Itinerary Map
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Highlights
Vibrant Mexico City with National Museum of Anthropology including Templo Mayor and Bellas Artes
Teotihuacan - Sun and Moon Pyramids
Coyoacán offers colonial charm and we visit Frida Kahlo Museum
The charming city of Oaxaca surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur
A visit to the amazing UNESCO site Monte Albán, Mesoamerican site of Mitla, Ancient Tule tree
Culinary experience with Mezcal Tasting
An exhilarating boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, a spectacular nature reserve
Indigenous village of San Cristobal with its colorful markets and cobbled streets
Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
Agua Azul waterfall
Visit the Mayan World Heritage Site of Palenque
Visit the White City known as Mérida
Fishing Village of Celestun
Explore Chichén Itzá an amazing complex of Mayan ruins on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
Swim in Cenote Selva Maya
Traditional Mayan Cooking class in the village of Xbatun
Relax on the beaches of Riveria Maya
Inclusions
Fully escorted by a Sisterhood Tour Hostess who is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one.
Return economy airfares and taxes from Melbourne (other cities and classes of travel available on request)
Comfortable 4-star accommodation with private facilities
Specialist guides at each destination
All transportation as detailed in our itinerary
All sightseeing and activities as detailed in our itinerary
All meals as detailed in our itinerary
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and greet prior to departure via Zoom
Friends for company!
Notice
OPTIONAL Hot Air Balloon flight over the Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City $545.00 please advise at time of booking
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
Please visit smartraveller.gov.au for all country information and updates.
Local tipping is appreciated in Mexico. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it to service providers on your behalf. The estimated amount for your tour is USD200 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Note: Riviera Maya
Resort fee paid directly at the hotel, USD 35 per room per night;
Environmental tax paid directly at the hotel, approximately USD2 per room per night.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday 7 November 2025
Melbourne - Mexico (Meals in Flight)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your Sisterhood Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Mexico. Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's inflight entertainment as you head towards your next adventure.
Located in a highland basin surrounded by towering mountains Mexico City (2,240m) is like an enormous living museum for 3,000 years of human cultural achievement. Interspersed throughout the city are pockets of beautifully preserved remnants of its colonial and Native American heritage.
Overnight: Hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma (or similar)
Day 2 - Saturday 8 November 2025
Mexico City (B)
After breakfast this morning we depart on our city tour of Mexico City. We will begin our tour on the Zocalo Square to visit the Cathedral and the Aztec ruins of The Templo Mayor (panoramic visit only); then we will walk along Madero Street to have a panoramic view of the Temple of San Francisco, The Casa de los Azulejos (the tiles house), The Post Office and the Fine Arts Palace; we will continue towards the Diego Rivera Mural Museum to admire the mural and afterwards we will board our vehicle to continue along the Paseo de la Reforma Avenue built by the Emperor Maximiliano during his empire, this avenue connected the Bosque of Chapultepec with the Zocalo. Continue to the Anthropology Museum visiting the most emblematic room of the museum The Sala Azteca.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma (or similar)
Day 3 - Sunday 9 November 2025
Mexico City (B)
This morning we will visit one of the most important Mesoamerican sites in the Americas, Teotihuacan, located 50km northeast of Mexico City. On the way we will make a stop at the “Plaza de las Tres Culturas”, where three cultures converge: Aztec, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican. We then drive for another hour to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world, held sacred by the Aztecs. We will explore its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the immense Pyramid of the Sun, ranked among the biggest in the world.
Continue to Coyocan, a former colonial village, located in the south of Mexico City. Coyocan still has its own identity, with narrow colonial-era streets, plazas, cafes and a lively bohemian atmosphere. We will walk along Coyocan’s main plaza, churches and beautiful old buildings.
We will visit Frida Kahlo’s home (museum), where she was born, lived much of her life, and eventually died. The house is a treasure trove, not only of her paintings, but also of innumerable artefacts associated with her and her husband, famous muralist Diego Rivera. Popularly known as the Casa Azul (the Blue House), the Museo Frida Kahlo preserves the personal objects that reveal the private universe of Latin America’s most celebrated woman artist.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
OPTIONAL Hot Air Balloon $545.00 per person - please advise at time of booking.
