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Grand Impressions of Mexico

  • Duration
    24 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £6,590pp
Discover the soul of Mexico on this comprehensive journey through ancient civilisations, colonial treasures, and living Indigenous traditions. From the bustling markets of Mexico City to the turquoise cenotes of the Riviera Maya, experience the perfect introduction to Mexico's rich cultural and natural wonders.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 22 , Lunches: 21 , Dinners: 22
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    22 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Tour Experiences

Sacred Cities at Sunrise

While visiting the iconic archaeological wonders Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá, you will have exclusive early-access to the site. This fantastic perk means you’ll have time to explore these historic treasures at their most atmospheric, as the sun rises and before the crowds arrive.

Living Traditions of Mexico

Take part in meaningful encounters with indigenous communities as you visit and spend time with the Zapotec people in the Sierra Norte mountains, and sit down to a home-cooked lunch with a Tzotzil Maya family in a Zinacantan village – what better way to get authentic insight into age old cultures?

Rhythms of Jalisco

As the dusk falls over Guadalajara’s historic rooftops, partake in a celebration of the musical soul of the state of Jalisco. As you dine on delicious local food, you’ll be entertained with live mariachi and dancers in colourful, traditional dress performing the folkloric dances of Jalisco including Jarabe Tapatío, the Mexican Hat Dance.

Tour Itinerary

Embark on an epic exploration of Mexico, encountering its ancient civilisations, indigenous communities, magnificent colonial-era architecture and rich art scene along the way. All fuelled by incredible Mexican cuisine, your adventure will be full of authentic experiences across a range of spectacular landscapes.

  • Day 1
    Fly to Mexico City
    Day 1: Fly to Mexico City

    Fly to Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and refresh before joining the group for a welcome dinner overlooking Zócalo, the city’s vast main square.

    • Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Mexico City
    Day 2: Explore Mexico City

    Return to Zócalo, the heart of the city. Visit the soaring Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, where you’ll view Diego Rivera’s vast mural. Pause for lunch at a cantina before heading into the Templo Mayor Museum to learn about 'Tenochtitlan'. Later, in the leafy suburb of Coyoacán, enjoy the wonderful Frida Kahlo Museum at Casa Azul. Soak up the atmosphere of Plaza Hildalgo before returning to the city centre for dinner in a neighbourhood eatery.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Ancient Teotihuacan
    Day 3: Ancient Teotihuacan

    Spend the morning exploring Teotihuacan, a UNESCO-listed city that was one of the most influential in the ancient world. Walk the Avenue of the Dead, climb the 66 metre Pyramid of the Sun and marvel at the rich decorated Temple of Quetzalpapálotl. Visit a family cooperative to learn about the ancient uses of obsidian, maguey fibre and pulque before returning to the capital to admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the Americas.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel to San Miguel de Allende
    Day 4: Travel to San Miguel de Allende

    Travel northwest across the central Mexican plateau to reach the fascinating San Miguel de Allende. A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent colonial-era architecture, the city is considered the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution. Fuelled by a lunch of fresh corn tortillas, salsas and local cheeses, enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through the city centre, admiring pink spires, charming cobbled streets and leafy courtyards as you learn about the city’s history. Dinner tonight will pair Guanajuato cuisine with regional wines.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Cartoneria Workshop
    Day 5: Cartoneria Workshop

    Enter the airy studio of local artist Guadalupe Trejo and family to discover the art of papier-mâché crafting. You’ll be guided through the process of creating your own traditional alebrije, catrina, winged heart, nicho, or mask as Guadalupe shares the legends and symbolism behind each piece. After a lunch of regional specialities, the afternoon is free to explore or relax before dinner at one of San Miguel’s rooftop bistros.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Guanajuato
    Day 6: Guanajuato

    Pass into the hills of Sierra de Guanajuato to reach another UNESCO-listed city, Guanajuato. Made rich by the silver and gold deposits in the area, prepare to be impressed by magnificent architecture and brightly coloured houses crammed onto the slopes of a narrow ravine. Embark on a walking tour of its opulent centre. Then, at twilight, gather at the steps of Templo San Diego for a private ‘callejoneada’, parading the old streets with costumed musicians and storytellers.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Travel to Guadalajara
    Day 7: Travel to Guadalajara

