Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour: Uncover Pre-Columbian Brickwork in a Luxurious Setting
4.8
92 Ratings
Zihuatanejo
Uncover the secrets of the Xihuacan culture on a luxurious archaeological tour. Explore the only Pre-Columbian ceremonial center made of bricks and modeling clay in the Americas. Indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Cuitlateca ethnic group.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

The drive from your hotel to the archaeological dig is approximately 45 minutes, spend about 3 hours exploring all of the ceremonial center, then drive 35 minutes to get to the beach and have lunch and from there to the hotel is approximately 40 minutes.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch
  • Driver/guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • We do not visit a lagoon
Additional Information

Embark on an extensive archaeological tour of Xihuacan from either Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa. This recently uncovered ceremonial center is unique in the continent, as it was built with bricks and modelling clay during the Pre-Columbian era. Enjoy a guided exploration of the Cuitlateca remains and discover the ethnic community who elevated pottery craft to unprecedented heights.

Experience comfortable travel in an upscale van with a select group and relish a superb lunch at a countryside restaurant specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine and seafood. Delight in handmade tortillas, fresh fish, chicken, or succulent shrimp.

  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not recommended for child aged 6 and under
Location
Zihuatanejo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(92 Ratings)
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Wendy_k
Mar 25, 2024
Definitely a worthwhile daytrip! - Pablo made the tour a huge hit for us with his extensive knowledge of the area, culture, history, and archaeology site! We had a refreshingly air-conditioned van and a delicious stop for lunch. Our 14 and 16 year-old kids, who were a bit reluctant about the tour at first as it was taking them away from the beach / pool, thanked us afterward, saying that it was a real highlight of their overall trip.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_m
Feb 25, 2024
Amazing - Our tour guide Francisco was amazing. We’ve been coming to Zihuatanejo for more than 20 years, and never learned as much as Mexico. The tour was amazing too. So much history.
Review provided by Viator
Jason_m
Feb 21, 2024
Xihuacan culture and archeology tour - Antonio was awesome! So kind, wonderful, history, personal / local stories, and language skills! We enjoyed the lunch on the way home, so delicious. Thank you for sharing your history.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_l
Jan 17, 2024
Terrific Toltec Tour - Francisco was our guide and was knowledgeable, passionate, friendly and personable. We learned so much about the mesoamericans living in the area 3000 years ago. Nice balance of museum time and outdoor experience followed by a delicious lunch. We highly recommend the tour!
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_g
Jan 17, 2024
Great Xichuan Xplore - Francisco was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information and stories to bring the site and the artifacts to life
Review provided by Viator
Darrell_r
Jan 1, 2024
Wonderful excursion to the ruins - Pablo was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history and ancient cultures of the region. We learned a lot and had a fun time. My spouse and I were the only ones on the tour so we had a personal experience. In other areas in the past, we have had tours canceled because there weren't enough people signed up. This company goes on their scheduled tours even with few people. It was nice to get out of Zihua and see some of the countryside on our drive to and from the ruins. On the way back, Pablo told us lunch was included and we would stop at a nice roadside restaurant where we would be the only non-Mexicans there. He was right! The food was great. The homemade tortillas were hot off the griddle right next to our table. When we got back to Zihua, Pablo told us about a restaurant just down the hill from our hotel. We tried it for dinner and were very happy. Again, we were the only non-Mexicans in the restaurant and our table was in a lovely courtyard area. I would highly recommend this tour and any other tours with this company.
Review provided by Viator
Sandy_r
Dec 27, 2023
Everything we wanted and more! - Everything about this tour was amazing! Antonio was on time picking us up and he was so incredibly informative. We saw many other tours pull up and quickly leave, but it was nothing like that with Antonio. Lunch was delicious, he interpreted everything at the museum for us, and answered every question we asked. He was also a safe driver and went above and beyond to make this tour memorable. I absolutely recommend this tour and this company! Hands down the best one we've had in this area!
Review provided by Viator
Patty_g
Dec 20, 2023
Great trip the lunch after was so good! - Very educational and interesting. Very impressed with the knowledge and your we received. We learned a lot in a short 4 hour tour, we would recommend this tour to anyone
Review provided by Viator
Laureentc
Oct 4, 2023
Delightful 4hr tour - Great day with our guide Pablo. Picked up on time, shared history and info in the town and historic site. Interesting place to visit. A little unknown gem. We had a delicious lunch and ice cold beer. Dropped off after at our hotel. Perfect way to spend a relaxing half day tour. Muchas gracias!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tian_m
Feb 28, 2024
Wear a hat - The Xihuacan museum (built as a local initiative, by our guide's account) is impressive and provides a solid background for the onsite visits to the ball court and the pyramid. The pyramid site gives a view of the surrounding country -- it is fascinating to imagine that the corn fields and coconut plantations were once part of a trading city that drew visitors from around Mexico. The guide, Enrique, was good-natured and very engaged with the group and provided a wide range of information on the current local economy and the survival of Indigenous languages. Our driver did an excellent job. Lunch at the country restaurant was fun and the food was good. I question the recurring expectation for tips, tips, tips on every side -- this raised the per person cost of the tour by about 15 per cent for my wife and me.
Review provided by Viator
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2 Adult
May 2024
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