Yucatan, Mexico Holidays & Tours: Mayan Ruins + Chichen Itza + Merida + Tulum
Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum will introduce you to a region steeped in history. The Yucatan Peninsula was home to both the Olmec and Mayan people of Mexico, so is littered with ancient ruins. It was also where the Spanish conquistadors first landed, so has a heritage of many magical colonial cities, including Valladolid and Merida. It is covered in rainforest and has many stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes used by the Mayans for sacrificial offerings, but today used for swimming), as well as the gorgeous Caribbean beaches of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera.
Merida is a beautiful, modern city that is very proud of its heritage. It is a relaxed cultural and architectural gem, with one of the largest historic centres in Mexico. Among innumerable museums and galleries, it houses the Mayan World Museum of Merida, which exhibits over 500 Mayan artefacts in a stunning contemporary building, designed to represent the sacred Ceiba tree. It has many shops and restaurant, as well as a free week festival of folk dancing, comedy, mariachi, marimba and trova music - not to be missed on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum.
Chichen Itza to the east of Merida, showcases the ruins of one of the largest Mayan cities ever built. Dating originally from about 450 AD, it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico due to its proximity to the warm Caribbean beaches of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Uxmal is another extensive Mayan city of outstanding historical and architectural interest, well worth visiting on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum. More ruins can be found at Ek Balam, Coba and Tulum.
Campeche borders Yucatan to the south, and was an important sea port for Spain. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it is a superbly restored colonial jewel with an old walled city centre crowded with narrow cobbled streets, painted buildings, colonial mansions, ramparts and fortifications.
From March to June, nature lovers can view the highest concentration of flamingos in Mexico at Rio Lagartos, and visit beautiful colonial Valladolid. On Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum, you can also swim with whale sharks on the small island of Holbox from June to September.
Combine your ideas with our expertise and let us help you create a holiday of a lifetime. We offer a wide range of options at different price points, all of which can be tailor made to your needs.
For expert advice on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida, Tulum & beyond, email or call us on +44 (0)1582 766122 to speak with a specialist travel consultant. . Download our Mexico brochure (PDF 0.5 Mb).
We have been arranging Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum for over 20 years.
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Merida is wonderful to explore on foot. San Ildefonso Cathedral is a massive but austere edifice, built by the Spanish on the site of the old Mayan temple. Casa de Montejo, the oldest and most beautiful house on Merida's central square, was built in the 1540’s by the Spanish conqueror of the Yucatan and is famous for its sculptured facade and collection of books and documents. There are also many cenotes around Merida well worth exploring on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum.
Chichen Itza is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Mexico, especially the towering stepped pyramid of El Castillo – the Temple of Kukulkan. A World Heritage Site, this is one of the new Seven Wonders of the world. On Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum you can explore the ruins of this city that display a mix of architectural and structural styles, and is testimony to the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of its inhabitants. As well as being a deeply significant religious centre, Chichen Itza was a vast, sophisticated urban and commercial hub, with structures based on astonishing Mayan astrological accuracy. On the spring and autumn equinoxes the setting sun lights the pyramid’s steps, create a snake-like shadow which descends El Castillo to join with a stone snake sculpture at the bottom. Other extraordinary achievements are the Great Ball Court, at 168m by 70m the largest ever discovered, the Skull Wall, the Jaguar Temple and House of Eagles. There is much evidence here of Mayan human sacrifice. Opposite EL Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors (also known as the Temple of a Thousand Columns) is topped by a stone used to offer fresh human hearts to the gods. The Sacred Cenote, a 60m diameter natural well, is 22m deep and contains the sacrificed remains of young women and warriors. The losers of the ball games were also often beheaded, which no doubt worked well as an incentive to win! On Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum, for those with a real interest in Mesoamerican history, you can trace the powerful architectural and cultural influence of the Toltecs, who invaded from the south around AD 1,000 leading to a merger of the two peoples and the joint creation of much of these magnificent remains.
Like its ally Chicken Itza, Uxmal was another very important Mayan city, with elegant architecture and a style more reminiscent of Palenque. The excellent condition of this site and its extensive renovation provides an ideal opportunity to understand how these ancient cites actually functioned. In true Mayan style the entire city is aligned with reference to the position of the planets. One of the major structures, the Pyramid of the Magicians, is built so that the west stairway lines up exactly with the setting sun at the summer solstice. It is stepped, and unusually has an oval plan. Most of the modern names were given by the Spanish, such as the Nunnery Quadrangle, which is an impressively long building with elaborately carved facades. Similarly the House of the Birds, of the Turtles and of the Doves. There are many other temples, pyramids and fascinating monuments here. Chief among these is the massive Governor’s House, which stands on a huge platform and has the longest known facade of the period. As this is a very dry area, Chac (the rain god) was a very important person. As a result, his image is all over this beautifully preserved and extraordinary place that you can visit on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum.
