Mexico — Culture, Ruins & Beaches, a luxury journey by Kennedy Holidays
Culture & Beach12 Nights / 13 Days

Mexico

Culture, Ruins & Beaches

MexicoNovember to AprilCulture + History + Food + Nature + Beach

Journey overview

Ancient civilisations, vibrant cities, colonial charm, natural wonders and beach relaxation — a well-paced tour through Mexico's rich culture, food and history.

  • Mexico City & Teotihuacán — world-class museums and the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon
  • Oaxaca & Chiapas — colonial charm, indigenous heritage and Palenque's ruins
  • Chichén Itzá & cenotes — a wonder of the world and crystalline sinkhole swims
  • Riviera Maya — Tulum's clifftop ruins and Caribbean beach relaxation

Signature experiences

Teotihuacán PyramidsOaxacaPalenque RuinsChichén ItzáCenotesTulum Beach

Route overview

Mexico City
Capital, Culture & Cuisine
3 Nights
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm & Heritage
2 Nights
Chiapas
San Cristóbal, Sumidero, Palenque
3 Nights
Yucatán Peninsula
Mérida, Chichén Itzá, Cenotes
2 Nights
Riviera Maya
Tulum / Playa del Carmen
2 Nights
Day by day

The full itinerary

    • Arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport
    • Transfer to your hotel in Centro Histórico or Roma / Condesa
    • Optional: evening walk around the Zócalo and dinner at a rooftop restaurant
    • Morning: visit the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor
    • Afternoon: National Palace (Diego Rivera murals), Alameda Park, Palacio de Bellas Artes
    • Evening: Lucha Libre show or mezcal tasting in Roma Norte
    • Full-day tour to the Teotihuacán Pyramids (Sun & Moon), approx. 1 hr drive
    • Optional hot air balloon ride over the pyramids (early morning)
    • On the way back: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
    • Dinner in Condesa
    • Morning flight to Oaxaca City
    • Explore the historic centre: Santo Domingo Church, Ethnobotanical Garden and local markets (Mercado 20 de Noviembre)
    • Try tlayudas, mole and mezcal at a traditional restaurant

    Travel: Flight · 1 hr 15 mins

    • Morning: visit the Monte Albán archaeological site (Zapotec ruins)
    • Afternoon: nearby villages for alebrijes (San Martín Tilcajete) and black pottery (San Bartolo Coyotepec)
    • Evening: optional Guelaguetza folk dance show (seasonal)
    • Fly to Tuxtla (or night bus from Oaxaca)
    • Visit the Sumidero Canyon by boat en route
    • Continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas (1.5 hrs from Tuxtla)
    • Visit Chamula and Zinacantán (Tzotzil Maya villages) — unique customs and churches
    • Return to explore San Cristóbal's cobbled streets, amber museum and artisan markets
    • Early morning scenic drive to Palenque (5–6 hrs)
    • Stop at Agua Azul waterfalls and Misol-Ha for a quick swim
    • Arrive and relax in a lush jungle setting

    Travel: Scenic drive · 5–6 hrs

    • Morning guided visit to the Palenque Ruins (Maya site in the jungle)
    • Transfer to Villahermosa airport (approx. 2 hrs) and fly to Mérida, the Yucatán capital
    • Early departure for Chichén Itzá (avoid crowds and heat)
    • Explore the Kukulkan Pyramid, Observatory and Ball Court
    • Swim in a nearby cenote (e.g. Cenote Ik Kil)
    • Continue to Valladolid for lunch and a walk, then return to Mérida
    • Drive or transfer (approx. 3.5–4 hrs) to the Riviera Maya
    • Stop at Coba ruins or cenotes en route (e.g. Cenote Suytun or Dos Ojos)
    • Arrive in Tulum or Playa del Carmen for beach time
    • Morning visit to the Tulum Ruins overlooking the sea
    • Afternoon at leisure — beach, spa or shopping
    • Optional: snorkelling tour or explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
    • Transfer to Cancún International Airport (approx. 1.5 hrs from Tulum)
    • Fly home

Experience highlights

Teotihuacán Pyramids in Mexico — Kennedy Holidays

Teotihuacán Pyramids

A full-day tour to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, about an hour's drive from the capital, with an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride.

Chichén Itzá & Cenotes in Mexico — Kennedy Holidays

Chichén Itzá & Cenotes

An early departure to beat the crowds and heat, the Kukulkan Pyramid, Observatory and Ball Court, then a swim in a nearby cenote.

Tulum & the Riviera Maya in Mexico — Kennedy Holidays

Tulum & the Riviera Maya

Clifftop Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean, then beach, spa and optional snorkelling or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Let Kennedy Holidays Craft Your Journey

Every journey can be tailored around your pace, preferences and travel style.

Download the Full Itinerary

The complete branded Mexico itinerary, exactly as our travel designers prepared it.

Download PDF

Make this Mexico journey yours.

Dates, hotels, pace and add-ons — all tailored. Talk to a Kennedy Holidays travel designer.

Back to all tours