Mexico Uncovered
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Mexico, where ancient civilizations, vibrant traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together. Discover the country’s rich cultural heritage, immerse yourself in authentic local communities and uncover fascinating stories from the past. From magnificent archaeological wonders to colourful colonial charm and spectacular natural scenery, this journey offers an inspiring blend of history, culture and discovery.
Format
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
- 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
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Mexico City (if flight & hotel option is chosen)
- One-way flight in Economy Class from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and from Villahermosa to Mexico City
- Shared airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers, unless otherwise noted
- 8 nights in Superior accommodations (5 nights in Mexico City, 2 nights in San Cristóbal de las Casas, 1 night in Palenque)
- Daily breakfast
- 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 and Colonial Charm tour, featuring a guided walking tour of San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Waterfalls and Ancient Temples, featuring Palenque Archaeological Zone
- 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
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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
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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
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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 proceed to the arrivals hall, where your local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing 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
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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 San Cristóbal de las Casas for a guided walking tour. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Living Traditions and Colonial Charm tour, featuring a guided walking tour of San Cristóbal de las Casas
Begin your day with a visit to the Tzotzil Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, where indigenous traditions, customs and languages remain deeply rooted. In Chamula, visit a sacred church where pre-Hispanic rituals blend with Catholic traditions. In Zinacantán, visit a local family home to see artisans weaving traditional textiles on backstrap looms. Then enjoy freshly made tortillas and the community’s warm hospitality.
In the afternoon, return to San Cristóbal de las Casas for a guided walking tour through its charming cobblestone streets, colonial churches, vibrant markets, art galleries and cafés, experiencing the town’s unique blend of indigenous heritage and creative culture.
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 embark on a scenic six-hour journey through the lush landscapes of Chiapas 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
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Waterfalls and Ancient Temples, featuring Palenque Archaeological Zone
First stop: the breathtaking Agua Azul, a series of cascading turquoise waterfalls nestled in the jungle. Walk the trails, take incredible photos or go for a refreshing swim in the natural pools (if conditions allow).
Next, visit Misol-Ha, a dramatic single-drop waterfall plunging into a jungle basin. It’s a place of cinematic beauty and peaceful energy, perfect for a quick pause and a few stunning snapshots.
Continue to Palenque Archaeological Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remarkable ancient Maya city nestled in the rainforest. With your expert guide, explore key highlights, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace and the Temple of the Cross Group, while learning about the city’s fascinating history.
Meal(s): Boxed breakfast
Day 8
Palenque – Mexico City
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 Mexico City.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. 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
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
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
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
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Dates of operation: Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027
Frequency: Daily
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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)
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- 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.
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers
- Flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and from Villahermosa to Mexico City
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- 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.