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🌟 Ready for the ultimate adventure? 🌟
Start in Mexico City with vibrant cantinas, the Teotihuacán pyramids, Frida Kahlo’s museum, and the Xochimilco canals! 🚗💫
Then, camp in the world’s biggest cactus reserve 🌵, explore Oaxaca’s mezcal and artisan wonders, and unwind at Huatulco National Park’s beaches 🏖️.
Next, head to Chiapas for Sumidero Canyon 🚤, Mayan villages, and the stunning Agua Azul waterfalls 💦. Discover Palenque’s ruins and embrace the magic of the region.
Finish in the Yucatán! Swim in cenotes, explore ancient Mayan sites like Calakmul and Chichen Itzá 🏰, and relax at Bacalar Lagoon and the Caribbean beaches 🌴.
Let’s explore Mexico’s best together! 🚀💖
Welcome to the vibrant heart of the city, where your unforgettable adventure begins! 🌟 Kick things off with a fun pre-departure meeting to set the tone for our journey and get to know your fellow overlanders. 🗺️✨ Afterward, we’ll head out together for our very first group dinner—cheers to new friends and epic memories ahead! 🍽️🎉
This morning, we’ll have a meeting to explain everything about our upcoming adventure. It’s a chance to set the stage for our journey and connect with fellow travellers. After that, we’ll head out for an optional introductory walk!
Mexico City, rich in history and culture, is ready to explore. It has deep roots dating back to the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, now a bustling metropolis. Our base offers a prime location near iconic landmarks like Bellas Artes, El Zócalo, and Garibaldi.
Today, our journey takes us to the awe-inspiring Teotihuacán Site, a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region. Our guided tour of this archaeological marvel offers a captivating journey through history.
After we explore Teotihuacán, the afternoon is yours to continue discovering the diverse attractions of Mexico City. Whether you choose to delve into the city’s rich cultural heritage, explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, or simply unwind in the bustling streets, Hotel Marlowe provides a convenient base for your urban adventures.
Today we have a full driving day to Oaxaca. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico; Its majestic churches and refined plazas have earned a Unesco World Heritage badge. Here, you can witness colourful buildings and taste mezcal in the cantinas. This town bubbles up in street art, bohemian bars and been-around-forever street markets. During the afternoon, we will make an optional introductory walk and taste some of the best street food!
After breakfast, we visit the stunning Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, perched atop an artificially levelled ridge. 🏛️✨ Our local guide will bring the history of this ancient site to life.
Back in Oaxaca, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant markets or visit the San Francisco Ex-Convent Museum. 🛍️🌮
Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring exploration as we embark on an excursion to Hierve el Agua Springs. Nestled amidst the rugged sierras, these natural wonders beckon with breathtaking beauty. Enjoy a guided hike and take a refreshing dip in the infinity pools!
After a delightful traditional lunch, we return to Oaxaca City. Spend the afternoon exploring this vibrant city, soaking in the colourful displays of tradition and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museo de Santo Domingo, a treasure trove of Oaxacan history and art.
Today, we embark on a full day of driving as we make our way to the charming city of Chiapa de Corzo. Nestled in the western part of Chiapas, this picturesque city sits proudly in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon. Upon arrival in Chiapa de Corzo, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city’s unique charm and local attractions.
Today promises an adventure through the natural marvel of El Sumidero Canyon, ranked among Mexico’s Top 10 Natural Wonders. As we cruise along the canyon, marvel at the towering walls reaching over 1,000 feet high, while keeping an eye out for the diverse array of endangered species that call this area home.
After our canyon exploration and a satisfying lunch, we will continue our journey to the enchanting town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is a place where ancient traditions harmonize with a bohemian vibe.
Today, immerse yourself in the eclectic ambience of San Cristóbal de las Casas, where ancient traditions merge seamlessly with a bohemian, hippie atmosphere. This colonial gem enchants its quaint neighbourhoods, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. We’ll guide you through the highlights of this enchanting town, strolling along pedestrian streets, visiting churches, exploring markets, and delving into museums showcasing folk costumes, and more. In the afternoon, feel free to continue your exploration at your own pace. Wander through the downtown area, indulge in local cuisine at charming restaurants, or experience the lively nightlife at vibrant bars.
