Wings Over Mexico

Arrive in Mexico City, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with the rest of your day at leisure.

Begin your explorations with a visit to the UNESCO-listed floating gardens of Xochimilco, which offer a glimpse into what the landscape was like here before the Spanish conquest. Ride Like a Local as you board a colorful trajinera (gondola-like boat) for a graceful ride through its canals and view the gardens, or chinampas — floating rafts made of reeds covered with mud that eventually took root in the canal bed — on which locals have grown fruits, vegetables and flowers for generations. Glide along in a festive atmosphere serenaded by mariachi and marimba music, enjoying a relaxing experience beloved by Mexico City residents. After lunch and some time to relax, make your way to the Frida Kahlo House & Museum, the former residence of the famed artist and cultural icon, for an exclusive after-hours private visit and dinner. Toast your experience with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner.

Rise early to lift off on a hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacán, gliding over this UNESCO World Heritage Site to marvel at its stunning pyramids and temple. Built by an indigenous pre-Aztec civilization of which relatively little is known, the city flourished between the first and sixth centuries. Touch down for a private breakfast served on the grounds of a little hacienda. Enjoy time to explore the archaeological wonders of Teotihuacán before discovering the center of modern-day Mexico City, starting in the capital’s main square, once an important gathering place for the Aztecs. Then, make a guided visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Americas. Savor a lunch of traditional dishes with a contemporary touch, complete with a tequila tasting, and then join your expert guide for an off-hours exploration of the National Museum of Anthropology, a showcase of fascinating artifacts from cultures that once thrived in Mesoamerica. Tonight, head to the trendy Polanco neighborhood to enjoy dinner at one of the most innovative restaurants of Mexico City.

Head outside the city to visit the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, a reserve for monarch butterflies. Meet a biologist and expert guide who share their knowledge about these winged wonders, which face steep ecological challenges throughout their migratory existence. Afterward, ride by horseback, and then briefly hike, for a closer look at the monarchs. Stop for lunch before flying by private charter to Oaxaca. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel located near Oaxaca’s city center.

Step back in time today on a visit to the remote village of San Agustin Amatengo, where you interact with local mezcal producers and their families, learning how they make the popular spirit. This afternoon, return to Oaxaca for time at leisure.

Explore the city center on a guided walk of this amazing community. Visit the church and former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, which hosts the treasures of the Zapotecs found in Monte Albán. View an amazing trove that includes golden masks inlaid with precious stones, necklaces and other personal artifacts of Zapotec rulers dating as far back as 500 BC. Join a renown local chef for a Chef ’s Table experience, followed by lunch. Later, set out for a privileged off-hours visit to Monte Alban, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites of the Pre-Hispanic era, exploring alongside an expert guide. This evening, return to the city center for a dinner of local Oaxacan specialties.

Board a privately chartered flight to Chiapas to visit Palenque, a stunning yet hard-to-reach Mayan archaeological site. In the company of an archaeologist, explore this impressive remnant of the vast Mayan civilization, which flourished here during the sixth and seventh centuries, including the tomb of the site’s longtime ruler, Pakal the Great. After lunch, fly on to Mérida in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, and continue to your resort in the jungle just outside the city.

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day experiences. Visit the Celestún Biosphere Reserve along the Yucatán coast, a mangrove environment seasonally home to migrating flamingos in the winter months. Gain a Deeper Knowledge of the Mayan World by visiting the lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Indulge in a Spa Treatment, which is just part of the soothing wellness offerings available at your resort. Afterward, return to your hotel for some time at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel. Later, gather for a guided city tour in the cooler air of the evening, followed by dinner in Merida’s city center.

Today, set out on an expedition to famed Chichen Itza, a complex of Mayan ruins best known for its iconic step pyramid, El Castillo (the castle). Visit the site early in the day, before the crowds arrive, giving you more time to observe the magnificent buildings and immerse yourself in Mayan culture. Afterward, drive to a private cenote (limestone sinkhole) for a swim in its clear, refreshing waters, followed by lunch served on site. This evening, toast your journey with fellow guests at a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the Mérida Airport for your departing flight.