Deepest Mexico Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Mexico (-/-/-)

We will be waiting for you at Mexico City airport to take you to your charming hotel located in a lovely neighbourhood in Mexico City. Free day to acclimatise. What to see in Mexico City: 1- It is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, full of cultural contrasts and a lot of history. Stroll through the city centre and see the zocalo (Plaza de la Constitución), which is the main public square and one of the most recognisable places in the city. Several historic buildings border the square, including the city’s national cathedral, the National Palace, and federal buildings. In the evening, you can see Mexican soldiers march out into the square, to take down the flag. 2- Considered the cultural center of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a must-visit. The palace prominently showcases the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, and much of the interior features beautiful marble and imposing, vaulting glass windows. The building often hosts cultural events in the national theatre, including music, dance, theatre, opera and literary performances. 3- The Campus of the National University of Mexico, which includes 40 academic institutions, the Mexican Olympic stadium, a Mexican cultural centre, a nature preserve and the city’s Central Library. The entire campus is now designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Mexico City: traditional agriculture in Xochimilco - the bohemian neighbourhood of Coyoacán (B/L/-)

After breakfast (American breakfast: coffee/tea, juice or fruit, eggs or enchiladas, bread or toast, butter and jam), we’ll pick you up for a cultural tour through the iconic Xochimilco Canals, where the Aztecs practiced agriculture in “chinampas” (artificial agricultural plots invented by the prehispanic people). You will be able to step out of the “trajinera” (a small, non-motorized boat) and learn about how the peasants of today preserve these organic farming techniques. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming, bohemian neighbourhood of Coyoacan, where there is a wide array of food vendors, local art and “ofrendas”. Finally, you will visit the Frida Kahlo’s Museum, a must do on any visit to the city. Free evening to relax. Overnight at hotel in historical centre of Mexico City.

Day 3: Mexico City to Archaeological site of Tajin – Papantla (B/L/-)

Early pick up be transferred to Veracruz, to visit the archaeological site of Tajin (approx. 3.5 hours). El Tajín is an important pre-Columbian archaeological site, and was named a World Heritage site in 1992. Here you will learn about the Papantla Flyers ritual, where men become eagles. The Flyers act is a ritual, full of faith and colour, which includes picturesque dancing and dangerous acrobatics on top of a high mast. Later, you’ll be able to enjoy a traditional regional meal in the centre of the town of Papantla, capital of the Totonac region of Veracruz. After lunch, you will visit an ecolodge owned by a cooperative of Totonac indigenous women in the community of El Remolino, where you will be able to learn a lot about their efforts to preserve their culture. You will have the evening off to rest, interact with the women of the cooperative or visit the property and see their vanilla plantation. Overnight at the ecolodge.

Day 4: Papantla - Papantla Flyers school and council of indigenous grandparents – Emerald Coast (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the cooperative and transferred to the Indigenous Arts Regional Centre where you will be able to interact with the indigenous grandparents, who will talk about their project to preserve their culture, including the children’s flying school. In the afternoon, transfer to Costa Esmeralda (approx. 1 hour), where you can rest for the day on this 12-mile stretch of golden sandy beaches with emerald-coloured waters. Overnight in a lovely hotel by the quiet beach of Costa Esmeralda.

Day 5: Emerald Coast - Totonac Cementery – La Antigua - Tlacotalpan (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we will head to your next cultural stop: the Totonac cemetery of Quiahuiztlan (approx. 2 hours). This archaeological site, that was a sacred place for the Indigenous people of this region, is nestled on top of a small mountain. Here is where Hernan Cortes disembarked to negotiate with the indigenous people. We will then move to Hernan Cortes’ next stop, La Antigua, where he settled for a while. After this journey through history, we will continue towards Tlacotalpan (approx. 2.5 hours), an exceptionally well-preserved Spanish colonial river port, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the mid-16th century, this vibrant and colourful town is characterised by wide avenues, colonial architecture and mature trees, making it a great place for a late afternoon or evening stroll. Overnight at central hotel in Tlacotalpan.

Day 6: Tlacotalpan - Los Tuxtlas - Waterfalls & natural seeds’ workshop (B/L/D)

You will have a delicious regional breakfast (including fruit, juice,c offee and eggs with Veracruz gorditas, a fried dough with smashed black beans, very typical of the region). Then we leave for our next destination: South of Veracruz (between 2 and 2.5 hours). You will enjoy a journey full of nature in the Tuxtlas Biosphere, in Veracruz. Dormant cone-shaped volcanic hills, jungle forests, and several large lakes comprise this tropical and tranquil area of Veracruz. The circular lake is approximately 6 miles (9 km) in diameter and has 32 miles (51 km) of shoreline making this body of water one of the largest lakes in all of México. It is surrounded by the volcanic mountains. When we arrive in Catemaco, the main town, you will be picked-up by a rural transport truck to get into the heart of this protected biological reserve (40 minutes, unpaved, in the midst of nature). We will reach the ecolodge where the community of Benito Juarez will welcome you, and leave for your excursion, where you will see beautiful waterfalls. Then enjoy a regional meal (made with local ingredients according to the season: it may be fish, or chicken prepared in different ways, and on the side home-made tortillas and fruit water) made by the members of the community
In the afternoon, you will learn to make earrings, bracelets and key rings made with natural seeds of the region, tutored by Mrs. Reyna. Overnight at ecolodge with private bathroom in the community (there is no running hot water but some can be heated-up for you).

