Day 1: Havana
Welcome to Cuba!. Transfer to the hotel and, depending on the time of your flight, free time. To welcome you at the end of the afternoon we will include a trip in an old classic car to the fortress of San Carlos passing the ‘Malecón’ and we will attend the cannon shooting ceremony(admission included). Return to the hotel (by coach or vehicles) and accommodation.
Day 2: Havana
This morning we include a visit of about 4 hours; we will include a stroll through Colonial Havana; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a panoramic tour of Revolution Square and the University. Visit to the Habana Club Rum Museum. We will include a boat trip across the bay in the little boat to Regla where we will see the church of the Virgin of Regla, a place of great devotion where there is a strong syncretism between the Catholic religion and the Afro-Cuban. Will you buy flowers and have a daughter of Ochun read your hand? After this, at lunchtime, we will take you to the area of the ‘Callejón del Chorro’, an area with multiple “paladares” (private restaurants) where you can have lunch. Afternoon free.
Day 3: Havana - Guamá - Punta perdiz - Giron - Cienfuegos
We’ll depart from Havana and head south, taking in the island’s beautiful tropical landscapes. Our first stop will be Guamá, where we’ll visit the crocodile farm and enjoy a boat ride through this area, which has been declared a National Park. In the Taina village, we’ll learn more about the indigenous population that lived here before the arrival of Europeans. We’ll continue along the road by the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll have time at Punta Perdiz, where lunch will be included, and you can swim, explore the cenotes, or go snorkeling. Afterward, in Girón, we’ll visit the Playa Girón Museum, which offers insight into the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Revolution. Our journey will then take us to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. This charming colonial city boasts French neoclassical architecture, and we’ll pass by its historic streets. Dinner will be included.
Day 4: Cienfuegos - Trinidad
A little under a hundred kilometers take us to TRINIDAD, arrival and visit to Cuba’s most beautiful and best-preserved colonial city, a true “open-air museum”, declared a world heritage site. After the visit we will see the “Temple of Santería Yemayá”, dedicated to the orisha (God) of the Sea, with its offerings of fruit, water and stones; a santero will tell us about this religion and its beliefs. After the visit and lunch included, we will stay at our resort hotel at Ancon beach. You will have the afternoon free to enjoy the Caribbean Sea on this magnificent beach, or, if you prefer, to stroll at leisure in Trinidad. At night we provide a transfer to the cathedral to enjoy the “place of music” and its little restaurants with Cuban music. Dinner included.
Day 5: Trinidad
Our day will be filled with beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences. We’ll travel by coach to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, where we’ll visit the historic San Isidro de los Destiladeros sugar factory, the best-preserved one in the area. Here, you’ll learn about the history of sugar production and slavery. We’ll then continue to Manaca Iznaga, located in the heart of the sugar-producing region that once brought great prosperity to Trinidad. At this site, we’ll reflect on the history of slavery beside the 144-foot tower once used to oversee the enslaved workers. Afterward, we’ll return to Trinidad by road. Lunch will be included, followed by free time to relax at the hotel. Dinner will be included.
Day 6: Trinidad - Havana
We will return to HAVANA. Arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 7: Havana - Mexico city
After breakfast transfer to the airport to take a regular flight to Mexico City. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time at leisure.
Day 8: Mexico city
Today we have a fantastic day acquaint ourselves with Mexico. We include a sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, and the historic centre in which the Zócalo (main square) and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the main Aztec temple, Chapultepec Park, the “Paseo de la Reforma” Avenue and the other main avenues of this impressive city. At the end of the visit we travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in the Americas where the Virgin of Guadalupe is found. There we will be able to explore the old basilica dating back to the 18th Century and also the modern temple. In the afternoon we travel to the neighbourhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with its canals and semi-floating gardens. Here we include a ride in a “trajinera”, one of the boats festooned with flowers. In the evening we include a transfer to the Plaza de GARIBALDI, with its many bars, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and the Mariachis sing. Dinner is included in a traditional restaurant.
Day 9: Mexico city - El oro de hidalgo - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We’ll begin our journey by visiting El Oro de Hidalgo, a charming Pueblo Mágico that was once one of Mexico’s main mining centers. The gold and silver mines attracted investors and workers from all over the world, and today you’ll find European-style buildings, such as the old train station and Teatro Juárez. We’ll continue through an area of hills and forests where monarch butterflies migrate for the winter, and visit Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mine-turned-museum that highlights the region’s rich mining history and culture. Next, we’ll head to Tlalpujahua, another Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán, with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobblestone streets. This town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas decorations, and you’ll be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with pre-Hispanic origins. Its colonial architecture, artisan markets, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination.
Day 10: Patzcuaro - Morelia - Cuitzeo del porvenir - Guadalajara
We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.
Day 11: Guadalajara
In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic center, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage. After the visit, we will go on to the next town of TEQUILA, we include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila. After lunch, we return to Guadalajara.
Day 12: Guadalajara - Guanajuato
We travel to the state of GUANAJUATO. Arrival at midday. In the afternoon we include a city tour of this very beautiful university city declared World Heritage, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its churches, and we also include a cable car ride to admire the view from “el Pípila”.
