Overview

Join the Gulf of Mexico Tour across the Sierra Madre and see the top attractions and cities of 5 Mexican states. On your way, you’ll see stunning waterfalls, dramatic mountain ranges, turquoise sea, and visit several charming towns with beautiful colonial architecture. Starting in the informal capital of La Husteca region – Tampico, move south along the Gulf coast and see striking El Tajin pyramids and imposing Cascadas Paraiso. Then cross the constantly foggy ranges of Sierra Madre Oriental of Puebla and Hidalgo States before reaching multicultural Mexico City as your final destination.

Highlights

Visit all the UNESCO-listed treasures in Mexico City, exploring its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Gain in-depth insights into Mexico’s history with a tour of Chapultepec Castle, a key historical landmark.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Xochimilco’s canals, surrounded by nature and mariachi music.
Experience the fusion of art and architecture at Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
Discover one of Mexico’s most iconic murals, a masterpiece showcasing the country's history.

How is this tour different?

Day 1: Tampico

Start your Gulf of Mexico Tour in Tampico! A historical port city where various architectural styles come together to create a unique and vibrant urban landscape. Arrive at any time and settle into your accommodation before meeting your Tour Leader and fellow travelers in the evening.

The day begins with a welcome meeting to introduce you to the tour and the group. Afterward, enjoy an orientation walk through the charming streets of Tampico, where you’ll discover its rich history and distinctive architecture.

As the evening unfolds, enjoy an optional dinner and get-together with the rest of the group, where you can bond over a delicious meal and share your excitement for the journey ahead.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tampico
Activities Included: welcome meeting, orientation walk of Tampico

Day 2: Tampico - Tuxpan Coral Reef /Tuxpan Mangroves - Tuxpan

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll continue our Mexico Coast Cities Tour, heading to Tuxpan. Depending on the season, we’ll either embark on a snorkeling boat tour to explore the vibrant Tuxpan Coral Reef (April to September) or a peaceful mangrove boat tour (October to March) to discover the unique coastal ecosystem.

In the evening, we’ll return to the tranquil beach town of Tuxpan. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind after a day of exploration.

Then, join an orientation walk around the town, taking in its charming atmosphere and local sights. To wrap up the day, enjoy an optional dinner and a get-together with your group, sharing stories from the day in one of the local restaurants.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tuxpan
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: snorkeling in Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or mangroves boat tour (Oct-Mar); orientation walk of Tuxpan
Driving Distances: Tampico – Tuxpan Coral Reef / Tuxpan Mangroves (~231 km ~ 4 h). Tuxpan – Tuxpan City (~12 km ~ 20 min).

Day 3: Tuxpan - Cristo Redentor - El Tajin - Papantla

After a refreshing swim in the sea and breakfast in Tuxpan, we’ll head to El Tajin, a UNESCO-listed archaeological zone known for its impressive pyramids and grand buildings. On the way, we’ll stop to admire the giant Cristo Redentor statue and enjoy breathtaking views from the hilltop.

Next, we’ll continue to Papantla, a “Magic Town” renowned for its lively town square and the historic cathedral. Here, we’ll witness the mesmerizing voladores (flyers) performing their traditional ritual, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

After exploring, we’ll check in at our accommodation and take an orientation walk through Papantla to soak in the local charm. In the evening, join us for an optional dinner and a get-together with the rest of the group at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Papantla
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: photo stops at Cristo Redentor statues; guided visit to El Tajin Archeological Zone; orientation walk of Papantla
Driving Distances: Tuxpan – Cristo Redentor (~43 km ~ 1 h). Cristo Redentor – El Tajín (~16 km ~ 30 min). El Tajín – Papantla (~10 km ~ 20 min).

