Luxury Mexico Honeymoon All-inclusive

After breakfast, join our guide on a captivating journey through Mexico City’s Old Town. Wander around the Zocalo (Plaza de la Constitución) and marvel at the baroque colonial buildings around the square. You are sure to be fascinated by the street performers, adorned in brightly colored, feathered costumes. They are practicing Aztec shamanism: using traditional method of burning leaves and copal to exorcise evil spirits from visitors. Prepare to be struck by the magnificent architecture and intricate decoration of the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México), see the thousand-year-old remains outside the Templo Mayor Museum (Museo del Templo Mayor), and visit the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), the seat of Mexico’s highest governing institution, to be amazed by its expansive facade and murals.
► Visit the Estanquillo Museum (Museo del Estanquillo) as an alternative when the National Palace is closed on Monday.

★ Xochimilco: Party on a Trajinera Boat
Next, drive 40 minutes to Xochimilco, with a network of lakes and canals, and known as the ‘Venice of Mexico’. ‘Xochimilco’, meaning ‘the place to grow flowers’ in the local language, holds true, as it is now the largest flower market in Mexico. Let’s experience the small town by a unique boat trip. Step aboard a trajinera, an artistic boat decorated with colorful flowers, nicknamed the ‘Flowing Garden’, and glide along the canals, passing lush jungle and indigenous villages on both sides. Enjoy authentic Mexican food served on board for lunch, in the festive atmosphere created by a mariachi band. You’ll come across boats selling tempting treats, flowers, Mayan tapestries and shawls. If you’re interested, simply call out a friendly ‘hola’ and the boatman will navigate closer.

Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. Here are what set us apart:
1. Spacious Boat: We use the most beautiful and comfortable trajineras, with wooden bench tables for up to 20 guests, neither cramped canoes nor crowded lanchas colectivas that pack in 60 people.
2. Longer Route: Forget the rushed 1-hour tours offered elsewhere. Our boat tour lasts 2 to 3 hours, providing ample time for you to take photos and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
3. All-inclusive: Lunch and mariachi band on board are generously included, for you to enjoy a worry-free cruise without any extra cost.

Afterwards, wrap up your day with an exploration of Coyoacan. Awaken your artistic spirit at the Frida Kahlo Museum (photography fee included), appreciating the artworks and personal belongings of the famous Mexican female painter. Step into the Leon Trotsky's House Museum to uncover the story of the exiled revolutionary leader, Leon Trotsky, who was the ‘Father of the Soviet Red Army’.
► On a Monday when the two museums are closed, see the exterior of the Frida Kahlo Museum and visit the nearby Coyoacan Market instead.

Insider Tip: Travel Safety in Mexico
Safety is a top concern for many travelers, as Mexico is some notorious for its drug lords and criminal gangs. While crime exists in Mexico, like occasional robbery and theft, as in any country, the vast majority of tourists have safe and enjoyable experiences. You’re just a tourist, you don’t join gangs and don’t touch drugs, and they have no reason to pick on you. Don’t worry too much, as they will only be active in limited areas, and you won’t encounter them in the scenic areas. As long as you follow our guide and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, you’ll feel safe throughout the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Zocalo Central, Mexico City (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, our guide and driver will accompany you on a 50-minute drive to Teotihuacan. Thriving between 100 and 500 AD, Teotihuacan was a bustling metropolis on the Mexican highlands, about 25 miles from present-day Mexico City. Imagine a vibrant cityscape spread across 20 square kilometers, inhabited by up to 130,000 people. Walk with your guide into the Teotihuacan Culture Museum (Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana) to see the restored miniatures revealing the prosperity of what was once the largest city in the Americas. This ancient civilization, a contemporary of ancient Rome, mysteriously disappeared 700 years before the Aztecs came in the 14th century, leaving only a few colossal pyramids and intricate artworks. Walk along the wide Avenue of the Dead (Avenida de Los Muertos) that connects the Pyramid of the Sun (Pirámide del Sol) and Pyramid of the Moon (Pirámide de la Luna), and feel the wind whispering through the ruins, carrying echoes of the past. Though these majestic pyramids evoke a sense of awe, in ancient times human sacrifice was practiced here. The ancient Aztecs killed captives and slaves in the temples at the top of the pyramids to please their gods. The cruelty of this ritual is hard to describe now, but it was not unusual for the ancient Aztecs to sacrifice thousands of people in a single day.

