Havana

Welcome to Cuba!. Transfer to the hotel and, depending on the time of your flight, free time.

18:00 hrs.- To welcome you at the end of the afternoon we will include a trip in an old classic car to the fortress of San Carlos passing the ‘Malecón’ and we will attend the cannon shooting ceremony(admission included). Return to the hotel (by coach or vehicles) and accommodation.

Havana.-

09:00 hrs.- This morning we include a visit of about 4 hours; we will include a stroll through Colonial Havana; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University. Visit to the Habana Club Rum Museum. We will include a boat trip across the bay in the little boat to Regla where we will see the church of the Virgin of Regla, a place of great devotion where there is a strong syncretism between the Catholic religion and the Afro-Cuban. Will you buy flowers and have a daughter of Ochun read your hand? After this, at lunchtime, we will take you to the area of the ‘Callejón del Chorro’, an area with multiple “paladares” (private restaurants) where you can have lunch. Afternoon free.

Havana – Guamá - Punta Perdiz – Girón - Cienfuegos

We’ll depart from Havana and head south, taking in the island’s beautiful tropical landscapes. Our first stop will be Guamá, where we’ll visit the crocodile farm and enjoy a boat ride through this area, which has been declared a National Park. In the Taina village, we’ll learn more about the indigenous population that lived here before the arrival of Europeans. We’ll continue along the road by the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll have time at Punta Perdiz, where lunch will be included, and you can swim, explore the cenotes, or go snorkeling. Afterward, in Girón, we’ll visit the Playa Girón Museum, which offers insight into the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Revolution. Our journey will then take us to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. This charming colonial city boasts French neoclassical architecture, and we’ll pass by its historic streets. Dinner will be included.

Cienfuegos- Trinidad.-

Trinidad - Valle de los Ingenios - Trinidad

Our day will be filled with beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences. We’ll travel by coach to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, where we’ll visit the historic San Isidro de los Destiladeros sugar factory, the best-preserved one in the area. Here, you’ll learn about the history of sugar production and slavery. We’ll then continue to Manaca Iznaga, located in the heart of the sugar-producing region that once brought great prosperity to Trinidad. At this site, we’ll reflect on the history of slavery beside the 144-foot tower once used to oversee the enslaved workers. Afterward, we’ll return to Trinidad by road. Lunch will be included, followed by free time to relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included.

Trinidad- Havana.-

We will return to HAVANA. Arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to take a regular flight to Mexico City. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time at leisure.

Mexico City.-

08.30 hrs.- Today we have a fantastic day acquaint ourselves with Mexico. We include a sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, and the historic centre in which the Zócalo (main square) and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the main Aztec temple, Chapultepec Park, the “Paseo de la Reforma” Avenue and the other main avenues of this impressive city.

At the end of the visit we travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in the Americas where the Virgin of Guadalupe is found. There we will be able to explore the old basilica dating back to the 18th Century and also the modern temple.

In the afternoon we travel to the neighbourhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with its canals and semi-floating gardens. Here we include a ride in a “trajinera”, one of the boats festooned with flowers.

18.00 Hrs.- Return to the hotel

21.00 Hrs.- We include a transfer to the Plaza de GARIBALDI, with its many bars, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and the Mariachis sing. Dinner is included in a traditional restaurant.

Mexico City - El Oro de Hidalgo - Mina de las Dos Estrellas – Tlalpujahua – Pátzcuaro

We’ll begin our journey by visiting El Oro de Hidalgo, a charming Pueblo Mágico that was once one of Mexico’s main mining centers. The gold and silver mines attracted investors and workers from all over the world, and today you’ll find European-style buildings, such as the old train station and Teatro Juárez. We’ll continue through an area of hills and forests where monarch butterflies migrate for the winter, and visit Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mine-turned-museum that highlights the region’s rich mining history and culture. Next, we’ll head to Tlalpujahua, another Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán, with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobblestone streets. This town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas decorations, and you’ll be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with pre-Hispanic origins. Its colonial architecture, artisan markets, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination.

Pátzcuaro – Morelia – Cuitzeo del Porvenir – Guadalajara

We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.

Guadalajara- Tequila- Guadalajara.-

Total distance: 140 km

09:00 h.- In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic centre, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage.

12:00 h.- Guadalajara - Departure
14:00 h.- TEQUILA - Arrival. We include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila.

Important Note: On arrival in Tequila, the big bus cannot enter to the city centre, so you will have to walk for about twenty minutes.

Important Note: In High Season, the appointment to the Distillery can be in the morning, so the order of the visits on this day will be reversed without affecting its content.

15:45 h.- We return to Guadalajara.

17:00 h.- Guadalajara – Arrival and free time.

