Learn about Mayan culture, both ancient and contemporary, their unique customs and enchanting stories.
Intro
Explore the country's stunning landscapes, eclectic wildlife and rich culture as well as sublime beaches and a delicious cuisine - and enjoy Mexicans' perpetually warm welcome and sunny disposition.
Discover the ancients of Mexico from Aztecs to Zapotecs, Olmecs to Toltecs. Learn about their civilisations and customs and visit the remains of their ancient sites, from vast pyramids to sublime statue columns.
For a taste of indigenous Mexico, come to Oaxaca. This gorgeous state boasts beautiful colonial architecture, a primordial eco-system that draws botanists from all over the planet, fascinating ancient historical sites and is also acknowledged as the gastronomy hot-spot of Mexico. Furthermore, as the indigenous capital of Mexico, it boasts a vast array of languages and customs enhancing the intricate cultural landscape.
Finally, take time to explore Mexico's bustling capital city and, nearby, the venerable site of Teotihuacan, whose ancestry is a subject of heated debate.
Why travel with us ?
We have been offering tours to Mexico for many years, as can be seen from our wide selection of tours. If you are interested in a small group tour, you can choose from our classic tour covering the cultural highlights of Mexico, our archaeology tour delving into Mexico's fascinating ancient past, or our Mayan Lives tour, where you will learn about both ancient and contemporary Mayan life. In Oaxaca we also offer a culinary tour visiting the states' cultural and culinary hotspots as well as a Day of the Dead festival tour in late October, taking in the liveliest of Mexico's festivals in its indigenous heartland. Our final small group tour combines Mexico's highlights with those of its upbeat and surprisingly close neighbour, Cuba.
If you prefer a private trip we would be delighted to customise a trip to suit you. As well as all of the options from our group trips, we can also offer you whale-watching, trekking, rafting and a host of other activities. Why not plan a visit to the staggering Copper Canyon or explore the Yucatan peninsula? And what better way to relax and reflect on your trip than on one of Mexico's superb beaches with a range of excellent accommodation options. Just let us know what you have in mind and we will be happy to put something together for you.
View all Mexico tours
Mexico: the land of ancient sites, rich culture & delicious cuisine. Join Katja Peichl; product manager & curator of Travel The Unknown’s Mexico tours on a a journey through the country’s stunning landscapes and sublime beaches. Together, we discover the the hidden secrets of the Olmecs, Aztecs & Mayans. This presentation will take you from Mexico’s bustling capital city and the nearby venerable site of Teotihuacan to Oaxaca, the gastronomy hot-spot of Mexico, ending up in Yucatan’s fascinating ancient historical sites. It is the dream destination for archaeology & culinary aficionados.
Trekking
Venture into a hidden corner of Mexico - the Sierra Norte Mountains of Oaxaca - a biodiversity hotspot and home to the indigenous Zapotec people. This stunning region is home to around 4,000 plant species and is thought to be one of the oldest eco-systems in the world at around 20 million years old. These beautiful mountains, pine forests, rivers and valleys lend themselves to legends and the Zapotecs have many which they are only too happy to share with the adventurous souls who visit their native lands. The benefits of this eco-tourism project are shared amongst the people and villages that make this area so special. Come discover this little slice of paradise.
Another option is a multi-day trek through Mexico's most famous cavern, the stunning Copper Canyon. More serious climbers may want to take on Mount Orizaba in Veracruz, which at 16,000 ft is Mexico's highest peak and after Kilimanjaro the world's second most prominent volcano.
Rafting and Caving
Turquoise water and the subtropical vegetation with an inexhaustible diversity of flora and fauna along the river make the class III rapids of the RÃo El Naranjo an unforgettable rafting experience. For those seeking something a little more underground, San Luis Potosi's Sotano de las Golondrinas is one of the most beautiful open-shaft caverns in the world. Experience a freefall drop of more than 1200 ft in a beautiful jungle setting surrounded by hundreds of squawking parrots!
Canyoning
The Copper Canyon in Chihuahua actually consists of around 20 canyons which put together are about 4 times larger than the Grand Canyon in the USA - and far more spectacular. The canyon contains six rivers and its walls are a copper green colour in the wet season. It forms a geological tapestry of craggy cliffs, sheer canyon walls and a flat river bed below. The famous VÃa Ferrata Piedra Volada in the spectacular Copper Canyon is an experience of a lifetime. A steel cable fastened in the rock serves as a climbing aid and belay. Iron rungs are used as steps and grips so that non-climbers are also able to get back to the edge safely after experiencing the breath-taking view of the Copper Canyon. A unique thrill. Copper Canyon also boasts 5.5km of ziplining with some of the most incredible views you are ever likely to experience.
Whales, Turtles & more
Take a boat from Oaxaca's coast to watch for sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales. Humpbacks migrate south in December/January and north again in March. Keep your eyes peeled for Nurse Sharks, Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins, Orcas and Pilot Whales as well. To get up close and personal, scuba diving and snorkelling can also be arranged. Fishing trips are also available.
Beaches
Want to relax for a little at the end of your trip?
We can arrange a range of beautiful and comfortable beach stays with watersports or just the opportunity to relax - in Oaxaca and throughout Mexico.
Mexico City
When humans arrived in the Mexico valley in 30,000 BC, the valley floor was a chain of lakes. The water has been receding ever since, and its agriculture has became an important way of life. The Aztecs arrived from northwest Mexico and settled in the Chapultepec region. The tribe were forced to flee however, and in 1325 arrived on an island on the western shore and built the city Tenochtitlán. This was to rule over most of Mexico in the 15th and early 16th centuries before the Spanish conquest in 1519. Tenochtitlán was destroyed, but was then rebuilt on Spanish orders as the capital of Nueva España (New Spain), later becoming Mexico City.
Monte Alban
Monte Alban is one of Mexico's most ancient sites having been first built at around 500BC, and is said to have been the first settlements to use writing as well as a written calendar. With the settlement being based on top of a flat hill, the 360 degree views of the surrounding valley are spectacular, and provide a fantastic insight into the setup of this ancient city.
Santiago Apoala
As one of the oldest villages in the Sierra Mixteca mountain range, Santiago Apoala is home to great tradition. According to this tradition, the tree of life, which is claimed to have given birth to humanity, can be found here. Equally well known for its enchanting waterfalls, the opportunity to swim in the clear tranquil pools at the bottom of the waterfalls should not be missed. The village is set in a wonderful and enchanting landscape - a green, hidden valley with impressive waterfalls enclosed by steep cliffs. You don't need much imagination to understand why the Mixtec people believe this place is paradise on Earth.
​Mitla
The ancient archaeological site of Mitla holds great religious significance to the region of Oaxaca, with ancient kings and priests buried within the city walls. The site, which is estimated to date back to 900 BC symbolises Mexico's attitude towards the dead, who are greatly celebrated and never forgotten. Mitla's fascinating history, where human sacrifice was a key part of worship, provides many facts and stories about indigenous human civilisation dating back almost 3000 years.
​Hierve El Agua
The unique natural phenomena of Hierve El Agua is bound to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. As a source of many natural springs, the rock shapes have been heavily influenced by these springs, with the mineral rich water molding rocks into the shape of waterfalls, known as a 'petrified waterfall'. The springs have also helped form natural pools in the rocks, creating stunning natural baths, ideal for an afternoon dip.
