17 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Mexico with a Cancun departure, experiencing the vibrant culture, stunning natural wonders, and historic landmarks this beautiful country has to offer. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, dive into pristine cenotes, and stroll through colorful colonial towns. Vi... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
Physical Difficulty
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GUIDANCE
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trip type
trip attributes
Backpacking
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Night
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Snorkel in a sacred Mayan cenote and learn about Mayan culture
Sail through the impressive Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
Surf's up! Ride the waves in Puerto Escondido
Tour the ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan
Snorkel in a sacred Mayan cenote and learn about Mayan culture
Sail through the impressive Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
Surf's up! Ride the waves in Puerto Escondido
Tour the ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: Cancun, Mexico
Chichen Itza Day Trip (roundtrip from Cancun)
Departure Time: 4:00
Duration: 12 hrs
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of ancient civilization with this breathtaking early morning tour of Chichen Itza. Rise with the sun and beat the crowds as you delve into the rich history of this renowned archaeological site.
With a specialized guide by your side, journey back in time as you explore the remains of this once powerful city. Discover the secrets of the Maya civilization and learn how Chichen Itza played a pivotal role in shaping their world from 600 AD to 1200. Marvel at the intricate details of this sacred site, still considered holy by the Maya people of the Yucatan today.
Brave the jungle's lush terrain as you unearth the mystery of this lost city, protected by UNESCO and now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the cool morning air at your back and the warm sun at your face, this early morning tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Chichen Itza in a way most will never have the chance to.
Please note: The government requires an additional fee for the use of mobile devices such as GoPros, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and drones at the ticket office. Get ready for a truly epic adventure!
Day 2: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Type: Bus
Time: Every 30-45 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30
Duration: 1.2 Hours
Transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Playa del Carmen.
Day 3: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 4: Tulum, Mexico
Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Type: Bus
Time: 09:16, 09:25, 09:51, 10:00, 10:36
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Tulum.
Day 5: Tulum, Mexico
Tulum: Shared ATVs, Rappel, Ziplines, Cenote Tour with Lunch
Departure Time: 8:30, 12:00
Duration: 5 hrs
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tulum's jungle with our ATV Park experience. Get ready to kick off the excitement by navigating through lush trails on powerful ATVs, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Take your adrenaline to new heights as you zip through the treetops on our exhilarating zip lines, providing breathtaking aerial views of the jungle landscape. Then, dive into the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula with a refreshing dip in a stunning cenote, a natural sinkhole with pristine, crystal-clear waters, creating a unique and invigorating swimming experience.
To ensure a stress-free journey, our package includes convenient transportation. After your thrilling activities, indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local flavors, providing a culinary delight that complements your day of adventure. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience in Tulum's jungle!
If you choose a shared ATV and the number of travelers in your reservation is odd, the extra passenger will be automatically assigned an individual ATV, and extra 12USD will be charged at check-in.
We offer roundtrip transportation (from hotel or meeting point, as applicable) for all travelers who book this tour.
NOTE: Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Meals: Lunch
Day 6: Merida, Mexico
Tulum to Merida
Type: Bus
Time: 01:40, 08:57, 10:47, 14:37, 18:57, 20:17, 21:27
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Transfer from Tulum to Merida
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.
Day 7: Merida, Mexico
Magic CENOTES + Hacienda
Departure Time: 7:30
Duration: 6.5 hrs
This is an authentic Yucatecan experience. We'll visit 2 of our favorite cenotes and one hacienda (historical building) on this day of Mayan jungle adventure & probably (hopefully) we'll have them just to ourselves (depending on the season and the day) or at least we won't find a crowd in them. (Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers). The first cenote is a cavern one, with sapphire blue water (not cold) from where we will appreciate to the bottom of it (it may vary in raining season). The second cenote is a perfectly shaped open circle with incredible emerald water surrounded by trees and birds.
We’ll tell you a few things about the mayan culture as you take in the impressive views of these hundreds of millions of year old rock formation while you swim, snorkel, explore, float, do high jumps from almost 32 ft! (just for the most adventurous) or just relax in each of these cold&fresh water cenotes taking pictures. We will stay from 45 mins to 1 hour (depending on you) in each cenote, without rushing (something typical in normal tours).
Finally, you will enjoy a regional artisanal organic firewood cooked meal (VEGAN & VEGETARIAN option) prepared by the Mayan community from the harvest to your plate (welcome to México!) (Not included in the price) *Why is not included? This is made in order for you to not pay commission of the platform + taxes of the food price and also to make sure your money goes into the right hands!
Day 8: Merida, Mexico
Merida to Palenque
Type: Bus (Overnight)
Time: 22:00 23:30
Duration: 9 Hours
Transfer from Merida to Palenque
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Palenque.
Day 9: Palenque, Mexico
Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Palenque to San Cristobal)
Departure Time: 08:00
Duration: 14 hrs
You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the Palenque ruins. You will have a couple of hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle own your own. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 45 minutes. The last stop will be at Agua Azul where you will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. After seeing these 3 beautiful attractions, you will be transferred to San Cristobal which is about a 4-5 hour drive, so be prepared for a VERY LONG but VERY EXCITING and BEAUTIFUL DAY AS WELL.
