17 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America
Discover Mexico’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes with an unforgettable adventure starting in Mexico City. This immersive journey takes you to iconic landmarks like Teotihuacan’s pyramids, Oaxaca’s rich heritage, and breathtaking waterfalls in Palenque. You'll enjoy authentic culinary deligh... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
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GUIDANCE
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trip type
trip attributes
Backpacking
Culture & Heritage
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Night
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Explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan
Try your luck at surfing the perfect wave in Puerto Escondido
Sail through the impressive Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
Marvel at unique sights such as Hierve el Agua and Agua Azul
Explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Teotihuacan
Try your luck at surfing the perfect wave in Puerto Escondido
Sail through the impressive Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
Marvel at unique sights such as Hierve el Agua and Agua Azul
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico City to Oaxaca
Type: Bus
Time: 00:10, 09:00, 10:00, 23:00
Duration: 7 Hours
Transfer from Mexico City to Oaxaca
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Oaxaca.
Day 3: 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 4: Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Type: Bus
Time: 10:45, 19:45
Duration: 3 Hours
Transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Puerto Escondido.
Day 5: 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 6: Pochutla (Mazunte), Mexico
Puerto Escondido to Pochutla (Mazunte)
Type: Bus
Time: 07:00, 11:30, 16:30, 20:00, 21:15, 21:30
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Transfer from Puerto Escondido to Pochutla (Mazunte)
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Pochutla (Mazunte).
Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Pochutla (Mazunte) to San Cristobal de las Casas
Type: Night bus
Time: 13:10, 21:30, 23:00
Duration: 12 Hours
Transfer from Pochutla (Mazunte) to San Cristobal de las Casas
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 10: San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Palenque Ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (San Cristobal to Palenque)
Departure Time: 04:00
Duration: 11 hrs
You will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to Agua Azul where you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to freely explore this beautiful area. Then you will be transferred to Misol-ha where you will spend 30 minutes. The last stop will be at Palenque ruins. You will have 2 hours to visit these beautiful ruins hidden in the jungle on your own. After visiting Palenque, you will be taken to Palenque and dropped off at the City Center.Day 11: Merida, Mexico
Palenque to Merida
Type: Bus
Time: 08:30, 20:45, 22:00
Duration: 9 Hours
Transfer from Palenque to Merida
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Merida.
Day 12: 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 13: Merida, Mexico
Depart Merida for Chichen Itza, the 9th-century political center of the Maya. Marvel at the Kukulkan Pyramid (El Castillo), a massive stone calendar designed with mathematical precision. Explore the Gran Juego de Pelota, testing its world-famous acoustics, and visit El Caracol, the ancient spiral observatory used to track the stars.
Cool off with a swim in the crystalline waters of Cenote Ik-Kil, a stunning natural sinkhole framed by hanging vines. Following your swim, enjoy a traditional Yucatecan buffet lunch featuring regional specialties.
Relax as we continue to the coast. You will be dropped off at the Tulum ADO Bus Station, where a taxi stand is available for the final short drive to your accommodation.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Includes: Transportation (Merida – Tulum), expert bilingual guide, buffet lunch, and entrance fees to Chichen Itza and Ik-Kil.
Excludes: Beverages during lunch and the final taxi from the Tulum drop-off point to your hotel.
Day 14: Tulum, Mexico
Tulum: Shared ATVs, Rappel, Ziplines, Cenote Tour with Lunch
Welcome to Adventure Base Check-in & Briefing
Arrive at base camp for a friendly welcome and detailed safety instructions and get outfitted with harnesses, gloves, and helmets for the upcoming thrills.
Aerial Thrills Over the Jungle Ziplines, Rappelling, Hanging Bridge, & Step-Up
Start by flying over jungle canopies on adrenaline-pumping ziplines. Then, rappel down to forest floors, cross daring hanging bridges, and tackle balancing challenges—each moment keeps your heart racing.
Unleash on Jungle Trails ATV Jungle Trek
Hop on a rugged Can-Am Outlander 4x4 and weave through winding jungle paths, powering over roots and rocks for pure off-road excitement.
Refresh in a Natural Paradise: Cenote Dive & Water Zipline
Finish the adventure with a swim in a crystal-clear open-air cenote. Zipline into the cool water, relax, and soak in the beauty of untouched nature.
Chill & Relish Change Time, Photo Review & Lunch
Freshen up, browse through epic photos captured along the way, then enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to your hotel via comfy transport.
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 15: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Type: Bus
Time: 08:10, 10:20, 11:20, 11:30, 13:00, 14:20, 15:20, 16:30, 17:35, 18:45, 19:20, 20:20, 21:25, 22:20, 23:57
Duration: 1 Hours
Transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Playa del Carmen.
Day 16: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 17: Cancun, Mexico
Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Type: Bus
Time: Every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:10
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Cancun.
Meals
Transport
Activities
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