Mexico · 14 Days / 13 Nights · From $1,980 AUD
Mexi-go on an adventure to sparkling blue cenotes, ancient Maya ruins and bright city streets. Make new amigos with this 14-day overland exploration from the sprawling Mexico City to the coastal Playa del Carmen. This trip covers the best of the mex — from taco crawls and colourful markets in Oaxaca, to jungle ruins in Palenque, UNESCO-listed Campeche, cenotes in the Yucatan and the New Seven Wonder of the World: Chichen Itza. Designed for 18 to 35 year olds.
Welcome meeting and leader-led orientation walk through the historic centre: Zocalo, Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral.
Leader-led taco crawl through local favourites. Visit Gastromotiva — an Intrepid Foundation partner tackling food insecurity.
Meals: Lunch
Travel to Oaxaca. Leader-led orientation walk through the colonial old town.
Free day to explore Oaxaca's markets, colourful street art and traditional handicrafts.
Final day in Oaxaca. Evening overnight public bus to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Arrive in the highland colonial town. Leader-led orientation walk. Free afternoon for cafes and colourful streets.
Free day for optional daytrips to archaeological sites, cenotes or local Maya villages.
Travel through the Chiapas jungle to Palenque. Free evening.
Visit the Palenque Mayan ruins set among thick rainforest. Optional waterfalls and cenote excursions.
Travel to Campeche. Wander the UNESCO-listed pastel old town and sea wall.
Travel to Valladolid. Explore the markets and sample regional Yucatecan food.
Swim in Yokdzonot Cenote — run by a cooperative of local Maya women. Home-cooked lunch in Piste.
Meals: Lunch
Visit Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders. Continue to coastal Playa del Carmen. Optional snorkelling.
Trip ends. Arrange onward travel or extend your stay on the Caribbean coast.
Quick answers to the most common questions about this trip.
No — Australian passport holders can enter Mexico visa-free as tourists for stays up to 180 days. You'll fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) on the plane or at the border.
Moderate fitness. The trip involves walking through markets, exploring Maya ruins like Palenque and Chichen Itza on foot, and one optional cenote swim. Pace is relaxed with plenty of free time.
Yes. The Day 5 overnight bus from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas is a long-distance Mexican coach with reclining seats — the standard way locals travel between cities. iFlyGo books a reputable operator with a strong safety record.
12 nights hotel + 1 night overnight bus, all transport (private vehicle, public bus, taxis), Mexico City taco crawl, Gastromotiva visit, orientation walks in 3 cities, Yokdzonot Cenote swim, Piste home-cooked lunch, Chichen Itza guided entry, English-speaking leader. International flights are not included.
The trip stays in well-travelled tourist areas — Mexico City centre, Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, the Yucatan coast — which are well-developed and safe for groups. Standard travel precautions apply (don't flash valuables, stick with the group at night).
Definitely — many travellers add 2–7 extra days in Playa del Carmen or Tulum at the end, or fly out to Cuba or onward to Central America. We can help arrange post-trip accommodation and onward flights.
Ready to Book?
14 days from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen — cenotes, Chichen Itza, Maya ruins and more, from just $1,980 AUD per person. For 18–35s.