Parque Ejidal San Nicolás Totolapan Isla Isabel

Mexico Unplugged

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Mexico City)

Destinations visited: Mexico, Mexico City, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,080

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Description

Discover the heart of Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec, Mayan and Spanish cultures on this two-week journey spanning ruins, pueblos and beaches. Arrive in Mexico and travel through the mad metropolis of Mexico City to the relaxed beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, and unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient Mexican civilisations along the way. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of Central America's most colourful and exciting nations.

Highlights

Embrace a kaleidoscope of colour at a Mexican market.
Toe-tap to a mariachi band in Mexico City.
Take a ride on a bright and bouncy local bus.
Escape the Mexican heat in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Bask on Playa del Carmen's white sand beaches.
Try Oaxaca's famous chocolate and cheese.
See the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Mexico City

The centre of Mexico City's buzzing metropolis still moves to the beat of its Aztec heart. Hit the town Mexican-style for a night of mariachi music or escape the crowds on an optional day trip to the canals and gardens of Xochimilco.

Days 3-4 Puebla

Start the day with a ride on one of Mexico's colourful buses to Puebla. Soak up the city's colonial charm, visit the market for handicrafts, try some mouth-watering mole poblano or head out for an optional hike to Puebla's nearby volcano.

Days 5-7 Oaxaca

Peruse Oaxaca's main plaza and take in the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Head out to the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban. Satisfy culinary cravings by sampling Oaxaca's famous chocolate and cheese. The more adventurous may want to try the local delicacies - chocolate-covered grasshopper or mescal, complete with a worm at the bottom of the bottle.

Days 8-9 San Cristobal de las Casas

Discover a world of jungle-entangled ruins in the cool climes of Mexico's mountains at San Cristobal de las Casas. Venture to the hills to explore local villages or perhaps take a day trip to the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon. For a slower pace, stop in at a cafe and sample coffee from one of the world's premier coffee growing regions.

Days 10-11 Palenque

The Palenque ruins are one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Mexico. Climb the temples - the best vantage point for spying on the exotic wildlife of the surrounding Chiapas Jungle. Cool down in the nearby Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, a shimmering invitation too good to refuse!

Days 12-13 Merida

Journey to the colonial city of Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cruise the mansion-lined Paseo Montejo, hang out in the Plaza Grande or hit the clubs to learn some dance moves. Spice up your life and try El Yucateco, a hot sauce guaranteed to blow taste buds away. Merida is also an ideal base for an optional visit to the incredible Uxmal ruins.

Days 14-15 Chichen Itza/Playa del Carmen

Stand in awe of the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza, which were once an ancient ceremonial centre. Follow the scent of fresh sea air to the cool Caribbean. In free time, opt to go snorkelling, swimming or diving around nearby reefs and islands - or simply unwind on palm-fringed beaches, relax and sip cold margaritas while watching a spectacular, golden sunset at Playa Del Carmen.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Overnight bus, Metro

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,080

Book now

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