure’s northern staircase.

Don’t miss the Gran Juego de Pelota, in which ancient Maya warriors battled to the death in this ceremonial game. Check out the acoustics of the structure by holding a conversation with someone standing 135 meters away at the opposite end of the field and the stone carvings of players in action. Feel the spirit of the Maya world by standing here admiring this unique and majestic construction that was once of monumental importance to the former inhabitants here.

Other impressive structures you can’t miss are the Plataforma de los Craneos (Skull Platform) and the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cave). Check out the impressive stone carvings on other pyramids and temples of jaguars, flowers, birds, trees, eagles and among the more gruesome, human sacrifices and human hearts in the clutches of bird claws. The observatory, El Caracol, named The Snail for its spiral staircase, was once an important point from which priests determined important dates for ceremonies and rituals.

Day 14

place Day 14: Tulum, Mexico

Tulum: Shared ATVs, Rappel, Ziplines, Cenote Tour with Lunch

Departure Time: 8:30, 12:00

Duration: 5 hrs

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tulum's jungle with our ATV Park experience. Get ready to kick off the excitement by navigating through lush trails on powerful ATVs, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.


Take your adrenaline to new heights as you zip through the treetops on our exhilarating zip lines, providing breathtaking aerial views of the jungle landscape. Then, dive into the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula with a refreshing dip in a stunning cenote, a natural sinkhole with pristine, crystal-clear waters, creating a unique and invigorating swimming experience.


To ensure a stress-free journey, our package includes convenient transportation. After your thrilling activities, indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local flavors, providing a culinary delight that complements your day of adventure. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience in Tulum's jungle!


If you choose a shared ATV and the number of travelers in your reservation is odd, the extra passenger will be automatically assigned an individual ATV, and extra 12USD will be charged at check-in.


We offer roundtrip transportation (from hotel or meeting point, as applicable) for all travelers who book this tour.


NOTE: Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).

Meals: Lunch

Day 15

place Day 15: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Tulum to Playa del Carmen

Type: Bus

Time: 08:10, 10:20, 11:20, 11:30, 13:00, 14:20, 15:20, 16:30, 17:35, 18:45, 19:20, 20:20, 21:25, 22:20, 23:57

Duration: 1 Hours

Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen

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

Day 16

place Day 16: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own

Day 17

place Day 17: Cancun, Mexico

Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Type: Bus

Time: Every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

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

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
  • Puerto Escondido to Pochutla (Mazunte)
  • Mexico City to Oaxaca
  • Pochutla (Mazunte) to San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Palenque to Merida
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen
  • Playa del Carmen to Cancun

Activities expand_less

  • Puerto Escondido Learn to Surf Experience (2 Hours)
  • Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (San Cristobal to Palenque)
  • Chichen Itza Day Trip (from Merida to Tulum)
  • Local Community & Cenotes by Bike
  • Hike through Hierve el Agua

Not Included expand_less

  • Accommodations
  • Personal Expenses
  • Guide throughout the trip
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals / Drinks

About Bamba Travel Inc

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