About this trip
This 22-day trip runs the length of southern Mexico, timed around Day of the Dead, taking in Mayan ruins, cloud forest towns, Pacific coastline and Oaxaca's festivities before finishing in Mexico City.
You move from the beaches and cenotes of the Yucatan through Chiapas' canyons and villages, down to the Pacific for turtle releases and mangroves, then into Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead parades and pulque farms, before ending among the pyramids and canals of the capital.
It's a long, varied route rather than a single-destination holiday, mixing ancient sites, nature, and one of Mexico's biggest cultural events with a small group throughout.
What you'll do
- Explore the pyramids at Chichen Itza and swim in open cenotes at Calakmul
- Sail the turquoise Bacalar Lagoon and wander the Palenque ruins in Chiapas
- Cruise the cliffs of Sumidero Canyon and stroll San Cristobal de las Casas' Mayan villages
- Join a turtle liberation and relax on Pacific Coast beaches
- Take part in Day of the Dead parades in Oaxaca and visit pulque farms and artisan workshops
- Camp near a giant cactus reserve, then visit Teotihuacan and Frida Kahlo's museum before a boat party on Xochimilco's canals
- A long 22-day route covering several regions, so expect frequent moves between bases
- Moderate pace with a mix of guided sightseeing, nature activities, and free time
- Includes one camping night near the cactus reserve
Worth it if you want immersive, small-group cultural travel with genuinely attentive guides. Think twice if you need flexibility or prefer a slower pace—21 days is packed.
- Guides Jamie and Gustavo were exceptional: knowledgeable, attentive, genuinely caring, and made everyone feel included and safe throughout.
- Day of the Dead in Oaxaca was the real highlight: immersive, authentic parades, neighbourhood gatherings, and local dress—spectacularly moving, not staged.
- Activities genuinely supported local projects: Mayan cooperatives, women's organisations, artist workshops, turtle liberation—not just tick-box tourism.
- 21 days packed with constant activities: ruins, cenotes, canyons, camping, hikes—every day a new experience means early starts and long travel days by van.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Puerto Morelos · 16 Oct – 17 Oct
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