10-Day Mexico Adventure: Mexico City, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua, Chichén Itzá & Tulum

Buenos días and a very warm welcome (quite literally ) to Mexico City! Your tour officially kicks off late afternoon* in the hotel lounge, where you’ll meet your fellow travel buddies and Adventure Leader for a trip briefing – outlining travel plans and top tips on staying safe in Central America.
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After this, it’s time to start your adventure in true Mexican style – with a night of Lucha Libre, traditional Mexican wrestling. Think regular wrestling, only levelled up in the form of colourful masks, flamboyant costume, and a whole lot of aerial moves. This Mexican phenomenon is a must-see whilst in the city!
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*Touching down early? Here’s some recommendations from our local experts on how to spend a day in Mexico City:
For the history lovers out there, head over to the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan – a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its impressive monuments including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
For those wanting to dive into a true Mexican experience straight away? Head to Xochimilco – AKA, the colourful canals of Mexico City – for a scenic (and extremely colourful) cruise on a gondola through unique floating gardens. Take in the sights, enjoy some traditional Mexican food, and even a tequila shot (or 3 😉).

What better way to get your bearings than with a walking tour around some of Mexico City’s most iconic sites? Explore the famous sites of Zócalo Main Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, the Templo Mayor and more, before stopping off for some lunch.
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After, you’ll take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle for a Spanish class led by your Adventure Leader. Get prepped with some useful phrases that you can put to the test throughout your trip.
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¿Estás listo? Good! Because the afternoon is yours to take on Mexico City at your own leisure. We suggest hopping on bikes to cycle over to Chapultepec Castle. Once the residence of monarchs, emperors, and presidents, it stands as the only royal castle in the Americas. Steeped in history as an imperial home, a battlefield, and now a museum, it proudly showcases Mexico’s cultural heritage – all whilst boasting breathtaking views of Mexico City. If cycling doesn’t take your fancy, simply hop in an Uber instead!
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After an afternoon exploring, there’s nothing left to do other than join your group for some hearty food, accompanied by music and washed down with a tequila or mezcal – we’ll let you choose. 😉

This morning, transfer to the next destination – the coastal town of Puerto Escondido. We’ll take an early morning flight to arrive in Puerto Escondido at lunchtime, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own leisure. This town is famed for its stunning beaches, so we’d highly recommend hitting the crystal waters for a swim, swiftly followed by some well-deserved sunbathing time. Or, if you want to keep things super chilled, you and your travel buddies can take some time to chill by the pool at the hostel.
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Come late afternoon, we’ll head to the beach for your next unmissable activity – a surf lesson at sunset! Puerto Escondido has rightfully earned its reputation as a surfer’s paradise! Home to some of the world’s best waves, it’s the perfect spot to check off “learning to surf” from your bucket list! A professional coach will guide you through essential surf theory on the sand before helping you master your pop-up. Then, it’s time to hit the waves and put your new skills to the test!
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After, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish! Explore the town more, enjoy some fresh seafood, head to a beachfront bar for a cocktail (or two 😉) or, for the party lovers explore La Punta’s nightlife.

Today, it’s all about sun, sand, and sea! We’re keeping things pretty chilled today, allowing you the choice to soak up those ever-so-important rays, explore the sights of this bohemian coastal town, or head to nearby beaches. Or, for those who are seeking a touch more adventure, opt for a dolphin and whale watching tour out on the Pacific Ocean Spot playful dolphins, majestic humpback whales (seasonal), sea turtles, and other marine life – all whilst soaking up some rays and enjoying the breathtaking coastal views.
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As night falls, you then have the option to head to the iconic Manialtepec Lagoon where you’ll experience something truly unforgettable. As you swim through this stunning lagoon, bioluminescent creatures in the water will light your every move*. Think main character moment in a fairy tale movie – what a way to end your day! Failing this, there’s nothing left to do than to soak up the party vibes of this incredible surfer’s town.
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*Due to visibility, this activity isn’t available on the days around a full moon.

