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

Overview

Join our 8-day tour from the Gulf of Mexico across Sierra Madre Highlands to see the top attractions and landmarks of 5 Mexican states. On your way, you will see stunning waterfalls, dramatic mountain ranges, turquoise sea, and visit several charming towns with beautiful colonial architecture. Starting in the informal capital of La Husteca region - Tampico, move south along the Gulf coast and see striking El Tajin pyramids and imposing Cascadas Paraiso. Then cross constantly foggy ranges of Sierra Madre Oriental of Puebla and Hidalgo States before reaching multicultural Mexico City as your final destination.

Highlights

• See original UNESCO-listed Danza de los Voladores ("Dance of the Flyers") in Papantla.
• Take a snorkeling tour to observe underwater life in Tuxpan Coral Reef.
• Visit impressive Cascadas Paraiso waterfalls hidden deep in Pueblan Highlands.
• Stroll imposing ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan and El Tajin.
• Get to know Mexico City - the largest city in Latin America and a world-class cultural hub.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tampico

Bienvenidos a la 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

Day 2: Tampico - Tuxpan Coral Reef /Tuxpan Mangroves - Tuxpan

After breakfast, continue our "Mexico: Across Sierra Madre Oriental" 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, 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

Day 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 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

Day 4: Papantla - Xicotepec - Pahuatlán

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 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

Day 5: Pahuatlán - Cascadas Paraiso - Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla - Huasca de Ocampo

After breakfast, we will go to 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 & 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

Day 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 & 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

Day 7: Mineral del Chico - Real del Monte - Pachuca

In the morning, continue our "Mexico: Across Sierra Madre Oriental" 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 of Paste Museum in Real del Monte

Day 8: Pachuca - 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

Why go with us

• Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & fun!
• Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
• The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Logistics

• DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL: We will leave our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 3 morning. We will be back in Mexico City on Day 8 afternoon around 3 pm.
• AIRPORT TRANSFERS: "Mexico: Across Sierra Madre Oriental" tour doesn't include airport transfers. Mexico City International Airport is just 12 km away from the center of the city and is easily accessible by both taxis and public transport. Tampico International Airport is 10 km away from the center of the city and is also easily accessible by taxis.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: You will receive a list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the tour. Most accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- & post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes.
• ROOM TYPES:
  • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.
  • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.
  • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.
  • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

  If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

• TRANSPORT: The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may involve a car, 7-seater, or minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking & hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.

Notes

• AGE: Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Most of the included activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages), guided visits & hikes focus on local nature, history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & shoes; swimming suit & slippers/water shoes; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE: Our multi-day tours offer both group and private departures (see pricing at checkout). Group tour - take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour - take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours.
• PRICING: The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room/tour option you choose.