Tour Mexico Grande (13 Days)

Meals

4 Dinner (D) 11 Breakfast (B) Cancun: Get the party started with a Margarita and dinner with the gang. Gaze at the golden skies and bask in those mellow vibes.

Accommodation

We always provide comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere - think comfy hotels, jungle lodges and bright communal areas for you and your new squad to relax and socialise.

Others

Mexico City: Do I need a visa to enter Mexico? The visa requirements for entering Mexico will change depending on: - The length of your visit - The purpose of your visit - Your country of origin Visit https://www.contiki.com/resources/visas-guide to find the visa requirements for your specific situation. Mexico City: What’s the best time to travel to Mexico? Mexico is marvellous all year round. But if you’re looking for the sweet spot - visit Mexico between November and March, since the weather is perfect for exploration. And that’s what we like! Mexico City: What is the local currency of Mexico? The local currency of Mexico is the Peso ($). ATMs are the easiest and most efficient way to acquire money in these destinations. Credit cards aren’t always accepted in stores and restaurants, so remember to get some cash with you. Mexico City: What should I pack? Any special items I should bring? Your Mexico packing list will change depending on the type of extra activities you want to do while you’re there, but it’ll most likely include: A sun hat, sunglasses and summer clothes Sunblock and aftersun Insect repellent A cameraComfy shoes and socks Swimwear Mexico City: How much spending money do I need for this trip? This will depend on your choice of accommodation, activities and how much shopping you plan to do. Here’s a rough guide to the costs of some travel essentials:Subway ticket: Mex$10 ($1)Standard meal: Mex$300 ($17)Coffee: Mex$50 ($3)Bottle of water: Mex$14 ($1) Mexico City: What is the local food like in Mexico? As good as you’re expecting, if not better! Street food is very common in Mexico, so you can expect a steady supply of meats and veggies, served with tortillas and plenty of grated cheese. Mexico City: Is tap water safe to drink in Mexico? Will water be provided? We recommend you don’t drink tap water (even in hotels) because of the high mineral density. Don’t worry, though. We ain’t leaving you thirsty. Your Trip Manager will advise on where to fill your water bottle with safe drinking water. Mexico City: How hot can it get in Mexico? Mexico can get HOT. We’re talking up to 40°C (104°F) in the summer. So, use sun protection, wear breathable layers and of course, drink a LOT of water. Mexico City: Are there any Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) activities if I’m travelling during the festival? You bet! You’ll have the chance to make an altar of the dead in Oaxaca on our trips to Mexico. Think shopping at local markets for food and decorative items, and setting up the altar in your hotel. You know we’re not leaving without a good celebration! Puerto Vallarta: Grab your new buddies and a Paloma cocktail. It’s time to feast on Mexican food and watch the sunset over the sea. Discover how Mexico’s famous liquor is made. And knock back a cheeky shot or two. Guadalajara: This work of architectural art was originally built as a place to care for disadvantaged people. Nowadays, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guadalajara: Stroll around the official birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. Guanajuato: Narrow cobbled streets. Colourful colonial architecture. Manicured gardens. You’ll see why this place is labelled ‘most beautiful city in Mexico’. Mexico City: The candy-coloured buildings and antiquated streets make this one of Mexico’s most photogenic cities. And the perfect backdrop for an Insta shoot. Mexico City: Craving some authentic tacos, pambazo or barbacoa? It’s time to galvanise your tastebuds. Mexico City: Heads up culture vultures! Visit Coyoacan to walk in the footsteps of the famous artist. And check out the museum in her honour. Mexico City: Admire the ‘City of Gods’: one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Although no one really knows who built it. Oaxaca: Stroll the cobbled streets of one of Mexico’s most authentic cities. Sample the epic street food and revel in the laid-back pace. Oaxaca: Test your courage with a ‘straight up’ of this potent national drink. Oaxaca: Explore one of the earliest cities of MesoAmerica. Then hit up the market for some local keepsakes. Oaxaca: Swoop into the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan region. Get set for a barrage of beaches, jungles, ancient Mayan sites and epic nightlife. Merida: A photogenic fiesta of colour and culture. This is the perfect place to get a real taste of life in Yucatan. Chichen Itza: Take a guided tour of this ancient Mayan city. Soak up the history and hear the myths and legends. Chichen Itza: It’s time to live your best life, as you cool off in the emerald waters of this sinkhole. Don’t forget your camera!