    Travel west to Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. Take an afternoon walk through the vibrant plazas of its historic centre. As dusk falls, enjoy a festive evening with live mariachi and a lively dance show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Tequila
    Day 8: Tequila

    Travel into the blue-agave lowlands to the town of Tequila. Naturally, your explorations begin with a visit to a tequila distillery where you'll learn all about the production process, from roasting the piñas to the resting cellars. In the private tasting room, you’ll be guided through the flavours by an expert maestro tequilero. Then, stroll the town’s cobbled streets to find the perfect spot for a local lunch.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Fly to Oaxaca
    Day 9: Fly to Oaxaca

    Hop on a flight to Oaxaca, a city that is home to rich indigenous culture, beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy lunch before setting off on an orientation walk along Alcalá Street to see the sights.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Monte Albán
    Day 10: Explore Monte Albán

    This morning, explore the major archaeological site of Monte Alban, the capital of the pre-Columbian Zapotec civilisation. This afternoon, explore Oaxaca's cultural heart, tasting local delicacies and admiring architecture as you go.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Cooking Masterclass
    Day 11: Cooking Masterclass

    Arrive at Central de Abastos where, guided by a local chef, you’ll browse and taste the produce. Head to a countryside cooking school to prepare a mouthwatering Oaxacan dish before spending the afternoon at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Sierra Norte Mountains
    Day 12: Sierra Norte Mountains

    Travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains, arriving in the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family at their farmstead for insight into their rural way of life, before continuing to Tehuantepec, close to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Sumidero Canyon NP
    Day 13: Sumidero Canyon NP

    Spend the morning on a boat heading deep into the Sumidero Canyon National Park, spotting spider monkeys and basking crocodiles as you cruise between sheer limestone walls. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Indigenous villages
    Day 14: Indigenous villages

    Explore some of the indigenous villages of the region. First, stop at the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula to witness a fascinating, pre-Columbian ritual, and then Zinacantan, where you’ll visit a family workshop to watch women spin, dye and brocade huipiles. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and enjoy stories from your host as you eat.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Explore San Cristobal
    Day 15: Explore San Cristobal

    Embark on a guided walking tour of the city, exploring narrow lanes little changed since the 16th century. Visits include the golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the pastel-hued houses of the pine covered San Cristobalito hill. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish before regrouping for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Agua Azul
    Day 16: Agua Azul

    Descend for the cool heights of the mountains to the lowlands to reach the Cascadas de Agua Azul, a waterfall ensconced in rainforest, where you can wander jungle footpaths and paddle in the blue waters. Continue north into the Maya lowlands, pulling into Palenque town in the late afternoon.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Discover Palenque
    Day 17: Discover Palenque

    Rise early to enter the forested Palenque National Park. Led by a specialist guide, and with a soundtrack provided by howler monkeys, embark on an adventure through these spectacular Mayan ruins of a city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD. Spend the afternoon splashing around in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Travel to Campeche
    Day 18: Travel to Campeche

    Leave the emerald canopy of the rainforest behind, cross the savannah of Tabasco to reach the Gulf coast and Campeche. A UNESCO-listed harbour city, San Francisco de Campeche boasts pastel-coloured mansions, coral-stone ramparts and plentiful tales of merchants and pirate raids – discover more as you explore the storied streets.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Explore Uxmal
    Day 19: Explore Uxmal

    Start the day with a guided walk of Campeche’s perfectly preserved walled city. Leave the Caribbean coast and travel to another UNESCO-listed site, the magical Mayan ruins of Uxmal. Learn all about the astronomy and acoustics of the Pyramid of the Magician and admire the Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Continue to Mérida.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 20
    Explore Merida
    Day 20: Explore Merida

    Visit lively markets filled with local flavours and colourful crafts, then wander through the historic heart of the city, strolling along elegant avenues of 19th-century mansions before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Discover Chichén Itzá
    Day 21: Discover Chichén Itzá