Day 7: Los Tuxtlas - Jungle trek, boat tour & temazcal (B/L/D)

After a regional breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour walk along the surrounding forest trails, guided by your local host. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the reserve, see some more waterfalls and learn about the medicinal properties of some of the local trees and plants. You’ll have a local meal in the community and that afternoon, you’ll take a boat to cross the volcanic lake of Catemaco to your hotel on the shores. Later in the evening, after checking-in, enjoy a prehispanic temazcal ritual, a steam bath practiced by indigenous people to strengthen the spirit and cleanse the body. After the temazcal, have a light meal, as recommended for after the ritual. Overnight at central hotel in Catemaco.

Day 8: Los Tuxtlas - Los Amigos Ranch tour & kayaking through mangroves (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we head to a beautifully restored family ranch, Los Amigos (30 min by road + 10 min by boat) where an amazing job of reforestation has been done, as well as organic food production. You’ll be able visit the facilities and learn about this initiative and all of their projects, accompanied by your hosts. There will be kayaks at your disposal to explore later the mangroves and the lagoon, which is made up of both fresh and salt water. Overnight at ecolodge with private bathroom in the ranch.

Day 9: Los Tuxtlas – Unspoilt beach on the Gulf of Mexico (B/L/-)

Today is your last full day in Los Tuxtlas. If you wish you can start the day with a sunrise yoga session! Later that morning (after an American breakfast) you’ll travel in a motorboat through this beautiful lake, and if the tide of the sea allows it –depends on the weather- you will reach an unspoiled beach where you can enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Lunch will be served at a fisherman’s cooperative or back at the ranch. In the afternoon, you will be able to relax or take part in a tortillas workshop in the ranch. Overnight at ecolodge with private bathroom in the ranch.

Day 10: Coffee Highlands in Cordoba (B/-/-)

You’ll have another opportunity to start the day with a yoga session and after breakfast, head towards your next destination in the Veracruz Mountains: Cordoba (approx. 4 hours). Here you will enjoy a walk through the quiet central park, with its pretty church and City Hall, as well as the portals where the first treaty of independence from the Spanish Crown was signed. In the afternoon, you will take part in an interesting and fun coffee tasting session, where you will learn the different levels of roasts, as well as different preparation techniques that impact on the flavour. Overnight at well-located hotel in Cordoba.

Day 11: Coffee rural community and Mexico City (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we start the journey back towards Mexico City (approx. 4.5 hours). Along the way, we’ll stop in the mountainous community of San Bartolo, where 70 women from the community have created an organic coffee cooperative, where only traditional methods are used. You will have another opportunity to learn to make delicious coffee, and also some butter cookies. The women will be able give you an insight into the importance of rural tourism for these rural communities, and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious local lunch at the cooperative (the menu varies, depending on the season), before continuing the journey back to the city. Free evening. Overnight at hotel in a lovely neighbourhood of Mexico City.

Day 12: Mexico City - Archaeological site of Teotihuacan – Mexico City (B/-/-)

After breakfast, visit to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, the so-called City of the Gods (between 40 min – 1 hour depending on traffic), where the remains of one of the most important civilizations in Mesoamerica are preserved. Marvel at the imposing buildings of the Teotihuacan palaces and the pyramidal bases where the sun and fertility were worshipped. You will also see the spectacular Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Avenue of the Dead and all the buildings surrounding them. After this visit, free time for lunch. You’ll then head back to the city, where you will be able to relax at your hotel or explore the neighbourhood on your own. It is full of cafes, restaurants and trees. Overnight at hotel in a lovely neighbourhood of Mexico City.

Day 13: Back home (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to the Mexico City international airport. End of tour.

You will be greeted at the airport on arrival by a local guide who will take you to your hotel and will be able to answer any questions, make any additional arrangements and generally ensure everything goes smoothly.

The minimum number of passengers required is 4. Prices quoted are per person and based on at least 4 people travelling. You should expect a cheaper price for bigger groups.

Your passport is required at time of booking. For information on visa requirements, immunisations and health formalities please visit the FCO Travel Advice Website or the US Travel Advice Website (direct links to Mexico page).

Information on money changing in each destination, as well as what it is customary to tip for various services, will be provided.

What to bring: Travel insurance, passport, binoculars, alarm clock, walking shoes, water bottle, daypack, sun protection, insect repellent, sun glasses and hat, swimwear, flip-flops, torch with extra batteries.