Name: Mexico City to Riviera Maya: An Odyssey Through Mexican Wonders (15 Days)
Brand: Vibe Adventures
SKU: 66113
Price: 1869 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (333 reviews)

Overview

Going from Mexico City to Riviera Maya is a trip like no other! Discover world-class museums and exquisite architecture in Mexico City. Explore archaeological sites and the warmth of colonial towns. Dive into a Biosphere Reserve’s natural wonders, journey to the cultural mecca of Oaxaca, and wander through ancient Zapotec heritage. Admire mystique landscapes, explore ancient traditions, and unwind on Puerto Arista’s serene beaches. Traverse the majestic Sumidero Canyon, relax in the beauty of Chiapas, and admire San Cristobal de las Casas. Chase waterfalls, savor the history of towns, and venture to mystical places. Campeche awaits you with its colonial charm, and Celestun Biosphere Reserve is enchanted with flamingos and cenotes. Marvel at Chichen Itza’s magnificence, cool off in sacred cenote waters, and relax in the serenity of Valladolid. Tulum’s beachfront ruins captivate, while Playa del Carmen offers the perfect beach escape. Your adventure across Mexico’s diverse landscapes awaits!

Highlights

Get to know Mexico City – the largest city in Latin America and a world-class cultural hub.
Climb huge Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan.
See dinosaur footprints and hundred-year-old cacti in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve.
Have a swim and see the sunset in Hierve el Agua, a series of spectacularly sited mineral springs in Oaxaca.
Take a boat trip in awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves, and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being force
Witness fascinating ancient rituals and beliefs blended with modern Christianity in San Juan de Chamula.
Admire the elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes in Palenque.

How is this tour different?

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico – the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. The city is a world-class cultural hub that offers a huge variety of museums, galleries, and architectural gems, along with bustling nightlife and diverse gastronomic culture. Arrive on Saturday or some days before and take your time to explore this diverse city before meeting your group and Tour Leader on Saturday evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group.

Transportation: walking
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
Meals Included: dinner
Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Mexico City

Join your Tour Leader and start the trip from Mexico City to Riviera Maya by walking around the UNESCO-listed historic center of the capital and a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Then, choose by yourself what to do next – your Tour Leader will be happy to give suggestions. Optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: walking, public transportation
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking in the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

Day 3: Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Puebla

In the morning go to UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan, a fabulous archaeological zone lying in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México. The site of the huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, it was Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of what was probably the country’s largest pre-Hispanic empire.

In the afternoon, after a guided walk and lunch in Teotihuacan, continue the trip from Mexico City to Riviera Maya in Puebla. Once a bastion of conservatism and tradition, the city has come out of its colonial-era shell. Puebla retains a fantastically well-preserved center, a stunning cathedral, and a wealth of beautiful churches, while younger poblanos (people from Puebla) are embracing the city’s increasingly thriving art and nightlife scenes. Optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
Activities Included: guided visit to Teotihuacan Archeological Zone, walking in Puebla

Day 4: Puebla – Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve – Oaxaca

After breakfast and checkout, go to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve. Located in a complex system of mountain ranges and valleys, this UNESCO-listed area generates great biodiversity and different ecosystems. The region has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Mesoamerica. Exploration by car and walking.

In the afternoon, move to Oaxaca City. A cultural colossus that fits to rival anywhere in Latin America for history, gastronomy, and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture. Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a UNESCO World Heritage badge. To end the day there’s an optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, walking in Oaxaca.

Day 5: Oaxaca – Monte Alban – Hierve el Agua – Mitla

In the morning, go to Monte Alban. Now an illustrious ruin, this former capital of the Zapotec empire served as the second-largest ceremonial site in Mesoamerica after Teotihuacan for over a thousand years. After exploring Monte Alban, move to Hierve el Agua. The location for some of the “Top posts” on Instagram, this series of spectacularly sited mineral springs is a great place to enjoy the impressive landscapes and sunsets.

