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Viva Mexico - Day of the Dead Festival - Playa del Carmen to Mexico City
Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 1120
Overview
Destination:
Mexico,
Start:Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish:Mexico City, Mexico
Finish:Mexico City, Mexico
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Travel Period
October 2025 - October 2025
Say hola to Mexico! A country rooted in colourful fiestas, lively Mariachi tunes and a zest for life that’s truly contagious. Cruise the waterways of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera, visit Mayan communities, and participate in the famous Day of the Dead festival — this is Mexico at its finest.
Standard inclusions
Sightseeing
Experience the Mexican zest for life
- Tour bustling Mexico City
- Experience an authentic trajinera ride through the waterways of Xochimilco
- View the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City
- Marvel at the archaeological site of Teotihuacán
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Puebla
- Experience the Day of the Dead Festival
- Take a walking tour of the colonial town of Oaxaca
- Admire the view of the Oaxaca Valley while exploring the pyramids and tombs at Monte Alban
- Travel to Tehuantepec via the town of Mitla
- Tour the spectacular Sumidero Canyon by boat
- Enjoy the scenic drive into the Chiapas Mountains, home to numerous indigenous villages
- Spend two nights in the colourful town of San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Discover the indigenous Mayan communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
- Admire the turquoise colours of the Agua Azul waterfalls
- Explore the ancient Mayan site of Palenque
- Spend a night in the colonial city of Campeche
- Visit Uxmal, one of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan civilisation
- Tour the "White City" of Merida
- Take a guided boat tour in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Bird Sanctuary to see the variety of coastal birds
- Visit the great pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Mexico. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation
- 14 nights in 3-4½ star hotels
Properties include:
- The Reef 28, Playa del Carmen
- Holiday Inn Express Merida Centro, Merida
- Gamma Campeche Melecon, Campeche
- Hotel Mision Palenque, Palenque
- Hotel Sombra del Agua, San Cristobal
- Hotel Calli, Tehuantepec
- Hotel Casa Conzatti, Oaxaca
- Hotel Galeria Plaza Reforma, Mexico City
Hotels listed are an indication, and are subject to change without notice.
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 2 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based guides
Some things to note
- Mexico City is a fascinating place and many world class museums can be found here including the Anthropological Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum, Templo Mayor Museum, Bellas Artes Museum and Leon Trotsky’s house to name a few. Our sightseeing program in Mexico City is quite full so if you have an interest in visiting any of these museums, we would recommend booking at least 2 nights post tour accommodation to give you time to see those places that may be of particular interest to you.
- This tour involves some long travel days by private vehicle. Due to the nature of the roads in some parts of Mexico, 200km can take 5 hours or more to travel. Be prepared for winding (but incredibly scenic) roads, numerous stops at checkpoints, many speedbumps and at times heavy traffic that will all affect travel times.
- There is a time difference of one hour in between Playa del Carmen and Chichen Itza. Please remember to put your watches and clocks back one hour when arriving at Chichen Itza.
Optional Excursions:
- All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of optional excursions advised is an approximate only. Optional excursions can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional excursions may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - Depart Australia - Arrive Playa del Carmen
Welcome to lively Mexico! Stretching across a massive land area, Mexico ranks as Latin America’s third-largest country. With more than 100 million residents, it also proudly stands as the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking nation. Mexico’s flag, an iconic combination of green, white and red, carries deep meaning for the nation and its people. Green symbolises hope and victory, white represents the purity of Mexican ideals and red honours the blood shed by the country’s heroes. The central emblem is the Mexican coat of arms—an eagle perched on a cactus—which was based on the ancient Aztec symbol of Tenochtitlan.
We begin our adventure in Playa del Carmen, one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s hotspots! This sun-soaked paradise has so much to offer – lively streets packed with beach bars, local art and endless energy. Whether you’re diving into the turquoise waters, or savouring tacos by the sea, Playa's charm is truly magnetic. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Playa del Carmen – Tulum – Playa del Carmen
Rise and shine for an unforgettable morning adventure to the Tulum ruins! Let your imagination wander as we explore ancient temples where Mayan legends spring to life amid lush greenery. Snap a few photos by the iconic Castillo and savour the postcard-perfect view.
After our historical deep dive, the afternoon is yours to explore Playa del Carmen at your own pace. You could stroll down Quinta Avenida, teeming with colourful shops, vibrant restaurants and hidden treasures at every turn. Dip your toes in the sparkling waters or simply soak up Playa’s laid-back energy, recharging for the evening ahead.