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the nearby Mayan villages surrounding San Cristóbal. Our first stop is San Juan Chamula, where ancient rituals intertwine with modern Christianity. We’ll then continue to visit Mujeres Sembrando La Vida, a cooperative that hosts a Tsotsil learning centre.
Returning to San Cristóbal, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town’s museums, including exhibits on Mayan medicine, orchids, folk costumes, and more. Alternatively, opt for a Temascal, a traditional indigenous ritual involving a steam bath.
Today’s journey to Palenque offers a blend of exploration and serendipity. Depending on road conditions, we may take different routes and have the chance to visit some stunning waterfalls along the way, provided the water is crystal blue—a spectacle influenced by recent rainfall.
Upon arrival at Palenque National Park, we’ll settle into our campsite at Cabañas Kin Balam. With the evening free, take the opportunity to unwind and relax at the bar or by the pool, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, we will enjoy a bonfire under the stars!
Our second day in Palenque promises an enriching experience as we embark on a guided visit to the Archeological Site. Nestled deep within the jungle, Palenque is one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological wonders. After the guided tour, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the surrounding jungle on a scenic hike back from the ruins. Or opt for a Temascal, a traditional indigenous ritual involving a steam bath.
After breakfast, we’ll journey along the Gulf of Mexico to the enchanting colonial city of Campeche. 🏰🌊 Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander the cobblestone streets of its UNESCO-listed historic centre.
This beautifully preserved city, fortified by the Spaniards in the 17th century to fend off pirate attacks, boasts pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets, and imposing ramparts. 🏡✨ For history enthusiasts, the Museo de la Arquitectura Maya houses world-class artefacts from the Mayan civilization. 🗿📜
Kick off your day with a visit to the breathtaking Uxmal Archaeological Site, one of Yucatán’s most stunning Mayan wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the intricate designs and towering Pyramid of the Magician as our guide unveils the secrets of this ancient city. 🏛️🗿
After our exploration, you can opt for a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant before we journey to Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán. 🌮🍹 Upon arrival, check into our charming hotel and enjoy a free evening to roam Mérida’s picturesque streets, lively plazas, and stunning colonial architecture. We’ll also point you to the best spots for dinner and local delights! ✨🌆
Today, we head out for an immersive food and city tour of Mérida. Our expert guide will take us through the charming streets of the city, introducing us to local history, culture, and of course, amazing food! Enjoy tasting some of the most authentic Yucatán dishes while learning about the city’s rich heritage.
After the tour, we’ll drive to Pisté, the town nearest to Chichen Itzá. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the hotel pool or take a short walk to local Cocinas for dinner.
Today, we explore the wonders of Chichén Itzá, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at Aldea Maya Viva, a local Mayan community, followed by a demonstration of their cultural practices.
Finally, we’ll make our way to Tulum, where we’ll check into our hotel and have time to relax before heading out for a delicious dinner.
Today is a day to enjoy the Tulum Archeological Site and Tulum Beach. The Site is on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs on the Caribbean Sea. It was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya. It managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.
After the visit, is time to have lunch, and relax at the beach. Note that the beach may be dirty with “Sargazo” algae. If that is the case, we can visit any of the nearby cenotes (not included).
Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Cenote Dos Ojos, where crystal-clear waters and stunning natural formations await. 🏞️💦 After this unforgettable experience, we’ll continue to the charming coastal town of Puerto Morelos.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on its serene beaches or opt for an exciting snorkelling tour to discover the vibrant marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. 🐠🐚 End the day with a delightful group dinner, sharing stories and memories of our journey. 🌅🍴
As our journey together draws closer, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on this unforgettable adventure. Please note that accommodation for tonight is not included in the tour package. However, feel free to reach out to us for further information or assistance with post-accommodation. Puerto Morelos offers a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration.
Overlanding is your gateway to discovering hidden gems and making extraordinary connections in off-the-beaten-path destinations. It’s an adventure that calls for physical and mental readiness, flexibility, and an open mind.
Expect some flexibility as part of the adventure. Travelling through remote areas and navigating unpredictable border crossings may lead to adjustments in stops, accommodations, activities, and meals. Please note that the described driving hours are estimates and do not include time for activities or meals. They can also be affected by road closures or other unforeseen conditions.