Afterward, transfer to a nearby “Magical Town” of Mitla. Orientation walk in the historic center, check-in, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Hierve el Agua
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visits to Monte Alban Archeological Zone and Hierve el Agua; orientation walk in Mitla

Day 6: Mitla – Puerto Arista

In the morning, move to Puerto Arista, a quiet regional beach town famous for its extensive golden-sand beaches. Once there, ride an ATV and enjoy the stunning sunset on the beach. Finally, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Puerto Arista
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: ATV ride on the beach in Puerto Arista

Day 7: Puerto Arista - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo

Enjoy the sea and sun in the morning and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon on a boat trip to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being forced to surrender to the Spanish Conquistadores. After that, head to Chiapa de Corzo, one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas. It is well known for its warm people and colorful Renaissance architecture. In January, you can enjoy the Fiesta Grande, one of the most attractive events in the country, declared a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Accommodation, an orientation walk in the historic center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Chiapa de Corzo
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: boat tour in Sumidero Canyon; walking in Chiapa de Corzo

Day 8: Chiapa de Corzo – San Juan de Chamula – San Cristobal de las Casas

In the morning, move for an orientation walk and optional lunch to San Juan de Chamula, the center of strongly independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for their unique religious practices. In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas. Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forest, this beautiful colonial city has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. Check-in, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in San Cristobal de las Casas
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: orientation walks in San Juan de Chamula and San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 9: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Agua Azul and Misol-Ha Waterfalls – Palenque

In the morning, continue going from Mexico City to Riviera Maya by visiting two stunning waterfalls. First, see the unique cascading falls of Agua Azul, then swim in a mineral-rich pool beneath 35-meter-tall Misol-Ha. Hereafter, move to our last stop of the day – the “Magical Town” of Palenque. Check-in, an orientation walk of the historic center of the town, and an optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

- Transportation: private vehicle
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Palenque
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: guided visits to Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls; orientation walk of Palenque

Day 10: Palenque – Miguel Colorado Cenotes – Campeche

In the morning, after breakfast and check-out, go to explore the UNESCO-listed Palenque Archeological Zone. A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, it flourished between AD 500 and 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. In the afternoon, continue to Miguel Colorado – two large scenic cenotes with a spiffy new eco-center and a private nature reserve. Optional lunch, kayaking, swimming, zip-lining over one of the cenotes. There, we’ll also hike along hilly, rocky trails keeping an eye out for spider and howler monkeys.

Evening arrival, optional dinner, and get-together in Campeche. A true historical fairyland, its UNESCO-listed colonial center represents a tight enclave of restored pastel buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts, and well-preserved mansions. Check-in, an orientation walk in the historic center of the Campeche, and an optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Campeche
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Palenque, Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, swimming, zip-lining, monkey watching), orientation walk in Campeche

Day 11: Campeche – Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve – Celestun

In the afternoon, after a visit to the 19th-century Fort of San Miguel in the suburbs of Campeche, continue our Mexico Tour in Celestun Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-listed protected area is a gift of great beauty where you can observe pink flamingos together with a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Flamingos-watching boat tour, swimming in a local cenote, and transfer to the nearby beach town of Celestun. Check-in, an orientation walk of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Celestun
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Fort of San Miguel (Campeche); entrance and boat tour in Ria Celestun UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (flamingo watching + visit to cenote)

Day 12: Celestun – Chichen Itza – Cenote Ik Kil – Valladolid

In the morning, after breakfast and checkout, head for UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza. The most famous and best restored of the Yucatan Maya sites, it is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Many mysteries of the Maya astronomical calendar are made clear when one understands the design of the ‘time temples’ here.

In the afternoon, continue to Ik Kil – arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico that was considered sacred by the Mayans who performed human sacrifices to their rain god. In fact, in order to reach the water, you have to climb down 26 meters. The water is 40 meters deep while its diameter is 60 meters. Evening arrival, accommodation, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in Valladolid. Once known as the Sultana of the East, Yucatán’s third-largest city is known for its quiet streets and sun-splashed pastel walls.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Valladolid
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Chichen Itza; entrance to Cenote Ik Kil

Day 13: Valladolid – Tulum – Playa del Carmen

In the morning, after an orientation walk of Valladolid, go to explore Tulum – the only Mayan ruins located directly on the beach. Once there, you’ll learn the history behind this location as you walk through different areas of the site. You can also walk down to the amazing beach and enjoy the white sand and turquoise water, and see wild iguanas and beautiful tropical foliage.

In the afternoon, arrive in Playa del Carmen, an idyllic place located in the heart of the Riviera Maya with fine white sand and turqoise waters, where you’ll always find a hammock and an umbrella to sunbathe and rest, especially on the edge of town that offers the quietest beach areas. If you prefer action, in Playa del Carmen you’ll find water activities such as windsurfing, jet skis, kayaking, or diving in the impressive Mayan coral reef. Accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the group.

Transportation: private vehicle
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Playa del Carmen
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: guided visit to Tulum Archeological Zone; orientation walk in Playa del Carmen

Day 14: Playa del Carmen

Free program: relax on the beach sipping a cocktail, try numerous outdoor activities (scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, ATV riding, etc.), or take a day trip to some of the nearby natural attractions or Mayan ruins. Optional farewell dinner and get-together with the group in the evening.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Playa del Carmen
Meals Included: breakfast

Day 15: Playa del Carmen

Last day of our Mexico Tour. Choose by yourself when to leave – Cancun Airport is just 50 km away and is well served by taxis and buses.

