Later this month, I'm leaving Colombia to discover Mexico's food, beaches, and ancient civilizations with G Adventures. A little over one year ago, I first had the opportunity to travel with G Adventures in Patagonia.
The experience surpassed my expectations in every way, from our friendly mountain guide, Christian, and the nightly feasts of Patagonian lamb and king crab to the breathtaking scenery and optional activities like ice climbing.
When you factor in airfare, Patagonia is one of the more costly regions of Latin America to visit. By contrast, Mexico remains one of the cheapest, most easily accessible destinations in North America.
The two-week itinerary below hits all the hot spots from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen on the Mayan Riviera. There are so many optional activities in each city that I won't even try to list them all.
It was last year that two of G Adventures' Wanders in Residence, Daniel and Audrey of Uncornered Market, sold me on Oaxaca through their vivid Instagram photos of food and daily life. Add to that Playa del Carmen's massive appeal as a hotspot for digital nomads, and I could no longer delay visiting Mexico.
Last weekend, while researching which UNESCO World Heritage Sites I've visited so far, I found that I may be able to see as many as six new sites on this 15-day tour alone.
- Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
- Historic Centre of Puebla
- Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
- Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca
- Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
- Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
As always, I'll provide live coverage of the trip through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and follow up with articles on Go Backpacking and the G Adventures blog. Expect lots of food photos as I delve into one of my favorite world cuisines!
I'll be arriving in Mexico a week early to visit friends in Puerto Vallarta, and after the tour, I'll spend an extra two weeks exploring Playa del Carmen and the region on my own.
Michael says
Looks like you're going to have a great time!
Anonymous says
Playa is a good, charming alternative to the huge, uniform resort hotels in Cancun. A short ride from Playa you have the ruins of Tulum. A one day trip away - of course, Chichen Itza. My recommendation would be to travel to Chichen Itza renting your own car, rather than taking a tour. Leave early to catch nice shots without too many people. Go to Cenote Ik Kil afterwards and the town of Valladolid on your way back to Playa.
Dave says
Thanks for the tips. I'll still be with the group for Chichen Itza, but I'll have time afterwards to explore Tulum and the region on my own.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
What an incredible adventure! I LOVE Mexico!!! Buen viaje!
Dave says
Thanks Andi
Jenny says
Mexico is fabulous. Be sure to see the Anthropology Museum and the Diego Rivera Murals in Mexico City. Also, if you get a chance, go some of the colonial "silver cities" in the center part of the country. I've been living in Mexico (in Guanajuato) for the past six years and really love it.
Bienvenido!
Dave says
Thanks for the tips Jenny!
Sam H. says
What a great itinerary, take as many optional activities as you can, I know I would.
Emily of Roads Less Traveled says
You're hitting all the great spots. We toured much of that area last spring and loved it. Especially the ancient ruins of Monte Alban (http://roadslesstraveled.us/monte-alban/) and Palenque (http://roadslesstraveled.us/palenque/).
I don't know if you'll have time for a daytrip out of Palenque, but the absolute highlight of our entire time in Chiapas we our river trip to the Mayan ruins at Yaxchilan (we felt like we were walking through the pages of National Geographic) and Bonampak (amazing colorful wall frescoes that almost look Egyptian and so well preserved they could have been painted within my own lifetime not a millenium ago)... http://roadslesstraveled.us/yaxchilan/
Have a ball - wish I were going there too!!!
Dave says
Thanks Emily, I'm excited. I'll keep Yaxchilan and Bonampak in mind.
Julio Moreno says
Hey,
I hope you havent finished this trip yet. Directly south of playa del carmen is Tulum, and the entrance to Sian Ka'an (another UNESCO world Heritage site). My whole blog is based on ranking UNESCO WHS, and I would put Sian Ka'an above Mexico City, Teotihuacan, or even Chichen Itza (which I haven't written a review for yet, but will soon).
I hope you have a blast in Mexico. I visit for months at a time since I have a lot of family there.
BTW, the beaches of Tulum have been ranked as #5 in the world, and I have to say, they are the best Ive ever seen.
Julio Moreno says
BTW, my gravatar picture (the dolphins) were taken in Sian Ka'an
Dave says
Nope, I just arrived in Puerto Vallarta, so I have a few weeks before I reach Playa. Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely hit Tulum!
slawomir says
Hi Dave ,
How was the tour ? i'm planning to take it in september .Can you provide me with some insight ?
Slawo
Dave says
I had a great time, and would highly recommend the tour. For me, it was a nice mix of culture and ruins, food, and beach time (at the end, I continued to hang out with people from my group for days after the tour officially ended).
Palenque was everyone's favorite ruins, not Chichen Itza. What else would you like to know?
slawomir przeczek says
Hi Dave ,
Thanks for the quick reply .I just have few more questions ;
- Were you able to see all that's listed in the itinerary ? No changes due to "local occurences" as they state in disclaimer ?
- are the prices for optional attractions accurate ?
-is it safe to do some sighseeing in Puebla,San Cristobal or Oaxcaca on your own ?
Cheers !
Slawo