Before booking, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page, where we address possible scenarios you might encounter.
| DAY | ACCOMMODATION | BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | DRIVING HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H | 0.8 h | |||
| 2 | H | IN | |||
| 3 | H | IN | IN | 3.8 h | |
| 3 | H | 7.3 h | |||
| 4 | H | IN | 1.0 h | ||
| 5 | H | IN | 4.0 h | ||
| 6 | H | PK | PK | 9.5 h | |
| 7 | H | IN | 1.3 h | ||
| 8 | H | IN | |||
| 9 | H | IN | IN | 2.0 h | |
| 10 | H | IN | 5.5 h | ||
| 11 | H | IN | 0.5 h | ||
| 12 | H | IN | 5.0 h | ||
| 13 | H | IN | 4.5 h | ||
| 14 | H | IN | |||
| 15 | H | IN | IN | 3.8 h | |
| 16 | H | IN | 0.3 h | ||
| 17 | H | IN | 2.0 h | ||
| 18 | 0.8 h |
This tour includes 16 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
Our amazing hosts will take care of most of your meals, but 2 meals will be packed on our long driving day. For the rest, you’re free to explore local flavours on your own, follow our recommendations, or join our group meals. This way, you can savour the local cuisine at your own pace and within your budget. 🍴🌮✨
We accommodate most dietary needs. However, please be aware that options might be limited during certain stops (like en-route lunch stops). For more details, check out our FAQ page.
Our carefully selected accommodations set us apart from the rest. We dedicate ample time to finding the best locally-owned stays with top-notch value. Comfort, central locations, and charming colonial styles are our priorities. Lupita’s mix of cosy hotels and eco-friendly community stays ensures you experience the best of each destination. Our hotel rooms typically feature two double beds and private bathrooms for every two people, with options for queen or triple rooms available on request at some stops.
Want to know more about where you’ll be staying? Ask for our full accommodation list, which is kept private to preserve the uniqueness of our routes!
We’re all about giving you the best experience possible, with must-do activities that other tours leave out. When you compare, you’ll see our trips are the best deal around!
+ many other free and optional activities to enjoy!
You can choose from any of these optional extras during the booking process:
This trip is rated as Easy to Moderate.
It combines a variety of activities with a few longer driving days. You’ll enjoy hikes and other outdoor adventures, so a standard level of fitness and an adventurous mindset are essential. While no prior experience is required, you should be comfortable with both swimming and hiking. Be prepared for heat and humidity, but rest assured, there will be plenty of opportunities to unwind at scenic spots and comfortable hotels.
You’ll need to carry your bags occasionally, such as from parking to hotels, and navigate stairs and high steps at archaeological sites and in the van. Collaboration, camaraderie, and an enthusiastic spirit will make this journey even more rewarding. The more you contribute, the richer the experience becomes! 🌟🧗♂️🌴
Mexico is a year-round paradise, but the ideal time for this adventure is from November to May when the weather is at its best—dry, cooler, and less humid. In Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Chiapas highlands, expect pleasant, sunny days with highs around 27°C and crisp evenings dipping to 10°C—perfect for exploring and hiking. Along Oaxaca’s coast, you’ll enjoy tropical warmth, with sunny skies and refreshing ocean breezes. As we head into the Chiapas jungle, temperatures rise slightly with a lush, humid vibe. Finally, the Yucatán Peninsula welcomes you with balmy days and warm evenings, ideal for relaxing at cenotes or strolling its stunning beaches. Each region offers its seasonal magic! ☀️🏞️🌴

Optionally, you can bring other items such as 1 set of casual clothes for evenings out, a pouch or money belt inside your clothing for extra safety, and a book to read during your vacation.
We had a wonderful 10-day family trip through Chiapas with Jaime from Lupita Overland, travelling from Oaxaca City through Tehuantepec, Juchitán, Tuxtla, San Cristóbal, Palenque and back, with plenty of stops along the way.
Jaime was considerate, flexible and very helpful from the start. It was clear how much he loves Chiapas, and he was genuinely excited to show us around, which made the trip feel much more personal. We visited caves, gorges, waterfalls, ruins, local food places and cultural spots, and felt we were able to see a lot without the days becoming too much.
We travelled as a family with our 5-year-old son, which was a new type of trip for Jaime, but it worked really well. The itinerary was full, but not over-packed. There was still time for our son to rest, play and swim in the hotel pools, and the longer driving days were broken up with good stops, so the travel never felt too hard.