In the evening, we’ll meet for a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 - Playa del Carmen - Chichén Itzá - Merida
This morning, we make our way to Chichén Itzá, the famous Mayan archaeological site. Here stands the majestic Pyramid of Kukulkan, soaring 27 metres high and dazzling visitors with its intricate stone architecture. Built between the 8th and 12th centuries on the remains of older temples, the pyramid flaunts some remarkable secrets about Mayan life and lore. Look closely, and you’ll discover that each step, platform, and carving is brimming with hidden meaning — like an ancient puzzle waiting to be cracked!
One of its most mesmerising tricks involves the sun itself: during the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight creates a snakelike shadow that seems to slither down the pyramid’s steps, connecting the heavens to a massive serpent head at the base. This spectacle was no accident. The pyramid encodes precise information about the Mayan calendar, reflecting their incredible understanding of astronomy, timekeeping and cosmic events.
After this unforgettable encounter with history, we travel to the vibrant city of Merida in the afternoon to check into our hotel.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 4 - Merida
Prepare to be dazzled by the Ría Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem stretching over 550 square kilometres along the northwestern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
This ecological paradise bursts with life, featuring a harmonious blend of coastal dunes, mangroves, lagoons, marshes and lush lowland rainforest teeming with countless plant and animal species. We will venture on a guided boat tour through the shimmering waters, where we’ll encounter more than 300 species of wild birds winging gracefully overhead and maybe even spot a few shy crocodiles peeking out from the mangroves!
One of the biggest highlights? Flamingos! They congregate here in bright pink flocks at certain times of the year, creating a jaw-dropping display that never fails to impress. Watch them wade in the shallows or take flight, adding a splash of neon brilliance to our day. With an expert guide at the helm, we’ll learn all about the interconnected ecosystems and their splendid residents, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
After our morning exploring, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch together at a local restaurant. Once back in Merida, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, exploring the city’s colourful streets, charming plazas and vibrant cultural scene.
Day 5 - Merida – Uxmal – Campeche
This morning we’re in for a real treat as we explore the Maya site of Uxmal, considered the most important of all the archaeological sites of Maya culture in Mexico. Believed to have been built between 700 and 1,000AD, the Uxmal complex represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. At the city’s height, it was home to around 25,000 people and was a significant political and religious centre.
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site features intricate geometrical patterns carved in stone, and the ornamentation on the structures reveal strong symbolism from the region’s Puuc style. On a guided tour, we’ll learn about the impressive Piramide del Adivino, known in English as ‘The Pyramid of the Magician’. Getting its name from an old folktale, this grand pyramid is 35 metres tall and was built over five different periods. We will also discover the Quadrangle of the Birds, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Ball Game Court and more—there’s so much to explore here, and experts suggest there’s even more yet to be excavated!
After lunch at a traditional Mayan restaurant, we make our way to the Mexican port city of Campeche to check in to our hotel.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 6 - Campeche – Palenque
Today we make our way to the quaint city of Palenque. Nestled in the lush lowlands of Chiapas, Palenque is a charming town that serves as the gateway to the iconic ancient ruins of the same name. Upon arrival, our afternoon will be spent at one of Mexico’s most iconic sites, the ancient Mayan city of Palenque. Considered perhaps the best example of Maya architecture in the whole country, Palenque is set within a superb jungle landscape, where howler monkeys and colourful chirping birds add to the ruin’s allure.
Palenque’s ruins date back to the Late Classic period—approximately 600 to 800AD—when the city thrived as a political and cultural powerhouse. Although the ancient city once spanned up to 15 square kilometres of dense jungle, only a fraction of its hundreds of structures have been excavated—a staggering fact! Among its most famous monuments is the Temple of the Inscriptions, an impressive pyramid built over eight levels, with a staircase rising about 27 metres to a series of small chambers. The temple is named for its intricate internal inscriptions that recount the city's history and its royal lineage. Other key structures within the site also feature beautifully carved bas-reliefs that depict mythological scenes and the reign of Palenque’s most famous ruler, Lord Pakal, and his descendants.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 7 - Palenque - San Cristóbal
We say adios to Palenque today as we make our way to San Cristóbal! Our first stop of the day is at Agua Azul, in Spanish translating to ‘Blue Water’. Situated on the Xanil River, Agua Azul is a series of cascading waterfalls that thunder into bright turquoise pools below. Nestled in a verdant jungle, the contrast of colours here are incredible. While here, we’ll grab some lunch and have the opportunity to swim in the gorgeous waters — a totally idyllic scene where it’s almost impossible not to swim!
