Grand Impressions of Mexico

24 Days | Group Tour | Classic Tour | From £6,590 per person

Discover Mexico’s ancient civilisations, colourful colonial cities and living Indigenous traditions on this fully inclusive journey with Wendy Wu Tours.

From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya, explore spectacular archaeological sites, meet local communities and experience the country’s rich culinary heritage. Visit Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, discover Oaxaca’s vibrant markets, cruise through Sumidero Canyon and unwind beside a beautiful freshwater cenote.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Mexico City and visit Frida Kahlo’s famous Casa Azul.
• Explore the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán.
• Wander the colonial streets of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.
• Enjoy live mariachi music and traditional dancing in Guadalajara.
• Visit a tequila distillery and join an expert-led tasting.
• Explore the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.
• Prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes during a cooking masterclass.
• Meet Zapotec and Tzotzil Maya communities.
• Cruise through the dramatic Sumidero Canyon.
• Discover the Maya sites of Palenque, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá.
• Swim in the Roberto Barrios waterfalls and Cenote Azul.

What’s Included

• International flights and current taxes.
• 22 nights in three- and four-star accommodation.
• Domestic transportation, including the flight to Oaxaca.
• Guided touring and entrance fees.
• 22 breakfasts, 21 lunches and 22 dinners.
• Cultural activities and experiences detailed in the itinerary.

Maximum group size: 28 travellers
Physical rating: 1 — walking, some steps and time on your feet.

Special Experiences

Ancient Cities Before the Crowds
Enjoy exclusive early access to Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, exploring these remarkable archaeological sites in the quieter morning hours.

Living Traditions of Mexico
Meet members of Zapotec and Maya communities, discovering traditional farming, weaving and local customs. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch in a Maya village during your journey.

The Music of Jalisco
Spend an evening in Guadalajara enjoying regional cuisine, live mariachi music and colourful traditional dancing.

Traditional Papier-Mâché Workshop
Visit the studio of Guadalupe Trejo and family in San Miguel de Allende. Learn about the symbolism behind traditional Mexican crafts and create your own piece to take home.

Your Itinerary

The itinerary below follows the standard tour in the supplied information. Selected Day of the Dead departures feature different activities and routing, particularly during the first week. Ask our team for the itinerary for your chosen departure.

Day 1: Fly to Mexico City
Fly to Mexico City, where your National Escort will welcome you at Benito Juárez International Airport. Transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Meals included: Dinner.

