In the footsteps of Cortes

11 days / 10 nights

Mexico City > Costa Esmeralda > Veracruz > Catemaco > Villahermosa > Palenque > Chetumal > Riviera Maya

In the footsteps of Cortes

11 days / 10 nights

Day 1: Arrival to Mexico City

Our staff will be waiting at the airport to take you to the comfort of your hotel.

Day 2: Mexico City Tour – Teotihuacan – National Museum of Anthropology

Mexico City is an impressive metropolis showcasing a unique blend of Indians, Mestizos, Creoles, and Europeans. The city is vibrant with emotions, colors, and spicy flavors. You will explore “The Zocalo,” the main national square, the ruins of the ancient Aztec city Tenochtitlan, and the National Palace. You’ll also see murals by Diego Rivera, depicting Mexico’s pre-Columbian history, colonial period, and Revolution. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park to view archaeological treasures from pre-Hispanic civilizations, including the Toltec, Mexica, Aztec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Olmec, and Maya. Admire the Aztec Calendar Stone before traveling to Teotihuacan, Mexico’s largest archaeological site. Teotihuacan, the sixth largest city in the world in 400 A.D., was mysteriously abandoned 300 years later. Explore the Jaguar Palace, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and the Avenue of the Dead. Return to your hotel.

Day 3: Coyoacan – Frida Kahlo Museum – Xochimilco

Start your day with a walk through Coyoacan, a culturally rich area. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the renowned Mexican artist known for her vivid, tragic artwork. The house-museum offers insights into her life, marriage to Diego Rivera, and personal collections. Next, explore Xochimilco, where you can see the ancient floating islands, Chinampas, created by the Aztecs. Enjoy a boat ride through the canals, savor typical food, and listen to traditional Mexican music played by Mariachis and Marimba musicians.

Day 4: Mexico City – Tajin – Papantla – Costa Esmeralda

Depart for Tajin, a pre-Columbian archaeological site of Totonac origin, famously known for its giant Pyramid of the Niches, a “living calendar” representing the 365 days of the year. Continue to Papantla, a “Magic Town” known for its vanilla and the “Voladores de Papantla.” Then, travel to Costa Esmeralda, where the water and sand merge beautifully. Relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Overnight in Costa Esmeralda.

Day 5: Costa Esmeralda – Archaeological Site Cempoala – Quiahuiztlán – Veracruz

Travel from Costa Esmeralda to the archaeological site of Cempoala, where Hernán Cortés’s ships first landed, marking the beginning of the conquest of Mexico. Explore Quiahuiztlán, a site featured in the film “Apocalypto.” End the day in Veracruz, a historic port city founded in the 16th century. Overnight in Veracruz.

Day 6: Veracruz – Cigar Factory – Eyipantla Falls – Catemaco

Visit TE AMO, a popular cigar factory, to experience Mexican cigars, which some experts consider superior to Cuban ones. Next, visit Eyipantla Falls, featured in “Apocalypto.” Continue to Catemaco, known as the city of shamans and wizards. Overnight in Catemaco.

Day 7: Catemaco – Boating – Nanciyaga Ecological Reserve – Villahermosa

Explore Catemaco, located on the shores of a lake surrounded by lush jungle. Visit Nanciyaga Ecological Reserve to experience diverse flora and fauna and stunning lake views. Spend the night in Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco.

Day 8: Villahermosa – Palenque – Misol Ha – Palenque

Travel from Villahermosa to Palenque, a “Magic Town” and paradise for archaeology and nature enthusiasts. Visit the famous archaeological site of Palenque, featuring ancient Mayan ruins such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, and Temple of the Inscriptions, including the tomb of Pakal II. Also visit Misol Ha waterfall. Palenque has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Return to your hotel in Palenque.

Day 9: Palenque – Bonampak – Welib Ha Waterfall – Palenque

Journey from Palenque to Bonampak, an ancient Mayan city renowned for its well-preserved colorful murals. The name “Bonampak” means “painted walls” in Mayan. Visit Welib Ha waterfall for stunning views and a swim. Return to your hotel in Palenque.

Day 10: Palenque – Archaeological Zone Kohunlich – Chetumal

Depart early for Kohunlich, a significant Mayan city and ceremonial center located near Chetumal. Kohunlich is unique for its beauty and its role in the trade route among South Yucatan, Campeche, and cities in modern Guatemala and Belize. Continue to Chetumal, formerly a pirate-attacked settlement. Overnight in Chetumal.

Day 11: Chetumal – Bacalar Lagoon – Boating – Riviera Maya or Cancun

Explore Bacalar, a “Magic Town” known for its stunning lagoon with seven shades of blue. Ideal for diving, swimming, and snorkeling, Bacalar was founded by the Mayans in 415 D.C. and is the gateway to the Cenote Azul and interesting archaeological sites. Transfer to your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya. Riviera Maya, stretching from Cancun to Tulum, offers beautiful Caribbean beaches, turquoise waters, and a fresh ocean breeze. It is the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean.

 

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