The van, Lupita, was spacious, comfortable and well-equipped, and the hotels Jaime arranged were lovely throughout the trip. We always felt safe and well looked after, while still feeling like we were having a proper adventure through a really beautiful part of Mexico.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip and are very grateful to Jaime for making it such a memorable experience. We’d happily recommend Lupita Overland to anyone wanting to explore Chiapas or other parts of Mexico in a comfortable, flexible and personal way.😎
Our family of three, including our 5 year old son, has just returned from an epic 10 day road trip with Jaime in his awesome Lupita van. A round trip from Oaxaca to Chiapas and back to Oaxaca, with so many beautiful, interesting, and memorable stops along the way.
This was a fantastic family friendly tour of Chiapas region. Jaime created a journey that gave us a wonderful mix of nature, culture, history, food, and local experiences. We visited dramatic canyons, caves, waterfalls, community villages, local markets, colonial cities, archaeological ruins, cultural festivals, traditional handicraft workshops, and places to try delicious regional food and drinks. It was exactly the kind of trip we hoped for: full of adventure and variety, but still paced well enough for travelling with a young child.
Jaime was excellent from the very beginning. He was organised, communicative, flexible, and thoughtful throughout both the planning and the trip itself. He is especially good at setting and managing expectations, which made the whole experience feel smooth and relaxed. We always knew what to expect, but the trip still felt personal and full of discovery.
What made the experience really special was Jaime himself. He is calm, kind, and great with families. He works respectfully with local communities and clearly has a deep love for Chiapas and the people, landscapes, traditions, and culture of the region. It was a joy to have him share his knowledge, experience, and passion with us.
We also now know that Jaime covers trips through many other regions of Mexico, as well as some parts of Central America, which makes Lupita Overland a great option not only for Chiapas, but for anyone looking for a private, flexible, and meaningful overland travel experience more broadly.
We highly recommend Jaime and Lupita Overland to anyone looking for a private or small group tour operator, family road trip, overland tour. We would absolutely travel with Jaime again and hope to do more trips with him when we return to Mexico.
This tour was the most incredible experience! Jaimie, the tour leader, is the dream tour guide. Super organized, a really well paced tour. Many activities, but also some down time. He even gives very detailed suggestions for great things to do in free time. Jaime provides a written schedule of the itinerary in advance, as well as a daily meeting informational and patiently answers all questions, both in advance, and on the fly. He is super focused on everyone’s comfort and safety, continually checking in to make sure all is well. Jaime skillfully maneuvers the van over large speed bumps, through twisty mountain roads and around congested city streets, all with a smile on his face. Every person Jaime encounters becomes his amigo- he puts the national police guards at ease, they wave him through checkpoints, and hosts of our planned activities greet him with hugs. He has an incredible ability to connect with everyone, which I especially appreciated since I don’t really speak Spanish. You couldn’t be in better hands. We were fortunate to also have another amazing tour guide, named Cassie. She is also super knowledgeable about the areas we visited and she actually writes a great blog as Mexico Cassie. She was also fluent in Spanish and full of great recommendations and lots of common sense advice. Because of our guides area knowledge and great planning, we got to places before the crowds, had fabulous informative licensed guides for ruins tours, enjoyed great local cuisine, and stayed in off the beaten path gem accommodations. I wish I could give it 10 stars !
Traveling with Lupita Overland was amazing!! The group I travelled with was a great mix of people, and everyone was participating to achieve a fun and memorable experience. We saw so much of Mexican culture, and we experienced so much of the rich culture as well. I had never been on a tour like this before, and I was a bit nervous for it, but within two days on tour, I felt comfortable with Jamie and Cass, I was on the Mayan Tour Mexico Cass Edition. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat. We saw Spider Monkeys drinking from a Cenote, listened to Howler Monkeys at Calakmul while we explored and climbed…I attempted to climb….at the Maya Archeological Site in the middle of the jungle, and met amazing people who shared their cultural traditions with us. I think I’ll be on another Lupita Adventure in no time. Thank you Jamie and Cass for an amazing and memorable experience!
I just finished a 12 day trip with Lupita from Chiapas to Quintana Roo, Mexico. Jaime’s experience and professionalism as a trip organizer is obvious in his planning, attention to the needs of his guests and his relationships with local guides. We visited a wonderful range of natural, archaeological and cultural sites and learned so much about the areas we traveled through. We had deep conversations and lots of laughs. It was an amazing trip.
