Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

21 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners

Others

Included activities Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (Closed Mondays) Mexico City - Leader-led city tour of Historic center Mexico City - National Palace and Diego Rivera murals Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led city tour Maya village - San Juan Chamula Church (Entrance Fee) Maya village - Zinacantan church (Entrance fee) Agua Azul waterfall - Visit with option to swim (Entrance fee) Merida - Leader-led orientation walk Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee) Izamal - Convento de San Antonio de Padua (Entrance) Izamal - Leader-led walking tour Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) San Jose - Leader-led walking tour Los Santos - Don Cornelio Family Coffee Experience Palmar Norte - Finca 6 Sphere Museum (Entrance) Corcovado - San Pedrillo Station Hike Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Transport

Private vehicle,Plane,Shared boat

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Comfortable Hotel (18 nights),Lodge (3 nights)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos, welcome to Mexico City! On arrival, take a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel. If you have time, perhaps take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant and rapidly growing capital where the ancient and modern collide. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening for a welcome meeting at 6pm – until then, the day is yours. After the welcome meeting you may like to head out with your leader for an optional group dinner, an opportunity to get stuck straight into the many local culinary delights!Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Mexico City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Mexico City

Get to know Mexico City during a guided tour with your leader. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest and one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America. You’ll also explore Zocalo, the city’s main square, and the sprawling National Palace, where you can check out murals by famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Your tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, home to an impressive collection of 600,000 pieces of Mexican art and artifacts. After the tour, the day is yours to spend as you please. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) museums are two popular sights worth checking out as an optional activity. Trotsky, having come off second-best to Stalin in the race to the helm during the Soviet era, was expelled and found refuge in Mexico City where he was eventually murdered, while Frida Kahlo is perhaps the most renowned Mexican artist in history. Otherwise, just outside of the city, a visit to the colourful floating gardens of Xochimilco makes for an enjoyable afternoon.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Day 3: Puebla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Puebla

Depart Mexico City this morning and visit the ancient Teotihuacan ruins, once one of the biggest cities in the world. Meet with a local guide and discover the amazing ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. Stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’ and see the clues to what life was like here nearly 2000 years ago. Continue to the city of Puebla, joining your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings and explore the beautifully preserved city centre. Puebla is known for its delicious food scene and your leader will have tips on the best places to dine on local specialties this evening.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Day 4: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Oaxaca

Say adios to Puebla and carry on to Oaxaca. This beautiful city is known for its colonial architecture, cuisine and lively art scene, but it's also a great place to browse for traditional Mexican handicrafts, with descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec selling an array of bright woven blankets and shawls. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a short walk to help orientate you, and to point out useful services such as bus stops or ATMs. Oaxaca is known for its incredible food so you're sure to enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant, perhaps enjoying regional specialties like tlayudas or mole.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 Day 5-6: Oaxaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5-6: Oaxaca

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca has much to offer travellers so make the most of two free days in this vibrant city. Take the days at your own pace, with a range of optional activities to consider. You may like to dig into Oaxaca’s celebrated cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Or perhaps pay a visit to the archaeological site of Monte Alban. The Zapotec civilisation began construction of this city around 200 BC, and Olmecs and Mixtecs have inhabited it at different times. Have your camera ready to go, because up here you can get an amazing view across the three legs of the valley of Oaxaca. Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the streets and take the opportunity to feast on some regional delicacies. Season depending, a folkloric ballet performance is also a great optional activity. The Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is also well worth a visit.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 Day 7: Salina Cruz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Salina Cruz

Spend the day exploring Oaxaca’s surrounds, before travelling to Salina Cruz for the night. Set off with your leader this morning, first stopping at the famous Tule Tree, a 1500-year-old Montezuma cypress with a 36-metre circumference, making it one of the widest in the world. Travel onwards to the Mitla archaeological ruins, once the religious centre for the Zapotec people. Lunch today will be at the home of a local Zapotecan family where you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes and learn about the culture of the indigenous Zapotec people. Visit a woman-owned mezcal farm and tour the cacti plantation. A little sampling of the different mezcals rounds out your day of exploration. Relax on the bus as you travel to Salina Cruz for the night.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Your journey continues as you drive to the Sumidero Canyon, a gigantic natural canyon with walls reaching as high as 1,000 metres. Here you’ll hop aboard a boat for an up close and personal tour of this remarkable landscape. Be sure to keep an eye (or an ear) out for howler monkeys along the way! After your boat tour, drive to the charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas. Once in 'San Cris', as it's known, take a walk and soak up the strong old-world atmosphere of this town, which is due in no small part to the grand Spanish colonial architecture, prominent indigenous cultures and winding cobblestone streets. Your leader will help orientate you with a walk around the town centre, then you are free to venture wherever your heart desires!Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