Campeche was heavily fortified around 1700 for protection against various threats from the Caribbean, including pirates. Many of the original bastions still exist in fine condition and offer one of the best examples of Spanish colonial military architecture. Outside the city centre you will find a genuine and hospitable Mexican community, with a bustling traditional market and the old fishing docks. Two perfectly preserved forts stand on the outskirts, one of which houses the impressive Maya Architecture Museum. With relatively low tourist numbers, it is well worth including a visit to Campeche on Yucatan Mexico holidays & tours to Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Merida & Tulum.
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![Holiday Cozumel Island Mexico Snorkelling Scuba Diving Deep Sea Fishing]()
This wonderful holiday to tropical Cozumel island in Mexico offers you the opportunity to combine a visit to the colourful Spanish colonial city of Valladolid & the famous Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, with snorkelling, scuba diving & deep sea fishing off the Great Mayan Reef, in the warm clear waters of the Caribbean Sea (pay extra for activities). All transfers & specified sightseeing included.
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• Cozumel Island Ferry
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• Scuba Diving
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• Playa Del Carmen
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• Holiday: Cozumel Island, Mexico
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• Chichen Itza Ruins
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• Great Mayan Reef, Mexico
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• Arrecifes de Cozumel
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• Snorkelling
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• Valladolid
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• Deep Sea Fishing
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![Mexico City Yucatan Peninsula Tours Mayan Ruins Chichen Itza Celestun]()
Our small group Yucatan Peninsula tours explore Mexico's amazing Mayan Ruins - including Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil & Izamal. Also visit the lovely colonial cities of Merida, Valladolid & the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, before relaxing on the beach at Playa del Carmen. It is also possible to add on an extension to Mexico City to visit the amazing Teotihuacan pyramids & the Archaeological Museum.
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• Cancun
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• Valladolid
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• Merida
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• Playa Del Carmen
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• Teotihuacan Pyramids
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• Mayan Ruins
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• Yucatan Peninsula Tours
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• Chichen Itza & Uxmal
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• Celestun Biosphere Reserve
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• Mexico City Tours
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![Self Drive Holiday Yucatan Peninsula Mexico Chichen Itza Merida Tulum]()
This self drive holiday explores the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico with its many magnificent Mayan archaelogical sites, including Chichen Itza as well as the charming colonial cities of Valladolid & Merida and the port of Campeche. Visit Celestun Biosphere Reserve, the flamingos at Rio Lagartos & pink salt flats at Las Coloradas. Afterwards relax in Tulum, with its warm turquoise beaches & many adventure activities.
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• Merida
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• Tulum
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• Campeche
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• Celestun Biosphere Reserve
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• Self Drive Holiday
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• Valladolid
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• Riviera Maya beaches
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• Chichen Itza
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• Uxmal + Kabah Ruins
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• Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
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![Mexico City Tours Colonial Highlands Beach Holiday Playa del Carmen Yucatan]()
Our escorted Mexico City tours start by exploring the ancient pyramids & Anthropology Museum, with its treasure trove of Olmec, Atzec and Mayan artefacts. We then head to the charming Colonial Highlands to discover their history, culture, landscapes & cuisine, ending with a beach holiday near Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan. Two departures per month, with dual language English & Spanish guides.
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• Patzcuaro & Morelia
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• Dolores Hidalgo
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• Guanajuato & Zacatecas
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• Beach Holiday
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• Teotihuacan Pyramids
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• San Miguel de Allende
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• Mexico City Tours
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• Playa del Carmen, Yucatan
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• Guadalajara & Tequila
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• Colonial Highlands
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![Mexico Tours Mayan Ruins Oaxaca Puebla Palenque Merida Yucatan Peninsula]()
Our Grand Mexico tours combine ancient Mayan ruins and fabulous colonial cities, with a gorgeous Caribbean beach. Visit Mexico City with its amazing pyramids & history, the cultural centres of Oaxaca & Puebla, indigenous villages of San Cristobal, Mayan ruins at Palenque. Also visit Campeche & colonial Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula, before relaxing on the fabulous Mayan Riveira.
