destination
Viva Mexico
Colourful Towns, Culture & Coast
Overview
Viva Mexico: Small Towns, Festivals & Fun invites you to explore the vibrant heart of Mexico beyond the usual tourist trail. Wander the colourful streets of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende during the lively Day of the Dead celebrations, experience local culture through artisan markets and food tours, and soak up the festive atmosphere in charming plazas. Swim in crystal-clear cenotes, relax on the beaches of Tulum, and step back in time at the iconic Chichén Itzá ruins. This journey blends festivals, culture, and relaxation, offering a holiday that’s immersive, colorful, and full of fun—a true celebration of Mexico’s small-town and coastal charm.
Viva Mexico Photo Gallery
Mexico
We begin our Mexican journey in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. From here, we travel northeast to the historic silver-mining city of Guanajuato, famous for its stunning Baroque facades, colorful alleyways, and underground tunnels. Just a short drive away is San Miguel de Allende, often celebrated as one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns. In both towns, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations, with street parades, decorated altars, and local festivities that bring these towns to life.
From central Mexico, we fly to the Yucatán Peninsula, where the experience shifts to tropical beaches, cenotes, and ancient Mayan history. We’ll stay in colonial Mérida, one of Mexico’s oldest cities, with its bustling markets and colorful streets, and explore nearby cenotes for a refreshing swim. Continuing to Tulum, we’ll relax on powder-white beaches along the Riviera Maya, explore the Coba ruins by bicycle, and take a dip in nearby freshwater cenotes. A highlight of the region is a visit to the iconic Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, steeped in Mayan history and culture.
To conclude our journey, we will take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, a picture-perfect island off the coast of Cancún, where guests can explore charming streets, enjoy pristine beaches, and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere before departure.
2 Week Itineray Outline - (subject to change)
| Time | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly to Guadalajara Arrive in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. Transfer to your hotel in the historic city center and settle in |
| Day 2 | Tequila Excursion Travel to Tequila by private coach and visit two distilleries—Herradura and a smaller artisanal producer. Enjoy lunch and free time in the town square before returning to Guadalajara in the late afternoon. |
| Day 3 | Guadalajara → Guanajuato Drive approximately 5 hours to Guanajuato, arriving in time to catch the opening of the Day of the Dead festivities in this colorful, historic city. |
| Day 4 | Guanajuato: Spend a full day exploring Guanajuato’s tunnels, museums, and cable cars, then enjoy the lively evening parades and Day of the Dead celebrations.. |
| Day 5 | San Miguel de Allende: After breakfast, drive to San Miguel de Allende. Experience the closing parade of the Day of the Dead festivities and explore the town’s charming streets and plazas. |
| Day 6 | San Miguel de Allende: Join a walking food tour to taste local specialties. The afternoon is free for galleries, artisan shops, or a visit to nearby hot springs such as Escondido or La Gruta. |
| Day 7 | San Miguel → León → Mérida Drive to León/Guanajuato Airport (BJX) and take a direct flight to Mérida. Spend the afternoon exploring |
| Day 8 | Mérida & Cenotes: Take a day trip to the Santa Bárbara cenotes, arriving early to swim and explore. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda before returning to Mérida. |
| Day 9 | Mérida → Tulum (via Chichén Itzá) Drive from Mérida to Tulum, stopping en route to visit the iconic Chichén Itzá ruins. Check in to your hotel in the Middle Beach Zone and enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring nearby restaurants or the beach. |
| Day 10 | Tulum: A free day to relax on Tulum’s powder-white beaches, browse local markets, or explore the town. Optional visits include the Tulum ruins or a bike ride along the coast. |
| Day 11 | Take a day trip to Coba ruins, exploring the site by bicycle. Stop at Cenote Choo Ha for a refreshing swim before returning to Tulum in the afternoon. |
| Day 12 | After checking out of Tulum, we transfer to Cancún: Enjoy a free afternoon to browse the lively Mercado 28 or stroll the beaches. |
| Day 13 | Isla Mujeres: Take a morning ferry to explore the island by golf cart, swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or relax on pristine beaches before returning to Cancún. |
| Day 14 | Last morning before Departure. |
Transport: By private minibus. There is one internal flight in Mexico to Yucatan.
Accommodation: In Mexico we will stay in a variety of hotels, both traditional and modern styles.
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