This morning, we’re up and out early bound for our next stop – Oaxaca (pronounced Wahaca) – a city celebrated for its rich Indigenous culture and colourful festivals, set against a backdrop of colonial architecture. But this journey isn’t without some craftsmanship along the way. That’s right! You’ll discover how to make your own alebrijes, intricately painted wooden fantastical creatures that are inspired by traditional Mexican folk art.
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We’ll then hit the road to arrive in Oaxaca in the early afternoon where your Adventure Leader will meet you, before checking into your hostel. Spend some time exploring the sights under your own steam – why not take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens, home to a stunning and diverse collection of native Mexican plant species?
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Afterwards, join your fellow travellers for your next unmissable activity – a cooking class! Master the art of traditional Oaxacan mole – a traditional (and VERY delicious) Mexican sauce, renowned for its smoky, sweet, and spicey flavours!
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With your cooking skills now mastered, there’s nothing left to do that soak up the charm of Oaxaca. Why not browse artisan markets, visit a rooftop bar, or enjoy live music and traditional dance performances?
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Included meals: Dinner

This morning, it’s up and out early to the iconic Hierve el Agua, but not without a stop-off to see the famous Tule tree – the world’s widest tree! This ancient Montezuma cypress is over 2,000 years old and has a diameter of 14 meters (46 feet) – that’s roughly the same width as a tennis court or an adult blue whale! 😮
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We’ll then carry on to Hierve el Agua! Located roughly 70km east of Oaxaca, this is a natural site renowned for its collection of mineral-rich rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. We’ll take some time here to explore the landscape and take a dip in the spring-fed pools!
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On our way back to Oaxaca, we’ll make two unforgettable stops to immerse you in true Mexican culture. First, we’ll take some time to explore the Mitla Ancient Ruins – a Zapotec archaeological site known for intricate geometric mosaics, well-preserved temples, and a rich history as a sacred burial site. Next, it’s time for a mezcal tasting, where we’ll take a deep dive into this smoky spirit, with expert-guided sips and traditional production insights.
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In the evening, it’s time to dive into another quintessential Mexican experience – SALSA! Join your group for an exciting salsa dancing class, where you’ll learn the vibrant rhythms and energetic moves that make this dance a cultural icon.
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Included Meals: Lunch

This morning, we’ll transfer to the airport bound for our next destination – Tulum! We’ll fly to Cancun and then transfer by bus to Tulum, arriving around 3pm. The rest of your day is yours to spend as you see fit, but if the weather’s good you might want to join a sunset sailing tour!

This morning, we’ll visit Chichén Itzá, a breathtaking ancient Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its iconic El Castillo pyramid, this city also features other remarkable Mayan structures that highlight a rich cultural and architectural legacy.
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This region of Mexico is renowned for its crystal-clear cenotes – natural limestone sinkholes and underwater cave systems considered sacred by the Mayans. After Chichén, we’ll visit a local, community-run cenote, where you and your group can take a refreshing dip in the vibrant blue waters while soaking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.
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We’ll then stop for some lunch in Valladolid – a charming colonial town, known for its colourful streets, historic architecture, and vibrant Mayan culture, before heading back to Tulum.
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This evening, why not opt to spend some time with your group, catching the stunning sunset at one of the local beach bars or explore the lively downtown of Tulum?
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Included Meals: Lunch

Today is all about exploring, and what better way to do it than by bike? In the morning, we’ll set off on a guided bike tour through Tulum, visiting the breathtaking ancient Mayan ruins with stunning sea views. Along the way, we’ll ride through the vibrant town before ending at the beach for a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters.
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The afternoon is then yours to enjoy entirely as you wish! Suggestions from our local experts on how to make the most of your time in Tulum include:
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For the ones who want to chill – hop on bikes back to the hostel for some rest.
For water lovers – snorkel in a crystal-clear cenote, one of our top picks!
For nature lovers – head on a guided boat tour of Sian Ka’an at sunset.
For everyone else – simply soak up the sun on the white sands of Playa Paraíso.
As evening falls, why not head to Tulum Town (Pueblo) for delicious, budget-friendly tacos or traditional Yucatán dishes? Then, cap off the night with a mojito and live music at Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar, the perfect spot to toast to another incredible day with your travel buddies!

This morning, your Mexico adventure comes to an end in Tulum! Say farewell to fellow travellers continuing the full tour that goes to Guatemala and Costa Rica.
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Airport transfers or post-night accommodations can be arranged at an additional cos