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• Yucatan Peninsula
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• Palenque & Campeche
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• San Cristobal & Villages
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• Mexico Tours, Mayan Ruins
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• Oaxaca & Puebla
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• Mayan Riviera
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• Merida & Uxmal
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• Mayan Ruins
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• Mexico City Pyramids
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• Chichen Itza
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![Mexico Small Group Tours Yucatan Mayan Ruins Palenque Tulum Chichen Itza]()
Our Mexico small group tours focus on the history and culture of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula, with their amazing Mayan ruins, travelling from San Cristobal in the highlands to the Caribbean beaches near Tulum. Explore colonial cities, Indian villages & spectacular Palenque & Chichen Itza. 2 departures a month, with dual language English & Spanish guide.
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• Uxmal & Merida
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• Chichen Itza
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• Mexico Small Group Tours
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• Palenque
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• Campeche
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• Mexico
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• San Cristobal
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• Yucatan Mayan Ruins
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• Tulum
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• Indian Villages
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![Mexico Self Drive Holiday Yucatan Peninsula Palenque Tulum Car Hire]()
This Mexico self drive holiday explores the Yucatan Peninsula with its many magnificent Mayan archaelogical sites, including Chichen Itza, Uxmal & Palenque, as well as the charming colonial cities of Merida & Campeche. Also visit Celestun Biosphere Reserve, the flamingos at Rio Lagartos & pink salt flats at Las Coloradas. Afterwards relax in Tulum, with its turquoise Caribbean beaches.
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• Campeche
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• Tulum Beaches
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• Palenque
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• Mexico Self Drive Holiday
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• Chichen Itza
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• Merida
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• Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas
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• Yucatan Peninsula, Car Hire
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• Valladolid
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• Celestun Biosphere Reserve
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![Yucatan Mexico Private Tour Valladolid Merida Campeche Tulum Chichen Itza]()
Experience the wildlife & history of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on this private tour that combines the Rio Lagartos wetlands - famous for their flamingos & pink salt flats - with visits to the colonial cities of Valladolid, Merida & Campeche as well as the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza. Afterwards relax on a magnificent Caribbean beach at Tulum. English speaking guide, all transfers & sightseeing included.
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• Valladolid
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• Yucatan Mexico, Private Tour
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• Chichen Itza Ruins
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• Cancun
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• Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas
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• Tulum & Mayan Riviera
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• Campeche
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• Merida
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• Coba Ruins
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• Uxmal & Kabah Ruins
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![Mexico City Holidays Private Tour Guides Colonial Highlands Yucatan Beach]()
Our Mexico City holidays include private tour guides, allowing you to explore the history, scenery & culture of this vibrant country. From Mexico City, head to the charming Spanish towns of the Colonial Highlands, including the beautiful cities of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Santiago de Queretaro, Dolores Hidalgo, Mineral De Pozos & Atotonilco. Then relax on a lovely Yucatan beach. All transfers & specified sightseeing included.
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• Guanajuato & Dolores Hidalgo
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• Colonial Highlands
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• Mexico City Holidays
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• Private Tour Guides
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• Mineral De Pozos
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• Santiago de Queretaro
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• Sanctuary of Atotonilco
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• Teotihuacan Pyramids
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• San Miguel de Allende
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• Yucatan Beach
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![Mexico Private Tours Tailor Made Mayan Ruins Palenque Chichen Itza Tulum]()
Our Mexico private tours can be tailor made to your needs. Explore the archaelogical treasures of Mexico City, then fly to San Cristobal and travel through the Yucatan Peninsula with your own driver/guide, viewing the Mayan ruins at Palenque, Uxmal & Chichen Itza. Also visit lovely Campeche, before relaxing on the turquoise beaches of the Riviera Maya at Tulum. English speaking guide, all transfers & excursions included.
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• Palenque Temple
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• Chichen Itza
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• Mexico City
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• Campeche
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• Teotihuacan Pyramids
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• San Cristobal
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• Mexico Private Tours, Tailor Made
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• Mayan Ruins
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• Tuxtla & Sumidero Canyon
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• Tulum beaches
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![Mexico Holiday Oaxaca Palenque Merida Uxmal Chichen Itza Pyramids]()
This Mexico holiday starts with a visit to the astonishing ancient pyramids outside Mexico City, before flying to Oaxaca, famous for its festivals & culture. Visit indigenous villages around San Cristobal & travel to the stunning Mayan Ruins at Palenque. Then fly to colonial Merida & visit Uxmal, Kabah & Chicken Itza, before relaxing on the stunning Yucatan coast. English speaking guide, all transfers & specified sightseeing included.
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• Chichen Itza
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• Oaxaca
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• Palenque Ruins
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• Playa Del Carmen
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• Mexico City
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• San Cristobal
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• Merida
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• Mexico Holiday & Oaxaca
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• Teotihuacan Pyramids
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• Indian Villages
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