12-day Mexico tour with an Italian-speaking guide

Welcome to Mexico!

Upon arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, you will begin your journey in one of the world’s largest and most vibrant metropolises, comparable to Seoul and Tokyo. Founded by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, built on an island in Lake Texcoco and almost entirely destroyed during the siege of 1521, the city was later rebuilt following Spanish urban standards, becoming today’s capital that blends history, tradition, and modernity.

After arrival formalities, transfer to the hotel and check-in at Hotel Estoril or a similar property (Standard Room).

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Please note: flights must arrive at Terminal 1 of Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City between 18:50 and 19:15. For arrivals at different times, an additional transfer fee will apply.

Culture

50%

History

50%

Adventure

30%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology (closed on Mondays), considered one of the finest museums in the world. Opened in 1963, this modern building is renowned for its impressive central courtyard, partly covered by a sculpted umbrella-shaped dome, designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, explore the Zócalo, the main square in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center and one of the largest urban squares in the world. Here you will admire the Metropolitan Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1813 around the first church erected after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlán. Continue to El Palacio Nacional, once the seat of Mexico’s federal executive power, where the grand stairway and second-floor walls are decorated with Diego Rivera’s famous murals. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Culture

60%

Nature

40%

History

60%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most important Marian sanctuary in the Americas, which welcomes over 20 million pilgrims every year, making it the most visited Catholic site in the world after the Vatican. Inside, the precious cloak of Juan Diego is preserved, on which the image of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared. The complex includes several chapels, including the evocative Chapel of the Cerrito, built at the exact site of the apparitions. The first chapel was built as early as 1660, in memory of the three apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Lunch at leisure.

The visit continues with the magnificent archaeological site of Teotihuacan, once the largest and most prosperous city in the central valley. The majestic Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, together with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, still bear witness to the greatness of this ancient civilization. Those who wish may climb the pyramids to admire a breathtaking panorama overlooking the entire plain. The experience will be enhanced by a visit to an obsidian workshop and a tasting of traditional pulque, an ancient pre-Hispanic beverage. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

50%

Nature

50%

History

50%

Adventure

40%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel, flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez: upon arrival, change of guide and transportation and departure towards the fascinating Sumidero Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural settings in Chiapas. Here you will enjoy an exciting boat trip (SIB service) along the Grijalva River, which flows between rocky walls rising up to 1,000 metres high.

According to local legends, after the Spanish conquest, the indigenous people of the region chose to throw themselves from the high cliffs into the river rather than surrender to the invaders. During the boat trip, it will be possible to admire spectacular scenery and, with a little luck, observe crocodiles and monkeys up close in their natural habitat. Lunch at leisure.

The journey then continues towards San Cristóbal de las Casas, a fascinating colonial city characterised by cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and an authentic atmosphere that tells the story and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Chiapas. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the 4-star Mansion del Valle hotel or an equivalent-category property.

Culture

60%

Nature

60%

History

60%

Adventure

40%

Food

30%

Breakfast and departure for the excursion to the Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, two authentic communities in Chiapas where it is possible to discover ancestral traditions that are still alive today. San Juan Chamula represents a true journey back in time: it is the largest Mayan village in the region, inhabited by over 40,000 Tzotziles, a population that speaks Tzotzil, one of the 31 Mayan languages still in use.

This area is known for its strong agricultural vocation and a unique ceremonial way of life, the result of a fascinating syncretism between Catholicism and ancient Mayan beliefs. A striking example is the Church of Saint John the Baptist, a Catholic building that no longer belongs to the local diocese: the inhabitants have chosen to independently practise their traditional rituals, preserving a spirituality deeply rooted in their cultural identity. Lunch at leisure

Return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas. The city, especially its fascinating historic centre, has preserved the classic Spanish colonial style intact: cobblestone streets, red terracotta roofs, wrought-iron balconies adorned with flowers and colourful façades ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical and even Moorish influences.

Here, tradition and everyday life coexist harmoniously: milk is still delivered in traditional containers transported by donkeys from local farms, while many farmers continue to use horses and donkeys to transport firewood and agricultural products around their properties.

Afterwards, visit to the San Cristóbal handicraft market, a lively and colourful place where the inhabitants of nearby indigenous villages arrive every day to sell textiles, handicrafts and local products, creating an authentic atmosphere rich in traditions. Dinner at leisure.

Culture

40%

Nature

60%

History

30%

Adventure

50%

Food

30%

After breakfast, early morning departure towards Palenque, crossing the fascinating landscapes of Chiapas. Along the way, a stop is planned at the spectacular Agua Azul waterfalls, accessible via a turn-off located between Ocosingo and Palenque.

Immersed in the heart of the jungle, the waterfalls form a succession of rapids and small cascades that flow into natural pools with intense turquoise hues. The contrast between the white of the water, the blue of the pools and the green of the surrounding vegetation creates one of the most fascinating natural landscapes of the journey.

At the end of the visit, continue towards Palenque and lunch at leisure. Arrival and hotel accommodation. Free time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this destination surrounded by tropical vegetation. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Nututun 4* or similar.

