12 DAYS Mexico Grande

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12 DAYS Mexico Grande

THE ONE THAT SERVES UP MEXICO IN ALL ITS GLORY OVER 14 FABULOUS DAYS. VIVA MEXICO!

Viva Mexico! This magical destination truly has it all. From sun-soaked Puerto Vallarta and Cancun to the jungles of the Yucatan, from the World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza to the thriving metropolis of Mexico City, there’s something for everyone in this colourful country. Immerse yourself in adventure activities, water sports, cultural sites, an unbelievable variety of food, and a sizzling nightlife. In every aspect, Mexico turns up the heat

DAY 1 - Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

Puerta Vallarta will be sure to impress as your first destination. One of the most popular beach towns in Mexico known as the ‘Mexican Riviera’. Spa, pool, relax, repeat are all high on the agenda today. You’ll be thinking – ah, this is the life and then we’ll top it all off with a stunning beachfront dinner, with the water and twinkling lights setting an unforgettable scene.

Stay

Hotel Hacienda Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta

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Beachfront Dinner

DAY 2 - Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

Today you’re free as a bird and that means exploring as much or as little of Puerto Vallarta as you like. Punta Mita is known for perfect beginner waves if surfing in a secluded bay is your thing, if not, then there are plenty of other activities on offer, including a ride on a pirate ship cruise compete with an acrobatic performance and fireworks. Sign us up! What else? Today you could find yourself speeding through the jungle on a zipline, or getting spending the day away at the beachside town of Sayulita. And for those keen to kick it right in downtown Puerto Vallarta, then head to some beachside watering holes for drinks, giant lobster feasting, swims and people watching. One, two or a combo of all are well and truly acceptable.

Stay

Hotel Hacienda Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Extreme Zipline Adventure

US98.00

Pirate of the Bay

US$91.50

DAY 3 - Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara via Tequila

Puerto Vallarta

Saying farewell to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, we’ll head inland towards the gorgeous Guadalajara – the ‘Pearl of the West’, but not before stopping in a little town that goes by the name of Tequila…

Tequila

We’re in Tequila (you guessed it), for a tour of an authentic Tequila distillery. Surrounded by swaying fields of Blue Agave, we’ll learn all about this invigorating spirit, and why it means so much to the region (tequila can only come from Tequila, naturally). Finally, we’re on our way to Guadalajara, where even more exciting times await.

Guadalajara

Tonight you could go and find a spot to watch one of the city’s famous live Mariachi bands do it’s thing. We guarantee you will want to continue the fiesta, so tonight there is a chance to sample this city’s nightlife. While you stroll around the streets you’ll get a feel for the old and new world architecture that this place is known for.

Stay

Hotel de Mendoza Guadalajara

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Experience Ceboruco and the panoramic pictures

Visit of a Tequila distillery with tasting

DAY 4 - Guadalajara to Guanajuato

Guadalajara

Start the day off with a guided city tour of Guadalajara, where we will learn about it’s four main squares and cathedral. Next up you’ll hit the old colonial city of Guanajuato where you will learn about the history of the famous silver mining town and how the economy has shaped much of its culture.

Guanajuato

Heavy on the Spanish influence, this UNESCO World Heritage city will transport you to another time and get lost for hours in its quaint cobblestone alleyways. Uncover the tales of the town, it’s famous ‘Mummies’ and its most famous lovers at the ‘Alley of Kisses’. Next up, the Hidalgo Market, designed by Gustav Eiffel himself. After all this exploring, we’ll finish the day over dinner with the group to feast on traditional regional flavours. Arrrriba!

Stay

Hotel Gran Plaza Guanajuato

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Guided city tour

Walking tour of Guanajuato

Hear stories of locals while tasting delicious regional food

Visit the Hidalgo Market

DAY 5 - Guanajuato to Mexico City via San Miguel de Allende

Guanajuato

Thanks to exploring the bright facades of the buildings of this Guanajuato, your eyes should be wide open by now. Just in time too, because there is so much to see and hear in Mexico City.

San Miguel de Allende

See-ya Guanajuato! Time to head to the bustling beauty of Mexico City, but not before stopping in San Miguel Allende, a gorgeous colonial town famed for its baroque Spanish architecture and neo-gothic charm. We’ll walk the cobblestoned streets and admire the famous church of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, whose dramatic pink towers rise majestically above the plaza of El Jardin.

Mexico City

Welcome to the colourful capital of this fascinating country: Mexico City. Mexico City is the largest city in the country and impressively, the oldest capital in Central America. Known for it’s Aztec temple, it’s surprising altitude at 2200m, and mountainous landscape, it’s busy, bustling and oh so wonderful. It’s time to get our fiesta hats on.

Stay

Hotel Royal Reforma Mexico City

DAY 6 - Mexico City

Mexico City

The theme ‘getting out there’ will take on a whole new meaning today. Floating gardens, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the focus for this leg of your journey in this bustling city. We’ll even take to the water for a traditional Trajinera boat, where you can grab a drink, do some shopping and watch the world float on past. Tonight, re-fuel with city eats, like enchiladas, tamales, tacos and even head out and get a little loco.

