Mexico Unplugged

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Discover ruins, visit pueblos and meet wonderful people on a tour that covers all the basics so you can get to exploring. Enjoy the relaxed shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the mag...
29%
$2,386
From$1,704
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
    • Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in Mexico City and Puebla.
    • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
    • Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
    • Finish off your epic journey and recharge with a little beach time in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What's this trip about?

    Explore the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 15-day adventure. Discover ruins, visit pueblos and meet wonderful people on a tour that covers all the basics so you can get to exploring. Enjoy the relaxed shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, immerse yourself in pre-Hispanic culture in San Cristobal de las Casas and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient civilisations in Chichen Itza. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of North America's most colourful and exciting destinations.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMexico City
End CityPlaya del Carmen

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico

Attractions

  • Central America
  • Chichen Itza
  • Mexico City
  • Palenque
  • Playa del Carmen
  • San Cristobal

Trip includes

    • Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
    • Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
    • Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Puebla - Visit to La Pasita Bar
    • Tlahuac - Community Visit
    • Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk
    • San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led Orientation Walk
    • Zinacatan Church - Visit
    • San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
    • Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit
    • Palenque - Palenque Ruins (entrance fee)
    • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)
    • Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Mexico City

Bienvenidos a Mexico City! This is one of the world's largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. Your advent...

Day 2 Mexico City

Wake up in Mexico City, ready for a leader-led walk to orientate yourself to the city. Pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo, National Palace, Bellas Artes, Paseo de la reforma and more. After exploring the main sights of Mexico’s capital, you sure would have wor...

Day 3 Puebla

Start the day with a visit to the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who keep their way of life alive. The community practices traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies. After an included l...

Day 4 Puebla

Puebla is a rapidly growing city featuring many well-maintained churches and buildings from the colonial period. Today is free for you to discover the city at your leisure. Though there are enough churches to visit a different one every day for a year, two of the best...

Day 5 Oaxaca

Today we journey by local bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca (pronounced ‘wuh-haa-ka’) is a beautiful, old colonial town full of graceful arcades and colourful markets. You'll find Zapotec and Mixtec influences around the city as ancestors have populated this region for thousands ...

Day 6 Oaxaca

There's an opportunity today to visit the spectacular temples of Monte Alban just outside of Oaxaca. Monte Alban was inhabited for 1500 years by the Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and this World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial...

Day 7 Oaxaca / Overnight Bus

Use today to take part in any optional activities you couldn't fit in yesterday, you could have a go at plating up some delicious local fare during a cooking class or enjoy a relaxed day in town at your leisure. This evening the group will take an overnight bus to the...

Day 8 San Cristobal de las Casas

The bus will arrive in San Cristobal de las Casas early this morning. Leave your luggage at the hotel and begin exploring this highland town, hidden in green Chiapas valley surrounded by pine trees. Your leader will take you on a tour around town and point out all the...

Day 9 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. Perhaps, take in the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and soak up the old-world feel mixed with strong, pre-Hispanic roots. Or try som...

Day 10 Palenque

Travel along a windy road by private vehicle to Palenque, stopping en route at the beautiful Agua Azul cascades for a refreshing swim. Once you've arrived in Palenque, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Situated in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you'll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

Day 11 Palenque Ruins / Merida

Today you visit the Palenque archaeological zone. The stunning Mayan temples of Palenque are quite rightly considered a must-see during any trip to Chiapas, or indeed Mexico. Situated on a hilltop, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of the most impressive Maya ...

Day 12 Merida

Founded in 1542 on the site of Tho (an ancient Maya city), the colonial city of Merida retains much of its old-world charm thanks primarily to its people and architecture. Take an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Maybe t...

Day 13 Merida

Today you can choose to visit the Maya ruins of Uxmal, a 1-hour drive from Merida, on an optional tour which includes transport and a local guide. It's thought that the city was constructed around AD700, was home to around 25,000 people and once dominated the region a...

Day 14 Chichen Itza / Playa del Carmen

Travel to Playa del Carmen by private vehicle, stopping en route for an included visit to the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza contains both Toltec and Mayan ruins lying alongside each other. The famous El Casti...

Day 15 Playa del Carmen

There are no activities planned for the final day of this tour. If you have time in Playa del Carmen before moving on to your next destination, you may choose to embark on optional tour to Dos Ojos Cenote, and take a dip at the incredible turquoise freshwater swimming...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,704
Price per day$114
Last Updated: 3/19/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Mar 2024
13 Apr 2024
$2,125
2 spots left
06 Apr 2024
20 Apr 2024
$1,858
7 spots left
09 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024
$1,840
6 spots left
13 Apr 2024
27 Apr 2024
$1,704
8 spots left
20 Apr 2024
04 May 2024
$1,721
9 spots left
23 Apr 2024
07 May 2024
$2,005
4 spots left
04 May 2024
18 May 2024
$2,215
Sold Out
11 May 2024
25 May 2024
$2,045
3 spots left
18 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$1,970
8 spots left
01 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$2,005
6 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

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.

Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
Excellent
3,308
Great
672
Average
144
Disappointing
80
Terrible
195
I

Ida

Oct 2015

Written on

A great variety of experiences (learning about

A great variety of experiences (learning about culture, but also being in nature and doing some more physically challenging activities). Great tour leader and great ...

B

Begum

Oct 2015

Written on

I love our tour leader Edith and

I love our tour leader Edith and the support we got from her was excellent!

P

Paul

Sep 2015

Written on

I felt we covered a lot in

I felt we covered a lot in a short time and there was a flexible app...

g

geraint

Sep 2015

Written on

Great country, people, food and quality of

Great country, people, food and quality of the trip & leader

X

Xiao

Sep 2015

Written on

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and all the optional activities on offer. It's great to travel with the comforts of having transport and accommodation already ...

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M

Mike Lau

Nov 2023

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We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food…

We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information....

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Audrey Tavares

Nov 2023

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Central Asia Explorer

This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...

N

Nic

Feb 2024

Written on

Do not book a tour with Intrepid

Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...

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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 very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights),Overnight bus (1 night),

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
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. 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. 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.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information
Finish point Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen 20 Avenida Nte. s/n, Centro, 77710. Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen MEXICO Alternate Finish point For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point. 06 Apr 2024 (QVRM240406), 13 Apr 2024 (QVRM240413), 04 Jan 2025 (QVRM250104), 07 Jan 2025 (QVRM250107), 11 Jan 2025 (QVRM250111), 14 Jan 2025 (QVRM250114), 18 Jan 2025 (QVRM250118), 21 Jan 2025 (QVRM250121), 25 Jan 2025 (QVRM250125), 28 Jan 2025 (QVRM250128), 01 Feb 2025 (QVRM250201), 04 Feb 2025 (QVRM250204), 08 Feb 2025 (QVRM250208), 11 Feb 2025 (QVRM250211), 15 Feb 2025 (QVRM250215), 22 Feb 2025 (QVRM250222), 25 Feb 2025 (QVRM250225), 01 Mar 2025 (QVRM250301), 08 Mar 2025 (QVRM250308), 11 Mar 2025 (QVRM250311), 15 Mar 2025 (QVRM250315), 18 Mar 2025 (QVRM250318), 22 Mar 2025 (QVRM250322), 01 Apr 2025 (QVRM250401), 05 Apr 2025 (QVRM250405), 08 Apr 2025 (QVRM250408), 12 Apr 2025 (QVRM250412), 19 Apr 2025 (QVRM250419), 26 Apr 2025 (QVRM250426), 03 May 2025 (QVRM250503), 10 May 2025 (QVRM250510), 17 May 2025 (QVRM250517), 24 May 2025 (QVRM250524), 07 Jun 2025 (QVRM250607), 10 Jun 2025 (QVRM250610), 17 Jun 2025 (QVRM250617), 21 Jun 2025 (QVRM250621), 28 Jun 2025 (QVRM250628), 05 Jul 2025 (QVRM250705), 08 Jul 2025 (QVRM250708), 12 Jul 2025 (QVRM250712), 19 Jul 2025 (QVRM250719), 26 Jul 2025 (QVRM250726), 02 Aug 2025 (QVRM250802), 09 Aug 2025 (QVRM250809), 23 Aug 2025 (QVRM250823), 30 Aug 2025 (QVRM250830), 02 Sep 2025 (QVRM250902), 13 Sep 2025 (QVRM250913), 20 Sep 2025 (QVRM250920), 27 Sep 2025 (QVRM250927), 01 Oct 2025 (QVRM251001), 04 Oct 2025 (QVRM251004), 07 Oct 2025 (QVRM251007), 11 Oct 2025 (QVRM251011), 18 Oct 2025 (QVRM251018), 21 Oct 2025 (QVRM251021), 25 Oct 2025 (QVRM251025), 01 Nov 2025 (QVRM251101), 04 Nov 2025 (QVRM251104), 08 Nov 2025 (QVRM251108), 11 Nov 2025 (QVRM251111), 15 Nov 2025 (QVRM251115), 18 Nov 2025 (QVRM251118), 22 Nov 2025 (QVRM251122), 25 Nov 2025 (QVRM251125), 29 Nov 2025 (QVRM251129), 02 Dec 2025 (QVRM251202), 06 Dec 2025 (QVRM251206), 09 Dec 2025 (QVRM251209), 13 Dec 2025 (QVRM251213), 16 Dec 2025 (QVRM251216), 20 Dec 2025 (QVRM251220), 23 Dec 2025 (QVRM251223), 27 Dec 2025 (QVRM251227), 30 Dec 2025 (QVRM251230) Winday Hotel Playa Del Carmen AV. 25 NTE, Av. CTM Esquina Zazil-ha Playa del Carmen Q.R Playa del Carmen MEXICO
Trip ID
intrepid-QVRM

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