Day 1 – Fly to Mexico City

Fly to Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Mexico City

Begin in Zócalo, the heart of the city. Visit the soaring Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, where you’ll view Diego Rivera’s vast mural. Pause for lunch at a cantina before heading into the Templo Mayor Museum to learn about ‘Tenochtitlan’. Later, in the leafy suburb of Coyoacán, enjoy the wonderful Frida Kahlo Museum at Casa Azul. Soak up the atmosphere of Plaza Hildalgo before returning to the city centre for dinner in a neighbourhood eatery.

Day 3 – Ancient Teotihuacan

Spend the morning exploring Teotihuacan, a UNESCO-listed city that was one of the most influential in the ancient world. Walk the Avenue of the Dead, climb the 66 metre Pyramid of the Sun and marvel at the rich decorated Temple of Quetzalpapálotl. Visit a family cooperative to learn about the ancient uses of obsidian, maguey fibre and pulque before returning to the capital to admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the Americas.

Day 4 – Travel to San Miguel de Allende

Travel northwest across the central Mexican plateau to reach the fascinating San Miguel de Allende. A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent colonial-era architecture, the city is considered the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution. Fuelled by a lunch of fresh corn tortillas, salsas and local cheeses, enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through the city centre, admiring pink spires, charming cobbled streets and leafy courtyards as you learn about the city’s history. Dinner tonight will pair Guanajuato cuisine with regional wines.

Day 5 – Cartoneria Workshop

Enter the airy studio of local artist Guadalupe Trejo and family to discover the art of papier-mâché crafting. You’ll be guided through the process of creating your own traditional alebrije, catrina, winged heart, nicho, or mask as Guadalupe shares the legends and symbolism behind each piece. After a lunch of regional specialities, the afternoon is free to explore or relax before dinner at one of San Miguel’s rooftop bistros.

Day 6 – Guanajuato

Pass into the hills of Sierra de Guanajuato to reach another UNESCO-listed city, Guanajuato. Made rich by the silver and gold deposits in the area, prepare to be impressed by magnificent architecture and brightly coloured houses crammed onto the slopes of a narrow ravine. Embark on a walking tour of its opulent centre. Then, at twilight, gather at the steps of Templo San Diego for a private ‘callejoneada’, parading the old streets with costumed musicians and storytellers.

Day 7 – Travel to Guadalajara

Travel west to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city. Take an afternoon walk through the vibrant plazas of its historic centre. As dusk falls, enjoy a festive evening with live mariachi and a lively dance show.

Day 8 – Tequila

Travel into the blue-agave lowlands to the town of Tequila. Naturally, your explorations begin with a visit to a tequila distillery where you’ll learn all about the production process, from roasting the piñas to the resting cellars. In the private tasting room, you’ll be guided through the flavours by an expert maestro tequilero. Then, stroll the town’s cobbled streets to find the perfect spot for a local lunch.

Day 9 – Fly to Oaxaca

Hop on a flight to Oaxaca, a city that is home to rich indigenous culture, beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy lunch before setting off on an orientation walk along Alcalá Street to see the sights.

Day 10 – Explore Monte Albán

This morning, explore the major archaeological site of Monte Alban, the capital of the pre-Columbian Zapotec civilisation. This afternoon, explore Oaxaca’s cultural heart, tasting local delicacies and admiring architecture as you go.

Day 11 – Cooking Masterclass

Arrive at Central de Abastos where, guided by a local chef, you’ll browse and taste the produce. Head to a countryside cooking school to prepare a mouthwatering Oaxacan dish before spending the afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 – Sierra Norte Mountains

Travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains, arriving in the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family at their farmstead for insight into their rural way of life, before continuing to Tehuantepec, close to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast.

Day 13 – Sumidero Canyon NP

Spend the morning on a boat heading deep into the Sumidero Canyon National Park, spotting spider monkeys and basking crocodiles as you cruise between sheer limestone walls. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 14 – Indigenous villages

Explore some of the indigenous villages of the region. First, stop at the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula to witness a fascinating, pre-Columbian ritual, and then Zinacantan, where you’ll visit a family workshop to watch women spin, dye and brocade huipiles. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and enjoy stories from your host as you eat.

Day 15 – Explore San Cristobal

Embark on a guided walking tour of the city, exploring narrow lanes little changed since the 16th century. Visits include the golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the pastel-hued houses of the pine covered San Cristobalito hill. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish before regrouping for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 16 – Travel to Palenque

Descend from the cool heights of the mountains to the lowlands of northern Chiapas. Stop in Villahermosa for lunch and a visit to Museo La Venta, an open-air archaeological park featuring monumental sculptures from the ancient Olmec civilisation. Continue to Palenque town, arriving early evening.