Culture

60%

Nature

60%

History

40%

Adventure

30%

Food

30%

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to a visit to the Palenque archaeological site, one of the most fascinating places of the ancient Mayan civilization. Immersed in the lush tropical rainforest of Chiapas, the ancient city is striking for the richness of its architecture, elegant decorations and the evocative atmosphere surrounding its temples and palaces.

The buildings of Palenque mainly date back to the Classic period of the Mayan civilization. Among the most famous monuments is the Temple of the Inscriptions, which housed the monumental tomb of the Mayan ruler Pakal. The discovery of the burial chamber in 1952 brought to light the famous sarcophagus with its richly carved funerary stone, now considered one of the most emblematic works of Mayan art.

At the end of the visit, lunch at leisure and departure towards Campeche, a city overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and characterised by an elegant colonial historic centre. Arrival, hotel accommodation and free time. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Ocean View 4* or similar.

Culture

50%

Nature

40%

History

40%

Food

60%

After breakfast, the morning is dedicated to a visit to Campeche, an elegant colonial city overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The historic centre, enclosed by ancient fortifications built to protect the city from pirate attacks, still preserves the charm of its colourful architecture, squares and historic buildings.

The journey continues towards Kabah, an important archaeological site in the Puuc region and, after Uxmal, one of the most significant Mayan complexes in the area. The site was connected to ancient Uxmal by a monumental raised road approximately 18 kilometres long, known as a sacbé. Among the most interesting monuments is the Palace of the Masks, richly decorated with representations of the rain god Chaac, a distinctive element of Puuc architecture.

The day continues with a visit to Uxmal, one of Mexico’s most extraordinary Mayan archaeological sites and the finest example of the Puuc architectural style. Compared to the monumental forms encountered at Palenque, Uxmal is striking for the refined decorations covering the upper sections of its buildings, featuring elaborate geometric patterns and symbolic motifs.

During the visit, you will be able to admire some of the most representative monuments of the complex, including the Pyramid of the Magician, the fascinating Quadrangle of the Nuns and the monumental Governor’s Palace, all evidence of the greatness achieved by the Mayan civilization in the region.

At the end of the visit, departure towards Mérida, capital of Yucatán and a lively city with elegant colonial charm. Arrival, hotel accommodation and free time. Meals at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Gamma Mérida 4* or similar.

Culture

50%

Nature

50%

History

50%

Adventure

30%

Food

30%

After breakfast, visit to Mérida, capital of Yucatán and a city with an elegant and lively charm. Known as the “White City”, due to the extensive use of limestone and light-coloured façades, Mérida still preserves the blend of Mayan culture and Spanish colonial heritage. Walking through its streets, you will be able to admire some of the most representative landmarks of the historic centre, including the Palacio de Gobierno, the Cathedral and the Zócalo, the heart of city life.

Departure towards Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in Yucatán and one of the greatest examples of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilization. The ancient ceremonial centre, which developed during the Classic Mayan period and was later influenced by Toltec culture, preserves monuments of extraordinary historical and architectural value.

Among these stands the famous Kukulkán Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, symbol of Chichén Itzá and evidence of the advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge of the Maya. Inside the pyramid, a stone throne depicting a jaguar with jade eyes was also discovered.

At the end of the visit, continue towards Ik Kil Cenote, a spectacular natural cavity surrounded by tropical vegetation, where you can enjoy some free time for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, departure towards Valladolid, an elegant colonial city in Yucatán, characterised by colourful façades, peaceful squares and an authentic atmosphere. Arrival, hotel accommodation and free time. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* or similar.

Culture

40%

History

50%

Relax

20%

After breakfast, departure to discover Tulum, one of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites on the Riviera Maya. Perched on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is the only fortified Mayan city built directly on the coast and offers one of the most breathtaking views of the entire journey.

Thanks to its strategic location, Tulum played an important role in the ancient trade routes between the Mexican Highlands and Central America. Its port was reached by large canoes carrying precious goods and products from distant lands, including honey, salt, fish, obsidian and the precious feathers of the quetzal. During the visit, you will be able to admire the main remains of this important centre of Mayan civilization, set in a natural landscape of extraordinary beauty.

At the end of the visit, lunch at leisure and departure towards Playa del Carmen, a lively resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Arrival and hotel accommodation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Relax

60%

Adventure

20%

Food

40%

After breakfast, a full day at leisure to enjoy Playa del Carmen freely and at your own pace. It is the ideal opportunity to spend a few relaxing hours on the beautiful Caribbean beaches, stroll along the famous Quinta Avenida, the lively heart of the resort, among shops, restaurants and bars, or enjoy some shopping and discover the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

For those who wish to spend the day in a more dynamic way, it is possible to independently arrange an excursion in the surrounding area, for example to discover one of the characteristic cenotes of the Riviera Maya, or independently reach the island of Cozumel for a day surrounded by crystal-clear waters and seabeds teeming with marine life. Alternatively, you can simply relax on the beach and enjoy the last moments on the Caribbean Sea. During the day, lunch and dinner are included at the hotel according to the all-inclusive treatment.

Note: during the free day, private transportation and guide services are not included.

Breakfast at the hotel.

According to the international flight schedule, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to Cancún International Airport.

Return to your final destination on your own arrangements.

Late check-out not included.
Lunch at leisure.

End of our services.