★ No visit to Mexico is complete without seeing the Stone of the Sun.
In the afternoon, we’ll head back to downtown to visit the National Museum of Anthropology. This all-encompassing treasure trove of Mesoamerican civilizations offers so much to see. Our expert guide will lead you straight to the point. Walk into the Mexica exhibition hall and you’ll see the 24-ton Stone of the Sun, with ancient Mayan calendar carved on it, that once terrified the world. You may recall the doomsday prophecy that the world would end on December 21, 2012. Thankfully, it was a false alarm, and people everywhere rejoiced. The Mayans believe that the universe has a total of five eras, and December 21 of 2012 is the end of the fifth era according to the Mayan calendar, but in fact, it does not say that the earth will be destroyed on this day. Misinterpretations of the calendar led to widespread fear, but the day came and went without incident. At the Palenque Ruins, a longer Mayan chronology has been found, with an end date of October 13, 4772. Let’s wait and see again.
► Visit the Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya) as an alternative when the Museum of Anthropology is closed on Monday.

Conclude your day with a mariachi experience at the Garibaldi Plaza. Our guide can escort you back to the hotel, or if you wish to stay longer at the plaza, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute Didi taxi ride away. If you are interested, you can also ascend the Latin American Tower by yourself to enjoy the night view.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Zocalo Central, Mexico City (4 stars) or similar

Today you will fly to Merida. Our reliable driver will pick you up from your hotel at the designated time and ensure a smooth transfer to the airport. Relax and enjoy the 2-hour flight. Upon arrival, you will meet our local guide, who will invite you to board the private car, ready to whisk you away to the hotel.

Free Time Suggestions:
If time permits, consider exploring the heart of Merida on your own. Immerse yourself in the capital of Yucatan and a gateway to the surrounding Mayan wonders. Just a 7-minute walk lies the Plaza Grande, the city’s central square. Take a stroll to admire the architectural gems around, including the Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso), El Palacio de Gobierno, and Museo Casa Montejo.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Lucia Hotel Boutique, Merida (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will start our day trip to Uxmal. Our 40-minute drive will be punctuated by a stop at a Mayan market, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the indigenous people. Then continue the drive to the Uxmal Archaeological Zone (Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal), where you’ll travel back in time to the peak of the Mayan Empire in the 8th to 10th centuries AD. Looking at the grand city ruins, you can imagine the bustling scene of a metropolis that once housed 25,000 inhabitants a thousand years ago. Explore iconic structures that stand as testaments to the architectural prowess of the ancient Mayans – the imposing 38-meter Piramide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Magician) which is said to be built overnight by a magician, Governor’s Palace where no governor has ever lived, Nunnery Quadrangle (Cuadrangulo de las Monjas), and Ballcourt (Juego de Pelota) that once hosted thrilling matches.

★ Secret Tips for Taking Stunning Uxmal Photos:
Our route designers and guides with field experience will share skills to get great photos.
1. Following the footpath around the oval base of the Pyramid of the Magician, you can photograph the pyramid from different angles.
2. While climbing the Pyramid of the Magician is prohibited, ascend to the Governor’s Palace on a hill next to it. This vantage point offers the best panoramas of the pyramid, encompassing the Nunnery Quadrangle and House of the Turtles.
3. The House of the Turtles, a small structure perched on the hill housing the Governor’s Palace, is less crowded, providing another excellent spot for capturing panoramic photos of Uxmal.
4. Make use of the unique triangular Mayan arches leading to the Nunnery Quadrangle as a natural frame to enhance your composition.

Finally, our guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Merida.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Lucia Hotel Boutique, Merida (4 stars) or similar

★ Chichen Itza Early Access: Follow our wise plan to depart early in the morning by private car, arriving in 1.5 hours from Merida (faster than the 2.5-hour journey from Cancun), and be among the first to enter Chichen Itza to avoid the heat and crowds.

