Discovering Mexico’s Southern Gems in Oaxaca and Chiapas | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Discovering Mexico’s Southern Gems in Oaxaca and Chiapas

PRIVATE TOUR - 9 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3737

Private Tour Highlights

  • Savoring the enticing sights, sounds and smells of San Cristobal de las Casas and Oaxaca, both exquisite colonial towns in the south of Mexico.
  • Exploring the intriguing archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla near Oaxaca City, where a string of pre-Columbian civilizations flourished.
  • Gazing up in wonder at the craggy rock faces of the towering Sumidero Canyon as you sail along the Grijalva River.
  • Going for a dip in the pools of the Agua Azul waterfalls, named so for the inviting waters’ effervescent hues.
  • Observing the traditions of the highland villages in Chiapas, including the distinctive dress, colorful markets and festivals.
  • Soaking up the historical gems of Mexico City, including colonial palaces, imposing cathedrals and atmospheric streets.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

The Discovering Mexico’s Southern Gems in Oaxaca and Chiapas package includes exciting stops in Mexico City, the southern state of Oaxaca, and the colonial jewel of San Cristobal de las Casas before heading on to Palenque. About 130 kilometers south of Ciudad del Carmen, this site is much smaller than Tikal or Copán, but features some of the Mayas’ finest architecture. Palenque, dating back to 100 B.C., is on the western edge of the Maya empire near the present-day city of Chiapas. Well-preserved and maintained by local people and anthropologists, it is one of the most popular ruins for tourists from around the world.

Enjoy a tour to one of the world’s largest metropolis, Mexico City, also the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere. From Mexico City continue to Oaxaca, located in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur, was once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. Next you will go to San Cristobal de las Casas a characteristically indigenous Chiapaneca town nestled in the heart of the jungle highlands. From San Cristobal de las Casas, continue to the city of Palenque and the ruins.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations at the Four Seasons in Mexico City and Camino Real Oaxaca.

Inclusions
Price includes:
Local air transportation from Mexico City to Oaxaca, Oaxaca to Tuxtla-Gutierrez and Villahermosa to Mexico City, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Note: Museums closed on Monday. Prices include private day tours and transfers in this itinerary. Yampu Tours believes this is the best way to experience the destination but if you are interested in group/shared tours please consult with your Yampu Tours Tour Consultant.
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Package Price: From £$ 3737

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Mexico City

Upon arrival in Mexico City transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure or choose from optional excursions.

Upon arrival in Mexico City transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure or choose from optional excursions.

Day
2

Teotihuacan Site – Mexico City Walking Tour

In the morning, depart the city heading to the breathtaking archaeological site of Teotihuacan. By the afternoon, after the tour of the ruins, return to Mexico City to visit the first quarter – el Zocalo. Mexico City is also known as the Ciudad de los Palacios (City of Palaces). The tour continues in the main square, where one will visit some Colonial palaces like the Palacio Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral and other beautiful architectural jewels and walk through the main streets. Continue to the Paseo de la Reforma to admire its monuments and buildings. ...read less

teotihuacan-mexico
Day
3

Oaxaca

Transfer to the airport for the flight to one of the most traditional states in the country: Oaxaca, in Southern Mexico. There, a ride will be waiting to transfer to the hotel. Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful colonial city center.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to one of the most traditional states in the country: Oaxaca, in Southern Mexico. There, a ride will be waiting to transfer to the hotel. Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful colonial city center.

Day
4

Monte Alban – Mitla

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the impressive archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla. Today, Mitla is a popular destination for tourists to Oaxaca. It has a small museum and hosts a large outdoor market. Many of the townspeople speak a form of the Zapotec language.

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the impressive archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla. Today, Mitla is a popular destination for tourists to Oaxaca. It has a small museum and hosts a large outdoor market. Many of the townspeople speak a form of the Zapotec language.

Monte-Alban-mexico
Day
5

Oaxaca

Enjoy a half-day city tour of Oaxaca. Optional Oaxacan cuisine cooking course available, not included in price.

Enjoy a half-day city tour of Oaxaca. Optional Oaxacan cuisine cooking course available, not included in price.

Oaxaca-Casa-de-Cantera-Restaurant-Mexico
Day
6

San Cristobal de las Casas

Early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Upon arrival, be greeted for airport reception and transfer to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, visit the enormous Sumidero Canyon to enjoy a boat ride. Live an unforgettable experience sailing throughout the Grijalva River all across a geological fault formed millions of years ago with dramatic cliffs of up to one kilometer high and the river's depth of up to 100 meters deep; the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon is located near San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas. Wild monkeys and iguanas inhabit the area, among other different wild animals. ...read less

Sumidero-Canyon-Mexico
Day
7

San Juan Chamula - Zinacantan

Today, enjoy a half-day tour of the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village has its own distinctive highland dress as well as a weekly market and numerous festivals honoring their patron saint and other special religious days. Afterwards, walk through the colonial streets of San Cristobal de las Casas. San Cristobal de las Casas is a colonial jewel right in the heart of the Chiapas highlands. It is the indigenous soul of the town, coexisting harmoniously with its colonial charm, making it such an enchanting place to visit. ...read less

San-Cristobal-Church-Mexico
Day
8

Agua Azul - Palenque

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to the small town of Palenque. On the way, visit the spellbinding “Agua Azul” waterfalls.

