Holidays in Mexico City & Riviera Maya

Enjoy the holiday season in Mexico City and the Riviera Maya, participating in the traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations of Mexico.

First, head to the capital for an in-depth exploration of its art, culture, and landmarks. Then witness a traditional Mexican posada and pastorela, before smashing a piñata and Christmas dinner.

Next, transfer to the Riviera Maya to see in the new year in style. Enjoy private tours to the archeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza, before an exploration of the beautiful Colonial city of Valladolid. Then, head to one of Mexico’s most important protected areas, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, for a wildlife safari.

Finish the tour with days at leisure, enjoying the beauty of the Riviera Maya, before a private sailing trip to Isla Mujeres and a New Year´s Eve celebration on the beach.

st regis mexico city

HIGHLIGHTS

Mexico City – Often listed as one of the most exciting cities in the world, explore this impressive metropolis and its traditional Christmas celebrations

Mexican Christmas traditions – Witness a traditional posada and pastorela before smashing a piñata

Maya archeological sites – Enjoy private tours of the incredible Tulum and Chichen Itza archeological sites

Nature tours – Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and swim with turtles in Akumal

New Year’s Eve on the beach – Enjoy a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner at a beachfront resort and then dance in the sand to ring in the new year

Day 1 (December 22nd): Arrive in Mexico City, private Mexico City historic center tour

Arrive in Mexico City and take a private transfer from the airport to the hotel.

After settling in, enjoy a private, guided exploration of Mexico City’s historic center and visit the city’s main square, known as the Zócalo, one of the biggest city squares in the world.

Tour the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Americas, and learn how the Spanish constructed it directly over an Aztec temple. Time permitting, head to the world-famous Palacio de Bellas Artes and the National Palace, both of which house murals by Diego Rivera, an icon of Mexico and its art scene.

Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Note: Some sites from today´s itinerary may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. In this case, your travel planner will make adjustments for the best experience on the day, based on your preferences, availability, and travel dates.

Day 2 (December 23rd): Private arts and politics tour of Mexico City

Head to Mexico City´s charming southern neighborhoods of Coyoacan and San Angel to spend a day learning about the art, culture, and politics that shaped Mexico.

With a personal guide leading the way, visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, the Leon Trotsky House Museum, and the Diego Rivera Casa Estudio.

Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 3 (December 24th): Private full-day tour to Teotihuacan Archeological Site, evening Christmas celebration

Head outside of the main city to the world-famous archeological site of Teotihuacán, which in Nahuatl means ‘the birthplace of the gods’.

The large site contains both a ceremonial center and residential areas. Take the chance to climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon for gorgeous views across the city and valley of Teotihuacán.

After, head back to the hotel and spend time at leisure to relax and refresh before an evening of authentic Mexican Christmas celebrations.

In the evening, join a traditional Mexican posada, sing Christmas carols, enjoy a pastorela play, and smash a piñata. Then, enjoy Christmas dinner in the ballroom of Hacienda de Los Morales, where a delicious menu will be served as a live band plays.

Overnight: St. Regis Mexico City

Day 4 (December 25th): Transfer to Riviera Maya

Take a private transfer to Mexico City International Airport for flights to the Riviera Maya.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 5 (December 26th): Private full-day tour to Tulum and Akumal

Explore both the ancient and natural worlds, visiting the archeological site of Tulum before swimming with turtles in Akumal.

Start the day at Tulum, with its vistas over the Caribbean Sea and temples honoring the gods of the wind and rain, learning about Maya history and cosmology.

Then take a short drive to Akumal, a picturesque Caribbean, white-sand beach to swim and snorkel with sea turtles that come to the cove to feed.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 6 (December 27th): Private tour to Chichen Itza and Valladolid

Explore the Yucatán’s pre-Hispanic and colonial history in this full-day trip to the archeological site of Chichen Itzá and the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid.

First, traverse the site of Chichen Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, visiting the Temple of the Warriors, the ball court, and the sacred cenote, as well as the world-famous stepped pyramid, El Castillo.

Leaving the site, travel to the charming colonial city and first capital of the region, Valladolid. Enjoy free time for lunch, and then explore the historic city center.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 7 (December 28th): Private full-day tour to Sian Ka’an

Head to one of the most important protected areas in Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, for an exploration of its incredible habitats. Journey through its marshes and mangroves, keeping an eye out for the flora and fauna that make these natural waterways their home.

Also visit a jungle-engulfed Maya temple and take a calming float down the “lazy river”.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 8 – 9 (December 28th & 20th): Days at leisure

Enjoy the beauty of the Riviera Maya with two days at leisure. Relax in the lovely surroundings and take advantage of the many amenities and activities available in this tropical paradise.

Speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner to arrange additional activities or excursions.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 10 (December 31st): Private sailing trip to Isla Mujeres and New Year’s celebration

Explore the open sea on this full-day, private sailing trip aboard a 34-foot catamaran. Cruise around the bay of Cancun and out to the beautiful Isla Mujeres. Also swim or snorkel around the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or simply enjoy the ride with a cold drink in hand.

Later, enjoy a special dinner at the Coral Grill restaurant at the luxurious Viceroy Hotel with live music at the pool area. Then, as the clock ticks towards midnight, dance on the hotel´s beach to the music of a DJ.

Overnight: Viceroy Riviera Maya

Day 11 (January 1st): Private transfer to Cancun International Airport

After breakfast and hotel check out, meet a private driver for a transfer from the hotel to Cancun International Airport for flights home.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.