<< back to vacation packages Take a Mexico History Vacation

Tour Mexico’s Historical Cities, Mayan Ruins, and Riviera Maya

Upon arriving at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, a driver will take you to the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico before touring begins. In this vacation package, you’ll tour the Mexico capital; fly to Chiapas to see Sumidero Canyon and the historic cities of San Cristobal de las Casas, Campeche, and Merida; view waterfalls en route to Palenque National Park for the Mayan ruins there and at Uxmal, Kabah, and Chichen Itza. Then you’ll be driven to the Riviera Maya’s endless luxury, all inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park to enjoy a week on your own. On the last day, a driver will take you to Cancun International Airport.

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Expand AllVacation Itinerary

• Day 1. Arrival to Mexico City International Airport

  Upon arrival at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport, you will be greeted by an official multilingual guide who will escort you to the hotel. Once here, relax and enjoy the evening, refreshing yourself after the flight. Stay overnight at the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico.

• Day 2. Mexico City Tour

  After breakfast, take a tour of the Mexico capital. Begin in the heart of political Mexico by visiting the Spanish-constructed National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Square – or the central plaza, commonly called the Zocalo. Then visit the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) to see the impressive artwork of David Alfaro Siqueiros and Diego Rivera. After lunch, drive along impressive Reforma Avenue until you reach Chapultepec Park and finally the National Museum of Anthropology, considered one of the most important in the world.

  After the tour, spend the afternoon on your own, and stay overnight at the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico.

• Day 3. Sumidero Canyon – San Cristobal de las Casas

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mexico City International Airport to board a domestic flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (flight arrives by 1:00 p.m.). Upon arrival in Chiapas, head towards Cahuare pier for a two-hour boat ride through magnificent Sumidero Canyon. After the boat tour, have lunch.

  Then continue to San Cristobal de la Casas, a colonial Spanish-style town with artistic shops and a rich cultural influence of indigenous people, plus the renowned Chiapas nature scapes of jungles, mountains, canyons, lakes, and waterfalls.

  Afterwards, stay overnight in town at the Casa Mexicana Hotel.

• Day 4. San Cristobal de las Casas

  After breakfast, tour San Cristobal de las Casas by foot. Then drive to the traditional Mayan communities of Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula. Experience a blend of aromas, flavors and local delicacies, which make these culturally rich towns priceless.

  After lunch, the afternoon is free. Then stay overnight at Casa Mexicana.

• Day 5. Agua Azul Waterfalls – Palenque

  After breakfast, head to the town of Palenque, famous for its Mayan ruins. Along the way, visit the wonderful waterfalls of Agua Azul. These impressive waterfalls were formed as the Tulija River flowed downstream, creating a series of ponds and natural pools. Then continue with a tour of the beautiful waterfalls of Misol-Ha.

  After lunch, return to Palenque, and stay overnight at the Villa Mercedes Palenque Hotel.

• Day 6. Palenque Mayan Ruins – Campeche

  After breakfast, depart for Palenque National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing some of the most impressive, architecturally advanced, and well-preserved Mayan ruins, such as the Temple of the Inscriptions, Temple of the Foliated Cross, Temple of the Sun, and the Palace with its four-story tower, which was most likely an astronomical observatory.

  After lunch, depart for the colonial city of Campeche, famous for the wall built around it to avert repeated pirate attacks on the city. From atop the wall, enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city.

  Then stay overnight at the Hotel Plaza Campeche.

• Day 7. Uxmal - Kabah – Merida

  After breakfast, visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect example of the Late Classic period’s Puuc Mayan architecture. See its famous decorated Mayan-style facades, including the Governor’s Palace, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. Then visit the newly uncovered Mayan archaeological site of Kabah to see the famous Palace of the Masks, and other Mayan pyramids and temples.

  After lunch, enjoy a two-hour tour through the enchanting city of Merida, once the Mayan city of T’ho. Founded in 1542 by Spaniard Francisco de Manteo, conquerors renamed it to honor the city of Merida in Spain. Visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built on the huge stones of old Mayan pyramids. Nicknamed the White City for its colonial appearance, Merida is one the most tranquil cities in Mexico. Its Mayan roots, superb colonial monuments, and its turn of 19th century architecture have made Merida a captivating blend of cultural influences.

  Then stay overnight at the Holiday Inn in Merida.

• Day 8. Chichen-Itza, Yucatan – Riviera Maya

  After breakfast, visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza (which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza") was at its height between 800 AD and 1200 AD as the center of political, religious, and military power for the Mayan civilization and southeast Mesoamerica. Observe the gradual merging of structural styles from Puuc to Toltec, as the change of power occurred between opposing factions of the Mayan empire.

  Chichen Itza was recently designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site is recognized for its spectacular architecture, such as the Kukulkan Pyramid (also called El Castillo). Discover and learn about the many remarkable structures of this mystical ancient city: The Observatory, Temple of the Warriors, Hall of a Thousand Columns, and the Great Ball Court, to name a few.

  Afterwards, drive to Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya, and stay at this all inclusive, endless luxury resort for a few days.

• Day 15. Departure

  You’ll be picked up at Hacienda Tres Rios and driven to Cancun International Airport for your return flight home.

  We hope you enjoyed your vacation so much that you’ll return again soon.