20 Day Magic Towns of Mexico
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Forget the tourist traps, come explore the REAL Mexico! This exclusive tour is for just 12 people – and will be Patch Adventures first ever mixed gender itinerary. That’s right, you can bring your partner on this perfectly balanced journey that’s filled with insider experiences… and access to places NOT available on typical itineraries.
Note: we do offer a more active, 18-day Mayan Mexcio trip for women-only that includes a jungle trail and an overnight tent sleep if that’s more your thing!
Visit Seven of Mexico’s Magic Towns
Mexico calls them ‘Pueblos Mágicos’ (literally: Magic Towns). An official program of the government, it takes a lot of time and work for a town to be accepted. Not just any ol’ pueblo can get in!
That’s why we can say with confidence that on this trip, you will see the best of Mexico and its hidden gems, all while eating fabulous local food and staying in the most gorgeous and luxurious accommodation – including some 5-star highlights. From the eclectic streets of downtown Mexico City to the most epic of the heritage-listed archaeological sites. Swim in waterfalls and naturally formed limestone cenote-pools and visit some of Mexico’s ‘magical towns’, each unique in their own way.
Designed by our expert Mexico insider – whose identity must remain secret – you’ll explore its complex culture and history that over the ages, has shaped how unique Mexico looks and feels today.
Wait, What if I’m Travelling Solo?
And of course, on all our trips the majority of our guests are solo travellers who are matched with a roommate and that’s exactly how this trip will work, too.
Highlights
Hot Air Balloon Flight over UNESCO Heritage Site Teotihuacan
Experience Mexican street food at its best - Not a tourist in sight
Explore 7 unique and historical ‘Magical Towns’
Sailing with an intro class and a couple of boat trips
Luxury stays in historical and boutique accommodation
Beat the crowds with a early morning visit to Chichen Itza
Chocolate hacienda tour and tasting of artisan Mexican chocolate
Cool off in waterfalls and formed cenote pools
Trip Details
Price
$9,230 AUD (twin share)
- $1,750 AUD deposit
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo
- Private supplement available: $2,698 AUD, max 2 spots
- Mixed Gender: hubbies welcome!
Patch is a women’s travel company, but from time to time we will offer ‘hubbies welcome’ trips like this one.
Trip length
20 days, 19 nights
Dates
Starts: Mexico City, 22 May 2023
Finishes: Cancun, 10 June 2023
Meeting point
Hampton Inn, Mexico City
Ending point
Presidente InterContinental, Cancun
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 19 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 12 dinners
- 1 x domestic flight (Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez) & comfortable and private vehicle transportation throughout
- Hot air balloon flight over heritage-listed Teotihuacan
- 19 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking tour leader & listed specialist guides
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty. Note: as Aussies, we know that tipping is annoying! However, guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in Mexico.
- Personal expenditure
Click the tabs to find out more
Itinerary
Day 1: MEXICO CITY
Buenos dias! Good Day! One of our friendly team will greet you on your arrival to Mexico City Airport, and you’ll transfer in comfort, straight to the hotel. The group’s welcome-dinner is arranged tonight at one of our favourite local restaurants – not another tourist in sight!
Accommodation: Hampton Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: MEXICO CITY
Explore the city’s eclectic nature this morning as your guide leads you through the downtown streets. Right here in downtown Mexico City, you’ll see how a mix of Indigenous, Spanish and modern cultures have all influenced the city’s vibrancy. Bring an empty belly, because you’re going to try various types of tacos – an ever present dish across the country that offers so much more variety than at home. It’s at this moment that so many begin their lifelong love affair with authentic Mexican food!
Accommodation: Hampton Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: TEOTIHUACAN UNESCO SITE
It’s not everyday you ride a hot air balloon at sunrise over a UNESCO site that’s 2,000 years old! But that, friends, is exactly how you’ll kick off Day 2 of this trip. After a celebratory breakfast, you’ll wander Teotihuacan’s ancient streets and climb its pyramids, all while your guide brings to life the rise and demise of the Aztec empire and its people. There’ll be time to share aerial pictures of the view this afternoon as the group transfers to the ‘magical town’ of Valle de Bravo, and check in at your waterfall-side hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: VALLE DE BRAVO
Take Valle de Bravo this morning, at a strolling pace. The cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings are begging to be wandered and are postcard-perfect. In the afternoon, the experience continues with some yacht sailing on the lake. There will be an introductory sailing class, so get as involved in the sailing as you like!
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Grand Valle de Bravo (or similar)
Travel Time: 3 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, and Lunch
Day 5: SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LAS CASAS
After check out, there’s a transfer and short flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas because today you’re enroute to the ‘magical town’ of San Cristobal de las Casas. The pace of life is much slower in the Southern Highlands; until recently some towns still had their milk still delivered by donkey! The area is home to the Tzotzils and the Tzeltals peoples – both are Mayan indigenous groups known for their vibrant textiles. Don’t worry – your guide will make sure there’s some time for shopping in the local market! Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.
