Gulf of Mexico Tour: a Journey Across Sierra Madre Oriental Cities (8 Days)

Itinerary

1. 1

   Tampico

   Bienvenidos a Tampico - a historical port city where different architectural styles create a unique and special urban landscape. Arrive at any time before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening: welcome meeting, orientation walk of Tampico, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : walking • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tampico • Activities Included : welcome meeting, orientation walk of Tampico

2. 2

   Tampico - Tuxpan Coral Reef /Tuxpan Mangroves - Tuxpan

   After breakfast, continue our Gulf of Mexico tour heading to Tuxpan where we will either take a snorkeling boat tour to a nearby Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or take a mangrove boat tour (Oct-Mar). In the evening, we will be back to the nearby sleepy beach town of Tuxpan: check-in at our accommodation, an orientation walk of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tuxpan • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : snorkeling tour to Tuxpan Coral Reef (Apr-Sept) or mangroves boat tour (Oct-Mar); orientation walk of Tuxpan

3. 3

   Tuxpan - Cristo Redentor - El Tajin - Papantla

   After a swim in the sea and breakfast in Tuxpan, go to El Tajin - a majestic UNESCO-listed archaeological zone with impressive pyramids and sumptuous buildings. On the way there, see a giant statue of Cristo Redentor and enjoy the majestic views that arise from the hill. Afterward, continue to Papantla - a nearby "Magic Town" known for its downtown square and cathedral, where voladores ("flyers") perform the unique ritual considered a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk of Papantla, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Papantla • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : photo stops at Cristo Redentor statues; guided visit to El Tajin Archeological Zone; orientation walk of Papantla

4. 4

   Papantla - Xicotepec - Pahuatlán

   On this day we will visit two beautiful "Magic Towns". Firstly, we will head to Xicotepec - a picturesque "Magical Town" that lives in the communion of the pre-Hispanic and colonial times. There, we will visit one of the local family coffee farms where we will learn about the whole process of elaboration of this aromatic drink. Then, we will go to Pahuatlán. Situated in the middle of the Puebla mountains, among numerous coffee and pahua (local type of avocado) plantations, this region with a high percentage of the indigenous population breathes with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Therefore, once there, you will be surrounded by Nahuatl and Otomi cultures, which still carefully preserve their traditions. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Pahuatlán. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pahuatlán • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : tour of a family coffee farm with tastings; orientation walks of Pahuatlán and Xicotepec

5. 5

   Pahuatlán - Cascadas Paraiso - Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - Huasca de Ocampo

   After breakfast, we will explore Cascadas Paraiso - a complex of 10 breathtaking waterfalls located in a beautiful mountainous area frequently covered with fog. Afterward, continue to Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla. This imposing 40-meter geological structure is made of shining rocks formed thousands of years ago and washed by four waterfalls. Finally, we will finish the day in Huasca de Ocampo - a charming "Magic Town" at the edge of the mountains where the bonanza of old times still reverberates times when several ranches were built to make the Count of Regla the richest man of his time. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk, optional dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in Huasca de Ocampo. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huasca de Ocampo • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Cascadas Paraiso and Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla; walking tour in Huasca de Ocampo

6. 6

   Huasca de Ocampo - El Chico National Park - Mineral del Chico

   Firstly, in the morning go hiking in El Chico National Park - one of the oldest protected areas in Mexico founded in 1898. After this, move to a nearby Mineral del Chico - a "Magical Town" whose rich nature and mining history will heighten your senses and fill you with energy as you walk along its steep narrow streets. Check-in at our accommodation, orientation walk of the town, optional dinner and get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mineral del Chico • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : hiking in El Chico National Park; orientation walk of Mineral del Chico

7. 7

   Mineral del Chico - Real del Monte - Pachuca

   In the morning, continue our Gulf of Mexico tour exploring Real del Monte. This gorgeous mining town is a knot of houses, restaurants, and pastie shops spread across pine-tree-carpeted hills. After exploring this picturesque place which is also a home of Mexican pastes, head to Pachuca. Known as "La Bella Airosa", this city preserves the splendor of its rich gold mining past and witnesses influences of Mexican, Spanish, and English architecture. Orientation walk of the city's Historic Center, optional farewell dinner, and get-together with the rest of the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Pachuca • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : orientation walks of Real del Monte and Pachuca; guided visit to Paste Museum in Real del Monte

8. 8

   Pachuca - Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque - Teotihuacan - Mexico City

   In the morning, go to see the UNESCO-listed Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque - an impressive 16th-century construction that stretches for 45 km. Afterward, head to explore majestic Teotihuacan - a complex of impressive pyramids, set amid what was once Mesoamerica’s greatest city. Finally, arrive in Mexico City around 3 pm. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit of Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque

Important information

Meeting point

• Your accommodation in Tampico (exact location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
  López Mateos, Tampico
  View on Google Maps

Cancellation policy

100% charge if you cancel less than 360 hours in advance. 50% charge if you cancel less than 720 hours in advance. No charge if you cancel more than 60 days in advance.