Transport

Getting around Latin America is half the fun, and all transport is included for the duration of your trip. Private, air conditioned mini coaches allow you soak up all that scenery in style, but it’s our unique, local forms of transport that make the journey all part of the adventure

Guide

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Day trip to Playa Del Carmen ($TBC)

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Day 1 Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta

Welcome to one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, also known as the ’Mexican Riviera’. Spa, pool, relax, repeat are all high on the agenda today – and that’s before we top it all off with a beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.
Day 2 Day 2: Puerto Vallarta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Puerto Vallarta

Today you’re free to explore Puerto Vallarta however you like. You can surf, or zip line, take a day trip to remote beaches on a sailing trip. Then, in the evening, catch a Pirate show! Expect the unexpected in Puerto Vallarta.
Day 3 Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara

Bye bye beach hangs, but don’t worry, this isn’t your last taste of Mexican beach life - we’ll see you soon, sea. Nothing screams ‘Mexico’ like tequila, so why not head to a genuine distillery where you can learn how this fiery spirit is made and taste some for yourself? Afterwards, take a stroll around the streets to get a feel for the old and new world architecture this place is known for – and then sample some seriously electric nightlife. It’s time to learn about the city known as the ’Pearl of the West’, Guadalajara, with its four main squares and glorious cathedral. Then you could go and find a spot to watch one of the city’s famous live Mariachi bands do its thing.
Day 4 Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato

We leave Guadalajara and hit the road. Here at the old colonial city of Guanajuato (now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City), you’ll learn about the history of the famous silver mining town and how the economy has shaped much of its culture. Discover the famous ’Mummies’, the lovers at the ’Alley of Kisses’, and even the Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Day 5 Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City

Thanks to the bright facades of Guanajuato, your eyes should be wide open by now. Just in time too, because there is so much to see in Mexico City. Mexico City is the largest city in the country and impressively, the oldest capital in Central America. Known for its Aztec temple, its surprising altitude at 2200m, and mountainous landscape, this place is busy, bustling and oh-so-wonderful.
Day 6 Day 6: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Mexico City

The theme ’getting out there’ will take on a whole new meaning today. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the focus for this leg of your journey in this bustling city. Get stuck into the local flavours by tasting some Mexican delicacies at a local market. Do some shopping in Coyoacan. Then, tonight, re-fuel with city eats, like enchiladas, tamales and tacos. Even head out and get a little loco, if the mood takes you...
Day 7 Day 7: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mexico City

It’s a busy one today, travellers. Archaeological city Teotihuacan, pyramids and Aztec temples are the focus for this leg of your journey. As you go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge on many interesting topics so you’re in the know on anything and everything. And if you happen to be here at the right time, you might even get to experience Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling!
Day 8 Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca

Meeting your TM and fellow travellers this morning, you’ll be setting off for Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-ha-ka)! Have you got it? Great - let’s hit the road. Welcome to Oaxaca, with its bohemian bars, charming colonial buildings and ridiculously pretty churches. Commonly known as the gastronomical capital of Mexico, the food here is guaranteed to guac your world. The perfect drink to wash it all down? Mezcal, of course.
Day 9 Day 9: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Oaxaca

Today, you’re going to soak up some serious Oaxaca vibes with a guided city tour where you’ll get to check out the local markets. The colourful city streets are going to be the perfect place for some Insta shots, and if you can be dragged away from the views for long enough, there’s plenty of delicacies to try during your free night.
Day 10 Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida

Adios Oaxaca, Merida is calling our names! And we won’t waste any time, hopping on an included flight to whiz us there without delay. Here in mellow Merida, you’ll explore Mexico’s quiet side. Wander down cobbled streets and grand plazas on a unique walking tour, with some free time to explore the bustling markets. Later you can feast yourself on Yucatan specialities and head off for a blissful slumber.
Day 11 Day 11: Merida To Cancun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Merida To Cancun

Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site: Chichen Itza. Next stop, the most famous ancient ruins in Mayan history. With our Local Guide leading the charge, we’ll learn all about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us. Afterwards, we’ll take a dip in a cenote – which is the best way to beat the Mexican heat. In stark contrast, next up is Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With high energy vibes this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting your fiesta on. One suggestion for tonight’s dinner at the Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights.
Day 12 Day 12: Cancun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Cancun

Cancun is a hub of fiery entertainment… known for way more than party vibes. Powdery beaches, endlessly swimmable waters and laid-back taco joints (basically all you need, no matter your mood.) Your Trip Manager knows this place like the back of their hand too, so you’re guaranteed to be in the know on all the best spots to head for the evening.
Day 13 Day 13: End Cancun
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: End Cancun

Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we conquered all... We’ll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it’s time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you’re homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia no-doubt.

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13 days tour

Mexico Grande (13 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Mexico Grande (13 Days)

Day 1: Start Puerto Vallarta

Day 2: Puerto Vallarta

Day 3: Puerto Vallarta To Guadalajara

Day 4: Guadalajara To Guanajuato

Day 5: Guanajuato To Mexico City

Day 6: Mexico City

Day 7: Mexico City

Day 8: Mexico City To Oaxaca

Day 9: Oaxaca

Day 10: Oaxaca To Merida

Day 11: Merida To Cancun

Day 12: Cancun

Day 13: End Cancun

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