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

Traveling through southeastern Mexico with a comprehensive tour like this can be an exciting way to check off some of the country’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. This 13-day journey from Mexico City to Cancun offers a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and vibrant cities—all bundled into one well-organized package.

While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviews suggest this trip strikes a good balance between guided sightseeing and free time, which is ideal if you want to explore at your own pace while having an expert to help navigate the highlights. Two things we love about this tour are the quality of the guides, who get high praise for their knowledge and friendliness, and the value for money—with transport, accommodations, most meals, and entrance fees included, it’s a solid way to see a lot without breaking the bank.

One potential downside to keep in mind is that with such a packed itinerary, some days might feel quite long, and transportation times can be substantial — especially when traveling between distant sites like Palenque and Merida. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and natural scenery, and who don’t mind a busy schedule.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free trip that covers a wide range of southeastern Mexico’s best spots, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially good for those who want a structured experience with some flexibility built in.

Key Points

• Excellent value for money considering the inclusive price, which covers accommodations, transport, many meals, and entrance fees.
• Family-friendly and accessible, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.
• Guides and drivers are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism.
• Natural beauty and historical sites are woven into the itinerary, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Balanced schedule with a mix of guided tours and free time for personal exploration.
• Comfortable accommodations mostly in four-star hotels, with some in higher-rated hotels in Mexico City and Cancun.

Analyzing the Itinerary: What to Expect

Days 1-2: Mexico City Arrival and Zocalo Exploration

Starting your journey in Mexico City, you’ll be picked up from Benito Juarez International Airport and transferred to your hotel. The first day is mainly about settling in and adjusting to the city vibe. The second day involves a visit to the Zocalo, the historic heart of Mexico City, where you can see the National Palace with Diego Rivera murals and other key landmarks.

This introduction sets the tone, offering a glimpse of Mexico’s vibrant capital. The fact that admission to the Zocalo and related sites is free is a bonus, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere without extra costs.

Days 3-4: Puebla and Oaxaca — Colonial Charm and Ancient Ruins

The trip continues with a visit to Puebla, known for its stunning Chapel of the Rosary and impressive cathedral. The highlight here is the ex-Hacienda Chautla, featuring an English-style castle on a lake, which adds a fairy-tale touch.

Moving on to Oaxaca, you’ll explore Monte Alban, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site perched on a mountain. This spot is packed with ancient structures and offers sweeping views. One reviewer mentioned how fascinating the site was, with evidence of Olmec, Zapotec, and Mixtec cultures. Expect a full day of walking and exploring, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Days 5-6: More Oaxaca, Sumidero Canyon, and San Cristobal de las Casas

The next day includes a visit to Mitla, another historic town with a 16th-century church and rustic streets that charm visitors. Transitioning to Chiapas, your adventure takes you to Sumidero Canyon, where a boat ride reveals towering cliffs and wildlife—definitely a highlight for nature lovers.

The journey continues to San Cristobal de las Casas, recognized for its colonial architecture and indigenous markets. Reviews praise the guides for their insights into local cultures, especially the traditional women in Zinacantán, working their backstrap looms—a real glimpse into local life.

Days 7-8: Waterfalls and Mayan Ruins

The Agua Azul Waterfalls impress with their vivid turquoise waters and natural pools, perfect for a quick swim and photo ops. The day involves a lot of travel but promises stunning scenery.

Next, you arrive at Palenque, one of the most beautiful Mayan archaeological sites, hidden in jungle surroundings. Visitors will appreciate the awe-inspiring temples and the lush environment. One review calls Palenque “beautiful,” emphasizing its archaeological significance and scenery.

Days 9-10: Yucatán Peninsula — Merida and Chichen Itza

Crossing into Yucatán, you’ll visit Merida, a city vibrant with colonial architecture and Mayan heritage. The tour includes a trip to Chichen Itza, the iconic Mayan pyramid, which is a must-see. The inclusion of Izamal, known as the “Yellow City,” offers colorful streets and history.

Days 11-12: Valladolid and the Biosphere Reserve

A boat ride through the biodiversity-rich biosphere reserve near Valladolid offers a chance to see crocodiles, birds, and enjoy nature. The day wraps up with free time—perhaps for some last-minute shopping or relaxing at the beach.

Day 13: Cancun and Departure

The final day involves a transfer to Cancun International Airport, wrapping up your southeastern Mexico adventure.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Overall Value

Transportation in this tour appears to be well-organized, with a focus on comfort and efficiency, especially considering the long distances traveled. The accommodations are mostly in four-star hotels, providing a good balance of comfort and affordability, with some hotels in Mexico City and Cancun rated five-star for added luxury.

At its price point of $2,075 per person, this tour offers solid value. When you consider the included transport, most meals, guided tours, and entrance fees, it’s a convenient way to see a lot without the hassle of booking each component separately.

What Travelers Say

A reviewer from YONEYOKOTA_S highlights how all sites visited are interesting, with excellent guides and drivers. They did note that Palenque didn’t appeal to them, which reminds us that individual tastes vary — but the overall experience seems very positive.

The group size, capped at 40 travelers, strikes a good balance between social interaction and personal space, allowing for a more intimate experience than large bus tours.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 13-day Mexico tour is perfect if you’re eager to dive into southeastern Mexico’s history, culture, and natural beauty without the stress of planning. The mix of guided visits and free time means you can absorb the sites at your own pace while enjoying the comfort and convenience of organized logistics. The knowledgeable guides and quality accommodations add to the appeal, especially if you value local insights and hassle-free travel.

However, be prepared for some long days, especially when traveling between distant sites. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want a rundown of this region, this tour offers a lot of value.

It’s a great choice for curious travelers who appreciate history, scenic landscapes, and culture, but who also want the reassurance of organized transport and logistics.

FAQ

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers 12 nights of accommodation, airport pickup in Mexico City, drop-off in Cancun, most entrance fees, and breakfast options. Most meals are included, but not all food and drinks.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 6 days ahead, but it’s wise to plan earlier if you want guaranteed availability, especially in peak seasons.

Are there any age restrictions or family considerations?
While the tour is described as family-friendly, it doesn’t specifically mention children. The schedule involves quite a bit of walking and long travel days, so consider your family’s comfort with those demands.

What’s the group size?
The tour can have up to 40 travelers, which is a manageable size for mingling while still maintaining a good level of personalization.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses organized transport designed for comfort, especially considering the long distances between sites like Palenque and Merida.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a fixed tour package, so customization isn’t typically offered. However, free time is included for personal exploration.

What if I want to skip certain sites?
Since this is a packaged tour, skipping sites isn’t usually an option. The itinerary is designed to be comprehensive, but you can enjoy free time where available.

Are hotels in the itinerary suitable for a relaxing stay?
Most hotels are four-star, with Mexico City and Cancun offering five-star options, ensuring a comfortable base after busy sightseeing days.

This tour offers a robust way to experience southeastern Mexico’s highlights with knowledgeable guides, good value, and a well-rounded mix of sites. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply eager to see Mexico’s diverse regions, it’s a solid choice worth considering.