Overview
Set off on an unforgettable journey through Mexico, where rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture await you. Start your adventure with an early kayak tour through the tranquil mangroves of Sisal, followed by a visit to the ancient ruins of Dzibilchaltún, home to the iconic Temple of the Seven Dolls. Discover the wonders of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and immerse yourself in the sacred cenotes that tell the stories of ancient civilizations. Explore the vibrant city of Merida, with its colonial charm and historical treasures, before sailing to Isla Mujeres on a relaxing catamaran tour. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, stroll through picturesque streets, and indulge in a leisurely beachside lunch. This trip is an ideal blend of adventure, history, culture, and relaxation, offering a deep dive into the heart of Mexico’s natural and historical wonders.
Highlights
- Cultural Tours
- Mayan Ruins
- Cooking Class
- Mangrove Kayak Tour
- Cancun Cruise Tour
Included
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Internal transportation
- Flight from Oaxaca to Merida
- Accommodation 4 stars hotel
- Breakfast Meals
- Professional team
Not included
- International Airline tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Meals
- Entry Visa Fees
- Additional Activites
- Equipment and Clothes
- Personal purchases (soft drinks, chocolate, etc)
Arrive in Mexico and meet your assistant for a warm welcome and transfer to the hotel. Rest after the long flight, and later gather for a welcome dinner.
After breakfast, embark on a captivating walking tour through the Historic Center of Mexico City, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful flavors. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace, while soaking in the energy of the bustling city. Savor a stop at “La Ideal” to sample their renowned artisan bread, followed by the irresistible combination of crispy churros and hot chocolate from the legendary “El Moro.”
Today, we depart for Puebla, a stunning colonial city known as the “City of Angels.” During our tour, you’ll be mesmerized by the grandeur of its baroque architecture, including the magnificent Cathedral and the Chapel of the Rosary. Wander through historical streets, visit the iconic Callejón de los Sapos, and explore the vibrant El Parián craft market. The culinary experience shines with the flavors of mole poblano, chalupas, and traditional sweets. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to the charming Oaxaca City.
The day starts with a visit to a vibrant organic market, where you’ll discover unique fruits, vegetables, and spices used in our cooking class. Afterward, we’ll prepare four dishes, including a mole or main dish, soup, salsa, or dessert. Learn to char chiles, make tortillas and quesadillas by hand, and grind spices with a traditional mortar and pestle. Following the cooking session, enjoy a mezcal tasting before we sit down to enjoy our creations. The day concludes with a walking tour of the city’s main square, Governor’s Palace, Hidalgo Square, the cathedral, and the historic Sto. Domingo church.
After breakfast, we will depart to Oaxaca City Airport for our flight to Merida City. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Later, we’ll enjoy a walking tour to discover the main attractions of this beautiful city. We’ll delve into the historical and cultural richness of the “White City” as we explore the historic center, with highlights such as the impressive San Ildefonso Cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, and the Government Palace. We’ll also stroll along the famous Paseo de Montejo, an avenue lined with 19th-century European-style mansions.
Today, we’ll embark on an early journey to Sisal for a memorable kayak tour. Departing at 7:00 am, we’ll catch the tranquil sunrise, free from the usual crowds, as we paddle through the serene mangroves. Along the way, we’ll reach a refreshing spot perfect for a swim. Next, we’ll visit Dzibilchaltún, an ancient archaeological site that seamlessly blends Mayan history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Here, we’ll marvel at the Temple of the Seven Dolls, renowned for its alignment with the sun during the equinoxes, when light perfectly passes through its windows, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Today, we visit the iconic Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, located 120 km east of Merida. Explore its magnificent ruins, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, used for ritual sacrifices. We will also discover other stunning temples before heading to Temozon, where we’ll explore a unique cenote with an island formed millions of years ago. This visit offers a deep connection to the history and sacred spaces of the ancient Maya civilization.
We’ll kick off the day with a relaxing catamaran trip from Cancun, taking in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. During the tour, we’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters to discover the vibrant marine life, and enjoy refreshing drinks. Upon arriving at Isla Mujeres, you’ll have free time to wander its charming streets or shop for souvenirs. Later, we’ll head to a beach club for a delicious lunch, soaking in the beauty of the island before returning to the hotel.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of a memorable journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
Travel Requirement
- U.S. Visa: Required prior to travel for smoother entry and quicker customs processing.
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory; ensure you purchase it before your trip at www.worldnomads.com.
• Luggage: One suitcase (maximum 23 kg) plus one carry-on or backpack.
Important information
Travel Insurance: Travelers to Mexico are strongly encouraged to secure travel insurance from reputable providers such as World Nomads. Please note that Pangaea is not responsible for any medical expenses, flight cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- The schedule may change according to circumstances out of our control
-This trip is subject to a minimum participant requirement for operation. We highly recommend refraining from booking your flights until we confirm and advise you to proceed with flight reservations. - Check-in at the hotel starts at 16:00 for early arrivals. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy your first exploration until check-in time
Personal luggage allowance: 23 kg maximum, plus 1 carry-on item. Any additional luggage will incur extra charges for both transportation and airline fees.
Weather
In November, Mexico enjoys pleasant weather with mild to warm temperatures.
• Mexico City: Around 21°C (70°F) during the day, cooler at night.
• Yucatán Peninsula (Cancún, Mérida): Highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), and warm sea temperatures at 28°C (82°F).
• Rainfall: Moderate, with November marking the start of the dry season, ideal for travel and exploration.
Currency & Payment
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Here’s a quick guide on currency and payment:
1. Cash:
• Pesos are widely accepted for all transactions.
• U.S. Dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates may not be favorable.
• It’s a good idea to carry small denominations for markets, local shops, and tips.
2. Cards:
• Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
• American Express is accepted in some places but less frequently.
3. ATMs:
• ATMs are easily available in cities and towns.
• Withdraw cash in pesos for better rates than exchanging foreign currency.
4. Currency Exchange:
• Exchange currency at banks, authorized exchange offices (“casas de cambio”), or airports.
• Avoid street vendors for currency exchange.
5. Mobile Payments:
• Mobile wallets and apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay are becoming more common in urban areas.
Tips:
• Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card declines.
• Keep some cash on hand for rural areas or small vendors that may not accept cards.
Entry Visa
• Saudi citizens need a valid U.S. visa to enter Mexico without a separate visa for tourism, transit, or business purposes, with a stay of up to 180 days
Tips
In Mexico, tipping is customary and appreciated, particularly in the service industry. Here are some general guidelines:
• Restaurants: A tip of 10-15% of the bill is typical. Some restaurants may already include a service charge, so be sure to check the bill.
• Hotels:
• Bellhops: Around 20-50 pesos per bag.
• Housekeeping: 20-50 pesos per night, left daily.
• Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory, but rounding up the fare or adding a small tip (10-15%) is common.
• Tour Guides: A tip of 100-200 pesos per person for a half-day tour, or 200-400 pesos for a full-day tour, is appreciated, depending on the quality of the service.
• Other Services: For services like haircuts or spa treatments, a tip of 10-15% is generally expected.
Adaptation During Travel
Remember, adaptation in travel means adjusting to new environments, cultures, and situations. Embracing these changes will enhance your experience and help you fully enjoy your destination
FAQs
- Adaptor type A and B
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Travel insurance
- Sun cream
- Sun glasses
- Mosquitos spray
Small first aid bag, trip leader will have an integrated bag but to reserve/you should tell us if you have any health problems.