Early this morning (approx. 05:00), meet our guide in the hotel lobby to depart on the most unique way to see Teotihuacan. We will have coffee and cookies while the instructor give us an introductory briefing and instructions. We will see how the Hot Air Balloons are inflated with hot air. Then we will get into the basket and we will begin the ride. The duration is approximately from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the atmospheric and wind conditions. The Hot Air Balloon approaches the archaeological site of Teotihuacan to glide over palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Conches, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the immense Pyramid of the Sun, ranked among the biggest in the world. We will have a traditional toast with sparkling wine while we fly– a magnificent experience you will never forget!
Overnight: Hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma (or similar)
Day 4 - Monday 10 November 2025
Mexico City - Puebla (B)
This morning, we will drive to the World Heritage Site of Puebla, located 130km southeast of Mexico City. On the way we will make a stop in Tonantzintla, where we will visit its exuberant church. Under its dome, the surface is covered with colorful stucco saints, devils, flowers, fruits, birds and more – a great example of indigenous artisanship applied to Christian themes. We will arrive in Puebla in time for lunch at a local restaurant including a taste of mole (Lunch not included). Mexico’s national dish, the ‘mole poblano’, originated here! We will explore the colonial centre, lined with churches and colonial mansions, many adorned with the beautiful hand-painted Talavera tiles for which Puebla is famous. Continue to Oaxaca. Founded in 1529, the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Oaxaca is located southeast of Mexico City. Sitting atop a plateau (1,525m) surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, its narrow downtown streets are lined with exquisite colonial architecture and boast many markets and specialty shops that offer unique handicrafts. The region around Oaxaca abounds with natural and cultural beauty; of the 4000 or more archaeological sites that can be found here, only 800 have been surveyed, the main attractions being Monte Alban and Mitla. The indigenous people that live here are descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians.
The remainder of the day at leisure to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this colonial gem, exploring its charming streets, artistic galleries, and iconic landmarks.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Parador San Miguel Oaxaca (or similar)
Day 5 - Tuesday 11 November 2025
Puebla (B, L)
This morning join our local guide for a walk through the streets of the colonial city centre, along the Cathedral – with its attractive baroque facade, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo – a church with a breath-taking interior that dazzles with gold ornaments, and the Casa Juarez where Mexico’s great liberal reformer and president Benito Juarez lived. We will have time to browse the colourful local markets and soak up the bustling atmosphere on the Zocalo (main square).
We continue to Monte Alban – a World Heritage Site – spectacularly situated on a mountain 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley, a few kilometres west of Oaxaca. Monte Alban is the greatest of the Zapotec cities, and it came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic life of the region. It is also a triumph of engineering; the mountain top was levelled to allow for the creation of the ceremonial site. We will explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace, and other beautiful structures.
Today we will walk to the market to buy the ingredients for our culinary experience; At the cooking school where we will help to prepare the dishes and enjoy the food. We will continue to the mezcal distillery to learn about the process and finally to have a mezcal tasting from different agaves.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Parador San Miguel Oaxaca (or similar)
Day 6 - Wednesday 12 November 2025
Puebla - Tuxtla Gutierrez (B)
This morning we transfer to Oaxaca Airport for our flight via Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas’ lively state capital is the gateway to the exhilarating 800 meter-deep Sumidero Canyon, created by the mighty River Grijalva. On arrival in Tuxtla Gutierrez transfer to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Marriott Tuxtla Gutierrez (or similar)
Day 7 - Thursday 13 November 2025
Tuxtla Gutierrez -San Cristobal (B)
This morning we embark on a thrilling boat ride through the magnificent Sumidero Canyon, a geological wonder that reaches heights of over 1,000 meters. Marvel at the sheer vertical walls that flank the Grijalva River, as you navigate through the canyon's narrow passages and discover hidden caves and rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including spider monkeys, herons, and even the elusive jaguar.