    This morning is dedicated to Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site Chichén Itzá, with a guided tour of its wonders. Continue to a Maya village where you'll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch and stories of local life. Travel on to reach the beachside resort of Playa del Carmen.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Cenote Azul
    Day 22: Cenote Azul

    Enjoy a relaxing morning in Playa del Carmen, before an afternoon at Cenote Azul. Here you can relax in the sun or swim in the turquoise waters. Back in Playa del Carmen enjoy a laidback farewell dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 23
    Fly Cancun to UK
    Day 23: Fly Cancun to UK

    Transfer to Cancun airport for your flight to the UK, arriving home the following day.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 1
    Fly to Mexico City
    Day 1: Fly to Mexico City

    Fly to Mexico City, Mexico's vibrant capital. On arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport you will be warmly greeted by your National Escort and transferred to your hotel.

    • Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Mexico City
    Day 2: Explore Mexico City

    Begin your morning at the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the nearby National Palace, home to Mexico’s seat of government and the monumental murals of Diego Rivera. Go on to travel south to the charming neighbourhood of Coyoacán. Here you will explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the cobalt-blue house where the beloved artist was born. As dusk descends, head to Paseo de la Reforma, for the Day of the Dead Parade.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Ancient Teotihuacan
    Day 3: Ancient Teotihuacan

    Spend the morning at Teotihuacán before walking to the Avenue of the Dead between towering pyramids. Then visit a local cooperative where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts using obsidian, maguey fibre, and pulque materials that sustained this civilization for centuries. Go on to return to Mexico City and journey to Xochimilco, where an enchanting Día de Muertos experience awaits. The evening culminates with a visit to a local altar or intimate cemetery gathering.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel to San Miguel de Allende
    Day 4: Travel to San Miguel de Allende

    Depart Mexico City for a scenic drive across the central plateau to San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, visit San Juan de Dios Cemetery, where families honour their loved ones with marigolds, candles, and traditional offerings. Upon arrival, wander through San Miguel’s historic centre. In the evening, savour dinner on a rooftop terrace before joining the vibrant Catrina Parade, featuring face painting, live music, and dancing in the main square.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Cartoneria Workshop
    Day 5: Cartoneria Workshop

    Enter the airy studio of local artist Guadalupe Trejo and family to discover the art of papier-mâché crafting. You’ll be guided through the process of creating your own traditional alebrije, catrina, winged heart, nicho, or mask as Guadalupe shares the legends and symbolism behind each piece. After a lunch of regional specialities, the afternoon is free to explore or relax before dinner at one of San Miguel’s rooftop bistros.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Guanajuato
    Day 6: Guanajuato

    Pass into the hills of Sierra de Guanajuato to reach another UNESCO-listed city, Guanajuato. Made rich by the silver and gold deposits in the area, prepare to be impressed by magnificent architecture and brightly coloured houses crammed onto the slopes of a narrow ravine. Embark on a walking tour of its opulent centre. Then, at twilight, gather at the steps of Templo San Diego for a private ‘callejoneada’, parading the old streets with costumed musicians and storytellers.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Travel to Guadalajara
    Day 7: Travel to Guadalajara

    Travel west to Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. Take an afternoon walk through the vibrant plazas of its historic centre. As dusk falls, enjoy a festive evening with live mariachi and a lively dance show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Tequila
    Day 8: Tequila

    Travel into the blue-agave lowlands to the town of Tequila. Naturally, your explorations begin with a visit to a tequila distillery where you'll learn all about the production process, from roasting the piñas to the resting cellars. In the private tasting room, you’ll be guided through the flavours by an expert maestro tequilero. Then, stroll the town’s cobbled streets to find the perfect spot for a local lunch.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Fly to Oaxaca
    Day 9: Fly to Oaxaca

    Hop on a flight to Oaxaca, a city that is home to rich indigenous culture, beautiful architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy lunch before setting off on an orientation walk along Alcalá Street to see the sights.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Monte Albán
    Day 10: Explore Monte Albán

    This morning, explore the major archaeological site of Monte Alban, the capital of the pre-Columbian Zapotec civilisation. This afternoon, explore Oaxaca's cultural heart, tasting local delicacies and admiring architecture as you go.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Cooking Masterclass
    Day 11: Cooking Masterclass

