Messico Essenziale

Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Available evening.

American breakfast. Full day tour of Mexico City and Teotihuacan. At an altitude of over 2,250 meters, in a valley dominated by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, Mexico City is one of the most fascinating metropolises in the Americas. Built on the ruins of the ancient Tenochtitlán, capital of the Aztec Empire, the city combines a millennia-old history with extraordinary contemporary vibrancy.

The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents the heart of the capital. Here you will find the Plaza de la Constitución, known as the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world and for centuries the center of the country’s political, religious, and social life. Overlooking the square stands the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Mexico and one of the most significant examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America.

Just a few steps away is the National Palace, a symbol of Mexican political power, while nearby rise the remains of the Templo Mayor, the main sanctuary of ancient Tenochtitlán. This important archaeological site bears witness to the greatness of the Aztec civilization and recalls the origins of the city. Many stones from the ancient temples were reused in the construction of the colonial buildings that still characterize the historic center today.

Beyond its monuments, Mexico City captivates visitors with its vibrant culture and renowned gastronomy. In traditional markets and neighborhoods, one can enjoy specialties such as tacos al pastor, tamales, and quesadillas, while street musicians and vendors help create an authentic and engaging atmosphere.

Visiting Mexico City means discovering a city of strong contrasts, where the Aztec past coexists with one of the largest metropolises in the world. Between monumental squares, archaeological sites, traditions, and unique flavors, the Mexican capital offers an experience rich in history, culture, and charm. Short stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico and the largest pilgrimage center in Latin America. Lunch at a restaurant. I return to the hotel and the evening is free.

American breakfast. Airport transfer. Flight to Villahermosa. However, "hermosa" is not the capital of the state of Tabasco, but rather a modern industrial city near important oil wells. It is the gateway to the fabulous Mayan center of Palenque. Upon arrival, visit the archaeological park of La Venta, an open-air museum with impressive Olmec statues. These colossal heads are carved from black basalt rock, with distinct features and an enigmatic gaze. Continue to Palenque. Hotel accommodation. Afternoon available.

American breakfast. In the morning, visit to the archaeological area of Palenque. Immersed in the forest, Palenque is considered the most beautiful Mayan city-state of the archaic period. Archaeological excavations have only uncovered a small part of the large center, but within the visitable quadrilateral, the richness of the remaining buildings allows us to imagine the ancient splendor of this priestly and warrior center, at the forefront of architecture and engineering, and a refined center of art without rivals in the pre-Columbian world, as evidenced by the funerary ensemble of Pakal, found in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Campeche. Lunch along the bus journey with a packed lunch. Upon arrival, there will be a panoramic tour of the city. Campeche (from the Mayan toponym Ah Kin Pech - "place of snakes and ticks") is a coastal colonial town with pastel-colored houses and powerful defensive walls around the port, which was targeted by French, Dutch, and English pirates in the 17th century. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel accommodation. Available evening.

American breakfast. Departure to Merida. En route visit to the archaeological site of Uxmal. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ceremonial site of Uxmal is one of the masterpieces of Maya civilization. Particularly significant are the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor's Palace, spectacular buildings with fascinating decorative details. Lunch at a restaurant. Lunch is served at the ancient and fascinating Hacienda San Pedro Ochil, halfway between Uxmal and Merida. Afternoon visit of Merida. Capital of the Yucatan region, Merida is a city with colonial buildings, pleasant parks, lively central streets, open-air concerts of popular music, and a vast craft market. Stop in the main square where the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Casa de Montejo overlook. Hotel accommodation. Available evening.

American breakfast. Departure to Riviera Maya. Along the route, visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. UNESCO World Heritage Site, halfway between Merida and Cancun, Chichen Itza is one of the largest and most complete archaeological finds in Mexico. It is estimated that during its peak period of splendor (10th-12th centuries), this center of Maya-Toltec culture was inhabited by half a million people. Its grandeur is also evidenced by the size of its most famous buildings, which rise on the well-maintained grassy area of the archaeological site: the pyramid El Castillo, the Ball Court, the Sacred Cenote used for human sacrifices, the Observatory, and the Temple of the Warriors. Lunch at a restaurant. The visit includes a stop off at the Samaal cenote: enjoy a swim in this beautiful natural pit of karst origin. Arrival at Riviera Maya in the evening. Hotel accommodation. All-inclusive treatment.

American breakfast. Transfer to Cancun airport. End of the tour.

Expected hotels

1 Mexico City: Galeria Plaza Reforma
2 Palenque: Villa Mercedes
3 Campeche: Plaza Campeche
4 Merida: Hyatt Regency
5 Riviera Maya: Barcelò Maya Grand

Hotels may be replaced with others of the same category without prior notice.