Guadalajara- Guanajuato.-

Total distance: 275 km
08:00 h.- Guadalajara –Departure-.
13:00 h.- GUANAJUATO – Arrival-.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre.

On arrival, walk down to the Pípila viewpoint, time for photos. Afterwards, we will take the cable car ride to the centre. Free time to have lunch. After lunch, we will visit this beautiful university city declared World Heritage Site, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its temples. We included a visit to this beautiful university city and World Heritage Site, with its narrow, steep streets and churches. Followed by free time. Visitors who are interested can visit the impressive “Mummies´ Museum”.

17.30/18.00 hrs: Transfer by sprinter vehicle to the hotel.

Guanajuato- Dolores Hidalgo- San Miguel Allende- Atotonilco- Queretaro.-

Total distance: 170 km

Scenery: Attractive mountain scenery between Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo.

08:30 h.- Guanajuato –Departure-. We travel through impressive mountain landscapes.
10:00 h.- DOLORES HIDALGO, the birthplace of Mexican independence. Visit to the church where the priest “Hidalgo” cried out for independence.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre.
11:30 h.- Dolores Hidalgo –Departure-.On the way, we will visit the Sanctuary of ATOTONILCO, known as "Sanctuary of God and the Patria", a World Heritage Site (sometimes we will not be able to visit its interior due to the retreats that take place).
13:30 h.- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with colonial architecture and cobbled streets, declared a World Heritage Site. Time to explore.

Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre. In this case, the alternative is to walk for about 15 minutes or take public transport.

17:00 h.- San Miguel de Allende –Departure.
18:30 h.- QUERÉTARO –Arrival-. City with its attractive colonial city centre, main square and busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.

Querétaro – Tula - Puebla

We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. We’ll spend the night in this lively and active city.

Puebla- Monte Albán- Oaxaca.-

Total distance: 340 km

08.00 hrs.- We travel to the state of Oaxaca, through mountainous regions with pleasant landscapes. 13.00hrs.- OAXACA. Arrival. We go up to the site of MONTE ALBAN, which is set deep in a 400-metre mountain above the Valley of Oaxaca – entry tickets and visit are included. This is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. Return to Oaxaca and visit included to this UNESCO World Heritage City of Aztec origin with its impressive monumental heritage.

In the evening we recommend a stroll through the historic centre of Oaxaca, an extremely beautiful colonial city which is full of life and music.

Oaxaca- San Pablo Villa de Mitla- Tuxtla.-

Total Distance: 505 kmCountryside: Mountains. Small towns en route.

Note: A new fast toll road is being built between Oaxaca and the Isthmus. Inauguration is expected throughout 2018. Travel time, when open, will be reduced by approxibately one and a half hours compared to that indicated in this itinerary.

07.30 hrs.- Oaxaca- Departure.-
09.30 hrs.- SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA. Arrival. We stop at a this magical town. We allow time for a walk together to the Church of San Pablo dating back to the Sixteenth Century and through its beautiful rustic streets.

10.15 hrs.- San Pablo. Departure. We continue our route in the sierras of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. Lunch is included en route.

20.30 hrs.- At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.

Tuxtla- Sumidero Canyon- Chiapa del Corzo- Zinacantan- San Juan de Chamula- San Cristobal.-

Total Distance: 100 km
Landscapes: spectacular
Notes: We recommend you to take appropriate waterproof clothing for the speedboat ride.- The visit of the towns of Zinacantán and San Juan can take place on Wednesday or Thursday morning (according to opening times of the church of San Juan).

08.30 hrs.- Tuxtla - Departure.
09.00 hrs.- We will explore the SUMDERO CANYON. Travelling by boat, we will travel for more than 1 hrs up this impressive canyon which is almost 1 km deep and 14 km long.

10.45 hrs.- Sumidero Canyon.- Departure.
11.00 hrs.- Next, we will walk through CHIAPA DEL CORZO, a white traditional and cultural colonial site. Time for a stroll and a coffee.

11.45 hrs.- Chiapa del Corzo. Departure. We enter into the center of the Mexican Mayan culture. We discover 2 beautiful villages inhabited by the Tzotzil Indians.
12.45 hrs.- In ZINACANTAN we can admire the dresses worn by the women and also their small loom workshop-shops.

13.45 hrs.- Zicacantan.- Departure.
14.15 hrs.- SAN JUAN CHAMULA we will be surprised by their church that mixes Christianity with pre-Columbian traditions. Time for lunch.

15.45 hrs.- San Juan Chamula.- Departure.
16.15 hrs.- We continue to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Free afternoon in this beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.

San Cristobal- Ocosingo- Agua Azul- Misol Ha- Palenque.-

Distance travelled: 225 km Landscape: Beautiful mountain landscapes of Chiapas. Villages which retain their ancient Mayan language and traditions.

