Starts
Ends
Mexico City, Mexico
Merida, Mexico
Explore the impressive Aztec & Mayan sites of Mexico, plus enjoy the best of the Yucatan
Experience the local life & colour of Indigenous villages
Discover little-explored ruins, hidden by rainforest

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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
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Embark on a colorful odyssey through Latin America with the "Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula" tour, a 21-day moderate activity adventure perfect for experienced travelers. Begin in Mexico City and venture through ancient ruins, colonial cities, and lush jungles before crossing into Guatemala and Belize.
Marvel at the enigmatic Mayan ruins of Palenque and Tikal, soak up the colonial ambiance of Oaxaca and San Cristobal, and immerse yourself in local markets brimming with artisanal crafts. The trip features a boat excursion through Sumidero Canyon, offering wildlife sightings amid towering cliffs, and a taste of Mexico’s vibrant traditions—especially if you choose a Day of the Dead departure.
Throughout, the tour offers a blend of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and natural wonders, with all logistics, meals, and accommodations covered. The unique selling point? The diversity of experiences in one seamless itinerary, from ancient civilizations to modern-day fiestas—ideal for travelers who crave depth, variety, and authenticity.
Our tour leader was brilliant. For me much of the accommodation did not reflect the usual qualities that Explore embodies, particularly the Mision Hotel in Oaxaca and the Hotel Quinta Regia in Valladolid which were large sprawling neglected hotels. We also had problems with the transport as the new local provider was initially keen to give us a different driver on a daily basis and provide inadequate minibuses, until the group complained to Explore. Tulum was an endurance of tourist hype but the other sites were fascinating, particularly those that were quieter and remote.
Fantastic experience with so much to see and do
Excellent itinerary and leader. Generally poor accommodation
Tour leader and itinerary excellent but accommodation and breakfasts generally poor Having a fridge as a basic standard in a hot climate is a must but most accommodation did not have this. Sometimes in the same hotel fridges and safes were available but not in Explore's standard rooms Breakfast was often chaotic given other tour groups