Real Mexico

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Make new amigos in Mexico with this 14-day exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This overland adventure covers the best of the mex – from the colourful architecture and weaving cobblestoned laneways of Oaxaca to the highland charm of San Cristobal de las Casas. Discover the lush jungle and ruins of Palenque, the lively h...
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$2,003
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Head deep into the jungle to the lush wilderness of Lacanja River during your stay at an eco-lodge, which supports the local indigenous community in the forest of the Lacandon area. Maybe opt to raft through the waterfalls and backwaters or take a guided hike.
    • Tour the historic site of Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – and learn why these ancient Maya ruins are the most important in all of Mexico.
    • Experience the bustling nature and bright colours of local Mexican markets. Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida.
    • Indulge in some delicious Mexican cuisine, with an included taco crawl and marquesitas tasting and some optional cooking classes (not to mention the huge range of fresh seafood, hot street food and everything corn!)
    • Kick back, get active or explore this amazing region with loads of free time – maybe go snorkelling in the paradisical waters of Playa de Carmen, discover the ruins of Uxmal from Merida or take day trips to some archaeological sites and ancient Maya ruins.

What's this trip about?

    Make new amigos in Mexico with this 14-day exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This overland adventure covers the best of the mex – from the colourful architecture and weaving cobblestoned laneways of Oaxaca to the highland charm of San Cristobal de las Casas. Discover the lush jungle and ruins of Palenque, the lively hub of Merida and the gems of the Caribbean. Stay in an eco-lodge in Lacanja’s wilderness, then soak up heaps of free time to get active (or laze in speakeasy bars). Not to mention a visit to the new Wonder of the World – Chichen Itza! All of this, plus streetside tacos, tostadas and tejates and you’ll see, hear, feel and taste the real Mexico.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 to 35 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMexico City
End CityPlaya del Carmen

Travel Themes

  • 18 - 30's

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Chichen Itza
  • Mexico City
  • Playa del Carmen
  • San Cristobal
  • Santo Domingo

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
    • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
    • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
    • San Cristobal - Santo Domingo Market Visit
    • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
    • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
    • Lacanja River - Jungle Camp
    • Palenque - Archaeological site (Entrance fee & Transport)
    • Merida – Marquesitas Snack
    • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
    • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site
    • Yokdnozot Cenote – Visit and Swim

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Mexico City

Bienvenidos! Your adventure starts in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, Mexico City has plenty of museums, galleries and walkable streets to keep you busy. Maybe check out the Chapulte...

Day 2 Mexico City

Maybe grab some chilaquiles (a type of breakfast nachos) this morning, then join your leader for an orientation walk around the historic centre of the city. Mexico City can feel overwhelming due to its sheer size and volume of people, but your leader will know where t...

Day 3 Oaxaca

Take a public bus to the smaller but no less beautiful city of Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’). This colourful town in the south is full of colonial buildings, colourful arcades and busy markets. You’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings w...

Day 4 Oaxaca

The city (and state) of Oaxaca is yours to explore on this free day. Perhaps head to the mountaintop temples of Monte Alban just outside the city. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and is an outstanding example of a pre-...

Day 5 Oaxaca / Overnight bus

Today is another free day in Oaxaca, but you’ll board an overnight bus later tonight to the mountain-top village of San Cristobal de las Casas. You’ve got today to bask in the colour and sights of Oaxaca, so why not test out your culinary skills at a cooking class. Ot...

Day 6 San Cristobal de las Casas

This afternoon, say ‘hola’ to San Cristobal, your pastel-hued highland home for the next two days. Your leader will point out the main things to know on a leader-led orientation walk this morning. With its winding cobblestone streets snuggled in the Chiapas highlands,...

Day 7 San Cristobal de las Casas

There’s no alarm clock needed this morning as today is yours to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your own leisure. Maybe take in the cobblestone streets and architecture, soaking up the old-world feel that’s mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. If you're in the...

Day 8-9 Lacanja River

Today, you’ll travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Lacanja River, stopping at Agua Azul (blue water) waterfall on the way (providing road conditions allow). Here, you'll have the option to swim in the cascading pools. Then, brush up on your Spanish during t...

Day 10 Palenque

This morning, drive to Palenque. When you arrive, you’ll head to the archaeological zone and visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD 600 and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you ta...

Day 11 Merida

Today, head north on a local bus to the old-world Merida – founded in 1542, this city has a large Indigenous population, with approximately 60% of Merida residents of Maya background. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and wander through the Old Town, ch...

Day 12 Merida

Today, you’re free to explore Merida – the gateway to the Maya ruins of Uxmal. Maybe a tour of the ruins is on the cards, including a guide and shared transport. Little is known about the site’s origins, but it’s thought that the city was founded around AD 500. Much o...

Day 13 Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen

This morning, head to the Yokdzonot cenote for a refreshing swim in the blue waters and a laze in the sun. Surrounded by hanging vines and lush greenery, this is the perfect spot to cool off before your visit to an exciting bucket list destination. After your dip in t...

Day 14 Playa del Carmen

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end – but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to! Today is a perfect day to travel south on a half-day tour to the Tulum archaeological site, which is quite unique because of its placement on the side of a c...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,431
Price per day$102
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
06 Nov 2024
19 Nov 2024
$1,840
13 Nov 2024
26 Nov 2024
$1,600
20 Nov 2024
03 Dec 2024
$1,665
18 Dec 2024
31 Dec 2024
$1,665
25 Dec 2024
07 Jan 2025
$1,582
01 Jan 2025
14 Jan 2025
$1,848
08 Jan 2025
21 Jan 2025
$1,848
05 Feb 2025
18 Feb 2025
$1,875
19 Feb 2025
04 Mar 2025
$1,875
05 Mar 2025
18 Mar 2025
$1,875

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights),Overnight public bus (1 night),Cabin (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Overnight public bus,Taxi,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Public bus,Local bus,Overnight public bus,Taxi
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements ENTRY AND EXIT FEES You may be required to pay a fee when entering or exiting a country, particularly if travelling via a land border crossing. Your leader will assist you with the process at the border. The below country-specific information was correct at the time of writing; however, please visit the relevant consular websites of the countries you’re visiting for up-to-date information. MEXICO If you exit Mexico overland or have stayed for 7 days or longer, you will need to pay the DNI (Derecho de no Inmigrante) fee of MXN 718 (USD 45). State of Quintana Roo/Cancun Tourist Tax Travellers aged 15 and over entering the state of Quintana Roo are required to pay a tourist tax of MXN 224 (USD 12). You can pay it online at the Visitax website: https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/. Or you can pay in cash at Cancun airport prior to your departure from Mexico. As soon as the payment is completed, you will be provided with a QR Code that you must present to airport security before boarding your departure flight.
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud and theft, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only. LOCAL LODGINGS: On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.
Age Requirements
18 to 35 years
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
  • 20 Avenida Nte. s/n, Centro, 77710. Playa del Carmen
  • Playa del Carmen
  • MEXICO
Trip ID
intrepid-QBYM

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