Mexico City and the Yucatán

Follow your local guide down the Avenue of the Dead, stand before the massive Pyramid of the Sun, and take in the graceful Pyramid of the Moon. Once home to 250,000 people, this ancient city was so impressive that the Aztecs believed a race of giants had built it, calling it the “Place Where Men Became Gods.”

Dance like a native in Teotihuacan! Traditional Aztec dancers and musicians in costume introduce you to the dance and its living legacy.

Cook authentic tortillas with Mexican chefs. Discover the tortilla's historic role in the local diet and its links to the Aztecs.

See the cloak of Juan Diego, said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary. Join pilgrims at one of Latin America’s most visited landmarks, where you can view the sacred relic, hear its story of miracles, and experience the devotion that makes this site so powerful.

Experience a lively performance by the famous Ballet Folklorico. Discover the rich traditions of Mexican culture as you witness colorfully costumed dancers combine ballet dance with music reflective of the regions and folk music genres of Mexico.

Visit a Mexican school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)

What did this region look like before the Spaniards arrived? Journey to Uxmal, one of the largest and most powerful ancient Mayan cities, to find out. A licensed local guide will lead you through wooded valleys and wide, uncrowded plazas, showcasing some of the best-proportioned Mayan architecture. Visit the restored Magician’s Pyramid, a three-tiered structure built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the grand Governor’s Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle—four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, reminiscent of a monastery.

Tropical flowers in fuchsia, yellow, and orange bloom beside the dark green leaves of almond and tamarind trees. Couples in white relax on ornate stone benches around Mérida’s central plaza. As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida is the ideal base for exploring the ancient Mayan world—but start with the city itself. A licensed guide will lead you to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, begun in 1563 and home to Mexico’s oldest true dome. Inside, admire its dignified Tuscan columns and coffered nave. Across the sunny plaza, the Government Palace showcases murals of the Spanish conquest and Mayan heritage. Then stroll down Paseo de Montejo, a grand boulevard inspired by the Champs-Élysées, lined with iconic buildings and monuments.

Enjoy a delicious local snack at Ki’ Xocolatl, voted one of the World's top ten chocolate shops. Ki' Xocolatl, meaning "rich delicious chocolate" in the Mayan and Nahuatl (Aztec) languages, uses locally sourced produce that are blended with Maya ingredients such as corn chips, homegrown spices and peppers.

Join a licensed local guide for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the country's most famous Mayan sites. The city dates to around the 7th century AD, though evidence shows farmers lived here as early as the 4th century BC. Known for its 365-stepped pyramid, El Castillo, the site also features sculptures, murals, and other ancient structures.

Today, lunch is included in place of dinner.

Playa del Carmen, once a quiet fishing village, now holds a Guinness World Record as one of Latin America's fastest-growing communities. Drawn by its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, newcomers help maintain the town’s vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Relax on the beach or shop for souvenirs along the lively main strip.

A walled Mayan “City of the Dawn,” Tulum features temples, a funeral platform, and a castle overlooking the sea. Continue to Xel-Há, a stunning natural pool connected to the ocean, where visitors can view colorful marine life in crystal-clear water nearly six feet deep.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-night stay on the island of Cozumel. Discover the vibrant marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving, explore the charming town of San Miguel de Cozumel, or unwind on the beautiful beaches.