San Cristobal de las Casas is a characteristically indigenous Chiapaneca town, nestled in the heart of the jungle highlands. Pine forests surround San Cristobal and the days are sunny and warm, and nights may be chilly. Amber, the translucent stone derived from fossilized coniferous resin, is plentiful in the region, and attractive shops in town display creative jewellery fashioned out of silver and the ancient stone.
Afterwards, we will explore on foot the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will visit the cathedral, on the north side of the pretty main square, with its lavish interior and gold-encrusted pulpit. We then walk a few blocks to the impressive 16th-century Dominican church Templo de Santo Domingo, with its intricate pink facade and gilded Baroque interior. Time to browse the handicraft market in front of the church, where Tzotzil Indians from the surrounding hills come to trade. We then drive 10km into the Chiapas highlands, to the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The Tzotzils descend from the ancient Maya and maintain some unique customs, costumes and beliefs. We will visit the beautiful white church in San Juan Chamula. The candles, incense and chanting worshippers make a powerful impression. We then drive to the nearby village of Zinacantan, with its pretty church and handicraft market.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Casavieja (or similar)
Day 8 - Friday 14 November 2025
San Cristobal - Palenque (B)
We depart our hotel early this morning and we will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before the drive to Agua Azul, a place where over 500 cascades create incredible turquoise coloured “pools” surrounded by the rainforest. We visit Misol-Ha which is the meeting point for the waters of the River Tzaconeja; the falls come plummeting down in what is one of the most impressive images in the Chiapas. We continue to our hotel in Palenque.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque (or similar)
Day 9 - Saturday 15 November 2025
Palenque - Campeche (B)
After breakfast, we explore the awe-inspiring Palenque Archaeological Site, a World Heritage Site, located 7km outside of the town of Palenque. Palenque flourished between AD600 and 800, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. The site, surrounded by rainforest where toucans and howler monkeys live, is made up of some 500 buildings spread over 15 sq km, of which only a few have been excavated. We will explore the magnificent ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions – the tallest and most stately of Palenque’s buildings, the Temple of the Sun – crowned with a prominent roof comb, The Palace – with its maze of corridors and rooms, and many other beautiful buildings.
The Spanish settlement of Campeche – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was built on the site of a former Maya fishing village in 1540. In colonial times it was the most important port on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its prosperity made it a frequent target for attacks by English, French and Dutch pirates, who looted and destroyed the city several times. As a consequence, thick walls were built around the town, strengthened by eight baluartes (bastions). Campeche’s defenses were completed by two forts on hills outside the city, where we will start our visit. The Fuerte de San Jose has an exhibit on colonial military history, and the Fuerte de San Miguel showcases beautiful Mayan artifacts. We continue to the Baluarte de San Carlos and Baluarte de la Soledad – two of the seven bastions that can be visited; the Ex-Templo de San Jose – a former Jesuit church with an elaborate façade of blue and yellow tiles; the Casa del Teniente del Rey – the former residence of the Spanish king’s military representative; and the Cathedral
After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Campeche.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Gamma Campeche Malecón (or similar)
Day 10 - Sunday 16 November 2025
Campeche - Merida (B)
This morning we depart on a journey to Merida, enroute we stop at Uxmal Archaeological Site. Explore the well- preserved Mayan ruins, adorned with intricate stone carvings, towering pyramids, and majestic palaces. Discover the rich history and architectural brilliance of the ancient Mayan civilization. Marvel at iconic structures like the Pyramid of the Magician, the Governor's Palace, and the ornate Quadrangle of the Nuns. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Uxmal as you uncover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also, visit the Kabah Archaeological Site. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient Mayan city as you explore its remarkable architecture and intricate stone carvings. Marvel at the iconic Palace of the Masks, adorned with numerous rain god Chaac masks, and be fascinated by the intricacies of the Codz Poop, a beautifully decorated arched gateway. Delve into the cultural and architectural significance of Kabah, gaining insight into the remarkable achievements of the Mayan civilization.