Day 17 – Discover Palenque

Rise early to enter the forested Palenque National Park. Led by a specialist guide, and with a soundtrack provided by howler monkeys, embark on an adventure through these spectacular Mayan ruins of a city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD. Spend the afternoon splashing around in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

Day 18 – Travel to Campeche

Leave the emerald canopy of the rainforest behind, cross the savannah of Tabasco to reach the Gulf coast and Campeche. A UNESCO-listed harbour city, San Francisco de Campeche boasts pastel-coloured mansions, coral-stone ramparts and plentiful tales of merchants and pirate raids – discover more as you explore the storied streets.

Day 19 – Explore Uxmal

Start the day with a guided walk of Campeche’s perfectly preserved walled city. Leave the Caribbean coast and travel to another UNESCO-listed site, the magical Mayan ruins of Uxmal. Learn all about the astronomy and acoustics of the Pyramid of the Magician and admire the Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Continue to Mérida.

Day 20 – Explore Merida

Visit lively markets filled with local flavours and colourful crafts, then wander through the historic heart of the city, strolling along elegant avenues of 19th-century mansions before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch.

Day 21 – Discover Chichén Itzá

This morning is dedicated to Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site Chichén Itzá, with a guided tour of its wonders. Continue to a Maya village where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch and stories of local life. Travel on to reach the beachside resort of Playa del Carmen.

Day 22 – Cenote Azul

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Playa del Carmen, before an afternoon at Cenote Azul. Here you can relax in the sun or swim in the turquoise waters. Back in Playa del Carmen enjoy a laidback farewell dinner.

Days 23 – 25 – Fly Cancun to Australia

Transfer to Cancun airport for your flight to Australia. Arrive home in 2 days due to crossing the International Date Line.

Day 1 – Fly to Mexico City

Fly to Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Mexico City

Begin your morning at the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the nearby National Palace, home to Mexico’s seat of government and the monumental murals of Diego Rivera. Go on to travel south to the charming neighbourhood of Coyoacán. Here you will explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the cobalt-blue house where the beloved artist was born. As dusk descends, head to Paseo de la Reforma, for the Day of the Dead Parade.

Day 3 – Ancient Teotihuacan

Spend the morning at Teotihuacán before walking to the Avenue of the Dead between towering pyramids. Then visit a local cooperative where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts using obsidian, maguey fibre, and pulque materials that sustained this civilization for centuries. Go on to return to Mexico City and journey to Xochimilco, where an enchanting Día de Muertos experience awaits. The evening culminates with a visit to a local altar or intimate cemetery gathering.

Day 4 – Travel to San Miguel de Allende

Depart Mexico City for a scenic drive across the central plateau to San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, visit San Juan de Dios Cemetery, where families honour their loved ones with marigolds, candles, and traditional offerings. Upon arrival, wander through San Miguel’s historic centre. In the evening, savour dinner on a rooftop terrace before joining the vibrant Catrina Parade, featuring face painting, live music, and dancing in the main square.

Day 5 – Cartoneria Workshop

Enter the airy studio of local artist Guadalupe Trejo and family to discover the art of papier-mâché crafting. You’ll be guided through the process of creating your own traditional alebrije, catrina, winged heart, nicho, or mask as Guadalupe shares the legends and symbolism behind each piece. After a lunch of regional specialities, the afternoon is free to explore or relax before dinner at one of San Miguel’s rooftop bistros.

Day 6 – Guanajuato

Pass into the hills of Sierra de Guanajuato to reach another UNESCO-listed city, Guanajuato. Made rich by the silver and gold deposits in the area, prepare to be impressed by magnificent architecture and brightly coloured houses crammed onto the slopes of a narrow ravine. Embark on a walking tour of its opulent centre. Then, at twilight, gather at the steps of Templo San Diego for a private ‘callejoneada’, parading the old streets with costumed musicians and storytellers.

Day 7 – Travel to Guadalajara

Travel west to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city. Take an afternoon walk through the vibrant plazas of its historic centre. As dusk falls, enjoy a festive evening with live mariachi and a lively dance show.

Day 8 – Tequila

Travel into the blue-agave lowlands to the town of Tequila. Naturally, your explorations begin with a visit to a tequila distillery where you’ll learn all about the production process, from roasting the piñas to the resting cellars. In the private tasting room, you’ll be guided through the flavours by an expert maestro tequilero. Then, stroll the town’s cobbled streets to find the perfect spot for a local lunch.

Day 9 – Fly to Oaxaca

Hop on a flight to Oaxaca, a city that is home to rich indigenous culture, beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy lunch before setting off on an orientation walk along Alcalá Street to see the sights.

Day 10 – Explore Monte Albán

This morning, explore the major archaeological site of Monte Alban, the capital of the pre-Columbian Zapotec civilisation. This afternoon, explore Oaxaca’s cultural heart, tasting local delicacies and admiring architecture as you go.