Day 4: Papantla - Xicotepec - Pahuatlán

On this day we’ll visit two beautiful “Magic Towns”. Firstly, we’ll head to Xicotepec – a picturesque “Magical Town” that lives in the communion of pre-Hispanic and colonial times. There, we’ll visit one of the local family coffee farms where we’ll about the whole process of elaboration of this aromatic drink. Then, we’ll go to Pahuatlán. Situated in the middle of the Puebla mountains, among numerous coffee and pahua (local type of avocado) plantations, this region with a high percentage of the indigenous population breathes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Therefore, once there, you’ll be surrounded by Nahuatl and Otomi cultures, which still carefully preserve their traditions. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Pahuatlán.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pahuatlán
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: tour of a family coffee farm with tastings; orientation walks of Pahuatlán and Xicotepec
Driving Distances: Papantla – Xicotepec (~163 km ~ 3 h). Xicotepec – Pahuatlán (~52 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 5: Pahuatlán - Cascadas Paraiso - Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - Huasca de Ocampo

After breakfast, we’ll continue the tour of Mexico Coast Cities by going to explore Cascadas Paraiso – a complex of 10 breathtaking waterfalls located in a beautiful mountainous area frequently covered with fog. Afterward, continue to Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla. This imposing 40-meter geological structure is made of shining rocks formed thousands of years ago and washed by four waterfalls. Finally, we’ll finish the day in Huasca de Ocampo – a charming “Magic Town” at the edge of the mountains where the bonanza of old times still reverberates, times when several ranches were built to make the Count of Regla the richest man of his time.

Check in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Huasca de Ocampo.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huasca de Ocampo
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Cascadas Paraiso and Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla; walking tour in Huasca de Ocampo
Driving Distances: Pahuatlán – Cascadas Paraíso (~54 km ~ 1.5 h). Cascadas Paraíso – Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla (~64 km ~ 1.5 h). Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla – Huasca de Ocampo (~10 km ~ 20 min).

Day 6: Huasca de Ocampo - El Chico National Park - Mineral del Chico

Start your day with a hike in El Chico National Park, one of Mexico’s oldest protected areas, established in 1898. Surrounded by lush forests and fresh air, it’s the perfect spot to connect with nature.

Next, head to Mineral del Chico, a “Magical Town” known for its rich mining history and stunning natural beauty. As you walk through its steep, narrow streets, the town’s charm and energy will captivate you, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.

Afterward, check in at your accommodation and enjoy an orientation walk through the town, taking in its quaint ambiance. In the evening, opt for a delicious dinner and join your group for a get-together at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mineral del Chico
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: hiking in El Chico National Park; orientation walk of Mineral del Chico
Driving Distances: Huasca de Ocampo – El Chico National Park (~36 km ~ 1 h). El Chico National Park – Mineral del Chico (~11 km ~ 20 min).

Day 7: Mineral del Chico - Real del Monte - Pachuca

In the morning, continue our tour from Mexico Coast Cities, exploring Real del Monte. This gorgeous mining town is a knot of houses, restaurants, and pastry shops spread across pine-tree-carpeted hills. After exploring this picturesque place, which is also the home of Mexican pastes, head to Pachuca. Known as “La Bella Airosa”, this city preserves the splendor of its rich gold mining past and witnesses influences of Mexican, Spanish, and English architecture.

Orientation walk of the city’s historic center, optional farewell dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in the evening.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pachuca
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: orientation walks of Real del Monte and Pachuca; guided visit of the Paste Museum in Real del Monte
Driving Distances: Mineral del Chico – Real del Monte (~12 km ~ 20 min). Real del Monte – Pachuca (~12 km ~ 20 min).

Day 8: Pachuca - Teotihuacan - Mexico City

Start your day by visiting the UNESCO-listed Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, a remarkable 16th-century structure that stretches over 45 km. Marvel at its engineering and historical significance.

Next, head to Teotihuacan, the ancient city of pyramids. Explore the impressive ruins of what was once Mesoamerica’s greatest city, and learn about its fascinating history as you stand beneath the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

Finally, after a full day of exploration, you’ll arrive in Mexico City around 3 pm, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible sights you’ve experienced.

Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit of Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque
Driving Distances: Pachuca – Teotihuacan (~75 km ~ 1.5 h). Teotihuacan – Mexico City (~50 km ~ 1.5 h).