A ‘Magical Town’ or ‘Pueblo Mágico’ is a title awarded to Mexican towns whose communities maintain the original architecture, traditions, history and culture. The towns also often have great relevance to the country’s history.
Accommodation: Hotel Bo (or similar)
Travel Time: 3 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: SUMIDERO CANYON
How would you like to spend your morning? If you’re full of beans, we’ve invited a specialist bike guide to take you on a leisurely 20km cycle along the rim of Sumidero Canyon, for exercise and incredible views. Otherwise, take a stroll around nearby Chiapa de Corzo with our guide. It’s another ‘magical town’ with a history that stretches back 3,500 years – and a market that is as local and authentic as it gets. The group will reunite for a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon. By the evening, you’ll be ready to put your feet up, so tonight is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Bo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: PALENQUE
Today the group will transfer by road to Palenque and the state of Tabasco. Yep, that Tabasco, but today, you’ll need to prepare your tastebuds for a different type of experience that will occur during your road trip. The drive across the highlands will take the day, but you’ll enjoy some hiatuses along the way, including a visit to a chocolate making hacienda that makes possibly the best chocolate – ever!
Accommodation: Villa Mercedes Palenque (or similar)
Travel Time: 5 Hours (leg one), 3 Hours (leg two)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: PALENQUE
The famed Maya city of Palenque was reclaimed by the jungle after its demise around 800 AD. Today, you’ll explore the cleared field filled with restored ancient ruins, including the ‘Temple of Inscriptions’. You’ll marvel at its walls of carved hieroglyphics. Remember to take your swimsuit because afterwards, the group will stop by a waterfall for a refreshing dip.
Accommodation: Villa Mercedes Palenque (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: PALIZADA
After breakfast today, you’ll travel by road to the Yucatan Peninsula and the port city of Campeche. Along the way, there’s time to take in the delights of the ‘magical town’ of Palizada. Right here we have a special surprise waiting, which may involve tortillas and cheese. Yum!! Check into the hotel late in the afternoon and then enjoy some time chilling out.
Accommodation: Casa Don Gustavo (or similar)
Travel Time: 2 Hours (leg one), 4.5 Hours (leg two)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: CAMPECHE
This morning, you’ll spot for wild dolphins while exploring a mangrove lined coastal lagoon on the Gulf of Mexico by boat. And following lunch, your guide will share swashbuckling stories of 17th century pirate attacks as you stroll around Campeche and its walled historical district. You’re free to do as you please tonight, but your guide will make restaurant reservations just in case anyone wants group company at dinner.
Accommodation: Casa Don Gustavo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: UXMAL
After breakfast you’ll check out of the hotel and travel by road to Merida. Along the way, the group will stop to explore the ancient Mayan site of Uxmal, including the Magician’s Pyramid and the Governor’s Palace. Both have an overwhelming presence at the site. In the afternoon you’ll check into the hotel – Rosas & Xocolate – an indulgent treat for all your senses for the next 3 nights. (You might even want to pop this hotel into Google Images.) Dinner is at a nearby local restaurant.
Accommodation: Rosas & Xocolate (or similar)
Travel Time: 3 Hours
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: MERIDA
Today is a perfect wind-down day as you settle into your beautiful surroundings. It’s three days at a slower pace as we break up the trip for you. Those who want to head out can join a mid-morning walking tour that morphs into an indulgent food-lunch experience that explores the best local spots. Fried tortillas loaded with toppings is just one of the popular dishes here. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Why not take advantage of the charming pool at the hotel?
Accommodation: Rosas & Xocolate (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13: CENOTES
Be sure to have your swimsuit with you today. The group will travel to a small town just south of Merida where there’s lots of cenotes for you to take a dip. These are naturally occurring limestone sinkholes that are all unique and were once held sacred by the Mayan people. Some are even underground – like a swimming pool in a cave! The waters are clear and refreshing. The evening is yours to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation: Rosas & Xocolate (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14: HACIENDAS AND IZAMAL
After three nights in Merida, you’ll be ready to get back on the road as we drive to the famous Rio Lagartos region. On the way, you’ll take a slight detour to visit Izamal, one of our ‘magical town’ favourites because all of the houses are painted bright yellow – it’s a definite photo op! You’ll check into a renovated Hacienda in the afternoon – your home for the next 2 nights.
Accommodation: San Francisco Tzacalha (or similar)
Travel Time: 2.5 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15: RIO LAGARTOS
Choose your own adventure! Do you feel like heading out to explore The Rio Lagartos protected estuary by boat, with a touch of bird spotting? You’re here at the right time for that. There’s a chance to see some flamingos too. Otherwise, spend your day ‘in-house’ at the hacienda. We’ve invited a local artist to join you and teach you the local pottery techniques, and how to paint your creation.
Accommodation: San Francisco Tzacalha (or similar)
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: SURPRISE
Day 16 is our Mystery Day, an incredible day for the group that you’ll hold in your hearts and minds for a long time! All we can say without spoiling the surprise is to bring your swimsuit along, because it may include a refreshing dip at a beautiful local cenote. The accommodation tonight is at a small hotel near Chichen Itza.