This morning, your leader will take you on a walking tour of the city, passing impressive cathedrals, green plazas and countless museums. Next, head to the nearby Maya village of San Juan Chamula. Nestled in the highlands, this village serves as a marketplace and religious ceremonial centre for the indigenous communities who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and can often be seen wearing their own distinctive, colourful clothes. Make the short drive to the next town of Zincantan. As you explore with your leader, you'll learn more about these mostly Maya communities. Later, during free time back in San Cris, perhaps rent a bike to explore the town further.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 Day 10: Palenque
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Palenque

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque and its surrounding jungle. It will be an early start to minimise the chance of hitting road closures common in the area. There will be a stop or two to stretch your legs, before arriving at the low and wide Agua Azul Waterfalls, which flow slowly over limestone rocks. There's time for lunch and a quick dip, so remember to pack your swimsuit! Otherwise, enjoy a scenic stroll around the beautiful surroundings, before continuing to Palenque.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 Day 11: Palenque
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Palenque

Set out this morning to the archaeological site of Palenque. Located on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle, these are some of the most astounding Maya ruins in the region, dating back as far as AD600. Some of the ruins remain unexcavated and are hidden in the surrounding forest. Enjoy a guided tour of the site and listen out for the calls of howler monkeys as you explore this lost city. After your tour, head back to your hotel in the more modern city of Palenque and perhaps spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 Day 12: Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Merida

Settle in for another driving day as you travel from Palenque to the historic city of Merida. Your drive will be broken up with short stops and an included lunch stop. Lunch will be a moreish selection of local seafood, with alternatives available. Founded in 1542, Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and has retained much of its old-world charm. After the drive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader where you’ll have the chance to check out the city’s colonial buildings and learn about its Maya heritage.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 Day 13: Merida
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Merida

Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the other. The outdoor market is another essential visit, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil ('little pig') or the incredibly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. If you can't visit enough Maya sites, you may want to head for the ancient ruins of Uxmal. Here you'll visit the amazing Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the best example of classic Maya architecture. You may choose to travel west out to the coast to take a boat ride and visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. Here, near extensive beaches lined with coconut trees, you'll see a variety of coastal birds. Depending on the season (usually November to March), you may be able to witness the magnificent sight of thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 14: Playa Del Carmen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Playa Del Carmen

Your first stop today is Chichen Itza, possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico. You'll see the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan standing over the ruins and not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’, where many disputes are known to have been settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it was not such a casual sport. Following a guided tour of the site, enjoy a special lunch with a local family in the town of Piste. Tuck into a traditional Pibil feast, a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family have perfected over generations. Finally, continue to the popular seaside town of Playa del Carmen, where you may like to join your group for a final dinner together.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 15: San Jose
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: San Jose

You will be transferred back to the airport, where you will say goodbye to Mexico and fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. You will be unescorted on this flight. Upon arrival you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers and your Costa Rican tour leader. After the meeting, you have the option to head out with your group to look for your first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15 Day 16: Copey De Dota
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Copey De Dota

At 9 am, after breakfast, take a leader-led walking tour of San Jose’s dynamic downtown area (around 1.5 hours). Around 11 am, you’ll take a private vehicle on a 2-hour drive to Costa Rica’s coffee capital, Zona Los Santos in Frailes. Here, visit the Don Cornelio farm, where you’ll learn how this expensive bean makes it from cherry to cup, with lunch and a delicious coffee tasting. In the afternoon, continue driving another 2 hours to Copey de Dota, and along the way, why not learn some Spanish phrases with an informal language lesson from your leader. The locals will love you for it! Spend the evening at a lodge close to the lush cloud forest.Accommodation: Lodge
Day 16 Day 17: Drake Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Drake Bay

