Adventurous Mexico

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City

Upon arrival in Mexico City, a private driver awaits to take you to your boutique hotel in Polanco, an elegant neighbourhood filled with leafy avenues and refined boutiques. A peaceful start in the heart of the vibrant capital.

Day 2: Discovering Mexico City

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the historic centre, where the vast Zócalo square and the grand Catedral Metropolitana transport you back to the time of the conquistadors. The city pulses with life at every turn: universities, museums and monuments mingle with the sounds of street musicians and the aroma of freshly made corn tortillas.

Day 3: Paso de Cortés

Today you head into nature. The Paso de Cortés, at around 3,700 metres above sea level, marks the starting point of a breathtaking hike along the slopes of the Iztaccíhuatl volcano. Following ancient mountain trails, you reach the viewpoint of La Joya, where the snow-capped Popocatépetl smokes faintly in the distance. The altitude may be felt, but the silence and panoramic views make every step worthwhile.

Day 4: Teotihuacán

After breakfast, visit the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico’s most sacred pilgrimage site. The old church, slightly tilted under its own weight, stands beside its modern counterpart, which houses the famous cloak of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a symbol of national pride and devotion. Continue to Teotihuacán, once the most powerful city in the Americas. Walking along the “Avenue of the Dead”, flanked by monumental temples and ancient ruins, you’ll feel the grandeur of a civilisation that still echoes through time.

Day 5: La Malinche & Puebla

Today reveals a different side of Mexico: silence, fresh mountain air and endless pine forests. From the village of Malintzi, at 3,100 metres, you hike through the woodlands of La Malinche, a dormant volcano marking the natural border between Puebla and Tlaxcala. After the hike, descend towards Puebla, a colonial gem where colourful façades decorated with hand-painted talavera tiles and fragrant markets bring the city to life.

Day 6: Zapotitlán Salinas

Your journey continues to Zapotitlán Salinas, a semi-desert of sculpted forms and golden hues. In the Jardín Botánico, you wander between towering cacti and elephant-foot trees along stone paths leading to a panoramic lookout. The warmth of the sun, the quiet and the vast horizon create a timeless atmosphere, a landscape where nature sets the rhythm.

Day 7: Oaxaca & Monte Albán

Oaxaca welcomes you with a kaleidoscope of colours, scents and colonial charm. In the heart of the city, you stroll along cobbled streets lined with artisan workshops, cross the lively Zócalo and reach the magnificent Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, a masterpiece of Mexican baroque. Street musicians, markets and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee fill the air with warmth and energy.

In the afternoon, travel back in time at Monte Albán, one of Mexico’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Perched on a flattened hilltop, it offers sweeping views over the valley and a glimpse into the grandeur of the Zapotec and Mixtec civilisations.

Day 8: Tule, Hierve el Agua & Salina Cruz

After breakfast, travel deeper inland. In the peaceful village of Santa María del Tule, marvel at the giant Ahuehuete tree — over 2,000 years old, 40 metres tall and with a trunk so wide it seems endless. Then head into the mountains near Mitla for a walk to Hierve el Agua, where mineral-rich springs have created limestone formations that look like frozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. The mineral scent in the air and the sweeping valley views make this a truly magical setting.

Day 9: Sumidero Canyon

Depart for Chiapa de Corzo, a charming colonial town at the edge of the Sumidero Canyon. Board a boat and cruise through one of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Between sheer rock walls rising over a thousand metres, waterfalls tumble from the cliffs and green ferns cling to the stone. Keep your eyes open for pelicans, herons, toucans and small crocodiles basking in the sun.

Day 10: San Cristóbal de las Casas & surroundings

Today you explore the spiritual heart of Chiapas. In the mountain village of Chamula, Catholic and Maya traditions blend in a fascinating ritual harmony: incense fills the church, pine needles cover the floor and families pray to the apostles while invoking their ancestors. Nearby, in Zinacantán, three sisters welcome you into their traditional weaving studio. As they work the loom and bake tortillas over a wood fire, they share stories passed down through generations, an intimate and authentic encounter.

Day 11: Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

After breakfast, travel deeper into the lush heart of Chiapas. Not far from Palenque, the waterfalls of Roberto Barrios hide within the jungle. Turquoise water cascades from terrace to terrace, forming natural pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The sound of rushing water and tropical birdsong create a serene and untouched paradise.

Day 12: Palenque

Out of the misty jungle rises one of Mexico’s most breathtaking archaeological sites: Palenque. Its temples and palaces, wrapped in vegetation, reveal the sophistication of the Maya civilisation at its height. As you wander through the ruins, the calls of howler monkeys echo in the distance, a reminder that nature still reigns here.

In the evening, witness an unforgettable sight: in the “Bat Cave”, millions of bats burst from the cenote at dusk, swirling into the orange sky like a living storm.

Day 13: Calakmul

Deep in the jungle near the Guatemalan border lies Calakmul, one of the last great Maya cities reclaimed by nature. As you walk among towering trees and hanging vines, moss-covered ruins emerge, silent remnants of a glorious past. With some luck, you might spot a toucan, a howler monkey or even the elusive shadow of a jaguar.

Day 14: Río Hondo

Today you trade jungle for water. In the far southeast of Yucatán, glide by kayak along the Río Hondo as it flows into the Bay of Chetumal. The journey takes you through mangroves and lagoons teeming with life: silver herons rest on branches, dolphins play nearby and black vultures circle high above. The rhythm of the paddles and the gentle murmur of the water bring a rare sense of calm, a moment to simply breathe.

Day 15: Bacalar

On the shores of the Bacalar Lagoon, time seems to slow. This tranquil town exudes quiet charm, watched over by the colonial Fort San Felipe, a reminder of the pirate attacks that once plagued the coast.

As evening falls, embark on a sunset tour. The route begins at the mysterious Cenote de la Bruja — the “Witch’s Cenote” — and continues to Bird Island. As the sun sinks, the sky and lagoon glow in golden and pink hues, while parrots and hawks call across the still water.

Day 16: Milpa

En route to Chichén Itzá, discover the ancient Maya farming system known as the Milpa. Corn, beans and squash — the “three sisters” — grow together on a single field, nourishing both soil and spirit. A simple yet ingenious practice rooted in balance and respect for the land.

Day 17: Chichén Itzá & cenotes

Today you visit one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites: Chichén Itzá. Among majestic temples and ceremonial platforms, El Castillo towers above the jungle, a striking symbol of Maya astronomical mastery.

In the afternoon, journey to Homún to explore the “underworld” of the Yucatán Peninsula. Between open and hidden cenotes in shades of emerald and turquoise, the sunlight dances on the water in endless reflections, a magical finale to a journey rich in nature, culture and wonder.

Day 18: Return home

After a final breakfast, transfer to Cancún Airport for your flight home. The colours, flavours and spirit of Mexico will stay with you long after you’ve returned.

What is the indicative price of this journey?

Dream trip ahead? For this unique experience, prices start from €8,000 per person, excluding flights. The exact cost depends on your personal preferences and the period of travel.