Important: We suggest you bring comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen - as well as a bathing suit and a towel, to fully enjoy the natural waterfalls and spectacular blue river water.

08:00 - San Cristobal, we head to central Chiapas.
10:45 - OCOSINGO. We stop at the commercial regional capital situated on dairy-farmlands, next to the north Chiapas range, where incredible archaeological remains are found.

11:45 - Ocosingo- departure - We get back on the road and drive through mountains and jungle.
13:45 - Parque Nacional de AGUA AZUL (Agua Azul National Park). Entrance fee and lunch included after the visit, time to have a walk or bathe in the pools and more than 50 waterfalls, which range from 3 to 30 meters in height.

16:30 Agua Azul- departure.
17:45 - MISOL HA. Arrival at this impressive waterfall and its walking trails.

19:00 - Misol Ha- departure.
20:45 - Palenque- arrival. Dinner included.

Important: in some instances, roadblocks might be experienced in the region of Ocosingo due to local social unrest. In that event, we would take an alternative route visiting the City of Villahermosa and the ecological reserve of Yumka instead of the usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul and Misol.

Palenque - Campeche.-

Total distance: 360 km.

Scenery: Yucatan Peninsula. Beautiful views over the coastal road of the Gulf of Mexico.

09.00 hrs.- We include entrance and guided visit to the impressive archaeological site of PALENQUE. This Mayan city, surrounded by jungle, reached its peak between 600 and 800 AD. During the visit we will see its temples, pyramids and ball game. Free time for lunch.

12.30 hrs.- Palenque -departure-. We travel to the Gulf of Mexico through the state of Tabasco.
18.30 hrs.- CAMPECHE- Arrival to this Mexican port city known for its colonial buildings and 17th century fortifications created to confront pirate attacks. Dinner included.

Campeche- Mérida.-

Total distance: 180 km.

09.00hrs- We leave Campeche for the state of Yucatan. In a bit over two hours, we arrive to Merida.

11.30 hrs- MÉRIDA- arrival. Tour of the city, the vibrant capital of the Mexican Yucatan State boasts a rich colonial and Mayan heritage. We see the fortified cathedral of Merida and the limestone church of the Third Order as well as the House of Montejo, a 16th century mansion and the emblem of Plateresque colonial architecture. Afternoon free, we suggest you to visit the Museum of the Mayan World on your own. In the evening, we include a transfer to attend the Mayan Ball Game show". Accommodation.

Mérida- Izamal- Chichen Itzá- Río Lagartos.-

Total distance: 290 km
Scenery: Nice stage to get to know the state of Yucatan.
N.B.- Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, swimsuit and towel, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

08.00 hrs- Merida- departure.
09.15 hrs- IZAMAL- arrival to one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, declared a "Magic town".

10.15 hrs- Izamal, departure.
11.30 hrs- CHICHEN ITZAN,- we include admission and a visit to the most important and renowned vestige of the Mayan civilization, a World Heritage Site where we see the mythical pyramid of Kukulcán and the warriors’ temple.

14.30 hrs - After the visit we include a Mayan cuisine lunch.

16.00 hrs- Chichen Itzan- We continue on our beautiful stage through the state of Yucatan.
18.15- RIO LAGARTOS, arrival to this small fishing village in the middle of a Biosphere Reserve.

Note: The hotel infrastructure in Rio Lagartos is very limited. Occasionally, we will have to provide accomodation in Valladolid. In that case, we will visit Valladolid on Sunday instead of Monday and spend more time in Rio Lagartos on Monday.

Río Lagartos- Valladolid- Cenote Choj Ha- Cancún.-

Distance: 265 km.

Note: Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, swimwear and towel, sunscreen and mosquito cream.

08.00 hrs.- We include a boat ride of more than two hours. We enter the biosphere reserve, where we can see crocodiles among its mangroves, lots of birds, including pelicans and pink flamingos. You can also "live the mud experience" by smearing mud with high concentrations of sulfur, minerals and salts that act as exfoliants for the skin, leaving a feeling of softness throughout the body.

11.30 hrs- Rio Lagartos, departure. We head to the interior of the peninsula.
13.00 hrs- VALLADOLID- arrival in the third largest city of the Yucatan with a very nice historical city center. We recommend that you have lunch in one of the restaurants in the main square.

14.30 hrs- Valladolid, departure.
15.30 hrs- CENOTE CHOJ HA. We will explore this Cenote managed by the local Mayan community. We will walk along a short trail in the jungle to visit the dry cave and swim in the wonderful lake inside the wet cave.

17.00 hrs- Cenote, departure. Continuation to Cancun.
20.30 hrs- CANCUN, arrival.

Cancun.-

Our services end after breakfast. We suggest that any travellers who wish to extend their stay for a few days can do so resting by the beautiful beaches of Cancun or the Riviera Maya.