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Air Canada Vacations

Mexico Grand Adventure

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Mexico, where ancient heritage, vibrant culture, timeless traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together. This thoughtfully designed adventure offers a fascinating blend of rich history and authentic local character, complemented by warm hospitality and the relaxed spirit of the Mexican Caribbean. 

13 days | 12 nights

Format

Guided tour

Trip Highlights

Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays

  • Mexico
    • Mexico City
    • San Juan Teotihuacán
    • Tuxtla Gutiérrez
    • Chiapa de Corzo
    • San Cristóbal de las Casas
    • San Juan Chamula
    • Zinacantán
    • Tumbalá
    • Salto de Agua
    • Palenque
    • Tulum
    • Cancún & Riviera Maya
    • Isla Mujeres
    • Pisté
    • Valladolid
    • Mérida
    • Historic Center of Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
    • Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City, Mexico
    • National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico
    • Teotihuacan Pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon), Mexico City, Mexico
    • Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City, Mexico
    • Xochimilco Canals, Mexico City, Mexico
    • Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas, Mexico
    • Palenque Archaeological Zone, Palenque, Mexico
    • Coba Archaeological Site, Tulum, Mexico
    • Chichen Itza, Tinúm, Mexico

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Mexico City (if flight & hotel option is chosen)
  • One-way Economy Class flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, from Villahermosa to Cancún, and from Cancún to Mexico City
  • Shared airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers, unless otherwise noted
  • 12 nights in Superior accommodations (5 nights in Mexico City, 2 nights in San Cristóbal de las Casas, 1 night in Palenque, 4 nights in Cancún)
  • Daily breakfast
  • Other meals as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
  • More Moments inclusions:
    • Timeless Streets and Cultural Treasures tour
    • Teotihuacán and Shrine of Guadalupe tour
    • Southern Neighbourhoods and Xochimilco tour
    • Sumidero Canyon River boat cruise
    • Living Traditions & Colonial Charm tour
    • Waterfalls & Ancient Temples, featuring Palenque Archaeological Zone 
    • Discover Tulum & Cobá – Secrets of the Mayan World tour
    • Caribbean Breeze: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Experience
    • Shared full-day guided Chichén Itzá tour, featuring a refreshing swim in a cenote
    • Valladolid guided city tour
  • Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
  • Service of an English-speaking local guide

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Welcome to Mexico City!

Scheduled flight to Mexico City International Airport.

Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit. A local representative will be waiting with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name and will assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional experiences are available at an additional cost and can be arranged and paid for directly with your local representative.

Day 2

Mexico City

After breakfast, you’ll meet a local tour guide in the lobby of your hotel to embark on a full-day journey through the heart of the capital, where ancient Aztec foundations, colonial splendour and modern vibrancy come together.

Following the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Timeless Streets and Cultural Treasures tour

    Begin your exploration in the Historic Centre of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the grand Zócalo, framed by the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and the ruins of the Templo Mayor, once the ceremonial centre of ancient Tenochtitlan. Continue past the elegant Palacio de Bellas Artes and the lively Alameda Central, where art and everyday life blend effortlessly.

    Later, visit the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology, a cultural treasure trove that showcases Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. Admire the Aztec Sun Stone, the giant Olmec heads and richly detailed artifacts that tell the story of Mexico’s ancestral roots.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3

Mexico City – San Juan Teotihuacán – Mexico City

After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and embark on a full-day sightseeing experience. Discover Mexico’s rich cultural and historical heritage, from its spiritual traditions to its awe-inspiring ancient sites.

Following the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Teotihuacán and Shrine of Guadalupe tour

    Your morning begins at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Latin America’s most sacred pilgrimage site. As you explore the sprawling basilica complex, you’ll feel the deep devotion that fills the air. Visit the original 16th-century chapel and the striking modern basilica that draws millions of visitors annually.

    Next, step back in time at the Teotihuacán archaeological site, the legendary City of the Gods. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, stand beneath the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and imagine life in this powerful metropolis that flourished long before the Aztecs. With insights from your expert guide, the stones come alive with stories of cosmic alignments, mighty rulers and enduring mysteries.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Mexico City

After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and set out on another exciting full-day sightseeing experience. Today is all about contrasts and colours, where contemporary creativity meets timeless tradition.

Following the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Southern Neighbourhoods and Xochimilco tour

    Begin with a panoramic drive through La Roma and La Condesa, known for their Art Deco architecture, lush parks and vibrant café culture. Continue past the Polyforum Siqueiros before a stop outside Ciudad Universitaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the Olympic Stadium and Central Library’s iconic mosaic mural.

    Continue to Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas, where you’ll board a colourful trajinera and cruise its ancient canals, surrounded by floating gardens and vibrant local life.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Mexico City – Tuxtla Gutiérrez – Chiapa de Corzo – San Cristóbal de las Casas

After breakfast and check-out, your local representative will assist you with your transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your flight to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the vibrant capital of Chiapas.

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and meet your local representative in the arrivals hall, who will be holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name. You’ll then be assisted with your transfer to the spectacular Sumidero Canyon for a memorable cruise along the Grijalva River.

After disembarking, continue into the cool highlands to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Sumidero Canyon River boat cruise

    Cruise along the Grijalva River beneath towering canyon walls, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, monkeys and colourful tropical birds.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

San Cristóbal de las Casas – San Juan Chamula – San Cristóbal de las Casas

After breakfast, meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a fascinating full-day journey through the living traditions and colonial heritage of Chiapas, visiting two remarkable Tzotzil Maya communities nestled in the highlands.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Living Traditions & Colonial Charm tour

    Begin your day in San Juan Chamula, where ancient Mayan traditions blend with Catholic practices. Visit the community’s iconic church to witness families lighting candles, offering prayers in Tzotzil and performing centuries-old healing ceremonies. Those interested may also sample pox (pronounced “posh”), the traditional sugarcane spirit used in local rituals.