Accommodation: Hacienda Chichen (or similar)
Travel Time: 2.5 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: CHICHEN ITZA
Chichen Itza, today. The world famous archaeological site. You’re staying close by, which means you’ll be able to explore with our guide before the big crowds bus their way in. It’s these little touches which you’ll appreciate on our trips. In the afternoon the group will travel to Tulum and check-in to the resort. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You might relax by the pool, make the most of the hotel’s spa services, or swim in the nearby Caribbean sea.
Accommodation: Kimpton Aluna Resort or similar
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18: TULUM
Today you’re welcome to choose how you’d like to spend the day. There’s a guided tour of Tulum’s Mayan archaeological site – unique because it’s right by the sea. There’s a striking contrast between the rock pyramids and the blue sea which makes the scenery pop in photographs! Otherwise, you might like to spend your day at a beach club. Chill under a palm tree or beach umbrella on a comfy lounge – taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea whenever you please. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Accommodation: Kimpton Aluna Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 19: CANCUN
There’s a short 2 hour drive to Cancun this morning following breakfast and check-out. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. There’s a fabulous pool and spa services at the hotel, and the beach is just nearby. Tonight there’ll be laughs and hugs galore at the group’s farewell dinner. You’ll reminisce about the amazing experiences you’ve all shared as your guide leads you on a truly authentic eating adventure to undiscovered spots filled with friendly locals. End the night with a celebratory margarita and toast to an amazing adventure!!
Accommodation: Presidente InterContinental Hotel (or similar)
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 20: FAREWELL
Can you believe your Mexico adventure has come to an end? We’ll ensure you transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
The Essential Info
How Fit do I need to be?
Level – Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There is an alternative available to the specific exercise planned for this trip. However, there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city walks and getting on and off various forms of transport.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Accommodation
It’s beautiful, luxury accommodation all the way through. Mexico has such amazing options that we couldn’t say no!
Hampton Inn Hotel:
The location of this hotel is incredible. Right in the heart of the historical centre of Mexico City.
Hotel Bo:
Rosas & Xocolate:
What about Dietary Requirements?
If you have a corn allergy, it will simply not be possible to enjoy this trip. Corn is extremely common in Mexican cuisine and its traces are everywhere.
Other than that…
We can accommodate almost any dietary requirements including Vegetarian, Coeliac/Gluten Free, and Vegan needs. You will have no difficulties in finding vegan food, and compared to most countries you will have more options. Occasionally, though, it won’t be easy and the food may be basic.
What if I don’t like Spicy Food?
Many Australians have a palette which is less inclined towards spicy food. You will have no difficulty in Mexico, actually, but you do need to let our trip leader know.
What about safety?
Some areas of Mexico are ruled by gangs, and just as you’d see in the media, are totally not safe.
However, Mexico is a very large country and most of it is stable and safe. We have lots of friends who live in Mexico who are very happy with their lives and never experience any problems. While no country is perfectly secure, we will take you only to parts of the country that we’d take our own friends and family to. You’ll be travelling in groups, in vehicles, and staying in well-reputed areas and hotels.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you both choose to be gracious.
You also know that it’s worth spending a little more to have a great night’s sleep. You just love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation! You don’t want to spend your days feeling rushed around trying to tick as many boxes as possible. Instead, you like to linger longer in the right places and get a deeper, better experience of the places that make the most sense.
You enjoy trying new food, especially in undiscovered places filled with locals. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before. You’re both curious and want to rediscover the magic of travel.
The group will be on their feet a good amount on the trip, mostly walking through cities and neighbourhoods, and exploring ancient ruins.
If this fits you, then welcome aboard! We’ll see you in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
This trip begins in Mexico City, Mexico and ends in Cancun. We ask that you fly into Mexico City International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. If you wish to go back to Mexico City upon finishing, there are multiple domestic flights daily (around 2 ½ hours nonstop) departing Cancun.
You will need to book these directly or through your travel agent.
A deposit of $1,750 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Note: prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate; this trip pricing is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.69 USD.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
All travellers will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after they depart Mexico. Most travellers do not need a visa for Mexico and visas are not currently required for citizens of the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many other countries. All travellers must fill out an Immigration form, which should be done prior to travel. We can send you the link before the trip. Flight details are required.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
We recommend bringing a small amount of USD with you for changing and withdrawing cash from ATMs as you need it along the way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Credit cards are widely accepted too, but not so much in remote areas where you’ll need local currency on hand. We DO NOT recommend bringing Travellers Cheques because they can be difficult to exchange and the rates are not as favourable as ATMs.
We recommend bringing plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for hot jungle days and time at the beach. Good walking shoes, insect repellent and sun protection are also a must. Both for the beach and for the cenotes, make sure to bring a bathing suit or two – as sometimes you will visit cenotes on consecutive days. A towel and a bag to carry wet clothes are also a good idea.
Airport transfers are included at both ends of the trip.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There is an alternative available to the specific exercise planned for this trip. However, there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city walks and getting on and off various forms of transport.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