Stay

Hotel Royal Reforma Mexico City

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Cruise on a Trajinera

DAY 7 - Mexico City

Mexico City

It’s a busy one today, travellers. Archaeological city Teotihuacan, pyramids and Aztec temples are the focus for this leg of your journey. As you go, local guides will kindly impart their extensive knowledge on many interesting topics so you’re in the know on anything and everything here. Tonight, re-fuel with city eats, like enchiladas, tamales, tacos and even head out and get a little loco. And if you happen to be here at the right time, you might even get to experience Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling!

Stay

Hotel Royal Reforma Mexico City

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Tour the Pyramids of Teotihuacan

DAY 8 - Mexico City to Merida

Mexico City

Now you bid farewell to Mexico City before the finale of the trip where you will meet again. You’ve seen and learnt a lot, but now it is time for a change of scenery and pace – a an included flight out to the white stone city of Merida is on the cards.

Merida

Soft and beautiful, Merida will take you in its arms and show you the quieter side of Mexico. A walking tour will show off this small town’s gorgeous atmosphere, it won’t take you long to feel right at home once you reach the old town. You’ll have some free time to explore the bustling markets, where you will find many treasures to take home. Later, ask your Trip Manager for the best place to head to feast o Yucatan specialities that will delight the tastebuds, before no-doubt dalling into blissful slumber.

Stay

Hotel Caribe

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Walking tour of Meridas sights

Included flight to Merida

DAY 9 - Merida to Cancun via Chichen Itza

Merida

Pack up your swag of Mexican trinkets and say goodbye to the calm oasis of Merida and hello yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza

These ancient ruins are the most famous and best preserved of their kind in Mayan history. These iconic ruins are one of the big ticks of this country, and a true sight to behold. With our Local Guide leading the charge, Chichen Itza will provoke questions about the Mayan calendar, the positioning of the sun, the connections of the ruins around the country, and the worlds that came before us – a truly special spot on the trip and a history buff’s delight. With more knowledge than you can handle, it’s time for a change of scene, and a dip in an Instagram worthy cenote. These underground lakes or waterholes are are refreshing, lush, foliage covered and a much needed break from the sunshine.

Cancun

In stark contrast, next up is Mexico’s super resort – Cancun. With high energy party vibes oozing from its pores, this stop is a no brainer when it comes to getting involved in the nightlife. One suggestion for tonight is dinner at the Mercado 28, a busy market serving true Mexican delights before heading out to get your P-A-R-T-Y on.

Stay

Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas

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Locally guided tour of the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza

Refrenshing cenote swim

DAY 10 - Cancun

Cancun

Just incase you don’t know the drill by now, an ice cold cerveza should remind you that Cancun is a hub of wonderful entertainment. Feel like taking things further afield? A day trip to Playa del Carmen could be just the ticket. White sand beaches, snorkelling, colourful cafes lining the streets and classic locals and shopping will see you living the good life and playing local in paradise. The legendary nightlife will certainly whip up yet another storm of dancing and live music back in Cancun tonight, so go on, get out there tonight and hit the dancefloor with the squad. Your Trip Manager knows this party like the back of their hand, your guarantee to be the know on all the best spots to head.

Stay

Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas

DAY 11 - Cancun

Cancun

Fun is the name of the game today in this stunning white sand beach spot. Thrillseekers could take a trip to some hidden waters deep in the tropical jungle. A bit of rural island hopping, zipling a stint at Garrafon Natural Reef Park, a visit to some ancient Mayan ruins and finally some more swimming is all on offer. Explore the offshore coral reefs and caves while the sunshine ripples through the crystal clear water. Then back to Cancun where seafood by the seashore is on the menu for a fabulous open-air sunset dinner with the crew.

Stay

Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Relax on the white sand beaches

Sunset beach dinner

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Jungle Maya Expedition & Zipline

US$110.00

DAY 12 - Depart Cancun

Cancun

Morning global roamers, we came, we saw, we conquered all… We’ll fuel up on one last breakfast together, then it’s time to wipe away the tears and do those final friend requests because today you’re homeward bound with firm plans in full steam for a Contiki 2.0 reunion in Asia no-doubt.

WHAT YOU GET

1 nights accommodation

11 nights in Hotel

We always provide comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere – think comfy hotels with bright communal areas for you and your new squad to relax and socialise.

15 included Meals

4 Dinner, 11 Breakfast

You can expect to refuel with hearty breakfasts and delicious dinners from us – but we’ll also give you the opportunity to sample the best local cuisine. Taste all the best local delicacies – from simple street eats to gourmet fare.

Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

All transport included during the trip

Getting around Latin America is half the fun, and all transport is included for the duration of your trip. Private, air conditioned mini coaches allow you soak up all that scenery in style, but it’s our unique, local forms of transport that make the journey all part of the adventure.

Your group

Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world

Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.

Experiences

13 included, 3 optional that you can add

From a tasting tequila in the town of Tequila, to gliding on a traditional Trajinera gondola and visiting the ancient complex of Teotihuacan, this trip includes heaps of real, local and unique experiences that’ll stay with you forever.