Mexico City & Merida City
(Delight Mexican Cuisine)
- 9 Days
- From : Mexico City
- To : Merida
- Tour
- Guide : English, Spanish
- Minimum age : 10 Years Old
* This product requests separate payment. Promotion code or coupon from Ticket Here is not applicable.
Enjoy Mexican cuisine and the cultural wonders offered by this 9-day seat-in-coach tour. Travel through incredible corners of Mexico City like the neighborhood of Colonia Roma, which has become the showcase of the best Mexican cuisine. Chefs, restaurant owners and food lovers recognize it as the place where gastronomic trends are established in Mexico. In Merida cooking class, you will discover amazing traditional dishes. In addition, you can taste delicious local fruits. You will also learn about the customs and traditions of Yucatan, visit Chichen Itza and bathe in a Cenote.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Mexico City: This enormous, bustling capital city maintains its colonial charm and offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
Xochimilco: UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “place of flowers”. It is best known for its canals and artificial islands called chinampas, which are used to grow flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants that you can admire floating along in a gondola like-boat.
Colonial Roma: Built in the early twentieth century, it was one of the first residential districts in the city, today it is one of the most popular colonies, where the best of vintage and current trends are mixed.
Merida: Yucatan’s ‘White City’ is famed for the elegant tree-lined boulevards from the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the local culture with the traditional dishes and enjoy the cooking class.
Cenotes: Discover the magic of the region’s natural pools that can be found underground or open to the sky.
Chichen Itza: Uncover the mysteries of Maya civilisation at this ancient archaeological site dominated by the imposing Temple of Kukulkan
What’s included?
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with local English & Spanish speaking licensed guide on a shared basis on days 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
ACCOMMODATION:
- 8 nights’ accommodation
MEALS:
- 8 breakfasts,
- 4 lunches on days 3, 6, 7, 8
- 2 dinners on days 2, 8
TRANSPORT:
- Shared transfer between the airport and the hotel in Mexico City
- Air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis
- Shared transfer from Merida Airport to the hotel
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Mexico City tour (day 2), Anthropological Museum (day 2), Garibaldi, Xochimilco BT, Colonia Roma Food Tour (day 3); Teotihuacan, Basilica de Guadalupe (day 4), Cooking Class in Merida (day 6), Haciendas & Cenotes tour (day 7), Uxmal Light & Sound (day 8), Chichen Itza tour (day 9)
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet at Mexico City International Airport on day 1
- Meet & Greet at Merida Airport on day 5
Exclusions
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
- Optional tours
- International and domestic flight tickets or Mexican visa fees and local taxes
- Gratuities for drivers and guides
Please note
- On Monday the Anthropology Museum and National Palace is closed
- Garibaldi & Dinner at Bellini’s tour is not available on Sunday and Monday
- Colonia Roma Food tour is not available on Sunday
- The itinerary order may change depending on the weekday of arrival (in order to make all activities)
- The assigned guide and group size may change during the itinerary
- Estimated arrival time at Cancun is 7.30 pm. So please book the departing flight accordingly (or book an additional night in Cancun)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. However, the climate can be wet and cold, especially in winter, therefore we recommend to bring warm clothes, a raincoat and umbrella. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Mexico City
- Standard Hotel Category = Regente or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Galeria Reforma or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Barcelo Reforma or similar 5*
Day 5 – 8 Merida City
- Standard Hotel Category = Mision Panamericana 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Gamma by Fiesta Inn El Castellano or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Hyatt Merida or similar 5*
Cancellation policy
- Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL MEXICO CITY
Arrive at Mexico City International Airport. Our representative will meet and greet you, and then you will be taken by shared transfer to the selected hotel. Have the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel facilities or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Mexico City.
Day 2 : MEXICO CITY: CITY TOUR, ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND PLAZA GARIBALDI
After the tasty breakfast at the hotel, the guide will wait for you at the hotel to pick you up around 9 am to start with the visit of the historic center, the Zocalo (the main square of the city), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace , which features murals by the famous artist Diego Rivera. Then, we make a stop at the Anthropological Museum, a place that after almost half a century since its creation, remains the most emblematic area that safeguards the indigenous legacy of Mexico. After this 5-hour visit, return to the hotel or if you wish you can stay to explore the area on your own or enjoy lunch at the restaurant and return to the hotel on your own. In the evening at 7.30 pm you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the Bellini restaurant to enjoy a tasty dinner (a local drink included). This restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Mexico City, which offers incredible panoramic views overlooking the flashing lights of the city and the traditional Mexican and international flavors. After dinner before we head back to the hotel, we will stop at Plaza Garibaldi, a nightlife center and a very popular place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mariachis accompanied by traditional dances and delicious drinks (a traditional drink included). Return to the hotel at 12 am.