Day 11 – Cooking Masterclass

Arrive at Central de Abastos where, guided by a local chef, you’ll browse and taste the produce. Head to a countryside cooking school to prepare a mouthwatering Oaxacan dish before spending the afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 – Sierra Norte Mountains

Travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains, arriving in the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family at their farmstead for insight into their rural way of life, before continuing to Tehuantepec, close to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast.

Day 13 – Sumidero Canyon NP

Spend the morning on a boat heading deep into the Sumidero Canyon National Park, spotting spider monkeys and basking crocodiles as you cruise between sheer limestone walls. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 14 – Indigenous villages

Explore some of the indigenous villages of the region. First, stop at the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula to witness a fascinating, pre-Columbian ritual, and then Zinacantan, where you’ll visit a family workshop to watch women spin, dye and brocade huipiles. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and enjoy stories from your host as you eat.

Day 15 – Explore San Cristobal

Embark on a guided walking tour of the city, exploring narrow lanes little changed since the 16th century. Visits include the golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the pastel-hued houses of the pine covered San Cristobalito hill. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish before regrouping for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 16 – Travel to Palenque

Descend from the cool heights of the mountains to the lowlands of northern Chiapas. Stop in Villahermosa for lunch and a visit to Museo La Venta, an open-air archaeological park featuring monumental sculptures from the ancient Olmec civilisation. Continue to Palenque town, arriving early evening.

Day 17 – Discover Palenque

Rise early to enter the forested Palenque National Park. Led by a specialist guide, and with a soundtrack provided by howler monkeys, embark on an adventure through these spectacular Mayan ruins of a city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD. Spend the afternoon splashing around in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

Day 18 – Travel to Campeche

Leave the emerald canopy of the rainforest behind, cross the savannah of Tabasco to reach the Gulf coast and Campeche. A UNESCO-listed harbour city, San Francisco de Campeche boasts pastel-coloured mansions, coral-stone ramparts and plentiful tales of merchants and pirate raids – discover more as you explore the storied streets.

Day 19 – Explore Uxmal

Start the day with a guided walk of Campeche’s perfectly preserved walled city. Leave the Caribbean coast and travel to another UNESCO-listed site, the magical Mayan ruins of Uxmal. Learn all about the astronomy and acoustics of the Pyramid of the Magician and admire the Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Continue to Mérida.

Day 20 – Explore Merida

Visit lively markets filled with local flavours and colourful crafts, then wander through the historic heart of the city, strolling along elegant avenues of 19th-century mansions before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch.

Day 21 – Discover Chichén Itzá

This morning is dedicated to Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site Chichén Itzá, with a guided tour of its wonders. Continue to a Maya village where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch and stories of local life. Travel on to reach the beachside resort of Playa del Carmen.

Day 22 – Cenote Azul

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Playa del Carmen, before an afternoon at Cenote Azul. Here you can relax in the sun or swim in the turquoise waters. Back in Playa del Carmen enjoy a laidback farewell dinner.

Days 23 – 25 – Fly Cancun to Australia

Transfer to Cancun airport for your flight to Australia. Arrive home in 2 days due to crossing the International Date Line.

Day 1 – Fly to Mexico City

Fly to Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Mexico City

Begin at Zócalo, the city’s vast main square. Visit the soaring Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and the Templo Mayor Museum to learn about ‘Tenochtitlan’. Later, in the leafy suburb of Coyoacán, enjoy the wonderful Frida Kahlo Museum at Casa Azul.

Day 3 – Ancient Teotihuacan

Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Teotihuacan before visiting a family cooperative to learn about the ancient uses of obsidian, maguey fibre and pulque. Return to the capital to admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Day 4 – Travel to San Miguel de Allende

Depart Mexico City for a scenic drive across the central plateau to San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, visit San Juan de Dios Cemetery, where families honour their loved ones. Upon arrival, stroll to the airy studio of Guadalupe Trejo. Enjoy a private workshop here where you’ll learn more about the family that have mastered the art of papier-mâché for four generations. This evening, visit a stylish rooftop terrace where you can savour contemporary Guanajuato cuisine and regional wines.

Day 5 – San Miguel de Allende

Begin the day by heading to Jardín Principal to witness some of the Day of the Dead rituals. Make a stop at the Public Library to marvel at their monumental altar and witness local artists finishing intricate, ephemeral sand tapestries on the pavement. Continue onto the San Juan de Dios Cemetery. This historic site offers one of the most moving experiences of the season. For lunch, enjoy sitting in a bustling local eatery, sampling regional favourites like enchiladas queretanas or a hearty torta. This evening, gather for a special dinner at Puesto Viejo.

