From dynamic cities and colonial towns to vibrant festivals and wild jungles, Mexico is a forerunner in the travel stakes. Cultural holidays in Mexico take you on a gripping journey into its soul where each day offers a new experience.
Travel back in time to learn about ancient civilisations and the colonial Spanish heritage, and explore the highlands, beaches and jungles to discover the country’s natural wonders. There’s no denying our Mexico cultural trips are a heady concoction designed for inquisitive travellers who want to get under the skin of places such as Yucatan, Mexico City and Oaxaca.
If you’re a budding historian, visit the lands of the Mayans, Aztecs, Zapotec and Conquistadors to uncover the fascinating layers that give an insight into Mexico’s rich heritage. Chichen Itza is one of the most significant Mayan sites and its ancient ruins, Kukulkan pyramid and the Hall of the Thousand Pillars are sights to behold.
As well as exploring Mexico City and sampling some of the authentic dishes, you must experience the Day of the Dead Festival, held each year at Oaxaca. Embracing the Mexican culture in a spectacular fashion, this vibrant festival transforms the streets with its unique celebration that blends ancient traditions and religion. The Mexicans believe that death shouldn’t be mourned but instead, celebrated with friends and family.
Food is a huge part of Mexican culture and one of the best ways to get to grips with its heritage is to visit an authentic local market where you’ll find stalls overflowing with colourful spices, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The atmosphere is undeniably electric and it’s a great way to socialise with the locals.
Mexico Culture Holidays
15 Daysfrom£ 3399
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Pre-Columbian temples, colonial towns, highlands and jungles.
Culture
16 Daysfrom£ 3799
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Pre-Columbian temples, colonial towns, highlands and jungles.
Culture
16 Daysfrom£ 3699
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Pre-Columbian temples, colonial towns, highlands and jungles
Visit Chichen Itza: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is a must-see for anyone on Mexico cultural holidays. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, dating back to 600 AD. The site is home to 26 extraordinary Mayan ruins that are split into two parts: Chichen Itza and Old Chichen, each as impressive as the other. If you’re not sure which Mayan ruin to visit first, the Chichen Itza Pyramid or El Castillo are good places to start. But there are plenty more sights to see, including the Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Mayan Ball Game. The site is utterly enthralling and gives you a deeper insight into the history of the Mayans.
Explore San Cristobel: This colonial highland city wrapped inside ancient pine forest and traditional villages is a jumble of cobbled streets, colourful plazas and centuries-old buildings with red tiled roofs and whitewashed exteriors. As well as boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, San Cristobel is firmly rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and is a great place to scratch beneath the surface of Mexico. Its fusion of ancient customs and modern luxuries adds to its charms. The vibrant cafes are great for mixing with the local Tzotzil people and trying some authentic dishes, or perhaps wander through the streets and admire the old colonial houses.
Attend the Day of the Dead Festival: This is one of Mexico’s most famous festivals, which takes place every year to celebrate the passing of friends and family. The streets, homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca are filled with people remembering their lost loved ones. The Mexicans believe that death should be celebrated rather than mourned and they certainly know how to celebrate in style. You’ll see people of all different cultures gathering in nearby villages and market squares to perform spiritual rituals and traditions. In the evening, the streets are filled with carnivals and parties, with people dressed in spooky costumes.
As well as being immersed in the party atmosphere, you can learn about the local cuisine and sample foods such as enchiladas, almond stew or stuffed chillies. Enjoying lunch at the home of one of the local families is a great privilege and you’ll see their ‘shrine for the dead’ and learn about their heritage first hand.
Take a Tour of Mexico City: The beating heart of Mexico, Mexico City is a potent cocktail of historical sites, floating gardens and modern-day culture. The famous Plaza de la Constitución, Templo Mayor and the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana hark back to when it was the Aztec capital, yet today it’s a cosmopolitan hub where travellers from around the globe come to get their fix of Mexican culture. A tour of the city guides you through the Zócalo and ancient streets to some of the most significant landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, before visiting the Palacio Nacional and the Museum of Anthropology and History.
This adventure was absolutely fantastic. The rugged carved landscape is spectacular and endless and each day greeted us with a new beauty.
Fitzroy Base Camp & Torres del Paine hikes along with the optional hikes offered were great to get out and explore the area. Perito Moreno Glacier is absolutely breathtaking and it was hard to leave when the time came. An absolute must!
My Exodus trip to Kerala and Tamil Nadu was truly amazing in so many ways. The beautiful scenery, lush green and full of fascinating wild life, the range and style of vegetarian food, and the overwhelming gentleness and warmth of the local people were all way beyond my expectations. Our outstanding guide Biju was at the heart of it all with his supreme organizational skills, endless information on every topic imaginable and, above all, his patience and kindness towards everyone in the group. The itinerary was perfect as it exposed us to so many very different aspects of the region: rural and urban settings, magnificent Hindu temples as well as Christian churches, historically important public buildings but also the homes of ordinary people going about their daily lives. A solo trip to India could never have offered such an enlightening and wide ranging experience as we gained from this trip. I would highly recommend it to others especially for a first trip to India and if they are as lucky as we were they may even have Biju as a guide too.
This was an amazing trip on so many levels.
I have come back feeling energised, invigorated and really sad to leave…testament to a great hol!
I was travelling on my own and apprehensive. I needn’t have been. My group were so welcoming and friendly. We got to know each other quite quickly and had such a laugh together. We are hoping to meet up again in the New Year.
The itinerary was so varied, there was never a dull moment. Ideally 14 days would be preferable as you are packing so much in.
Animals and birds- so much to see, recommend doing Schotia game drive and whale watching. Penguins at boulders beach were brilliant.
Flora-beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees and a chance to visit the botanical gardens in Cape Town.
Food-Wow…such a variety , huge portions and cheap. Recommend the ostrich, but so many other dishes to choose from( meat or veg)
Wine-fabulous and cheap. I loved the chenin blanc. I enjoyed the afternoon in Stellenbosch too.
Landscape-absolutely stunning..Tsitsikamma, Cape of Good Hope, ocean drives and more!
Activities- so varied and you have the opportunity to choose the activities you want to do at various locations.
Guide- Marco was great on every level. He was informative, professional, catered to everyone’s needs and kept us safe.
Accommodation – I particularly liked Tsitsikamma oceanette as right by the ocean. Got woken up at 5.30am by baboons jumping on the bin outside:-). Loved House Martin and the Windsor Hotel.
Cape Town-beautiful. I visited Robben Island, 2nd half of this tour was particular good as we were shown around by an ex inmate. I didn’t get the chance to go up Table Mountain as I had to leave early. There is so much to see and experience that I will definitely return.