Prices

This tour is private: only your group will participate.
The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Inclusions

Included ✅

Local Expert Guides

Englis/Spanish Tour Leader service

Accommodation

7x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned B&Bs/hotels

Transportation

Private vehicle

Meals

7x breakfasts

Activities

Walking tours & orientation walks: Tampico, Tuxpan, Papantla, Xicotepec, Pahuatlán, Huasca de Ocampo, Mineral del Chico, Real del Monte, Pachuca
History & culture experiences: guided visits to 2 archaeological zones – El Tajin and Teotihuacan; Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, Paste Museum in Real del Monte
Nature experiences: snorkel boat tour to Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sep) or nature-watching boat tour Tuxpan Mangroves (Oct-Mar); El Chico National Park (entrance & hiking); Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla (guided visit)

Excluded ❌

Personal expenses

Flights

Flights are not included: check our partner deals.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Tips

Details

Minimum number of participants	Manual confirmation (if a minimum number of participants is not met, we may cancel and fully refund your booking).
Meeting Point	The tour starts with a welcome meeting in the lobby of your hotel (exact name and location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
Departure Time	06:00 PM (can be adjusted on request)
Languages	English Spanish
Suitability	Couples 🫶 Kid-friendly 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 LGBT+ 🏳️‍🌈 Senior 👩‍🦳 Solo 🎒 Women Only 🧘‍♀️ Youth 🎉
What to take with you?	Comfortable clothes and shoes, swimming suit and slippers, a smaller backpack for daily tours, hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, travel insurance, personal ID, some cash, good mood and curiosity
Accesibility	🛑 Not wheelchair accessible.
Pets	🛑 Not permitted.
Things to know before booking	PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking and some hiking. Therefore, travelers should have moderate physical fitness conditions. ACCOMMODATION: All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes. ROOM TYPES: • Single Room: Private room for 1 person with 1 individual bed (twin-size or similar). • Double Room: Private room for 2 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar). • Twin Room: Private room for 2 people with 2 individual beds (twin-size or similar). • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar) and 1 single bed (twin-size or similar). • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people with 2 double beds (queen-size or similar). If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote. TRANSPORT: The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan. Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the tour (Day 2-8) ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional – just be sure to be in time for daily departures. AGE: Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour. FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed. GROUP vs PRIVATE TOUR: Group tour – take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour – take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours. PRICE: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room option you choose. VISA: All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by any of the following countries: Canada, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom or any of the countries comprising the Schengen Area (more info).

Cancellations

Cancellation fees depend on the number of days before the Tour start date (also applies to all extra services booked, such as airport transfers, pre-/post-tour accommodations, additional activities, etc.):

60+ days before: 0% of the remaining payment
30–59 days before: 25%
15–29 days before: 50%
Less than 15 days before, or no-show: 100%

No cancellation fee applies if a substitute participant is arranged.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.

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Frequently asked questions:

How do I book a multi-day tour?

Booking is simple: choose whether you want to join a group tour or book a private tour, select your desired tour and dates on our website, complete the booking form, and securely pay online. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details.

What is included in the tour price?

The price generally covers:

Accommodation in centrally located, tourist-class hotels or guesthouses with private facilities
Transportation between destinations (car, 7-seater, or van, depending on group size)
Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Breakfasts
Services of a local bilingual tour leader

Meals beyond breakfast, personal expenses, activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and tips are not usually included unless specified.

How many participants are needed to confirm a group tour?
What happens if there aren't enough participants?

To maintain a high level of service and ensure smooth operations, we confirm group departures with 3+ participants. Since we cannot always guarantee group departures, we’ve introduced private departure options. These are priced to break even while still offering competitive rates.
If, at the time of booking, your selected tour and departure date don’t have enough participants to confirm, we typically offer the following options:

Wait for more bookings: We can temporarily confirm your spot, but please note that we reserve the right to cancel the booking and issue a full refund if the group doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants at least 1 month before departure.
Book a private departure: Click “Check availability” to see pricing options. With a private departure, the tour is exclusively for your group, and you can modify the itinerary (subject to confirmation) and choose any departure date for more flexibility with flights.
Invite more companions to join your group tour: By bringing in more people to meet the minimum number of participants, we can immediately confirm the departure.
Join a confirmed group departure: If your schedule is flexible, you can join one of our other confirmed group departures at a discounted rate.

Can I book a private tour instead of a group one?

Yes. Private tours are customizable and can depart any day. Additional activities or stops can be added at your request (subject to price modifications).

Why does the price per person change when booking private tours?

As a significant part of the tour costs are fixed, the price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group. The more people you book for, the lower the price per person becomes. Please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar to see the final price.