We continue to Merida known as "White City" because of the abundant use of white limestone, Merida is the capital city of Yucatan State and was once the most important city in the province. We will explore the historical centre of Merida, built more than 450 years ago on the site of T’ho, an ancient Mayan city. We will visit the magnificent Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built with the stones of ancient Maya temples. Construction of this cathedral began in 1561, and it is therefore the oldest one in Latin America. We can find murals depicting the meeting between Francisco de Montejo – founder of Merida - and the Mayan King Tutl Xiu. We will visit Casa Montejo - the grandiose home of Francisco de Montejo, and the Governor's Palace - housing 27 huge murals by Don Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating the somewhat violent history of Yucatan. From the beautiful tree-shaded Plaza Principal (central square) we can take pictures of the Cathedral, the Palacio Municipal (town hall), Casa Montejo, and the Governor's Palace. Finally, we drive along the historical boulevard Paseo Montejo - fashioned after the Champs Elysees - with its stately homes, shops and quaint restaurants.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel La Mision de Fray Diego (or similar)
Day 11 - Monday 17 November 2025
Merida (B)
Today we will drive to the quaint fishing village of Celestun, located 90km west of Merida. The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is home to 587 plant species, 42 of which are endemic. The fauna found in the reserve includes 304 bird species, including the Mexican pink flamingo, tern, jabiru, king vulture and greater white-fronted goose. There are also 75 mammal and 64 reptile species. We will take a boat ride through the estuaries to observe the beautiful pink flamingo colonies and other birds.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel La Mision de Fray Diego (or similar)
Day 12 - Tuesday 18 November 2025
Chichen Itza (B)
After breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – is the best restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. We will explore the magnificent ruins set in a dense jungle, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan – its height and striking geometric design dominating the whole site, the Great Ball Court – the largest and most impressive in Mesoamerica, the Sacred Cenote – a natural well used for human sacrifice, and many other beautiful temples. Then we will continue to Selva Maya an incredibly beautiful hideaway in the lush jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula, distinguished by its cool blue waters and exotic jungle atmosphere. A cenote is a perfect circle hole on the ground, with spring water from underground rivers unique on the Yucatán peninsula.
Valladolid was founded in the 1500’s by Spaniards on an earlier Maya settlement known as Zaci (which means ‘white hawk’ in Mayan), and quickly became an important religious cenre.
Dinner at leisure - your hostess will arrange a restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel El Meson del Marques (or similar)
Day 13 - Wednesday 19 November 2025
Valladolid - Riviera Maya (B, L, D)
Today we will enjoy a city tour of Valladolid. The town centers on the Park Francisco Canton Rosado, where we will find the Church of San Gervasio. There are seven colonial churches and the city is nicknamed the "Sultan of the East" because of its colonial splendor. Head southwest of the park and main plaza to arrive at the 16th century Ex Covent of San Bernardino de Siena, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Valladolid. Inside the church there are some original frescos and housed within the walls of the Covent building there are some orchards, and gardens.
We will drive to the village of Xbatun. for a Maya cooking workshop. We will spend time with the Cen Canche family, who through their business are helping to preserve their ancestral roots, create jobs and raise awareness of the Maya culture. Mother Irma and her daughters will cook with us some of their Maya ancestors' recipes. Enjoy our lunch before we continue to the picturesque town of Valladolid, founded by Francisco de Montejo in 1543 on the site of the Maya town of Sisal. The architecture is stunning, a mix of small multi-colored houses and old Spanish colonial buildings. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Riviera Maya a captivating coastal stretch in Mexico, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life.
Dinner tonight at our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mahekal Beach Resort (or similar)
Day 14 - Thursday 20 November 2025
Riviera Maya (B, D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to bask in the sun on the breathtaking beaches, take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters, and unwind at luxurious beachfront resorts. Explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving adventures, or simply relax by the pool and savor delicious cuisine and tropical cocktails. With the perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, Riviera Maya offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely day of blissful escape.
Enjoy a farewell dinner together at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mahekal Beach Resort (or similar)
Day 15 - Friday 21 November 2025
Riviera Maya - Home (B)
Early afternoon we will be transferred to the Airport for our flight back home. Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's inflight hospitality as we reminisce about our fantastic adventure.
Day 16 - Saturday 22 November 2025
In Transit (Meals In flight)
In transit
Day 17 - Sunday 23 November 2025
Welcome Home
Welcome Home!
Thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back!