Overnight in Mexico City
Day 3 : MEXICO CITY: XOCHIMILCO BOAT AND COLONIA ROMA FOOD TOUR
The day starts with breakfast at the hotel and pick up at 08:00 am. Enjoy a traditional boat trip on the trajinera through the canals while listening to Mexican music. After a one-hour tour we will continue to Colonia Roma, where we will take you to seven places where you will taste delicious dishes with the unique flavor that La Roma has to offer: the most delicious fish tacos, delicious contemporary dishes, tasty tamales, creative author cuisine , Mexican wine, craft beer, mezcal and heavenly Mexican coffee made by extraordinary baristas. Meet the people behind the food, listen to their stories and discover the concepts of the restaurant so you can discover why Mexican food is special and unique. Walk with our expert local guide to discover the impressive architecture of mansions and buildings, beautiful squares and fountains while having fun learning the fun stories of famous people and the background stories of the Roma Colony. At approximately 3.30 pm, we will return to the hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Mexico City
Day 4 : MEXICO CITY – TEOTIHUACAN – MEXICO CITY (100 Km – 2 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the lobby at about 9.00 am. You will visit two impressive ceremonial centers, the Basilica of Guadalupe (contemporary) and Teotihuacan (pre-Hispanic), which describe the religious evolution of Mexican people. First transfer to the “Plaza de las Tres Culturas”, the site where the largest market in pre-Columbian Mexico, Tlatelolco is located, where you will have a panoramic view of the esplanade and the archaeological zone. Continue to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the largest religious sanctuary in Mexico, which houses the most revered image in Mexico, that of the Virgin of Guadalupe. You will visit the atrium and its interior. Continue to Teotihuacan “place where the gods are made”. With more than 2,500 years of history, this ceremonial center had a vital development, born in Textiles of natural fibers and Obsidian as a matter of Exchanges and tools. This will be explained in detail at a stop before entering the archeological zone. Enter the enigmatic archaeological zone visiting the temples of “Quetzalpapalotl” (butterfly bird), the “feathered snails” and the entire pyramid of the Moon. Continue to visit the Citadel and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl before the end of the visit with the impressive Pyramid of the Sun. Upon returning to Mexico City, there will be a stop at the typical restaurant for lunch (not included). At approximately 4.30 pm you will return to your hotel.
Overnight in Mexico City
Day 5 : MEXICO CITY – MERIDA (2 hrs by flight)
Start your last day in Mexico City with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, check out and transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your departure flight to Merida (flight not included). Upon arrival at Merida Airport, our representative will meet and greet you, and then transfer you to the selected hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel amenities or exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Merida
Day 6 : MERIDA: MARKET AND COOKING CLASS
Today after breakfast, meet your guide at approximately 8.30 am, to immerse yourself in the local culture with the cooking class! This Merida Market Tasting and Cooking Class tour will start with a visit to the local market. First, you’ll discover amazing traditional dishes. Furthermore, you’ll get to taste delicious local fruits. In addition, you’ll learn about the customs and traditions of Yucatan. After buying all your supplies, you’ll take an exciting bus ride to the local home. Finally, your host and guide will guide you step by step to cook a traditional menu. Return to your hotel at 2 pm.
Overnight in Merida
Day 7 : MERIDA: CENOTES AND HACIENDAS
Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart at approx 9 am to the cenote of Sambula, located in the municipality of Peba; This cenote of crystalline and shallow waters allows you to enjoy this natural beauty. Continue to Hacienda Yaxcopoil to appreciate its ancient Mayan pottery and learn about henequen or green gold. We will continue to the cenote of Yaaludzil in the Mayan town of Mucuyche. We will finish at Hacienda Ochil to enjoy its architecture and gastronomy. After lunch we will return to Merida at around 6 pm.
Overnight in Merida
Day 8 : MERIDA – UXMAL LIGHT AND SOUND
Start the day with a delicious breakfast. Then, you will be picked up at 12.45 pm at the hotel to go to Uxmal. Upon reaching the pyramids, we will explore the place and get to know the Mayan vestiges and interesting constructions full of great wealth and history. You will learn about the history of this archaeological site of the Mayan culture and you will also hear some magical legends of that place. We will visit the Pyramid of the Magi, the House of the Governor, the Temple of the Masks and the Quadrilateral of the Nuns, among other important Mayan constructions. Then, enjoy a buffet dinner in a restaurant, and return to the archaeological site of Uxmal to witness the fascinating spectacle of light and sound that tells the story of the Mayan people. After the show, we will head back to the hotel in Mérida, where you will arrive at around 10.30 pm.
Overnight in Merida
Day 9 : MERIDA – CHICHEN ITZA – DEPART CANCUN OR RIVIERA MAYA (315km – 4 hrs)
Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and be ready for the pick up at about 8.45 am. From Mérida, we will go to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Chichen Itza. Enter the rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula in search of the legendary Mayan city of Chichen Itza, which has been laboriously recovered from the jungle. Learn about the Maya and their civilization while admiring the scale and details of this ancient city. Contemplate the geometric perfection of the 25-meter-high Kukulkan Temple, popularly known as El Castillo (‘el Castillo’), which was built as a representation of the Mayan mystical calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a snake up or down of the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the largest of the 13 discovered on the site, see the disturbing Skull Platform, where the heads of the victims of human sacrifices and prisoners of war were impaled, and also the Sacred Cenote, where the victims of the sacrifice were thrown. Visit very well preserved Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and the adjacent Church, and the great observatory known as the Caracol. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant around Chichen Itza, after which we will go to Cancun or Riviera Maya, and we will leave you at your selected hotel (not included in this program) or at the Cancun airport. Estimated arrival time at Cancun is 7.30 pm so please book the departing flight accordingly (or book an additional night in Cancun).