Day 6 – Travel to Guadalajara

After an early breakfast, drive to Guadalajara, the heart of Jalisco. To break up the journey, stop en-route in the town of Tepatitlán de Morelos, a vibrant hub in the Los Altos region. Upon arrival, visit San Pedro Tlaquepaque. On the eve of Day of the Dead, this artistic enclave is at its most festive. The pedestrianised street is lined with monumental catrinas, vibrant marigolds, and intricate papel picado. Head to Santa Teresita neighbourhood for a Guadalajara experience at Karne Garibaldi.

Day 7 – Guadalajara

After breakfast, visit Panteón de Mezquitán, one of the city’s most historic and atmospheric resting places. Head to Plaza de las 9 Esquinas for lunch – a picturesque colonial corner of the city. This area is the undisputed home of Birria, Jalisco’s most famous slow-cooked meat dish. This afternoon, witness one of the largest parades in Mexico, featuring thousands of participants in full skeletal makeup. Watch the monumental skulls, allegorical floats, and traditional dance troupes move toward the Cathedral.

Day 8 – Tequila

Travel into the blue-agave lowlands to the town of Tequila. Naturally, your explorations begin with a visit to a tequila distillery where you’ll learn all about the production process, from roasting the piñas to the resting cellars. In the private tasting room, you’ll be guided through the flavours by an expert maestro tequilero. Then, stroll the town’s cobbled streets to find the perfect spot for a local lunch.

Day 9 – Fly to Oaxaca

Hop on a flight to Oaxaca, a city that is home to rich indigenous culture, beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy lunch before setting off on an orientation walk along Alcalá Street to see the sights.

Day 10 – Explore Monte Albán

This morning, explore the major archaeological site of Monte Alban, the capital of the pre-Columbian Zapotec civilisation. This afternoon, explore Oaxaca’s cultural heart, tasting local delicacies and admiring architecture as you go.

Day 11 – Cooking Masterclass

Arrive at Central de Abastos where, guided by a local chef, you’ll browse and taste the produce. Head to a countryside cooking school to prepare a mouthwatering Oaxacan dish before spending the afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 – Sierra Norte Mountains

Travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains, arriving in the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family at their farmstead for insight into their rural way of life, before continuing to Tehuantepec, close to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast.

Day 13 – Sumidero Canyon NP

Spend the morning on a boat heading deep into the Sumidero Canyon National Park, spotting spider monkeys and basking crocodiles as you cruise between sheer limestone walls. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 14 – Indigenous villages

Explore some of the indigenous villages of the region. First, stop at the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula to witness a fascinating, pre-Columbian ritual, and then Zinacantan, where you’ll visit a family workshop to watch women spin, dye and brocade huipiles. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and enjoy stories from your host as you eat.

Day 15 – Explore San Cristobal

Embark on a guided walking tour of the city, exploring narrow lanes little changed since the 16th century. Visits include the golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the pastel-hued houses of the pine covered San Cristobalito hill. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish before regrouping for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Day 16 – Travel to Palenque

Descend from the cool heights of the mountains to the lowlands of northern Chiapas. Stop in Villahermosa for lunch and a visit to Museo La Venta, an open-air archaeological park featuring monumental sculptures from the ancient Olmec civilisation. Continue to Palenque town, arriving early evening.

Day 17 – Discover Palenque

Rise early to enter the forested Palenque National Park. Led by a specialist guide, and with a soundtrack provided by howler monkeys, embark on an adventure through these spectacular Mayan ruins of a city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD. Spend the afternoon splashing around in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

Day 18 – Travel to Campeche

Leave the emerald canopy of the rainforest behind, cross the savannah of Tabasco to reach the Gulf coast and Campeche. A UNESCO-listed harbour city, San Francisco de Campeche boasts pastel-coloured mansions, coral-stone ramparts and plentiful tales of merchants and pirate raids – discover more as you explore the storied streets.

Day 19 – Explore Uxmal

Start the day with a guided walk of Campeche’s perfectly preserved walled city. Leave the Caribbean coast and travel to another UNESCO-listed site, the magical Mayan ruins of Uxmal. Learn all about the astronomy and acoustics of the Pyramid of the Magician and admire the Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Continue to Mérida.

Day 20 – Explore Merida

Visit lively markets filled with local flavours and colourful crafts, then wander through the historic heart of the city, strolling along elegant avenues of 19th-century mansions before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch.

Day 21 – Discover Chichén Itzá

This morning is dedicated to Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site Chichén Itzá, with a guided tour of its wonders. Continue to a Maya village where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch and stories of local life. Travel on to reach the beachside resort of Playa del Carmen.

Day 22 – Cenote Azul

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Playa del Carmen, before an afternoon at Cenote Azul. Here you can relax in the sun or swim in the turquoise waters. Back in Playa del Carmen enjoy a laidback farewell dinner.

Days 23 – 25 – Fly Cancun to Australia

Transfer to Cancun airport for your flight to Australia. Arrive home in 2 days due to crossing the International Date Line.