30 Day Mexico & Cuba Small Group Escorted Tour with Flights
Mexico - Puebla - Oaxaca - Palenque - Merida - Valladolid - Playa del Carmen - Havana - Cienfuegos - Trinidad - Camaguey - Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa
Return international flights from Australia
Small-group tour of only 12 travellers
Modern hotel accommodation & traditional Cuban B&B’s with breakfast
2020 & 2021 departure dates available
From
$7,999
Typically $8,999
pp twin share
Description
This is a small-group escorted tour with a maximum of 12 people!
If you want to experience all the flavours of Mexico you’re going to need more than just tacos and tequila — the music, the history, and the people all have a little something you’ll crave. Cities, beaches, jungle, and the curious spices of mole sauce all await on this incredible tour that lets you hit the beach, discover the ruins of the Mayans, and wander colonial cities. Think of this as Mexico 101 without the pop quiz. As you head over to Cuba, you will not only experience the very best in Cuban history, culture, sites and landscapes, but you will meet and interact with a cross-section of locals, each with their own story to tell and experiences to share. So don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime tour!
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Day 29 Day 30
Australia Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City! Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Viena or similar, Mexico City
Meals included: inflight only
Mexico City
Enjoy free time to explore Mexico City. Opt to check out the sprawling zócalo (main square), visit the Frida Kahlo museum in vibrant Coyoacán, or view impressive Mayan and Aztec artefacts at the National Anthropology Museum.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Viena or similar, Mexico City
Meals included: Breakfast
Mexico City Puebla
Rise early and explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan on a guided tour. Work up a sweat climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, and be rewarded by sweeping views of the ruins site. Travel to Puebla and enjoy an orientation walk downtown.
Accommodation: Hotel Gilfer or similar, Puebla
Meals included: Breakfast
Puebla
Enjoy a free day to explore the city. Opt to visit a ceramics workshop, check out the pyramid of nearby Cholula, sample delicious local specialities, or watch a Lucha libre wrestling match at night.
Accommodation: Hotel Gilfer or similar, Puebla
Meals included: Breakfast
Puebla Oaxaca
Journey south to beautiful Oaxaca, and get a feel for the city on an orientation walk, stopping to visit one of its sprawling markets.
Accommodation: Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca
Meals included: Breakfast
Oaxaca
Take advantage of free time, and opt to explore the ruins at Monte Alban, learn to make mole in a cooking class, buy local handicrafts at nearby artisan villages, or samples some mezcal at a local distillery - lookout for the worm!
Accommodation: Oaxaca Real or similar, Oaxaca
Meals included: Breakfast
Oaxaca Palenque
Travel in style and fly to Villahermosa, then transfer to Palenque by land.
Accommodation: Hotel Mayabell or similar, Palenque
Meals included: Breakfast
Palenque
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque, set in the jungle of Chiapas. Opt for a jungle walk in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Mayabell or similar, Palenque
Meals included: Breakfast
Palenque Merida
Travel to the Yucatán Peninsula, stopping off in the seaside historic city of Campeche. Upon arrival in Mérida, enjoy an orientation walk to get to know the city's layout and attractions.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Maria or similar, Merida
Meals included: Breakfast
Merida
Enjoy a free day to explore Mérida and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or explore the main square and historic buildings of Mérida.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Maria or similar, Merida
Meals included: Breakfast
Merida Valladolid
Explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá with a guided tour, then continue on to the quaint city of Valladolid. Opt to cool off with a swim in a nearby cenote, a natural water-filled sinkhole.
Accommodation: Hotel Colonial La Aurora or similar, Valladolid
Meals included: Breakfast
Valladolid Playa del Carmen
Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge on Mayan Riviera beaches. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus or similar, Playa del Carmen
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day at leisure. Opt to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulúm or just play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus or similar, Playa del Carmen
Meals included: Breakfast
Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day at leisure!
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus or similar, Playa del Carmen
Meals included: Breakfast
Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free day at leisure!
Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus or similar, Playa del Carmen
Meals included: Breakfast
Playa del Carmen Havana
Head over to Havana today! During your stay in Cuba, you will be staying in Casa Particulares or Cuban B&B’s. These offer a taste of authentic life in this incredible destination with heaps of opportunity to interact with the locals. Enjoy the rest of your day in Havana at leisure. You can put on your walking shoes and take in Havana’s rich history, grand monuments, world-famous cigars and scrumptious cocktails. You can easily get lost in Havana Vieja (Old Havana), the old city of cobblestoned alleyways and colonial buildings, ancient squares and noted churches.
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Cienfuegos
Stop off at Playa Girón/ Bay of Pigs, long associated with the USA’s first military failure in Latin America. The natural beauty of this area is stunning, with cave systems, coral formations and an abundance of sea life making it a must for snorkelers, divers and ocean lovers alike.
If Cuba had a Paris then it would probably be Cienfuegos, which stands out for its rich French-influenced architecture. Explore the wide streets and promenades or enjoy a walk by the Malecon, the longest promenade on the island.