Day 2: Explore Mexico City
Begin at Zócalo, the capital’s impressive main square. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and Templo Mayor Museum to learn about the ancient city of Tenochtitlan. Later, explore leafy Coyoacán and visit Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3: Ancient Teotihuacán
Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Teotihuacán. Visit a family cooperative to discover the traditional uses of obsidian, maguey fibre and pulque before returning to Mexico City to admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Travel to San Miguel de Allende
Travel northwest to San Miguel de Allende. Take an orientation walk through its UNESCO-listed centre, admiring pink church spires, cobbled streets and peaceful courtyards as you discover the city’s history.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Traditional Craft Workshop
Visit the studio of local artist Guadalupe Trejo and family for a hands-on papier-mâché workshop. Create a traditional piece while learning about the legends and symbolism behind the designs. After lunch, enjoy free time before dinner at a rooftop bistro.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6: Discover Guanajuato
Travel into the Sierra de Guanajuato to explore the colourful UNESCO-listed city of Guanajuato. Discover its grand architecture and hillside houses on a walking tour. At twilight, join a private callejoneada, following costumed musicians and storytellers through the historic streets.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Travel to Guadalajara
Continue west to Guadalajara and explore the plazas of its historic centre. This evening, enjoy live mariachi music and a traditional dance show.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8: Day Trip to Tequila
Travel through the blue-agave landscape to the town of Tequila. Visit a distillery to learn about the production process, then enjoy an expert-led tasting. Afterwards, wander the town’s cobbled streets and enjoy a local lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Fly to Oaxaca
Fly to Oaxaca, a city celebrated for its Indigenous heritage, beautiful architecture and thriving arts scene. Enjoy an introductory walk along Alcalá Street.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10: Explore Monte Albán
Visit Monte Albán, the ancient capital of the Zapotec civilisation. Return to Oaxaca to explore its cultural heart, admire the architecture and sample local delicacies.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11: Oaxacan Cooking Masterclass
Visit a neighbourhood market to meet local producers and select fresh ingredients. Join a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional Oaxacan dishes before enjoying your creations. Spend time exploring independently, then dine at a local taquería.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12: Sierra Norte Mountains
Journey into the Sierra Norte Mountains to the Zapotec village of Benito Juárez. Visit a family farmstead for an insight into rural life before continuing to Tehuantepec, near the Pacific Coast.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13: Sumidero Canyon
Take a boat trip through Sumidero Canyon National Park, cruising between towering limestone walls. Look out for spider monkeys and crocodiles before continuing to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 14: Indigenous Villages of Chiapas
Visit the Tzotzil Maya communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Discover their distinctive traditions and visit a family weaving workshop. Enjoy a regional lunch with a traditional Pox welcome toast, followed by free time in San Cristóbal.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 15: Explore San Cristóbal
Take a guided walking tour through San Cristóbal’s historic streets. Discover its golden-yellow cathedral, the Arco del Carmen and the colourful houses around San Cristobalito hill. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 16: Travel to Palenque
Descend from the mountains to the lowlands of northern Chiapas. Stop in Villahermosa for lunch and visit Museo La Venta, an open-air archaeological park displaying monumental Olmec sculptures. Continue to Palenque.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 17: Discover Palenque
Explore the jungle-covered Maya ruins of Palenque with a specialist guide, accompanied by the calls of howler monkeys. In the afternoon, enjoy time at the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 18: Travel to Campeche
Journey towards the Gulf coast and the UNESCO-listed city of Campeche. Explore streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and discover the history of its merchants, fortifications and pirate raids.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 19: Explore Uxmal
Begin with a guided walk around Campeche’s preserved walled centre. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Maya site of Uxmal, visiting the Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace. Travel onwards to Mérida.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 20: Discover Mérida
Explore lively markets filled with regional food and colourful crafts. Wander through Mérida’s historic centre and along avenues lined with elegant mansions before enjoying a traditional lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 21: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid
Discover the remarkable archaeological site of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Visit a Maya village for a home-hosted lunch and stories of local life. Stop in the colonial city of Valladolid before continuing to Playa del Carmen.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 22: Cenote Azul
Visit Cenote Azul, an open-air freshwater cenote where you can relax or swim in turquoise waters. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before your farewell dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Days 23–24: Fly Home
Transfer to Cancún Airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day.

Meals included: Breakfast on Day 23.

Day of the Dead Departures

Experience Mexico during its famous Día de Muertos celebrations on selected departures.

Depending on the departure, activities may include parades, elaborate altars, traditional cemetery visits and seasonal celebrations in Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende or Guadalajara.

Contact Aspen Travel for the specific itinerary and festival arrangements for your preferred departure.

Tour Route

Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende → Guanajuato → Guadalajara → Oaxaca → Tehuantepec → San Cristóbal de las Casas → Palenque → Campeche → Mérida → Playa del Carmen → Cancún

Routing varies on selected Day of the Dead departures.

Additional Price Information

• Prices are based on twin occupancy and new bookings.
• Flights are based on London Heathrow departures.
• Flight upgrades are available on request.
• Single supplement from £1,690, before any applicable promotional reduction.
• Land-only arrangements from £5,790.
• Tipping is payable locally: US$240.
• Contact us for 2029 departure dates and prices.

Extend Your Holiday

Stay a little longer with an additional experience or beach break:

• Copper Canyon
• Tulum Beach Stay
• La Paz

Ask our team about extension itineraries, availability and additional costs.

Book Grand Impressions of Mexico with Aspen Travel

Let our team help you choose your departure, compare available offers and plan your Mexico adventure.