Are flights included?

No, flights from your place of residence and the starting location of the tour are not included. However, we are always happy to help you find the best deals (contact us if you need assistance). You can also check flight options on the website we personally use and recommend to our customers.

What hotels will I stay in?

An exact list of accommodations will be sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class (3* or similar), locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 1 month before departure when the sales for the tour are closed, and we know the final number of participants. If you're interested in exact locations, contact us, and we will send you a list of accommodations we used on previous departures (subject to change based on availability).

What types of rooms are available?

Typical room options available on our multi-day tours include:

Single Room: 1 person, 1 bed
Double Room: 2 people, 1 double bed
Twin Room: 2 people, 2 single beds
Triple Room: 3 people, 1 double + 1 single bed
Quad Room: 4 people, 2 double beds

If these options don’t fit your needs, please contact us, and we can provide a personalized quote.

Is there a single supplement fee?

Yes. Solo travelers should book a single room, which will have a slightly higher price compared to sharing with another traveler. If preferred, we can also pair you with another traveler of the same gender (subject to availability) to avoid the supplement. If you are interested, please book a single room and mention it in the “Special requirements” section. If we find another person on the same departure who wants to share a twin room, we will refund the proportional difference. Otherwise, your booking as a single room will remain.

Is there any age limit for participants?

Our multi-day tours with group departures are designed for travelers aged 12–69 with moderate physical fitness. Participants outside this range may still join if they are in good condition and can keep up with the group’s pace. If you are confident you can maintain the pace with the activities of the tour or a group departure, feel free to book the tour or contact us in advance if you have any doubts. Private departures generally do not have age limitations due to customization of pace and itinerary.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?

Unless you have a companion who can assist you with a wheelchair, small-group tour departures are generally not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not permitted. Given the possible customization of the pace and itinerary, private tours are generally more likely to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility (subject to confirmation; contact us for more info).

What should I pack for the tour?

We generally recommend bringing:

Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and walking shoes
Swimming suit and slippers
Small backpack for daily excursions
Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Personal ID, some cash in local currency, and travel insurance
Good mood and curiosity!

Are meals included?

Most of our multi-day tours include daily breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are usually not included, so you can explore local cuisine. Your guide will recommend and take you to good-value, local restaurants. Included gastronomic experiences can usually accommodate common dietary restrictions, but special diets may not always be fully guaranteed.

Can children, seniors, or solo travelers join?

Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families, seniors, solo travelers, youth, women-only groups, and LGBT+ travelers. Please consider the physical activity level before booking.

How many people are usually in a group?

Our small-group tours usually have 6–12 participants, creating a friendly and personalized experience.

What is the average daily travel distance?

It depends on the tour and the day of the tour—some days we stay in one location, while others involve moving between locations. On average, you can expect about 200 km per day (1.5–3 hours of driving) with regular sightseeing, meal, and rest stops.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.

Can I extend my stay or add extra activities?

Yes. We can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations and add extra activities upon request.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Each tour has its own cancellation policy. Please check the booking terms for more info.

Are tips included?

Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff are not included. While absolutely optional, tips are an important part of the local culture and a significant source of income for the people involved and their families.

How do I stay connected during the tour?

Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but data coverage can be limited in remote areas. We recommend informing friends or family of your itinerary before departure. All accommodations on this tour, as well as many restaurants/cafés in Mexico, have Wi-Fi. If needed, you can also get a prepaid local SIM card with data (available in most convenience stores), ideally Telcel’s “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite,” which offers the best coverage in the country and free calls to the USA and Canada.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can contact us via any available means—our team is happy to assist you.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Tour type	Multi-Day tour
Theme	History & Heritage 🗿 Nature & Outdoors 🏞️
Tour organizer	Vibe Adventures originals
Group or Private?	Small group ? Some logistical details might vary based on the option you choose: see “Details”, “Inclusions” and “Prices” for more info.
Organizer	? Business name of the tour organizer in the booking confirmation might differ. If any questions or requests about the tour after the booking, please get in touch with the organizer via the phone number or email provided in the booking confirmation.

Gulf of Mexico Tour: a Journey Across Sierra Madre Oriental Cities (8 Days)