    Arrive at Central de Abastos where, guided by a local chef, you’ll browse and taste the produce. Head to a countryside cooking school to prepare a mouthwatering Oaxacan dish before spending the afternoon at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Sierra Norte Mountains
    Day 12: Sierra Norte Mountains

    Travel into the Sierra Norte Mountains, arriving in the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family at their farmstead for insight into their rural way of life, before continuing to Tehuantepec, close to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Sumidero Canyon NP
    Day 13: Sumidero Canyon NP

    Spend the morning on a boat heading deep into the Sumidero Canyon National Park, spotting spider monkeys and basking crocodiles as you cruise between sheer limestone walls. Continue to San Cristobal de las Casas.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Indigenous villages
    Day 14: Indigenous villages

    Explore some of the indigenous villages of the region. First, stop at the Tzotzil Maya community of San Juan Chamula to witness a fascinating, pre-Columbian ritual, and then Zinacantan, where you’ll visit a family workshop to watch women spin, dye and brocade huipiles. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and enjoy stories from your host as you eat.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Explore San Cristobal
    Day 15: Explore San Cristobal

    Embark on a guided walking tour of the city, exploring narrow lanes little changed since the 16th century. Visits include the golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the pastel-hued houses of the pine covered San Cristobalito hill. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish before regrouping for dinner at a traditional restaurant.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Agua Azul
    Day 16: Agua Azul

    Descend for the cool heights of the mountains to the lowlands to reach the Cascadas de Agua Azul, a waterfall ensconced in rainforest, where you can wander jungle footpaths and paddle in the blue waters. Continue north into the Maya lowlands, pulling into Palenque town in the late afternoon.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Discover Palenque
    Day 17: Discover Palenque

    Rise early to enter the forested Palenque National Park. Led by a specialist guide, and with a soundtrack provided by howler monkeys, embark on an adventure through these spectacular Mayan ruins of a city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD. Spend the afternoon splashing around in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Travel to Campeche
    Day 18: Travel to Campeche

    Leave the emerald canopy of the rainforest behind, cross the savannah of Tabasco to reach the Gulf coast and Campeche. A UNESCO-listed harbour city, San Francisco de Campeche boasts pastel-coloured mansions, coral-stone ramparts and plentiful tales of merchants and pirate raids – discover more as you explore the storied streets.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Explore Uxmal
    Day 19: Explore Uxmal

    Start the day with a guided walk of Campeche’s perfectly preserved walled city. Leave the Caribbean coast and travel to another UNESCO-listed site, the magical Mayan ruins of Uxmal. Learn all about the astronomy and acoustics of the Pyramid of the Magician and admire the Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Continue to Mérida.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 20
    Explore Merida
    Day 20: Explore Merida

    Visit lively markets filled with local flavours and colourful crafts, then wander through the historic heart of the city, strolling along elegant avenues of 19th-century mansions before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Discover Chichén Itzá
    Day 21: Discover Chichén Itzá

    This morning is dedicated to Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site Chichén Itzá, with a guided tour of its wonders. Continue to a Maya village where you'll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch and stories of local life. Travel on to reach the beachside resort of Playa del Carmen.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Cenote Azul
    Day 22: Cenote Azul

    Enjoy a relaxing morning in Playa del Carmen, before an afternoon at Cenote Azul. Here you can relax in the sun or swim in the turquoise waters. Back in Playa del Carmen enjoy a laidback farewell dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 23
    Fly Cancun to UK
    Day 23: Fly Cancun to UK

    Transfer to Cancun airport for your flight to the UK, arriving home the following day.

    • Breakfast
+ -
Grand Impressions of Mexico map

Places Visited: UK - Mexico City (3N) - San Miguel (2N) - Guanajuato (1N) - Guadalajara (2N) - Oaxaca (3N) - Tehuantepec (1N) - San Cristobal (3N) - Palenque (2N) - Campeche (1N) - Merida (2N) - Playa del Carmen(2N) - Cancun - UK

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

If you can find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper, we will match it AND give you a reward. We will also match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere and we guarantee the price of your tour will never rise after you've paid.

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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Group Tour includes

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