-Description of the attractions-
-Palenque Ruins-
The ancient Mayan city of Palenque is one of Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological parks surrounded by lush tropical forest and jungle. This site has a serene, mystical atmosphere. From the moment you enter, you feel engulfed by a sense of history, timelessness and awe. Explore the site on foot and climb up the pyramids for great views of the ancient city and the jungle. (approx. 3 1⁄2 hours)
-Agua Azul Waterfalls-
Rio Xumul-Ha (meaning River of Blue Water, or in Spanish, Agua Azul) features a series of torrential cascades and fast flowing waters rolling down a limestone ridge to form pools and small streams. Take a one-hour walk next to the falls in the breath-taking green valley and swim in one of the calm parts of the refreshing blue river. (approx. 2 1⁄2 hours)
-Misol-Ha Waterfall-
River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), in the "Chol Maya" tribe area of Chiapas, creates one of the state's most wonderful natural sights as the river glides off the edge of a cliff and 40 meters down into a deep pool of water surrounded by lush vegetation. Swim in the deliciously refreshing water and be impressed by the sight of the fall from below. A small walkway will take you behind the water curtain created by the waterfall where you can walk inside the caves. (approx. 45 minutes)
Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Local & Sustainable Foodie Experience
Departure Time: 13:00
Duration: 2 hrs
Mexican food is varied, as is the diversity of its culture. The best experiences are meaningful when the senses are nurtured. In Chiapas, traditional cuisine is recreated with the ingredients that walkers of history brought with them and mixed with local ingredients to create delicious gastronomic dishes. First we will give you an introduction to the meaning of party dishes in Chiapas and their special ingredients. You will be able to taste a dish from the Chiapas culinary options' menu. Then, you will taste a Posh Traditional tsotsil, and you will learn about the traditional food of Chiapas, being able to taste an authentic soup from San Cristóbal and a dish based on pork, chicken or vegetarian with the seasoning and secrets of the "Coletas" families. You can taste a Mayan drink to accompany your food. The place you will be taking part in the activity, is a pleasant and light-filled space where fair trade in handicrafts made by indigenous women is also promoted. In addition to providing the inputs with which the dishes are made, they also exhibit here their handicrafts. Language is not a problem, we love learning new words and making friends!
NOTE: Travelers can also choose local vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan food options.
PLEASE NOTE THIS ACTIVITY DOES NOT OPERATE ON SUNDAYS.
Meals: Lunch
Day 11: Pochutla (Mazunte), Mexico
San Cristobal de las Casas to Pochutla (Mazunte)
Type: Bus
Time: 15:30, 18:15, 21:00
Duration: 11.5 Hours
Transfer from San Cristobal de las Casas to Pochutla (Mazunte)
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Pochutla (Mazunte).
Day 12: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Pochutla (Mazunte) to Puerto Escondido
Type: Bus
Time: 03:25, 05:50, 07:35, 08:45, 10:45, 12:00, 17:45
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Transfer from Pochutla (Mazunte) to Puerto Escondido
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Puerto Escondido.
Day 13: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido Learn to Surf Experience (2 Hours)
Departure Time: 09:00, 15:30
Duration: 2 hrs
Test your surfing abilities in Mexico's number one surf spot!
Take a 2-hour lesson based on your experience level, our fully bilingual instructors will take you to specific beaches scattered around Puerto Escondido. If you are a begginer they might take you to La Punta located on the south-end of Zicatela, and if you are experienced and love challenges they could take you to the striking Mexican Pipeline.
Our surf instructors work with a maximum of 2 students per instructor, so that students can receive all the attention they need in order to have a quick progress, a personalised class and a safe instruction. We have experience in teaching all ages and levels. We guarantee that you will have a great and unforgettable surfing experience.
Puerto Escondido is characterized for its easy-going surfer vibe, so don't be afraid to share some pointers and tips while you sip some beers with fellow surfers after your lesson!
Day 14: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca
Type: Bus
Time: 03:00, 04:00, 09:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Oaxaca.
Day 15: Oaxaca, Mexico
Hike through Hierve el Agua
Departure Time: 7:00
Departure Days: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
Duration: 9 hrs
Join us on a tour of Hierve el Agua, a popular tourist destination in the Mexican state of Oaxaca known for its tall petrified waterfalls made of carbonated water and natural springs. During the tour, you'll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear pools, take guided walks through the trails, and learn about the tradition of mezcal making while sampling different flavors. We'll also visit the Zapotec weavers town of Teotitlan del Valle, where skilled artisans use ancient techniques to create and paint stunning rugs inspired by famous artists. Hierve el Agua is located in the Sierra Madre mountain range and is about 50 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca.
Day 16: Mexico City, Mexico
Oaxaca to Mexico City
Type: Bus
Time: 08:00, 09:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30, 21:30, 22:00, 22:15, 22:30. 23:00, 23:15, 23:30, 23:59
Duration: 7 Hours
Transfer from Oaxaca to Mexico City
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Mexico City.
Day 17: Mexico City, Mexico
Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour
Departure Time: 6:20
Duration: 8 hrs
Embark on a mystical journey to the "City of the Gods," Teotihuacan, before the tour groups from Mexico City arrive. Explore the impressive archaeological site in peace and tranquility as you visit its different structures, squares, and murals, surrounded by a magical and mystical atmosphere.
Your experience is enhanced by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories, history, and updates on the latest discoveries at the site. Immerse yourself in the culture of ancient Mexico with a stop at a local Teotihuacan family's obsidian workshop, where you'll sample cactus-based liqueurs and traditional Mexican spirits like tequila, mezcal, and pulque.
Cap off your day with a delightful lunch experience (not included), where you can savor a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and flavors.
Meals
Transport
Activities
Not Included
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