13-Day Southeast Tour: Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Merida and Cancun

Our review of this 13-day Southeast Mexico tour is based on the detailed itinerary and feedback from travelers who have experienced it firsthand. If you’re looking for a well-organized journey that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, this tour offers a comprehensive way to see some of the most captivating parts of Mexico.

What we love about this experience is how it balances guided tours with free time, allowing for personal exploration, and its excellent value—covering most major sights and including accommodation, transport, and some meals. The potential downside? With such a packed schedule, some travelers might find the days long, especially in warmer months when Mexico’s climate can be intense.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to dive into Mexico’s diverse regions without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Families, history buffs, and those interested in authentic local culture will find this package particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Value-packed itinerary offering a broad view of Mexico’s southeastern highlights.
• Expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Flexible schedule with a good mix of guided sightseeing and free time.
• Visiting iconic sites like Chichen Itza, Monte Alban, and Palenque.
• Natural beauty from Sumidero Canyon to Agua Azul waterfalls.
• Comfortable accommodations mostly four-star, with some in Mexico City and Cancun offering five-star options.

An Introduction to This Southeast Mexico Tour

This 13-day adventure is designed to take you from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the stunning Caribbean beaches of Cancun, weaving through some of the most scenic and culturally significant destinations in southeastern Mexico. It’s ideal for travelers who want a rundown without the stress of organizing logistics themselves.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides and well-balanced itinerary ensure you get a thorough introduction to each area’s history and local flavor. Second, the inclusion of transportation, accommodation, many meals, and entrance fees makes it a solid value—a big plus when considering the cost of individual bookings.

One consideration? The schedule is quite full, with some days stretching over 12 hours, which might be tiring if you prefer slower-paced travel. Still, it offers a rich taste of Mexico’s diverse attractions, perfect for those eager to see many highlights in a relatively short time. This tour suits curious travelers who want authenticity, comfort, and a well-curated experience.

What You’ll Love About the 13-Day Southeast Mexico Tour

Excellent value for money is a recurring theme in reviews. For $2,075 per person, you’re getting a lot—hotels, transport, guided tours, and many entry fees included. Travelers appreciate how this package makes exploring Mexico’s southeast straightforward and stress-free, especially for first-timers.

Authentic cultural experiences are woven into the itinerary, from wandering the colonial streets of Puebla to exploring Mayan ruins like Palenque and Uxmal. The guided visits to sites like Monte Alban and Chichen Itza are narrated by knowledgeable guides, many of whom receive praise for their friendliness and expertise.

Natural beauty abounds—the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon boat ride, the turquoise waters of Agua Azul waterfalls, and the lush jungle surroundings of Palenque. These sights are often highlighted as some of the most memorable parts of the trip.

A balanced schedule lets you enjoy guided tours but also offers free time, especially in Cancun’s final days for relaxing on the beach or exploring at your own pace. This flexibility appeals to travelers who want structure but also personal freedom.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary: What to Expect

Days 1-3: Mexico City and Puebla

Starting in Mexico City, you’ll get a gentle introduction with a visit to the iconic Zócalo, the heart of the city, where the National Palace and murals by Diego Rivera stand out. The 4-hour city tour covers the essential sights and sets the tone for the trip.

Traveling to Puebla, you’ll visit the ex-Hacienda Chautla, known for its charming English-style castle set in a lake, a perfect photo stop. Puebla’s historic center is a highlight, with its colorful streets, stunning Chapel of the Rosary, and impressive cathedral. These visits are brief but meaningful, providing a good taste of colonial Mexico.

Days 4-5: Oaxaca and Mitla

Oaxaca is renowned for its vibrant culture and archaeological sites. The visit to Monte Alban is a major highlight—sitting atop a mountain, it offers sweeping views and impressive ruins representing Olmec, Zapotec, and Mixtec civilizations. The detailed descriptions of the Great Plaza and Tomb 7 reveal the importance of this site in pre-Hispanic Mexico.

A day trip to San Pablo Villa de Mitla lets you stroll through streets lined with colonial architecture and visit a 16th-century church. This town is a Magic Town, known for rustic charm and fine craftsmanship, perfect for those interested in local traditions.

Days 6-8: Chiapas – Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal, Agua Azul, Palenque

The journey to Chiapas introduces natural and cultural marvels. The boat ride through Sumidero Canyon is often praised for its dramatic cliffs and wildlife viewing opportunities. Then, the town of San Cristobal de las Casas charms visitors with its colonial architecture and indigenous markets.

