Nov-May11 hrs 40 minsGMT -5-6Over 8s for tours Pacific CoastYear roundMexico Family HolidaysSituated between North and Latin America,
Mexico can assault the senses with the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of a unique mix of culture and landscapes. The country's size and topography guarantees an immense variety of habitats and wildlife; from the tropical jungle in
Chiapas to the
Chichuahan Desert in the north and the pine forests of the central
Sierras to the dramatic coast line of the Pacific. In the air you will discover; toucans, hawks, parrots and eagles on the ground; jaguars, ocelots, tapir and anteaters, while in the sea are; whales, sharks and turtles. Its history is a fascinating procession of peoples and cultures.
Ancient Mayan pyramids, wide
Zapotec ball courts and
Olmec stone heads emerge from the jungle, whilst beautiful catholic convents and luxurious haciendas line the cobbled streets of the colonial towns and villages. Whether your desire is to climb ancient pyramids, admire smoking volcanoes, meet the local wildlife or just relax on the beach, the Mexican people will ensure a warm and friendly reception.
Due to its size and diversity we have chosen two family itineraries for Mexico.
Our Recommended Itineraries Destination Highlights:- Mayan pyramids
- Jungle ruins
- Colonial cities
- Beautiful beaches
Colonial Cities and Pacific BeachesDay 1Fly from London to Mexico City. Transfer to the
Holiday Inn, Zocalo.
Day 2Enjoy a tour to the staggering
Teotihuacan, the place whose name means "where men become gods". This is one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world and dominated life in the region for 500 years. The ceremonial centre with its temples, palaces and pyramids still bear testament to the splendour of the ancient city, although the origin and way of life of its inhabitants still remain a mystery!
Day 3Today you will take a private tour to Xochimilico. This area was once a lakeside village but today is the only part of
Mexico City still to have the canals and semi-floating flower and vegetable gardens built by the Aztecs. Enjoy a boat trip through the colourful waterways with refreshments provided on board.
Day 4The historic town of
Patzcuaro is your next destination. Set amid the pastures and pine forests on
Lake Patzcuaro your hotel here will be the
Posada de la Basilica. En route visit the butterfly sanctuary where between late November and mid-February it is possible to see the amazing Monarch butterflies that arrive in their thousands.
Days 5 - 7On your first day here you will take a private tour to the
Purepecha archeological site of
Tzintzuntzan, the former Tarascan capital, with its 16th-century Franciscan convent and crafts market. You will also visit Lake Zirahuen and enjoy a boat trip and an Adventure Zip Line tour!
On your second day in the region you will travel to
Santa Clara del Cobre to see artisans in their workshops working copper. Enjoy a local lunch followed by an afternoon city tour of
Patzcuaro. Sites to visit include the
Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Salud and the baroque
Templo del Sagrario.
Day 8Morelia is your first stop this morning. Founded in the mid-1500s, the first settlers here were Spanish nobility and the colonial style streets and captivating Spanish architecture make it a pleasant city to explore. Continue on to the City of
Guadalajara and the
Hotel Quinta Real Guadalajara.
Days 9 - 10On your first morning here you will be taken on a privately guided tour to the town of
Tequila and the Herradura Distilery to learn about the history and process of Tequila making!
Children will love the Trompo Magico interactive museum today, followed by a chance to browse round the markets at Tlaquepaque with their overwhelming selection of pottery, blown glass, textiles, metal wood and papier-mache.
Day 11A morning transfer from your hotel to Guadalajara airport connects you with your flight to
Manzanillo and the Pacific Coast! Your destination here is the Tamarindo Resort where you will check into the
El Tamarindo Beach and Golf Resort for a five night stay.
El Tamarindo Beach and Golf Resort is a beautiful property that sits in the middle of a stunning natural landscape. Composed of 29 luxurious casitas the hotel is surrounded by the mountains, jungle, sea and boasts a fabulous golf course!
Days 12 - 15Relax and enjoy your surroundings with the family. Activities include a great variety of watersports; sailing, snorkelling, sea kayaking and bike riding.
Day 16Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The cost of the above is from £3,875 per adult and from £2,470 per child based on a child under 12 years sharing with parents. This price includes international and internal flights, transfers, guided tours and accommodation as mentioned above.
Yucatan Adventure
Day 1Fly from London to
Cancun and transfer to your hacienda accommodation on the edge of
Chichen- Itzá. Settle in, stroll around the hacienda grounds and acclimatise to the warm Yucatan climate.
Day 2Explore the impressive ruins of
Chichen-Itzá. This site is world renowned for the sophistication of its structures, the high level of astronomical and engineering accomplishments and the variety of temples, ball courts and ritual centers. Later you will head to
Cenote Ikkil, one of Yucatan's most enchanting underground pools, for a refreshing swim before a buffet lunch. Continue on to
Mérida, the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Overnight at
Casa del Balam.
Day 3Enjoy a private boat tour of the
Celestun Nature Reserve, home to approximately 300 species of birds throughout the year. After a seafood lunch, take an historic city tour to appreciate
Merida's colonial architecture, churches and monuments.
Day 4This morning your adventure continues deep into the
Loltun Cavern where mammoth bones have been found, as well as evidence of human use dating back 7,000 years. Leave the caverns and head to the ancient ruins of
Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors (considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan Architecture) and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician.
Day 5Head eastwards towards the magical
Mexican Caribbean. Stop en route at
Valladolid, the former colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula where the charming city center has preserved its small plaza and fine architecture. After lunch travel to the ruins of
Coba, buried in a lush rainforest habitat, where monkeys abound. Enjoy a swim at the Yucatan's newly discovered underground watering hole before continuing on to your oceanfront accommodation. Overnight at
Los Lirios.
Day 6Set off on a speedy launch to explore the channels, mangroves and estuaries that harbour a unique marine wilderness.
Sian Kaan is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico and home to a diverse population of birds and mammals. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach.
Day 7After breakfast travel to a Mayan community to learn about everyday life; traditional medicine, musical instruments and the community's honeybees. You will also be treated to a traditional Maya lunch in the village!
Day 8The spectacularly situated Mayan ruins at
Tulum are your destination today, followed by some free time to take in the beachside town of Playa del Carmen.
Day 9Take an early morning transfer to Cancun for your onward flight home.
The cost of the above is from £2,895 per adult and from £1,355 per child under 12 years sharing with parents. This price is based on your international and internal flights, transfers, private guide, sightseeing and accommodation as mentioned.
Would You Like to Know More?
For further information please call any of our consultants on 01285 880 980 or email enquiry@steppestravel.co.uk.