Explore this World Heritage Site and one of the most representative Mayan cities alongside our knowledgeable guide, seeing the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo), Great Ball Court (Gran Juego de Pelota), Temple of the Warriors, The Observatory (El Caracol), and The Nunnery (Las Monjas). The Kukulkan Pyramid, similar in function to the pyramids at Teotihuacan but of a different era and on a smaller scale, served as a ceremonial center, especially for human sacrifice. Historical evidence suggests that human sacrifice had been practiced by various civilizations around the world, including ancient India, ancient China, ancient Egypt, and Maya. In China, human sacrifice was prevalent during the Shang Dynasty, more than 1,000 years before the Mayan civilization. To reinforce the rule, religion was manipulated to make people believe in the divine right of the Emperor and sacrificed their lives for the country. With the development of society, human sacrifice in China gradually changed to symbolic substitutes. The unearthed terracotta figures of the Qin and Han Dynasties, replacing human burials accompanying deceased rulers, were a great progress. However, the Maya Empire mysteriously disappeared before reaching this stage, and it seemed that human sacrifice did not bring the well-being that the rulers expected. Anyway, there is no doubt that the Mayans left behind a remarkable legacy of astronomical and calendrical achievements that continue to influence us today. Follow our guide to delve deeper into the amazing sites and artifacts.
► Insider Tip: Though not very large in size, a visit can take around 2 hours and requires moderate physical exertion, especially under the scorching sun. With limited shade and potentially high temperatures, prioritizing sun protection is crucial. Wear a hat, sun umbrella, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Remember to bring plenty of drinking water.

★ Skills for Taking Great Photos of Chichen Itza:
1. Angle: While the front of the Kukulkan Pyramid is usually crowded, our guide will share with you a secret location to take photos – the northeast corner. There are almost no visitors in this corner, allowing you to compose great shots. Apart from the front, the other sides of the pyramid have not been restored, presenting a pristine and austere beauty.
2. Portrait: Put people diagonally within the frame to create a perfect half-length photo and minimize the presence of other tourists in the background.
3. Dressing: The site with a lot of open space is usually windy, not friendly to short skirts. Opt for long dresses and better in bright colors. Clothes with high color saturation will add a pop to your photos and ensure you stand out against the backdrop.

Next, drive 1 hour to Valladolid, check into the hotel, and then visit two small but distinctive museums. First, step into a world of Mexican folk art at Casa de los Venados, originally a private residence that has been transformed into an estate housing an impressive collection of handmade artwork gathered by its owner over the years. Then visit the Museo de Ropa Étnica de México, next to your hotel, to learn about the traditional costumes and adornments worn across different regions and eras of Mexico, as well as the fiber art of Mayan women.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Posada San Juan, Valladolid (4 stars) or similar

Start our 1 hour journey to Coba. Getting off the car, we will hike into the rainforest. Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature as you navigate the lush foliage, serenaded by the symphony of birdsong. Get amazed by the Coba Archaeological Zone (Zona Arqueológica de Cobá) nestled amidst the rainforest’s embrace. Approaching the foot of the 42-meter (138-foot) Nohoch Mul Pyramid, the heart of the ancient city, you’ll overwhelmed by its unrestored decaying state. Its once-climbable 110 steps, very steep and secured only by a rope in the middle, are now not allowed to climb due to site protection and safety concerns.
► Insider Tip: Renting a bike to tour the site will enhance your experience. Rentals usually cost 60 pesos (or USD 4) for a day. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw for a unique experience not found at other pyramid sites.

Next, on your way to Tulum, you will have an opportunity to visit the Cenote Zacil-Ha or Gran Cenote. Bring your swimsuit and towel. Plunge into the emerald natural pool to feel the Mexican way of cooling, which is sure a great treat after a sweltering morning at an archaeological site.
► Cenote Zacil-Ha vs. Gran Cenote
Features of Cenote Zacil-Ha: small and beautiful open air cenote, mostly like a regular swimming pool, with hammocks and zipline.
Features of Gran Cenote: caves, caverns and an open air cenote; swim, snorkel, and spot turtles.