Meals Included: breakfast

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

English/Spanish Tour Leader service

Accommodation

14x nights in conveniently located hotels/B&Bs

Transportation

Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the tour

Meals

14x breakfasts, 1x lunch, 1x dinner

Activities

Walking Tours and Orientation Walks: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Mitla, Chiapa de Corzo, San Juan de Chamula, San Cristobal de las Casas, Campeche, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen, History and Culture Experiences: guided visits to the National Anthropology Museum (Mexico City); Fort of San Miguel (Campeche); 5x archeological zones – Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tulum.Nature Experiences: Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (hiking); ATV ride in Puerto Arista; Canyon Sumidero (boat tour); Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, ziplining, swimming); 3x waterfalls – Hierve el Agua, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha (swimming); Cenote Ik Kil (swimming); Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve (flamingo-watching boat tour, visit of a cenote).

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	Automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed).
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/water shoes; 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	ACCOMMODATIONS: An exact list of accommodations is sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- & 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. 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. PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking & hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition. ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional – just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Most of the included activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages), guided visits & hikes focus on local nature, history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee. GROUP VS. PRIVATE: Our multi-day tours offer both group and private departures (see pricing at checkout). 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. PRICING: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room/tour 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

Most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours prior to the departure.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.

Reviews

EXCELLENT

333 reviews on

Max Power

2022.02.11

I just wanted to tell you guys in the name of us three, my father, my girlfriend and I, that we were fully satisfied with the tour and especially with Carlos as guide and driver. He made our trip just wonderful with his willingness to help in any situation as well his knowledgeable explanations about the sites as well on anything which came on our mind to ask. He went like every extra mile we needed him for happily which made much easier and relaxed for us. For us it was a perfect experience and Carlos stays in our hearts as one of the very best and kindest guides we came in touch with.

Alfredo_766

2020.12.30

We’ve taken several private tours so far with vibe adventures in Mexico City and Playa del Carmen and they’re amazing. Pretty communicative in the booking process, super nice and knowledgeable tour guides and always on time.

Emily P

2021.09.26

My boyfriend and I spent the day on a private tour with Silvia, and she was fantastic. We would highly recommend this tour, and if you can request Silvia you should!

Adán Hernández Lozada

2022.03.05

I didn't expect the amazing experience I had with them. They have the most qualified guides.

Alina Zvereva

2022.03.04

Pancho was great as a guide, knowledgeable, communicative, punctual, he made our day.

Clube Do Livrismo

2021.12.25

simplesmente incrível! essa viagem foi muito programada e estimada, portanto diversas expectativas foram criadas… no entanto todas elas foram superadas! A guia, Júlia foi maravilhosa em seu trabalho, nos guiando e até mesmo alterando o roteiro para cumpri meus desejos. Tudo foi incrível, em nada diferiria.

FengCao

2021.12.11

We had a great day of tours with Carlos. He was quite helpful in showing us around and answering all of our questions. He was even very helpful in giving us recommendation to restaurants and taco places around the city. It was all really good.

SPGLover

2021.11.27

Our guide, Ariadna, was super nice and knowledgeable. We had a great time and appreciated her flexibility to customize a bit based on our preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How to book?

To reserve the tour, please choose the date and complete the booking form. Once finished, you will receive a booking confirmation in your email.

How can I contact the tour organizer?

You can find the contact phone number and email of the tour organizer in the confirmation email.

Can I talk to someone?

Except for the information on this page, you can see full terms & conditions from each tour organizer before completing your booking.

About Vibe Adventures

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the tour and activity providers (“Organizers”) listed on vibeadventures.com are independent third parties and are not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures shall not be held liable for any injuries, sickness, accidents, delays, neglect, fraud, poor weather conditions, negative consequences, or expenses arising from or associated with the Organizers, their tours and activities, or those of their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, the travelers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as passports, appropriate visas, and necessary vaccinations.

Cancellations & Modifications

To cancel or modify your booking, please contact the Organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in the booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and the approval of the Organizer in accordance with their booking terms and conditions, which are made available to you during the booking process.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Tour type	Multi-Day tour
Theme	Beach & Sea 🏖️ History & Heritage 🗿
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.

Mexico City to Riviera Maya: An Odyssey Through Mexican Wonders (15 Days)