Our journey continues to the charming town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is a colonial village characterised by its white stucco walls and red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, elegant arcades and open plazas. Surrounding the town are many smaller villages of Mayan-speaking Indians. There’s great variety and diversity in their language, dress and customs, making this area one of the most fascinating in Mexico!
Day 8 - San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is a colonial village characterised by its white stucco walls and red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, elegant arcades and open plazas. Surrounding the town are many smaller villages of Mayan-speaking Indians. There’s great variety and diversity in their language, dress and customs, making this area one of the most fascinating in Mexico.
Special Experience
In the mountains surrounding San Cristóbal, we visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan to learn about the Mayan culture and traditions, which are still alive today.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to San Cristóbal and learn more about the town on a tour.
Day 9 - San Cristóbal - Tehuantepec
Exploring the scenic Sumidero Canyon is first up on our agenda today! Located just north of the small town of Chiapa de Corzo, this beautiful canyon is nestled in the heart of Sumidero Canyon National Park and is not far from the Guatemalan border. We will take a scenic drive to reach the canyon, before hopping into a boat to further explore this natural masterpiece. While here, we’ll marvel at the sheer cliffs that soar up to a kilometre high at certain points, and that are said to have started forming 35 million years ago!
After our exciting boat trip this morning, we’ll head into nearby Chaipa de Corzo for lunch, well known for its unique Mudéjar architectural style—a fusion of Islamic and Christian artistic tradition—and as the gateway to the famed national park.
This afternoon, our journey continues to Tehuantepec, our destination for the night. Famous for its beautiful embroidered traditional dress— a style famously adopted by iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo—Tehuantepec was once a thriving centre of the indigenous Zapotec culture. Located on the edge of the state of Oaxaca, the wider Tehuantepec region played a key role in the pre-Hispanic era as an important trade route connecting Central America with central Mexico.
Day 10 - Tehuantepec - Mitla - Oaxaca
Steeped in centuries worth of history, today we head to Mitla and wander down its narrow and colourful streets. This is a great place to pick up a locally made souvenir! Before enjoying lunch together at a local restaurant, we’ll visit ‘Templo Católico de San Pablo Villa de Mitla’, a quaint church set in the centre of the Mitla’s main plaza. We will also visit the small archaeological site which is unique due its elaborate mosaic fretwork and geometric designs. No other site in Mexico has this decorative work.
From there we head to a mezcal factory where we’ll learn about all things agave and have the chance to sip Mexico’s most iconic spirit. Next, we make our way to Teotitlan de Valle, a famous weaving village with a tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times.
Our next stop is the impressive ‘Árbol del Tule’—an enormous tree with a circumference of over 48 metres at its base! The tree is between 1,500 and 3,000 years old and considered to be the oldest tree in the world.
We’ll arrive at Oaxaca in the evening (pronounced ‘wah-hah-kah’), a beautiful colonial city that is definitely a highlight of our adventure across Mexico! Once we arrive, we’ll head for a local graveyard to dive into the magic of the Day of the Dead festivities! It is believed that during this festival, the border between the spirit world and real-world dissolves and deceased loved ones return to feast, drink and dance with the living. Families gather around ornate ofrendas, decorated with marigolds and sugar skulls, while lively parades fill the streets.
Day 11 - Oaxaca
Our day is dedicated to discovering the best of Oaxaca—we’re in for a real treat today! We’ll start by heading out of Oaxaca to the scenic region that surrounds the city to visit the famous pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Alban. Perched on a mountain 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Alban was once the spiritual capital of more than 30,000 Zapotecs. The ruins extend over the peaks of three mountain ranges that converge in Oaxaca's central valley at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level. These mountain ranges are some of the most spectacular natural wonders in all of Mexico—don’t forget your camera!
Returning to Oaxaca, we’ll set off on a walking tour, first visiting the Church of Santo Domingo and marvelling at its stunning interiors, built in the stunning New Spanish Baroque architectural style. We’ll then walk along Andador Turístico, also known as Oaxaca’s ‘Pedestrian Street’, a traffic-free avenue lined with historic, colonial-era stone buildings that now house small artisanal shops, museums, cafes and bars. We’ll also view the mesmerising exteriors of the Teatro Macedonio Alcala and the House of Cortés.