Wake bright and early to depart San Gerardo de Dota at 6am in a private vehicle to visit a small indigenous community. The Térraba, or Teribe, are an indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9,000 hectares) along the Térraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves Matriarchal and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Learn how to carve your own wooden mask, and then share a local lunch before travelling to the port. Take a boat trip to the natural beauty of Drake Bay, part of the Osa Peninsula and close to the Corcovado National Park. This is a great time to speak to your group leader about the activities on offer in the Osa Peninsula, including birdwatching, hiking, or snorkelling off the coast. Please note that most of the activities need to be pre-booked, so if there is something you want to tick off your bucket list, it’s best to get in early. With 13 major ecosystems, over 400 species of birds and all the monkeys, turtles and butterflies you’d ever wish to see, Corcovado is a nature-lover's dream. Enjoy dinner at a lodge hidden away in the rainforest.Accommodation: Lodge
Day 17 Day 18: Corcovado / Drake Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Corcovado / Drake Bay

Wake up in the lush jungle, ready for a hike at San Pedrillo. San Pedrillo is the northernmost park station in Corcovado, and there are multiple hiking trails that you can take, either along the beach or through the forest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest, and maybe spot some spider monkeys, black-cheeked ant tanagers and tapir. Take the chance to cool off in the Pacific shores before heading back to the lodge for lunch. At night, Corcovado comes alive in other ways, with new sights and sounds to be experienced. Consider an optional night jungle Walking tour, where you’ll see a great variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects that aren’t often seen during the day.Accommodation: Lodge
Day 18 Day 19: Manuel Antonio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Manuel Antonio

Depart at 7.30 am to take the boat and then drive 2 hours north to Manuel Antonio, a town nestled by a national park of the same name on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. You’ll find yourself in certified sloth country. There’ll be an optional lunch stop on the way and the afternoon is yours to relax. Drop a towel on the white-sand beaches, take a swim or swing life away in a hammock. In the evening, you could choose to enjoy the Pacific sunset from the water on a sail boat, wishing another night away on your Costa Rican adventure.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19 Day 20: Manuel Antonio
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Manuel Antonio

Take today to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the info and knowledge that you need, so spend some more time discovering and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest, and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home. Later in the day, you could book yourself in a kayak tour of the waterways and mangrove habitat, seeing the park from the water. You could also head to one of Manuel Antonio's famed beaches, rent a surfboard and spend some time catching waves in the water, and rays on the sand.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 20 Day 21: San Jose
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: San Jose

Good morning from beautiful Manuel Antonio. You'll have a free morning here before you head on your way to Costa Rica's capital. Why not hit the sand and go for a morning swim? Otherwise, the town of Manuel Antonio has some cool hangouts for a coffee. If you'd like to take a morning hike through the national park, we don't blame you! Please be aware that you'll have to cover your own entrance fees today. Later on, continue back to San Jose, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is free for you relax and pick up where you left off exploring the city, but be sure to catch up with your travel buddies for dinner.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 21 Day 22: San Jose
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: San Jose

There are no activities planned, so once you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, you are free to leave at any time. Haven’t seen enough in San Jose? Check out the offerings of Urban Adventures tour, from craft beer tours to day-trips to the countryside. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/San-Jose-tours. There's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, so if you'd like to extend your visit and need further accommodation, we’ll be happy to assist (subject to availability).

+18

21 days tour

Best Of Mexico & Costa Rica

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Mexico & Costa Rica

Day 1: Mexico City

Day 2: Mexico City

Day 3: Puebla

Day 4: Oaxaca

Day 5-6: Oaxaca

Day 7: Salina Cruz

Day 8: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 9: San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 10: Palenque

Day 11: Palenque

Day 12: Merida

Day 13: Merida

Day 14: Playa Del Carmen

Day 15: San Jose

Day 16: Copey De Dota

Day 17: Drake Bay

Day 18: Corcovado / Drake Bay

Day 19: Manuel Antonio

Day 20: Manuel Antonio

Day 21: San Jose

Day 22: San Jose

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