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: breakfast
Trinidad
Stop at the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial in Santa Clara, before heading over to Trinidad - a jewel in Cuban colonial architecture. For some, Trinidad is a living museum, stuck in the time of Cuba’s first War of Independence when local sugar plantations were devastated by fire. The vibrant colours and soulful music littered along cobbled streets will simply take your breath away. Take the opportunity to visit a local waterfall, historic sugar mill or one of Cuba’s best beaches – Playa Ancon. An evening at one of Trinidad’s effervescent music venues is a must!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Trinidad
Enjoy your day at leisure in Trinidad!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Trinidad
Enjoy your day at leisure in Trinidad!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Camaguey
Don’t get lost in “La Ciudad Confusa” (the maze)! The labyrinth of winding streets and alleys of Cuba’s third-largest city shouldn’t be enough to put you off visiting the beguiling city of Camaguey – a city built to confuse pirates. With its large number of squares and parks, colonial architecture and enriched spiritual persona, Camaguey is a mecca for Cuban arts and culture. Plan a visit to a famous historical landmark or explore a myriad of art galleries and handicraft exhibits – it’s entirely up to you! There are also some of Cuba’s best beaches close by at Playa Santa Lucia. A guided tour on the back of a bicycle taxi is our gift to you!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Camaguey
Enjoy your day at leisure in Camaguey!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Santiago de Cuba
The second-largest city in Cuba is surely its most dynamic. With a myriad of ethnicities calling Santiago home, it’s hard not to get swept away in its joyous and prepossessing surroundings. Plus its music and dance scene is quite possibly the best in Cuba.
As the most Caribbean of Cuban destinations with a backdrop of mountains and rugged terrain, Santiago de Cuba has many things to show off and be proud of. It is the hub of most of the music genres in Cuba and the locals are hospitable, resourceful and virtuous. Make sure you visit one of Santiago de Cuba’s famous tobacco factories when in town and take in a famous music venue or two!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Santiago de Cuba
Enjoy your day at leisure in Santiago de Cuba!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Baracoa
Cuba’s first colonial capital, Baracoa is set amongst a mixture of palm, chocolate and banana trees. It is a land blessed with some of the lushest vegetation and rainforest you will ever encounter. The town has remained relatively unchanged over the years, with several houses dating back to the 19th century and a system of colonial fortifications that includes Matachin Fort and La Punta Fort. From Baracoa there are many outdoor excursions to go on, each making use of its beautiful surroundings. Explore the bountiful rivers in the area or go boating between the tall cliffs at the mouth of Yumuri River. Baracoa’s cuisine is world-famous in Cuba and a BBQ group lunch is the best way to sample the delicious local produce.
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Baracoa
Enjoy your day at leisure in Baracoa!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Baracoa
Enjoy your day at leisure in Baracoa!
Accommodation: Casa B&B, Havana
Meals included: Breakfast
Havana
Back in Havana, you have the opportunity to explore some more of this beautiful city and experience Cuban nightlife one last time. Enjoy a full-day tour of the city including time in a classic American car (included).
Accommodation: Casa B&B
Meals included: Breakfast
Havana
Enjoy your day at leisure in Havana!
Accommodation: Casa B&B
Meals included: Breakfast
Havana Australia
Fly home today with a trunk full of spectacular memories!
Accommodation: Casa B&B
Meals included: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfare from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide*, Perth*, Hobart*, Darwin* or Canberra* (*surcharges apply)
- International flights with Air Canada, Virgin Australia, Qantas, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Interjet (subject to availability)
- 29 nights of modern accommodation in hotels & traditional Cuban B&B’s on a twin share basis
- Internal economy class airfare from Oaxaca to Palenque
- Internal economy class airfare from Playa del Carmen to Havana
- Airport transfers
- Meals as indicated: 29 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- English-speaking tour guides
- Transportation by modern AC coaches
- Sightseeing with entry fees as mentioned
- Service and local taxes
Accommodation
Mexico City - Hotel Posada Viena or similar
Puebla - Hotel Gilfer or similar
Oaxaca - Oaxaca Real or similar
Palenque - Hotel Mayabell or similar
Merida - Hotel Santa Maria or similar
Valladolid - Hotel Colonial La Aurora or similar
Playa del Carmen - Hotel Nautilus or similar
Havana - Casa B&B
Cienfuegos - Casa B&B
Trinidad - Casa B&B
Camaguey - Casa B&B
Santiago de Cuba - Casa B&B
Baracoa - Casa B&B
Casa B&B - A Casa Particular is a Cuban Homestay or B&B. Staying in a Casa Particular is a brilliant way of immersing yourself in the life and culture of fascinating Cuba. You will meet the local people on a one-to-one basis and get a rare glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people in Cuba. Besides, your host or hostess will be able to advise you on all things Cuban – the best restaurants, the best music and Salsa venues and any seasonal attractions that are only known to the locals!
Exclusions
- Visas, where required
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned.
- All Drinks.
- Any additional requests.
- Tips and cruise gratuities (Driver, Representative & Guide) optional at an extra $15 per person per day
Child Policy
Children that are 2 to 11 years of age are eligible for a 10% discount. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Single Supplement
The additional supplement for a single traveller is $1900.
Looking to save on the single supplement? Join our Facebook group - Solo Traveldreamers to connect with other solo travellers or call us on 1300 350 263.
Extra Service
Looking to arrive early or stay late post-tour? Call on 1300 350 263 or email us at [email protected] to inquire.
More details also available under Extra Services during checkout.