Day 13: Guanajuato - Dolores hidalgo - San miguel de allende - Queretaro
Amidst the mountains, we will travel to DOLORES HIDALGO, the city that is the cradle of Mexican independence. Afterwards we head to SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with vice regal architecture and cobbled streets declared World Heritage. Time for a stroll. In the afternoon, we visit the ATOTONILCO Sanctuary, known as the “Century of God and the Patria”, World Heritage site (sometimes it will not be possible to visit inside due to the retreats that take place there). We then go to QUERETARO, with its very beautiful colonial center, its main square, its busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.
Day 14: Queretaro - Tula - Puebla
We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. We’ll spend the night in this lively and active city.
Day 15: Puebla - Oaxaca
We travel to the state of Oaxaca, through mountainous regions with pleasant landscapes. Arrival in OAXACA at the end of the morning - Visit included to this UNESCO World Heritage City of Aztec origin with its impressive monumental heritage. Shortly after, we go up to the site of MONTE ALBAN, which is set deep in a 400-metre mountain above the Valley of Oaxaca – entry tickets and visit are included. This is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. Free time in Oaxaca, an extremely beautiful colonial city which is full of life.
Day 16: Oaxaca - San pablo villa de mitla - Tuxtla gutiérrez
We leave for SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA, a magical town. We allow time for a walk together to the Church of San Pablo dating back to the Sixteenth Century and through its beautiful rustic streets. We continue our route in the sierras of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. Lunch is included en route. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.
Day 17: Tuxtla gutiérrez - Sumidero canyon - Chiapa de corzo - Zinacantán - San juan chamula - San cristóbal de las casas
We see the CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO, on a boat we sail up this impressive canyon almost 1 km deep and 14 km long. Then we take a stroll in CHIAPA DEL CORZO, a colonial site of tradition and culture. After this, we go further into the Mayan culture and visit beautiful villages inhabited by the Tzotziles Indians. In ZINACANTAN we can admire the dresses of the women and the beautiful shops and weaving workshops. In SAN JUAN CHAMULA we will be surprised by its church which mixes Christianity with pre-columbine traditions in its rites. Continuation to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Afternoon free in this very beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.
Day 18: San cristóbal de las casas - Agua azul - Misol-há - Palenque
A stage of beautiful mountain scenery inside Chiapas, visiting areas inhabited by communities that have maintained their Mayan language and traditions. A stop in OCOSINGO, the regional capital. After that we continue to AGUA AZUL, admission included to the National Park, lunch included and time to walk or bathe among the more than 50 waterfalls between three and 30 meters tall. We go on to MISOL HA, an impressive waterfall that you can walk behind. Continuation to PALENQUE -dinner included and accommodation-. Note: in some instances, roadblocks might be expected in the region of Ocosingo due to local social issues. In that event, we would take an alternative route visiting the City of Villahermosa and the ecological reserve of Yumka instead of the usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul and Misol Ha.
Day 19: Palenque - Campeche
We visit the impressive archaeological site of PALENQUE, a Mayan city surrounded by jungle, where we will see its temples, pyramids and ball game. Admission and tour with local guide included. Afterwards, we travel to the Gulf of Mexico through the state of Tabasco. CAMPECHE, arrival in this Mexican port city known for its colonial buildings and its 17th century fortifications created to face pirate attacks. Dinner included.
Day 20: Campeche - Mérida
We leave for the state of Yucatan. In a bit over two hours, we arrive to MERIDA. Tour of the city, the vibrant capital of the Mexican Yucatan State boasts a rich colonial and Mayan heritage. We see the fortified cathedral of Merida and the limestone church of the Third Order as well as the House of Montejo, a 16th century mansion and the emblem of Plateresque colonial architecture. Free time in the afternoon, we suggest you to visit the Museum of the Mayan World on your own. In the evening, we include a transfer to attend the "Mayan Ball Game show". Accommodation.
Day 21: Mérida - Izamal - Chichén itzá - Rio lagartos
Today we enjoy a beautiful stage to see the Yucatán state. IZAMAL, one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, declared a "Magic town". In CHICHEN ITZAN, we include admission and a visit to the most important and renowned vestige of the Mayan civilization, a World Heritage Site where we see the mythical pyramid of Kukulcán and the warriors´ temple. After the visit we include a Mayan cuisine lunch. We continue to RIO LAGARTOS, a small fishing village in the middle of a Biosphere Reserve.
Day 22: Rio lagartos - Cenote choj ha - Cancun
Today we enjoyed an exciting day where nature is featured. In the morning we include a boat ride of over two hours. We enter the biosphere reserve, where we can see crocodiles among its mangroves, lots of birds including pelicans and pink flamingos. You can also "live the mud experience" by smearing mud with high concentrations of sulfur, minerals and salts that act as exfoliants for the skin, leaving a feeling of softness throughout the body. After that, we travel to VALLADOLID, the third largest city of the Yucatan with a very nice historic city center. We recommend you to have lunch in one of the restaurants of the main square. In the afternoon we visit the CENOTE CHOJ HA, managed by the local Mayan community, where we will walk along a short path in the jungle to explore its dry cave and where you can swim in the wonderful lake inside the wet cave. Continuation to CANCUN. Arrival at the end of the afternoon.
Day 23: Cancun
Our services end after breakfast. We suggest that any travellers who wish to extend their stay for a few days can do so resting by the beautiful beaches of Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