The last leg of our city tour will include a visit the Temple of San Juan de Dios, the first church built in Oaxaca in around 1500. We’ll also see the stunning 19th century Government Palace complete with marble, arches and impressive murals, before heading to the bustling local markets and the iconic El Mayordomo chocolate store.
After we wrap up our walking tour, the night is yours to explore the city’s electrifying festivities at your own pace. Prepare to be dazzled by exuberant parades, toe-tapping music, irresistible bites and the jaw-dropping costumes that make Day of the Dead so legendary. Bring your spirit of adventure, because this is one party you’ll be talking about forever!
Day 12 - Oaxaca – Puebla – Mexico City
This morning, we wave goodbye to the enchanting streets of Oaxaca. Buckle up as we hit the road, heading north through breathtaking landscapes toward the charming colonial city of Puebla. Also known as 'City of Angels' and 'City of Tiles', Puebla is famous for its Baroque-style churches, local ceramics and delectable dishes, including the spicy Mole Poblano sauce—a total must-try when in Mexico. Its historic downtown area remains a Spanish colonial treasure, filled with 17th and 18th century European architecture with beautiful tiles adorning the many churches and buildings.
Once we've soaked in the views, it’s time to treat our taste buds with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. After refuelling, we hop back on the road for our final leg: the journey to the buzzing heart of the country—Mexico City! Sprawling across a valley, encircled by volcanoes and mountains and atop an ancient Aztec civilisation, Mexico City is North America's highest city and one of the world's most densely populated. With a long and fascinating history that runs from ancient indigenous civilisations through to the invasion of the Conquistadors and subsequent colonial rule, Mexico City boasts an array of fascinating sights and attractions.
Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel. The evening is yours to explore. You can choose to wander hip neighbourhoods, sip mezcal in a rooftop bar, or hunt down legendary street tacos. Go for it!
Day 13 - Mexico City
Our day is dedicated to exploring the delights of bustling Mexico City. We’ll see the main city square, Plaza de la Constitución or more commonly known as the ‘Zócalo’. The plaza is constructed from the stones of ancient palaces and temples and is said to be the second largest in the world after Moscow’s Red Square. The Zócalo is bordered by the Cathedral to the north and the National Palace to the east. In the centre of the plaza is an enormous Mexican flag which is ceremoniously raised and lowered each day and carried into the National Palace—immersing in this historically and culturally significant square is a real treat.
Special Experience
Board an authentic Mexican trajinera for a lively lunch cruise through the vibrant canals of Xochimilco.
This afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Mexican culture with a visit to Xochimilco, a vibrant borough known for its ancient canal system—you’ll hardly believe you’re still in Mexico City! These popular waterways are the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. Here, we’ll admire the hundreds of colourful trajineras (gondola-like boats) cruising along the canals while enjoying delicious food, lively mariachi music and pretty scenery.
Afterwards, we’ll explore a colourful arts and crafts market before we return to our hotel—the perfect place to grab an authentic souvenir!
Day 14 - Mexico City – Teotihuácan – Mexico City
After breakfast, we set off for the nearby site of Teotihuacán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Mexico. The early history of this ancient Mesoamerican city remains a mystery, and the identity of its original founders is still unknown—yes, it wasn’t built by the Aztecs! Teotihuacán is believed to have been established around 100 BC, with the Aztecs arriving nearly 1,000 years later. It was they who named the city Teotihuacán, meaning ‘Birthplace of the Gods’. Remarkably advanced for its time, Teotihuacán was a multi-ethnic society whose people worshipped a variety of gods, and at its height, it was the largest city in the Americas, home to an estimated 125,000 residents.
This morning, we have the opportunity to discover some of the city’s most incredible religious and ceremonial structures. The Temple of the Sun, standing an impressive 66 metres tall, is one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Across the complex, the Temple of the Moon rises 43 metres from the ground and is slightly smaller but equally as striking. Connecting the two pyramids is the ‘Avenue of the Dead’, a 40-metre-wide thoroughfare that features various smaller structures lining either side.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe or known locally as 'Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe'. This Roman Catholic Church and shrine, arguably the most important Christian site in Latin America receiving some twenty million pilgrims annually, was built near the location where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego. It also houses the original apron of Juan Diego that shows the icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which we’ll be able to see!
This evening we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 15 - Mexico City
Our tour through mesmerising Mexico concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 16 - In Transit
Day 16 - In Transit
Day 17 - Arrive Australia
Day 17 - Arrive Australia
Departure dates
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Operator
Bunnik Tours
With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik
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