    Continue to Zinacantán, a village celebrated for its vibrant textiles and strong cultural heritage. Visit a family-run weaving cooperative, where local women demonstrate the art of creating intricate garments on traditional waist looms, a technique preserved for generations.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7

San Cristóbal de las Casas – Tumbalá – Salto de Agua – Palenque

After an early breakfast and check-out, meet your local tour guide and enjoy a scenic journey through Chiapas, with approximately six hours of travel to Palenque. Along the way, stop at two spectacular waterfalls before continuing to your hotel.

Upon arrival in Palenque, enjoy a city tour before checking in to your hotel and spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Waterfalls & Ancient Temples, featuring Palenque Archaeological Zone

    First, visit Agua Azul, a series of turquoise jungle waterfalls, with time to explore the trails, take photos or swim in the natural pools, conditions permitting.

    Continue to Misol-Ha, a dramatic single-drop waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, before heading to Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remarkable ancient Maya city. With your expert guide, explore its highlights, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace and the Temple of the Cross Group, while learning about its fascinating history.

Meal(s): Boxed breakfast

Day 8

Palenque – Cancún

After breakfast and check-out, meet your local representative in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport in Villahermosa, Tabasco, for your flight to Cancún.

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and exit the arrivals hall, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will be waiting to greet you. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Cancún – Tulum – Cobá – Cancún

After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a fascinating full-day journey through history, visiting two of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most impressive archaeological treasures, Tulum and Cobá.

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace. 

More Moments Activities Included

  • Discover Tulum & Cobá - Secrets of the Mayan World tour

    Begin your day in Tulum, where ancient Mayan temples overlook the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Discover the stories of the astronomers, warriors and rulers who once called this dramatic clifftop city home while taking in its unforgettable coastal views.

    Continue into the jungle to Cobá, a vast archaeological site surrounded by tropical forest. Here you’ll encounter Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula. While climbing is no longer permitted, its sheer scale offers a powerful glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya, while the surrounding jungle adds to the site’s timeless and mystical atmosphere.

Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch

Day 10

Cancún – Isla Mujeres – Cancún

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off on a full-day island escape to Isla Mujeres, one of the most beautiful tropical paradises in the Mexican Caribbean. You will be transferred to a Cancún marina to board your catamaran and sail across the crystal-clear waters to this stunning island destination.

At the end of your excursion, return to the Cancún marina, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will greet you and transfer you back to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Caribbean Breeze: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Experience

    This day invites you to experience the Coast of Cancún from the water. Board a stylish catamaran and cruise toward the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres, sipping drinks from the open bar. Snorkel above colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life, then dock on the island where you’ll have time to explore its charming streets, relax on the beach or grab a tropical cocktail in a local café.

Meal(s): Breakfast and light lunch

Day 11

Cancún – Pisté – Valladolid – Cancún

After an early breakfast, meet your local guide and embark on a full-day excursion to the Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Yucatán’s most iconic landmarks.

Continue to a cenote for a refreshing swim before visiting Valladolid, a charming colonial town known for its colourful façades.

Afterward, return to your hotel in Cancún and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Shared full-day guided Chichén Itzá tour, featuring a refreshing swim in a cenote

    Explore the legendary Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, including the iconic Temple of Kukulkán, Sacred Cenote and Great Ball Court. Continue to a sacred cenote for a refreshing swim. These remarkable natural formations were once believed to be portals to the gods.

  • Valladolid guided city tour

    Discover the timeless charm of Valladolid on a guided journey through its rich history, vibrant traditions and distinctive colonial character. Accompanied by a local guide, gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural heritage and authentic atmosphere while experiencing the warm spirit that makes Valladolid a memorable destination.

Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch

Day 12

Cancún – Mexico City

After breakfast and checkout, meet a local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will assist you with your transfer to Cancún International Airport for your flight back to Mexico City.

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall exit, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. You’ll then be assisted with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 13

Mexico City – Canada

After breakfast, meet a local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will assist you with your transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your flight back to Canada.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Superior Accommodation

Location

Hotel

Mexico City
Hotel Casa Blanca (or similar)
4
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Hotel Diego de Mazariegos (or similar)
4
Palenque
Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque (or similar)
4
Cancún & Riviera Maya
Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): King, queen or twin beds 
Room occupancy: Max. 3 guests, any combination

Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Ideal for

Guided tours

Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):

  • Round-trip flight with Air Canada
  • Private airport transfers
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Train transportation
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
  • Experienced guide throughout
  • Aeroplan® points

Earn more with Aeroplan

In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.

  • Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
  • Travel completion by December 31, 2026. 

Important Information

  • Dates of operation: Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027

    Frequency: Daily

  • Not included:

    • Gratuities
    • Airport taxes (where applicable)
    • Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
    • Drinks during meals
    • Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
    • Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
    • Entrance fees to attractions not listed in the itinerary
    • Optional activities and excursions
    • Visa fees (where applicable) 
    • Van/car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers
    • Plane from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, from Villahermosa to Cancún, and from Cancún to Mexico City
    • The National Museum of Anthropology is closed on Mondays.
    • The tour duration indicated in your itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and operational constraints.
    • Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
    • Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
    • The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.