Get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes, to the small town of Palenque. On the way, visit the spellbinding “Agua Azul” waterfalls.

aqua-azu-waterfall
Day
9

Palenque - Villahermosa

Enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque. Walk through the same paths as the great Mayan Lords and feel the charm and mystery of this culture while discovering the Mayan site of Palenque, located in the northwest of the Maya lowlands in Chiapas, Mexico. Surrounded by jungle, Palenque is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Mesoamerica as well as a ceremonial center and home to a number of Mayan Lords. There are religious temples, plazas, open courts and a ball court, but majority of the structures are palaces. Artifacts discovered at this site tell us about the Mayan Lords and in particular of Lord Pacal, one of the most well-known Lords of the Mayan civilization. Continue to Villahermosa for the night. ...read less

Palenque-temple-Mexico
Day
10

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mexico City and connect with the flight home.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mexico City and connect with the flight home.

Mexico City, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

Palenque, Mexico

Villahermosa, Mexico

Places You'll See

  • palace-fine-arts-mexico-city

    Mexico City

    From the bustling nightlife, to the massive collection of museums, Mexico City appeals to all. Bring the family to Six Flags Mexico, or the Chapultepec Park and Zoo. Sports fans can enjoy the Estadio Azteca, the biggest soccer stadium in the world, or the Arena Mexico to watch the famous Lucha Libre. Or simply stroll the streets and visit different restaurants and shops.

  • mexico-oaxaca-cathedral

    Oaxaca

    Capital of the Mexican state Oaxaca, Oaxaca city is a bustling area with impressive colonial structures and important archaeological sites including Monte Alban. This Zapotec site was created by leveling the mountains and constructing terraces. Keep in mind this was all before the massive power tools of today. One can explore the markets and take cooking classes along with Spanish lessons.

  • Palenque-pyramid-Mexico

    Palenque

    Containing some of the finest architecture, Palenque was once a Maya city state that had been abandoned to be swallowed by the Mexican jungle. Now partially excavated, eight temples and other structures stand today. It is believed that this is only ten percent of the entire Maya City that is still mostly consumed by nature. Enjoy a guided tour and learn what there is of this ancient city.

  • olmec-tabasco-mexico

    Villahermosa

    Villahermosa is an important business center for Mexican oil companies, rich in farming and agriculture, and the capital city of the Mexican state of Tabasco. Visit La Venta, an archeological site consisting of pieces from the Olmec civilization, the first major civilization in Mexico.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Mexico City : Hotel NH Centro Historico

Oaxaca : Mision de Los Angeles

Oaxaca : Hotel Casa Conzatti

San Cristobal de las Casas : Ciudad Real Centro Historico

San Cristobal de las Casas : Diego de Mazariegos

Palenque : Mision Palenque

Villahermosa : Hilton Villahermosa & Conference

4 Star Properties

Oaxaca : Hotel Victoria

San Cristobal de las Casas : Villa Mercedes San Cristobal

Palenque : Chan-kah Resort Village

Palenque : Villa Mercedes Palenque

Villahermosa : Quinta Real Villahermosa

5 Star Properties

Mexico City : Presidente InterContinental (Polanco View)

Mexico City : Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Oaxaca : Quinta Real Oaxaca

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (deluxe room)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Casa del Alma Boutique Hotel

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (standard)

Luxury Properties

Mexico City : St. Regis

Mexico City : Four Seasons

Oaxaca : Casa Catrina

Oaxaca : Hacienda Los Laureles and spa Hotel Boutique

San Cristobal de las Casas : Parador San Juan de Dios (Master suite)

San Cristobal de las Casas : Hotel Bo (Ik suite)

Palenque : Quinta Cha Nab Nal (deluxe Suite)

Villahermosa : Hilton Villahermosa & Conference (Deluxe suite)

Testimonials

Leelani F.

Traveled May, 2013

your sales consultants have an excellent way with dealing with clients

Thank you very very much for our wonderful tour of South America. you have done such a wonderful job of looking after us and I must thank you for it. I do not know whether you are aware, but your sales consultants have an excellent way with dealing with clients. They works with them beautifully. I do appreciate how they would always telephone me. And attended to all our requirements (which was changing constantly).We have recommended you to a lot of friends. you will be hearing from them, hopefully, soon. Thank you once again.

Ed from Takoma, MD

Traveled April, 2009

We loved the beach resort

We loved the beach resort (Shangri La Caribe) in Playa del Carmen. As far as we could tell it was by far the nicest place along that part of the coast. The rest of the trip also went well, except Palenque where I got sick and never made it to the ruins. We also loved San Cristobal del Las Casas and could have spent much more time there. All the other hotels were fine. Overall, a very good trip from my perspective.

Traveled To

Zoe, UK client

Traveled September, 2009

The itinerary was perfect

We had a fantastic time! The itinerary was perfect. I’d thoroughly recommend Yagul. Although it’s less well known, and less visited (apart from the archeologists we were the only people there), it’s on the way to Mitla and is very picturesque and has the second largest ball court in Mesoamerica!

Traveled To

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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