The ancient city of Teotihuacan reached its zenith around 1,000AD when it was the 6th biggest city in the world with a population of about 125,000. Amongst the avenues and structures are the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the 3rd and 4th largest in the world. We explore this impressive archaeological zone with an expert local guide to unearth some of the site's secrets. Returning to Mexico City, we visit the historic centre on a walking tour based around the Zocalo (main square) and the Cathedral Metropolitana.
Our exploration will start in the capital's main square, known as the Zócalo, but officially named the Plaza de la Constitución. Considered one of the biggest squares in the world, and just as it was an important gathering place for the Aztecs, it remains so in modern day Mexico, often hosting book fairs and concerts. On the North side of the Zócalo is the Metropolitan Cathedral. The largest Cathedral in the Americas, it was constructed over the Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, as a sign that the Spanish were now in power.
Our tour finishes outside of The "Palacio de Bellas Artes". Construction of this massive neoclassical building began in 1904, on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent, under the Italian architect Boari. It has an art nouveau style and its facade is made of marble from Carrara. Stay: Hotel Royal Reforma or similar (B).
Today we head out for a day of exploring the bohemian side of Mexico City. We start off by making our way to the south of the city and a particular house hidden behind cobalt blue walls known as Casa Azul. This is where the acclaimed artist Frida Kahlo was born, grew up and, eventually, lived with her muralist husband, Diego Rivera until she died in 1954 at the age of 47. Now a museum, the colonial house, set around a luxuriant garden, doesn't only showcase the collections and personal effects of the two great artists but is a window into the life of affluent Mexican bohemians in the first half of the 20th Century.
Next, we visit the quaint neighbourhood of Coyoacan (meaning place of coyotes) with its pebbled streets, colonial churches, bustling little markets and quiet squares. This area was inhabited before the arrival of the Spanish and it is said that the conquistador, Hernan Cortes, made this the first capital of New Spain. Finally, we enjoy a relaxing ride on a pre-Hispanic boat along the peaceful waters of the Xochimilco Canals. These scenic waterways would have been used by the Aztecs and today see us enjoying a relaxing journey past floating gardens and little floating kitchens selling local food. We will return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Stay: Hotel Royal Reforma or similar (B).
We spend this morning discovering the city of Puebla which has been given UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture. We visit the Patio de los Azulejos and the ex-Convent of Santa Rosa, both of which provide classic examples of how ‘talavera' tiles were incorporated into buildings, inside and out. Early settlers who came from Talavera de la Reina in Spain introduced these tiles and associated ceramics. Today the glazed pottery has become synonymous with Puebla.
After our city tour we continue our journey and drive towards another Mexican World Heritage City, Oaxaca (about 4. 5hrs). With a colonial centre of shaded pedestrian streets, bright, clear light, indigenous traditions and a creative atmosphere, Oaxaca has attracted and inspired many artists and artisans alike. The city boasts such sights as the beautiful zocalo (main square), the Cathedral and the vast Convento de Santo Domingo, along with museums, fascinating markets and charming inns. Stay: Hotel Oaxaca Real or similar (B).
The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration is possibly the most vibrant and colourful tribute to human mortality there is. Mexican's pay tribute to the dead, especially close relatives, visiting graves and congregating around headstones to lay edible offerings alongside mounds of golden marigolds, the 'Flor de Muerto' (flower of the dead). Today will be full of new experiences that will take you closer to understand the myth and history of the Day of Dead and discover some of the festivities and traditions. As well as visiting some cemeteries around San Cristobal de las Casas to see the altars and tributes made to loved ones, we also plan to see some markets and bakeries with ornaments and essentials for the Day of the Dead festivities. This is a great chance to sample some specialities that are only on offer during this festival.
Our day will also include some time at the Chamulan village Romerillo where we can join in with festivities happening locally. In this area, the ancient traditions of Day of the Dead haven't changed in many years. Traditionally the 31st of October is for cleaning graves - they are made to look fresh (recently dug with dirt piled up and fresh pine needles laid to represent eternal life), planks of wood to represent doors are then placed on top. On November the 1st the festivities begin. Offerings including the deceased favourite food and drink are placed on the graves to be shared with the departed.
The 'doors' are opened so that friends and family can have conversations with their loved ones. There is mourning in evidence but also smiles and laughter, and the experience is overwhelmingly life affirming and uplifting. In Romerillo the cemetery is also covered with huge blue wooden crosses decorated in chrysanthemums, which makes for a very colourful view. By spending some time in Romerillo you will be exposed to a very authentic and traditional Day of the Dead celebration. Stay: Hotel Casa Mexicana or similar (B).
About two hours drive from Campeche is our second Mayan site: Uxmal. Quite open, it is in contrast to the jungle-ruins of Palenque we visited yesterday. This site, which dates to the late classic era (500-800AD) and features the Pyramid of the Magician; the Nunnery Quadrangle with long, elaborately carved facades; and a ball court where a traditional ball game was played, sometimes ending in human sacrifice. Having worked up an appetite we have lunch at a local Mayan family restaurant. Here we get to eat Pollo Pibil and Cochinita Pibil – slowly cooked pork and chicken. The meat is roasted for about 5hrs along with achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves.
This is a typical Yucatan dish and representative of the local cuisine. After lunch it's about 1. 5hrs drive to Merida. A number of the city's buildings, including the cathedral, were built using Mayan stones found on this site and, along traditional colonial architecture, features 19th century houses built in a French style. Arriving mid-afternoon we have a walking tour of Merida, returning later to enjoy the main square which is particularly delightful at night. Stay: Hotel Caribe or similar (B/L).
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Exodus Adventure Travels
Cities