The waterfalls at Cascadas de Agua Azul are a visual treat, with striking turquoise waters cascading over limestone formations. Travelers describe these as some of the most beautiful natural sights on the tour.

Next, the Palenque archaeological site offers a lush jungle setting and extraordinary Mayan ruins. The Pyramid of Inscriptions is a must-see, and the site’s natural beauty adds to its allure.

Days 9-13: Yucatán Peninsula – Mérida, Chichen Itza, Izamal, Valladolid, and Cancun

The city of Mérida introduces you to Yucatán’s colonial charm and rich heritage. The visit to Chichen Itza is a highlight, with its well-preserved ruins and the famed El Castillo pyramid.

A day exploring Izamal—a town declared a Magic Town—features its yellow-painted buildings and peaceful streets, giving you a more relaxed cultural experience.

Valladolid provides a natural adventure with a boat ride into the biosphere reserve, where you might spot crocodiles and a variety of bird species. The final days in Cancun offer a chance to unwind on the beaches, with a flexible schedule to relax or explore independently.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Logistics

Transport is a key feature of this tour, with organized bus travel connecting all destinations. This means you won’t need to worry about navigating Mexico’s sometimes confusing roads, and it allows for a more relaxed travel experience.

Accommodations are mostly four-star hotels, with Mexico City and Cancun offering five-star options. This ensures a comfortable stay throughout the trip, and reviews note the hotels are well-chosen for their amenities and location.

The tour starts at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport and concludes at Cancun International Airport, making it convenient for international travelers. Pickup and drop-off are included, which simplifies logistics.

Timing and Group Size

Most days start early, with some nights spent in transit or exploring. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, which should be manageable for personalized guiding but still lively enough for group camaraderie. Most travelers book 6 days in advance, indicating strong interest and confidence in the package.

Cost and Value

At $2,075 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the included transport, hotels, entrance fees, and some meals. While food and drinks aren’t included outside of breakfast, you’ll find plenty of affordable options along the way.

Travelers often praise the guides’ knowledge and the well-planned itinerary, which maximizes sightseeing without being overly rushed. The inclusion of entrance fees and most activities makes budgeting easier, adding to the overall value.

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Encounters

Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to make sites come alive with stories and historical context. The visits to local towns, markets, and craft workshops, like the Zapotec women working on traditional backstrap looms in Zinacantán, really deepen the experience.

The natural sights—waterfalls, canyons, jungles—offer more than just sightseeing; they provide real encounters with the environment that Mexico’s southeastern region is known for. You’ll see wildlife, learn about local traditions, and enjoy authentic regional cuisine at your stops.

Final Verdict: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 13-day adventure is an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore Mexico’s southeast with guidance and convenience. It’s especially suitable for those interested in history, archaeology, and natural beauty, and who enjoy a structured itinerary that still leaves room for personal discovery.

Families, cultural enthusiasts, and first-time visitors will appreciate the balance of guided visits and free time. If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer self-guided travel, this tour offers a hassle-free way to see many highlights without sacrificing comfort.

While days can be long, the richness of experiences—stunning ruins, vibrant towns, scenic landscapes—more than compensates for the effort involved.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between all destinations is provided as part of the package, ensuring smooth travel without the need to navigate Mexico’s roads yourself.

What kind of hotels will I stay in?
Most accommodations are four-star hotels, with hotel options in Mexico City and Cancun offering five-star comfort. Hotels in other towns are carefully selected to be comfortable and well-located.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees are included in the tour, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs at sites like Monte Alban, Palenque, and Chichen Itza.

Can I expect guided tours at each site?
Yes, professional guides accompany you during most site visits, providing detailed insights and context to enhance your understanding of each location.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, this tour is family-friendly and offers a good mix of activities and free time suitable for travelers of various ages.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and lightweight clothing. Some days involve outdoor activities and long hours, so prepare accordingly.

How long are the travel days?
Travel days can be quite full, often over 12 hours including sightseeing, transfers, and meals. Expect early mornings and full days, especially in warmer months.

Will I have free time at the beaches in Cancun?
Yes, Day 12 is a free day for personal activities or beach relaxation. You can enjoy some leisure or explore more of Cancun’s vibrant nightlife and attractions.

This 13-day Southeast Mexico tour offers a well-rounded and authentic experience. It’s a great way for curious travelers to see the country’s highlights comfortably, with knowledgeable guides and reliable logistics. For those ready to explore Mayan ruins, colonial towns, and stunning natural sites, this package delivers a memorable adventure.