Later, the Tulum Archaeological Site (Parque Nacional Tulum) awaits. Visit the wind-swept remains of ancient castles, palaces, and temples by the sea. Unwind on the Playa Ruinas (Ruinas Beach) before returning to the private car for a rest on the 2-hour drive to Cancun. Upon arrival, check into our carefully selected luxury all-inclusive hotel, ready for three days of beachfront bliss. Enjoy a buffet dinner provided by the hotel and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.
► Insider Tip: If you are interested in a la carte dining, it is recommended to make reservations for the next two days immediately after check-in. Both traditional Mexican and Spanish dishes are worth trying. A la carte restaurants may run out of tables if you don’t book in advance, and the international buffet offers an alternative.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Emporio Hotel & Suites Cancun - All Inclusive (4 stars) or similar

The day is entirely up to you. Unwind in your spacious room, and indulge in the facilities and attentive service of the all-inclusive hotel. The hotel boasts a secluded private beach along the Caribbean, with ample loungers, inviting you to relax and recharge. The expansive outdoor pool, fitness center, and kids’ club offer a variety of options for a relaxing day. When hunger strikes, four diverse restaurants await, offering delectable buffets, classic Mexican fare, and casual quick bites to satisfy every craving.

Recommended Activity: Isla Mujeres Day Trip
Want an adventure beyond the resorts? Look no further than the Isla Mujeres, an island paradise just 13 km (8 mi) off the coast of Cancun. This getaway offers pristine beaches, mouthwatering seafood, turquoise waters, and colorful coral reefs teeming with life.
► How to get there: Opt for a pre-organized catamaran tour, or go there by yourself. Take a Didi or Uber to the Ultramar ferry dock in Puerto Juarez (12 minutes from your hotel). Ferries to Isla Mujeres run every half hour from 5:00 to 21:00. A single trip takes about 15 minutes and costs 80 pesos (USD 5).
► Things to Do: You are recommended to rent a golf buggy for the day (around USD 45) and explore the island at your own pace. Wander through charming streets lined with colorful craft shops. Head to Punta Sur on the island’s southernmost tip for breathtaking ocean views, walk along the coral trails, and discover remnants of Mayan ruins and figurines. Dive into the underwater world, glide past vibrant coral reefs, watch the turtles swimming alongside you, and encounter sculptures embraced by seaweed at the MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art). Dine at the restaurant Lola Valentina for Mexican fusion dishes and cocktails. End your perfect day with a mesmerizing spectacle of sunset at Playa Norte Beach.

Recommended Night Hang-out: Coco Bongo Cancun
This club in the heart of the hotel zone will give you a stimulating music party with impressive 1-minute shows. It can get crowded at times, potentially affecting your experience.

► Insider Tip: During your free time, using Mexican pesos to pay is recommended. While most restaurants and shops accept US dollars, they offer unfavorable exchange rates, resulting in higher prices.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Emporio Hotel & Suites Cancun - All Inclusive (4 stars) or similar

While there aren’t any guided tours today, you have a world of options to explore Cancun on your own. Relax at the all-inclusive hotel, lie on the beach and do nothing, or if you like thrilling activities, just venture out to one of the nearby X series theme parks:
1. Xplor Park: Outdoor adventure paradise, the most physically demanding among the three parks, with the most popular activities being the zipline through jungles and the off-road vehicles.
2. Xel-Há Park: Aquatic wonderland, featuring the world’s largest natural aquarium and complimentary snorkeling gear.
3. Xcaret Park: Eco-park with typical Mexican style, offering a blend of cultural performances and family-friendly activities.

Recommended Night Activity: Captain Hook Cancun
Set sail for an unforgettable evening with this dinner and pirate show cruise. Board a pirate-themed galleon or yacht at 18:00 and voyage around the bay of Cancun for 3 hours, with in-costume characters, dances, pirate shows, and pirate battles. Savor a chicken dinner accompanied by wine from the open bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Emporio Hotel & Suites Cancun - All Inclusive (4 stars) or similar

Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach, pack your bags, and prepare for a smooth departure. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel at the designated time and escort you to the airport. May the sweet memories linger and ease your long flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

For Your Information:
If your flight departs in the late afternoon or evening, Cancun has plenty to offer while you wait. Continue to soak up the sun on the beaches, or head to La Isla, where you can find shopping, restaurants and entertainment to suit all budgets, visit the Interactive Aquarium to see colorful marine life, or if there is still time, ascend the Torre Escénica for panoramic views from its observation deck. If you want to extend your tour, either staying in Mexico for more days, or exploring other countries in the Americas, contact us to make a personalized itinerary for you.